RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RTP Home

Atacama Crossing Blogs 2015

Thanh Vu

7

Posts

Atacama Crossing (2015) blog posts from Thanh Vu

09 October 2015 02:54 am (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta

Yesterday I went to the moon! October 8, the long stage of Atacama Crossing, was one of the best days in my life.

Having a break-through in mindset in CP2 during stage 4, I woke up yesterday feeling excited and happy. I was still in discomfort with the cold and the stiff knees all night but when I stood at the starting line of the long march, I had no doubt that I got it and I would be the first Vietnamese female to have done Atacama Crossing.
Our start wasn

Comments: Total (15) comments

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 11:47 pm

Congratulations !! Just want to say you are amazing in many ways. For starters, your writing is superb. I hpe you put together a book about your Atacama success. For another thing, you have a depth of psychological understanding. Thirdly, you know how to "manage" stress. Impressive. I hope the media will do an indepth interview. Merrily, your avid fan. [email protected] www.merrily.com

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 11:46 pm

Congratulations !! Just want to say you are amazing in many ways. For starters, your writing is superb. I hpe you put together a book about your Atacama success. For another thing, you have a depth of psychological understanding. Thirdly, you know how to "manage" stress. Impressive. I hope the media will do an indepth interview. Merrily, your avid fan. [email protected] www.merrily.com

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 11:45 pm

Congratulations !! Just want to say you are amazing in many ways. For starters, your writing is superb. I hpe you put together a book about your Atacama success. For another thing, you have a depth of psychological understanding. Thirdly, you know how to "manage" stress. Impressive. I hope the media will do an indepth interview. Merrily, your avid fan. [email protected] www.merrily.com

Thomas poh

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 07:56 am

WELL DONE !

ALLI SANDERS

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 05:01 am

I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless. You wrote this blog so beautifully! I am so happy for you! These 9k will fly by and I'm so glad you were able to appreciate the moment on the dune and really take it in. I'm so proud of you for realizing the beauty of this situation and your sportsnamship and mindset along this whole race. You're an incredible woman and you'll soon be the FIRST vietnamese woman to ever finish this race. You're incredible and I am so proud to have such a friend like you. You inspire me endlessly and you make me see things from a different perspective. I don't want to jinx it but I know that you will finish the 9km tomorrow so CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT! so,yes... I'm speechless. But, I also want to thank you for taking us on this journey with you. It was so enlightening and inspiring to see you prepare, tackle and finish this race. Thank you for letting us be a part of your doubt and questions, fears, hopes and determination. Thanh, the tank! YUP... I said it again. And it's true! :) "who run the world?". :) <3 I can't wait for you to tell me all about it and SEE you (hopefully soon). xoxoxox

ALLI SANDERS

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 05:00 am

I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless. You wrote this blog so beautifully! I am so happy for you! These 9k will fly by and I'm so glad you were able to appreciate the moment on the dune and really take it in. I'm so proud of you for realizing the beauty of this situation and your sportsnamship and mindset along this whole race. You're an incredible woman and you'll soon be the FIRST vietnamese woman to ever finish this race. You're incredible and I am so proud to have such a friend like you. You inspire me endlessly and you make me see things from a different perspective. I don't want to jinx it but I know that you will finish the 9km tomorrow so CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT! so,yes... I'm speechless. But, I also want to thank you for taking us on this journey with you. It was so enlightening and inspiring to see you prepare, tackle and finish this race. Thank you for letting us be a part of your doubt and questions, fears, hopes and determination. Thanh, the tank! YUP... I said it again. And it's true! :) "who run the world?". :) <3 I can't wait for you to tell me all about it and SEE you (hopefully soon). xoxoxox

ALLI SANDERS

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 04:59 am

I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless. You wrote this blog so beautifully! I am so happy for you! These 9k will fly by and I'm so glad you were able to appreciate the moment on the dune and really take it in. I'm so proud of you for realizing the beauty of this situation and your sportsnamship and mindset along this whole race. You're an incredible woman and you'll soon be the FIRST vietnamese woman to ever finish this race. You're incredible and I am so proud to have such a friend like you. You inspire me endlessly and you make me see things from a different perspective. I don't want to jinx it but I know that you will finish the 9km tomorrow so CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT! so,yes... I'm speechless. But, I also want to thank you for taking us on this journey with you. It was so enlightening and inspiring to see you prepare, tackle and finish this race. Thank you for letting us be a part of your doubt and questions, fears, hopes and determination. Thanh, the tank! YUP... I said it again. And it's true! :) "who run the world?". :) <3 I can't wait for you to tell me all about it and SEE you (hopefully soon). xoxoxox

ALLI SANDERS

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 04:58 am

I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless. You wrote this blog so beautifully! I am so happy for you! These 9k will fly by and I'm so glad you were able to appreciate the moment on the dune and really take it in. I'm so proud of you for realizing the beauty of this situation and your sportsnamship and mindset along this whole race. You're an incredible woman and you'll soon be the FIRST vietnamese woman to ever finish this race. You're incredible and I am so proud to have such a friend like you. You inspire me endlessly and you make me see things from a different perspective. I don't want to jinx it but I know that you will finish the 9km tomorrow so CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT! so,yes... I'm speechless. But, I also want to thank you for taking us on this journey with you. It was so enlightening and inspiring to see you prepare, tackle and finish this race. Thank you for letting us be a part of your doubt and questions, fears, hopes and determination. Thanh, the tank! YUP... I said it again. And it's true! :) "who run the world?". :) <3 I can't wait for you to tell me all about it and SEE you (hopefully soon). xoxoxox

ALLI SANDERS

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 04:57 am

I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless. You wrote this blog so beautifully! I am so happy for you! These 9k will fly by and I'm so glad you were able to appreciate the moment on the dune and really take it in. I'm so proud of you for realizing the beauty of this situation and your sportsnamship and mindset along this whole race. You're an incredible woman and you'll soon be the FIRST vietnamese woman to ever finish this race. You're incredible and I am so proud to have such a friend like you. You inspire me endlessly and you make me see things from a different perspective. I don't want to jinx it but I know that you will finish the 9km tomorrow so CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT! so,yes... I'm speechless. But, I also want to thank you for taking us on this journey with you. It was so enlightening and inspiring to see you prepare, tackle and finish this race. Thank you for letting us be a part of your doubt and questions, fears, hopes and determination. Thanh, the tank! YUP... I said it again. And it's true! :) "who run the world?". :) <3 I can't wait for you to tell me all about it and SEE you (hopefully soon). xoxoxox

ALLI SANDERS

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 04:56 am

I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless. You wrote this blog so beautifully! I am so happy for you! These 9k will fly by and I'm so glad you were able to appreciate the moment on the dune and really take it in. I'm so proud of you for realizing the beauty of this situation and your sportsnamship and mindset along this whole race. You're an incredible woman and you'll soon be the FIRST vietnamese woman to ever finish this race. You're incredible and I am so proud to have such a friend like you. You inspire me endlessly and you make me see things from a different perspective. I don't want to jinx it but I know that you will finish the 9km tomorrow so CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT! so,yes... I'm speechless. But, I also want to thank you for taking us on this journey with you. It was so enlightening and inspiring to see you prepare, tackle and finish this race. Thank you for letting us be a part of your doubt and questions, fears, hopes and determination. Thanh, the tank! YUP... I said it again. And it's true! :) "who run the world?". :) <3 I can't wait for you to tell me all about it and SEE you (hopefully soon). xoxoxox

ALLI SANDERS

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 04:55 am

I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless. You wrote this blog so beautifully! I am so happy for you! These 9k will fly by and I'm so glad you were able to appreciate the moment on the dune and really take it in. I'm so proud of you for realizing the beauty of this situation and your sportsnamship and mindset along this whole race. You're an incredible woman and you'll soon be the FIRST vietnamese woman to ever finish this race. You're incredible and I am so proud to have such a friend like you. You inspire me endlessly and you make me see things from a different perspective. I don't want to jinx it but I know that you will finish the 9km tomorrow so CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT! so,yes... I'm speechless. But, I also want to thank you for taking us on this journey with you. It was so enlightening and inspiring to see you prepare, tackle and finish this race. Thank you for letting us be a part of your doubt and questions, fears, hopes and determination. Thanh, the tank! YUP... I said it again. And it's true! :) "who run the world?". :) <3 I can't wait for you to tell me all about it and SEE you (hopefully soon). xoxoxox

Sokmean Nou

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 04:55 am

It will be the best 9km ever!!! I wish I were around with my camera to capture the epic moment. You are amazing hun, enjoy every bit of the remaining course, you totally owned this race, you deserve it so much, and we are all incredibly proud of you. Muah <3

ALLI SANDERS

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 04:54 am

I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless. You wrote this blog so beautifully! I am so happy for you! These 9k will fly by and I'm so glad you were able to appreciate the moment on the dune and really take it in. I'm so proud of you for realizing the beauty of this situation and your sportsnamship and mindset along this whole race. You're an incredible woman and you'll soon be the FIRST vietnamese woman to ever finish this race. You're incredible and I am so proud to have such a friend like you. You inspire me endlessly and you make me see things from a different perspective. I don't want to jinx it but I know that you will finish the 9km tomorrow so CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT! so,yes... I'm speechless. But, I also want to thank you for taking us on this journey with you. It was so enlightening and inspiring to see you prepare, tackle and finish this race. Thank you for letting us be a part of your doubt and questions, fears, hopes and determination. Thanh, the tank! YUP... I said it again. And it's true! :) "who run the world?". :) <3 I can't wait for you to tell me all about it and SEE you (hopefully soon). xoxoxox

Sokmean Nou

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 04:54 am

It will be the best 9km ever!!! I wish I were around with my camera to capture the epic moment. You are amazing hun, enjoy every bit of the remaining course, you totally owned this race, you deserve it so much, and we are all incredibly proud of you. Muah <3

ALLI SANDERS

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 04:53 am

I don't even know what to say. I'm speechless. You wrote this blog so beautifully! I am so happy for you! These 9k will fly by and I'm so glad you were able to appreciate the moment on the dune and really take it in. I'm so proud of you for realizing the beauty of this situation and your sportsnamship and mindset along this whole race. You're an incredible woman and you'll soon be the FIRST vietnamese woman to ever finish this race. You're incredible and I am so proud to have such a friend like you. You inspire me endlessly and you make me see things from a different perspective. I don't want to jinx it but I know that you will finish the 9km tomorrow so CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT! so,yes... I'm speechless. But, I also want to thank you for taking us on this journey with you. It was so enlightening and inspiring to see you prepare, tackle and finish this race. Thank you for letting us be a part of your doubt and questions, fears, hopes and determination. Thanh, the tank! YUP... I said it again. And it's true! :) "who run the world?". :) <3 I can't wait for you to tell me all about it and SEE you (hopefully soon). xoxoxox

07 October 2015 07:32 am (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta

Today was exactly what I was looking for from this race, all of it. And this is really weird to say but I am quite happy at the moment. I finally had a breakthrough and am enjoying the race the way it meant to be.
Let me bring you to the beginning of Stage 4. After a gruesome Stage 3, everyone slept like a baby but my knees were in so much pain, my sleep was bad and I kept tossing and turning. I didn

Comments: Total (31) comments

Stéphanie Groen

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 01:58 am

Hi Thanh, thanks for sharing your experiences during the race and great to see you are still going strong! Don't forget to absorb and enjoy the scenery, it must be extraordinary beautiful and please know that those who are home and follow your blog, we are just totally jealous :-). Catch my Sunday-running-buddy Rebecca Sinclair (#131 New Zealand), she's great and we should catch up with you in Singapore after the race! Go girl!

Van Vu

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 12:30 am

Co len nhe, sap den dich roi

Amiee Wu

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 03:22 pm

So proud that you kept pressing on! You are almost there babes! God is with you every step of the way :). "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matt 7:7

Sam Hazell

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 07:16 am

Dig in deep for the last stage, Thanh. You have loads of people cheering you on from the four corners of the globe. You are doing great by simply being there. I salute you!!

Sam Hazell

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 07:15 am

Dig in deep for the last stage, Thanh. You have loads of people cheering you on from the four corners of the globe. You are doing great by simply being there. I salute you!!

Alli Sanders

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 02:28 am

Oh My love! I'm so glad to read this. You really sounded so much more cheerful today. I am glad you kept pushing through. This is what it's all about. And yes, I know how competitive the mindset can be but you absolutely made the right choice by staying with Alex. Rankings are just numbers. But it's those kinds of experiences and relationships that you build that really will impact you in the future. Just like you said, Alex probably would have done the same for you. Imagine how he would have felt if you started running off and he would see you speeding away in the distance. You turned into the Mexican :) hahaha. I'm sure you gave him the strength to push through his injury. Mentally and physically because, damn,... who wouldn't want to walk with you. I think that this was supposed to happen this way. After Stage 3 and you feeling unsure, you needed a pick-me-up. You were supposed to enjoy this beautiful nature and everything that comes with it: the pain, the doubts, the frustrations, etc... I was so happy to read your post today. I can feel that you were able to get some energy and I hope that you had a good stage today as well. I can't wait to hear you tell me all about it. Always remember: You're doing this for YOU- most importantly. In the end, if you tell something that you did this race, nobody will EVER ask you what place you finished. -- because they will be speechless that you did this and finished in the first place. Just finish! That's the golden trophy at the end of the race! (and If u want cake, or burgers, I'll make u those too when I see you). The world is yours!! You have all the resources and equipment you need. You have a strong mind and are determined and you body is trained and thus far- healthy. The world is literally "at your feet"..... "Who run the world??" <<< THANH ( Yeah, i had to throw a Beyonce quote in here) :D. I'm sending you 10,000 kisses

Kathy LaBranche

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:34 am

Hey most amazing and resilient advisee!! I am so sorry I have not been with you online for the first four days ... my recruitment trip to Bermuda had me a little distracted. I am so thrilled to see you putting it all out there. Great and exhausted is a good way to be when you are pushing your limits! So proud of you going after it. Energy on the final two days. xoxo Kathy

Kathy LaBranche

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:33 am

Hey most amazing and resilient advisee!! I am so sorry I have not been with you online for the first four days ... my recruitment trip to Bermuda had me a little distracted. I am so thrilled to see you putting it all out there. Great and exhausted is a good way to be when you are pushing your limits! So proud of you going after it. Energy on the final two days. xoxo Kathy

Kathy LaBranche

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:32 am

Hey most amazing and resilient advisee!! I am so sorry I have not been with you online for the first four days ... my recruitment trip to Bermuda had me a little distracted. I am so thrilled to see you putting it all out there. Great and exhausted is a good way to be when you are pushing your limits! So proud of you going after it. Energy on the final two days. xoxo Kathy

Kathy LaBranche

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:31 am

Hey most amazing and resilient advisee!! I am so sorry I have not been with you online for the first four days ... my recruitment trip to Bermuda had me a little distracted. I am so thrilled to see you putting it all out there. Great and exhausted is a good way to be when you are pushing your limits! So proud of you going after it. Energy on the final two days. xoxo Kathy

Kathy LaBranche

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:30 am

Hey most amazing and resilient advisee!! I am so sorry I have not been with you online for the first four days ... my recruitment trip to Bermuda had me a little distracted. I am so thrilled to see you putting it all out there. Great and exhausted is a good way to be when you are pushing your limits! So proud of you going after it. Energy on the final two days. xoxo Kathy

Kathy LaBranche

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:29 am

Hey most amazing and resilient advisee!! I am so sorry I have not been with you online for the first four days ... my recruitment trip to Bermuda had me a little distracted. I am so thrilled to see you putting it all out there. Great and exhausted is a good way to be when you are pushing your limits! So proud of you going after it. Energy on the final two days. xoxo Kathy

Thomas Poh

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 09:33 pm

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE. ... IT DEPENDS HOW BADLY YOU WANT IT Omg. Super typo earlier... Lolx

thomas poh

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 09:16 pm

hey Thanh Vu....am so proud of you... Good job waiting for Alex... That is the true sportswoman spirit! Hang in there.... Everything is impposible...it depends how badly you want it.... PS sry to take so long to write to u... I was waiting for your FB post...totally forgot i cud track you here.

thomas poh

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 09:15 pm

hey Thanh Vu....am so proud of you... Good job waiting for Alex... That is the true sportswoman spirit! Hang in there.... Everything is impposible...it depends how badly you want it.... PS sry to take so long to write to u... I was waiting for your FB post...totally forgot i cud track you here.

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:45 pm

Love your blog entries! Super well written and showing your vast depth of mind. You are doing fabulously. Cheers from an avid fan. (PS: Next time you happen to pass by Scott and you can without changing your pace, tell him hello!)

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:44 pm

Love your blog entries! Super well written and showing your vast depth of mind. You are doing fabulously. Cheers from an avid fan. (PS: Next time you happen to pass by Scott and you can without changing your pace, tell him hello!)

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:43 pm

Love your blog entries! Super well written and showing your vast depth of mind. You are doing fabulously. Cheers from an avid fan. (PS: Next time you happen to pass by Scott and you can without changing your pace, tell him hello!)

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:42 pm

Love your blog entries! Super well written and showing your vast depth of mind. You are doing fabulously. Cheers from an avid fan. (PS: Next time you happen to pass by Scott and you can without changing your pace, tell him hello!)

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:41 pm

Love your blog entries! Super well written and showing your vast depth of mind. You are doing fabulously. Cheers from an avid fan. (PS: Next time you happen to pass by Scott and you can without changing your pace, tell him hello!)

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:40 pm

Love your blog entries! Super well written and showing your vast depth of mind. You are doing fabulously. Cheers from an avid fan. (PS: Next time you happen to pass by Scott and you can without changing your pace, tell him hello!)

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:39 pm

Love your blog entries! Super well written and showing your vast depth of mind. You are doing fabulously. Cheers from an avid fan. (PS: Next time you happen to pass by Scott and you can without changing your pace, tell him hello!)

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:38 pm

Love your blog entries! Super well written and showing your vast depth of mind. You are doing fabulously. Cheers from an avid fan. (PS: Next time you happen to pass by Scott and you can without changing your pace, tell him hello!)

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:37 pm

Love your blog entries! Super well written and showing your vast depth of mind. You are doing fabulously. Cheers from an avid fan. (PS: Next time you happen to pass by Scott and you can without changing your pace, tell him hello!)

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:36 pm

Love your blog entries! Super well written and showing your vast depth of mind. You are doing fabulously. Cheers from an avid fan. (PS: Next time you happen to pass by Scott and you can without changing your pace, tell him hello!)

Mike Jansen

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 03:26 pm

Gosh how did I do that? So much about tech savvy... Haha Well ignore my other post.

Mike Jansen

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 03:21 pm

It reads like a thriller... Shivering Stage 2: Breaking News 3 Mon, 5 October 2015 at 13:06 Stage 2 continues and the first checkpoint has now closed with Kalpit Parikh, a patent examiner, of the United States, the final competitor to arrive. Kalpit was in good spirits. Competitors have loved the icy cold slot canyons. Shigeru Akiyama of Japan said: "Is the funny part over?" Thanh Vu of Vietnam said "That was my favorite part. It was like hiking in an ice bath." Linda Lee of Korea commented "The slot canyons were fun! At first I hated the cold water but then I started reall the way through and hoping for happy end! You are so close - bag it Tango!!!!

Mike Jansen

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 03:20 pm

It reads like a thriller... Shivering all the way through and hoping for happy end! You are so close - bag it Tango!!!!

Hui Ling Loh

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 09:42 am

Well, not too slow obviously, ahead of the sweepers!:p ..Great sportsmanship dear! know that you have bunch of friends supporting you and all these struggles and pain you are going through will only fuel your strength to go further! You can do it tango!:)

Hui Ling Loh

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 08:36 am

It does not matter how slow you go, so long as you do not stop. Strong is what happens when you run out of weak. Go the long march tango away! ~Ling

Hui Ling Loh

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 08:35 am

It does not matter how slow you go, so long as you do not stop. Strong is what happens when you run out of weak. Go the long march tango away! (last on indiegogo is USD4787) ~Ling

06 October 2015 07:56 am (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta

Thank you for all the messages you guys are sending in. They are really something I look forward to while out on the course. I had a great day yesterday despite it being the longest day so far but today was ROUGH! So rough..

Comments: Total (8) comments

Alli Sanders

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 02:12 am

Oh my love! I've been telling you for years.... THOSE MEXICANS just get me every time! Haha and NOW you too. See, I haven't been crazy! And he is right! You are an incredibly BAD ass, Strong, Tough and beautiful woman! I love that he said this to you and that he was able to give you a bit of a boost. I think of u all the time! <3 Love you

Van Vu

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 04:01 pm

Cố lên nhé :) vạn sự khởi đầu nan, qua đc một nửa rồi

Mike Jansen

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 08:21 am

It sounds so grueling to read from the relative safety and sheltered from the elements in the office. Same time so encouraging how you manage your highs and depths and darkest times. You are doing excellent and there is no way we are going to lose you to the salt flats... - keep going, keep pushing, keep laughing and enjoying, it's a hell of a fun trip. you are a star.

Mike Jansen

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 08:20 am

It sounds so grueling to read from the relative safety and sheltered from the elements in the office. Same time so encouraging how you manage your highs and depths and darkest times. You are doing excellent and there is no way we are going to lose you to the salt flats... - keep going, keep pushing, keep laughing and enjoying, it's a hell of a fun trip. you are a star.

Mike Jansen

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 08:19 am

It sounds so grueling to read from the relative safety and sheltered from the elements in the office. Same time so encouraging how you manage your highs and depths and darkest times. You are doing excellent and there is no way we are going to lose you to the salt flats... - keep going, keep pushing, keep laughing and enjoying, it's a hell of a fun trip. you are a star.

Mike Jansen

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 08:18 am

It sounds so grueling to read from the relative safety and sheltered from the elements in the office. Same time so encouraging how you manage your highs and depths and darkest times. You are doing excellent and there is no way we are going to lose you to the salt flats... - keep going, keep pushing, keep laughing and enjoying, it's a hell of a fun trip. you are a star.

Mike Jansen

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 08:17 am

It sounds so grueling to read from the relative safety and sheltered from the elements in the office. Same time so encouraging how you manage your highs and depths and darkest times. You are doing excellent and there is no way we are going to lose you to the salt flats... - keep going, keep pushing, keep laughing and enjoying, it's a hell of a fun trip. you are a star.

Mike Jansen

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 08:16 am

It sounds so grueling to read from the relative safety and sheltered from the elements in the office. Same time so encouraging how you manage your highs and depths and darkest times. You are doing excellent and there is no way we are going to lose you to the salt flats... - keep going, keep pushing, keep laughing and enjoying, it's a hell of a fun trip. you are a star.

06 October 2015 01:49 am (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta

I'm carrying a house on my back. It's been an emotional roller coaster. I didn't get a chance to update the blog yesterday because I was too busy inhaling my freeze-dried dinner and sharing moments we experienced on the course with other competitors. Its kinda good that I didn't write anything yesterday because apparently, I wasn't the only one that was in a dark place. To start off, my pack is too heavy, 10kg without water and I didn

Comments: Total (9) comments

Irene Wong

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 04:31 am

Keep on truckin' Thanh! Sounds like you've got a great attitude. The Atacama is an amazing place. Just keep having fun, admiring the scenery and taking it one step at a time. You're not far from the finish!!

Bill Graham

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 12:07 am

Thanh: Amazing! Keep focused. One step at a time. We are all pulling for you here in (slightly cooler) Toronto at Schulich!!

Bill Graham

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 12:06 am

Thanh: Amazing! Keep focused. One step at a time. We are all pulling for you here in (slightly cooler) Toronto at Schulich!!

Bill Graham

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 12:05 am

Thanh: Amazing! Keep focused. One step at a time. We are all pulling for you here in (slightly cooler) Toronto at Schulich!!

Bill Graham

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 12:04 am

Thanh: Amazing! Keep focused. One step at a time. We are all pulling for you here in (slightly cooler) Toronto at Schulich!!

Bill Graham

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 12:03 am

Thanh: Amazing! Keep focused. One step at a time. We are all pulling for you here in (slightly cooler) Toronto at Schulich!!

Bill Graham

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 12:02 am

Thanh: Amazing! Keep focused. One step at a time. We are all pulling for you here in (slightly cooler) Toronto at Schulich!!

Bill Graham

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 12:01 am

Thanh: Amazing! Keep focused. One step at a time. We are all pulling for you here in (slightly cooler) Toronto at Schulich!!

Alli Sanders

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 02:18 pm

My love! I'm so glad to hear you're doing O.k. and can still joke around. ;) Yes, you will survive and, hey, top 4 is Bomb! haha I'm sure you're feeling a whole roller coaster of emotions every day. The race really isn't just a physical challenge but you learn how to really control your mind. And so far, you're mastering it! :) we are all so proud of you! Of course, you don't need to be competitive with the other participants, however, that's just a natural runner's disease. We may say we're running for ourselves, but no, there's a lot of ego involved. But I can tell you: you being able to say that you finished this desert crossing - that'll rush anyone else's ego haha. And, I think that a bit of competition amongst you guys is healthy. It keeps your mind going and pushes you. As long as you know not to push too hard. But reading your blog, it seems like you've got it under control. Listen to your body and you can make it work. The good thing about the heavy back pack is that it'll get lighter and lighter every day.U just keep on eating. :) I am thinking about you all the time and sending you lots of energy!! <3 Love you to pieces, you animal!

02 October 2015 09:53 am (GMT-06:00) Central America

Despite that I slept for 17 hours on 2 of the flights all the way to Dallas and stayed up the first day in Santiago, jet lag is still hitting me really hard. I managed to wake up for breakfast. Absolutely gorgeous weather, sunny and perfect blue sky (the immediate question was, how come there is no skydiving here? Here seems like an ideal location for it)

I could tell I was getting a little nervy from how much time I spent messaging my friends.. So, I decided to allow myself today to mellow out. I saw a few people who for sure were 4 Deserts organizer or competitors but the temptation to be a lone wolf in the morning was strong. So I didn

Comments: Total (5) comments

Merrillly Manthey

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 05:37 am

Great blog ... and, if the photographer you joined for dinner (with 2 others) aas mentioned in your first 10-2 blog entry is a tall American, his name is Scott Manthey. He is doing his second Atacama and has done 4 other races. At least from your description I believe you met my son, Scott.

Merrillly Manthey

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 05:36 am

Great blog ... and, if the photographer you joined for dinner (with 2 others) aas mentioned in your first 10-2 blog entry is a tall American, his name is Scott Manthey. He is doing his second Atacama and has done 4 other races. At least from your description I believe you met my son, Scott.

Merrillly Manthey

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 05:35 am

Great blog ... and, if the photographer you joined for dinner (with 2 others) aas mentioned in your first 10-2 blog entry is a tall American, his name is Scott Manthey. He is doing his second Atacama and has done 4 other races. At least from your description I believe you met my son, Scott.

Merrillly Manthey

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 05:34 am

Great blog ... and, if the photographer you joined for dinner (with 2 others) aas mentioned in your first 10-2 blog entry is a tall American, his name is Scott Manthey. He is doing his second Atacama and has done 4 other races. At least from your description I believe you met my son, Scott.

Nisha mistry

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 08:42 pm

Gwan my sister warrior!!! You're gonna do amazing! Fyi I loved the hat 😜

01 October 2015 08:05 am (GMT-06:00) Central America

(Delayed post due to unstable internet. This post was written in the late evening of September 30 | early morning of Oct 1)
Traveling to San Pedro de Atacama from Santiago is much smoother than I expected. The Calama airport looks so modern and polished. you can already see the mountain range from

Comments: Total (0) comments

29 September 2015 02:20 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

It's getting real. The past week has

Comments: Total (5) comments

Regina Arnold

Posted On: 01 Oct 2015 06:21 pm

Put one foot in front of the other.... so excited to follow you on this journey Thanh! xxx

Long H. Nguyen

Posted On: 01 Oct 2015 07:02 am

Go ahead, Thanh! We admire you, and follow your steps :)

Long H. Nguyen

Posted On: 01 Oct 2015 07:01 am

Go ahead, Thanh! We admire you, and follow your steps :)

Long H. Nguyen

Posted On: 01 Oct 2015 07:00 am

Go ahead, Thanh! We admire you, and follow your steps :)

Long H. Nguyen

Posted On: 01 Oct 2015 06:59 am

Go ahead, Thanh! We admire you, and follow your steps :)