What is YOUR Atacama?

Earlier in the year, I hinted that I had a big announcement.  Well I think it is time for me to let the cat out of the bag!   I have been looking for a new challenge for a while. While I was feeling pretty good about my fitness, I did not have any real goal to drive my workouts.   I saw some of my friends Well my training buddy Cynthia told me about this crazy self supporting race that is at least five times longer than I have EVER done!    


As soon as she told me about it, I could not get it out of my head.  But how in the world was I going to do it?   For the last few years I have had some pretty serious joint pain in my knees and hips that would kick in when I tried to run more than 20 minutes. It is frustrating, to say the least.   As I researched the race, I found that 80% of the contestants walk some or all of it and 20% walk the whole thing!  That was all I needed to hear.  I'm IN, baby!!


So here it is:  I am officially in training for the 2012 Racing the Planet, 250K race in Atacama Mountains of Chile!!   This is sooo far outside my regular happy box and I am both nervous and excited!  I have not been in a serious race in two decades.  I am going to be 46 in 3 weeks and  I have no idea how my knees and hips will hold up.  I will have to do some MAJOR fundraising or find a sponsor as this is not just outside my box, but outside my budget. I do know one thing, though.  Once I make a decision, there is No Going Back! 


I have been hesitant to write about this and I am not even sure why. Maybe because it sounds so nuts!  Maybe because I thought only a few people out there would understand.  Then I realized, everyone has a secret goal, something they wish they could or would do. I am hoping that by journaling what I am doing, it will challenge you to step out and do something that YOU would like to do, but were afraid.   So don't be afraid!  Pick something, then OWN it!   What YOUR Atacama?


I will be posting my training schedule, strategies and generally sharing this journey.  There is so much to learn!  What to bring, which backpack will work best, hydration systems, food options and of course figuring out how to finance it all!  


  If you have participated in an ultra marathon or in training for one, I would welcome any advice!  If you have decided to do something you have always wanted to try, but were previously afraid, I definitely want to hear from you!  Finally, this is going to take a LOT of work. Any encouragement whatsoever is appreciated!  I will need it.


Let's do this!