My Challenge: The Atacama Crossing 2009!

Update: I have ran through the pain and indeed made it to the end! I will keep this page open for another few weeks and am planning to take part in another event for the same cause mentioned here.
Thank you everyone for the generous support and all the caring emails!!!
I will send you a link for further information and pictures soon!


The old text:
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I am running 250km in 7 days through the driest desert on earth at an altitude of up to 3000m and temperatures of 35°c in the day time and 4°c at night, carrying a 10kg backpack with food and other necessities.

… Yes, it is my very first race ever! No, I have not participated in a marathon (never mind an ultra marathon or triathlon) before, but there must be a first time for everything! Despite all the facts and wise words of my mom and my friends: I AM DOING IT! - And I am doing so for a good cause!

I am raising money for Save the Children and as my trip is fully self-funded, all money goes directly to the organization!

Why this Charity?

Saving the Children is very efficient and utilizes 90% of the money donated for the cause (so they are not drowning in administration costs and are further recommended in many charity reviews)! They are an international organization that helps children in need all over the world; make sure to visit the website if you can- they do great stuff!

My Story:

I decided to take part in this event in August 2008, it was a random decision. To make sure that I would not change my mind, I signed up for the event and paid in advance, too. So then I was caught.

There was much to learn about everything! What to do now? What do I need to know or do about equipment, health, nutrition, training and other preparations?! With the help of a trainer and quite a few books I began my journey. (Oh, and I decided that it was probably time to stop smoking, too- which is never really a bad idea).

 I started strengthening my muscles in the gym, while running outdoors and improving my endurance. I also started collecting equipment items to test brands and quality: From dry frozen lightweight food, double layered or “smartwool” socks, lightweight running backpacks, trail/running shoes, electrolytes and nutrition supplements, compression tights and light weight “skins”, specialty shirts of all kind of materials and lots of other high tech things, I tested many items that needs to fit and function perfectly and everything required quite some research as well.

I mean, I even have an entire book on “Fixing your Feet” (quite useful actually)- And you can probably imagine, what the common nominator of all my 2008 Christmas presents was. Equipment is very expensive!

Well, a few months later- having overcome some obstacles, such as my knee problem (from overtraining and bad posture- I am still improving my running technique), a short flue and chronic laziness- I am fairly confident that I will make it to the finish line… somehow…. Some when!

In any case, though, this will not be my last race- after all the rainforest needs saving too, does it not?!

The-How-To-Help INFO:

It is very easy! Click on the link above, follow the instruction/enter the credit card details and print of the receipt for tax benefits (e.g. for the German tax system). DONE!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. “Save the Children” gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you very much for visiting my page and thank you for every bit of help!