Atacama Crossing Blogs 2025

Jacqueline Furniss

5

Posts

Atacama Crossing (2025) blog posts from Jacqueline Furniss

01 April 2025 08:08 pm (GMT-04:00) Santiago

I am keeping this short. I was alone on stage 3 and there were small bees I carry an epi pen. I got stung, we don’t know if it went through the tights but it was a small bee. I started having trouble breathing and started vomiting and then could not speak properly. I could not reach my epi pen and I was freaking out, I thought I was going to die.
 
I stumbled on and got to the checkpoint and I collapsed grabbed my pen and stabbed myself. I was hyper ventilating, the doctor, amazing woman Julie said she thinks I was not in anaphylaxis bc I was taking in air. So maybe I was premature but now I have no pen.
 
My roommate from the hotel Rachel, I don’t know her bib, she stayed with me Doc Julie gave me th ok to continue, she said I looked strong. I lost my confidence.
 
Rachel stayed with me. It was so incredibly beautiful, but so hard. I made it to camp. 13km pot death scare.
 
My feet are much worse now. I don’t rank my feet as my biggest problem. I don’t know if I am going to be ok or allowed to finish. But I feel like I already won just making it back today. EVERYONE has to theank Rachel from NZ/OZ. She is an angel and never left my side.We were slow and out there a long time. I feel like death warmed over with 15 blisters.  

Comments: Total (9) comments

Victoria de Mallmann

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 02:26 pm

Jax, following you every step of the way and have not a shadow of a doubt you will complete this. Proud of you and that steel determination. You are feeling the pain but when it’s over you will remember the breathtaking scenery. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Your Swiss fan club is cheering for you. Massive hugs.

Derek Hinden

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 12:20 pm

Hi Jacq, so amazing to re-connect in this manner. Thanks to William for sharing the update about your intrepid adventure and subsequent link to the site. It’s amazing that we can follow you and indirectly be a part of this incredible experience you’re having - something most of us could only dream about. I had forgotten about all your previous Ultra-marathons, that was only a small part of your big personality. Fantastic that you continue to grab life by the horns and not let age or social norms limit you ??. As many others have said, regardless of the outcome, you’ve already proven yourself to be a winner by simply participating and serve as an inspiration to those us who lack the drive, motivation or self-belief to do something bold and live life outside our comfort zones. I will be sharing this with Emika as an example of what she can achieve if she sets her mind to it ?. ‘On on’ and ‘Ga Yau’, you can do it! Derek

AM Harvey

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 10:04 am

Jax - steady as you go, 1 step at a time. Remember that you are now have 3 races + 3 days more experienced. You have a mind like no other. Remember what you said in post 1 - you are in control. Control the controllables - breathe. If you cannot control that, at the most basic level, you are out of control! As you perhaps experienced w the bees! But maybe not (based on what the Dr's thought?) Your body cannot decipher the type of threat - it's either one or it isn't. Your mind (especially the Jacquelline Furniss "I am unstoppable" mind) is what will dictate how you respond. Whatever helps you truck on, use that. Maybe its not about finishing the stage - maybe its about " I just gotta get through 4km 10 times today", or "1k x 44 today". Breathe, look around, sing a tune, think of only helpful thoughts (yes, even if the bees find you again), 1 foot in front of the other. You've got this Jax.

William Furniss

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 06:21 am

Bees! Thank goodness you are ok! What a super star Rachel is. They are saying the stage was brutal in the coverage, can't imagine how terrible this must have been. I was watching your progress all the way and could tell it was tough. Love you! Please be careful and stay safe. Going to send you a separate email so please check. Wxox

ANTO GALLI

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 06:09 am

OMG Jacqueline such a scary experience. I am so glad you are ok thanks to the pen doctor and Rachel. Whatever you decide You have proven yourself. Please take care and send all the f* bee to hell!

Pier Djerejian-Shiever

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 02:23 am

Jesus Jacq, did I ever think bees would bring you to your knees? Nope. I can’t truly imagine the hellscape you’ve painted for stage 3, but I suspect if you can shove yourself through the physical now you will hurdle past. Was it Mary who wrote the hardest is Probably Stage 3, early part of Stage 4 and early part of Stage 5. Let’s just say you’ve got through the hardest full stage. Take it from there. And did you know that swearing allows for an increase in pain tolerance? A “drug-free, calorie neutral, cost free means of self-help”. Get your tunes on. Xp

Re Wong

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 01:52 am

Jax, go forward or back, stay or go - you’ve proven to yourself (the only person whose opinion actually matters) that you can and will do the hardest and most terrifying things. Whether that’s a race that seems absolutely bonkers to someone like me… or moving yourself to another country and kicking ass in the corporate world after decades away… or telling the people you love the things they need to hear but don’t want to… You are a sunburnt blister-toed bee-stung well-loved badass whatever happens. LOVE YOU!!! Re

BILL DE FRANZA

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 01:34 am

Good grief, Jackie, stay safe and be smart. What a scare! I'm, obviously, very glad you made it to camp and got cleared by doctor. HUGE THANKS TO YOU, RACHEL! Hang in there, Jackie. Here's hoping you feel much better in the morning.

Liza Goodman

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 12:54 am

My heart is racing reading your latest blog. Take care of yourself, we need you home in 1 piece please. You are strong and I know you can do it, but as you said, you’ve won already getting back to camp today. I’m in total awe of you. Sending love from Hong Kong x

31 March 2025 08:29 pm (GMT-04:00) Santiago

Hi From Camp 2. Last night I slept well, despite awful feet I felt great by morning. Tennis ball magic…. A great start to the day!
 
The day started great, the river crossings were slow but beautiful and distracted us. Then we had the most tough stage 2, uphill and through a mine but it was spectacular, like nothing else. When I see Thiago the photographer or his team members, they pop out of nowhere’ they just make me feel better so shout out to them and the volunteers. 
 
The MASSIVE downhill dune of soft sand was such an adrenaline rush– YES  but then you hit the last checkpoint and you have 11.5km into camp and it was as hot and boring as you can imagine. Everyone needs to SHOUT OUT or message Sandeep Bib 133…. I followed his feet in orange sand gaiters, and his pace kept me going at a clip. I was delirios. Still haven’t found out how to get my calories or my carbs right for the last stage. Sandeep got me over the line today. He was like Ï am not leaving you– and we crossed the line together. In fact he is such a gentleman he let me cross first. He is a Dad of 3 and has his own amazing story check his blogs out.
 
So I made it but I felt like absolute dead weight. My feet are getting worse, more threading, blood blisters and a total mess of fluid coming out from every toe. WHY is this happening. Also my shoulders are so sore it is a night mare. But guys, your messages make me feel like I just have to FIRM IT and push through. So I am going to rest and start fresh tomorrow. Sometimes I do not know why I am doing this…. 
 
I really think that I am insane. This is so hard and I keep thinking about people who have it hard without any option. YOU are my inspiration. Thinking of my family member who is fighting a rare3 disease, in those dark time you get me through girl. If you can fight for real, I have to be able to do this.
 
Cannot wait to see what beautiful fresh hell awaits on Day 3…. Longer and guaranteed to be out in the high heat.  

Comments: Total (8) comments

Eugenie Furniss

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 09:01 pm

Go SIL!!! You’re a warrior!

Mary Gadams

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 07:15 pm

Amazing, Jacqueline. Wow, to 2/3 of field!! Incredible performance so far. You make it all look so easy. We are sending our encouragement. Keep going! Mary and Alasdair

wyn furniss

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 06:55 pm

Hi mom. I hope you are doing well and I know that if your really try and really put your mind to it you could probably win this race. doing good revision over here talk to you soon. Love Wyn Furniss

BILL DE FRANZA

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 05:59 pm

Remember this important quote; "We do these things not because they are easy, but because w thought they'd be easy." Something like that. Ish.

Anto Galli or Babe!

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 05:58 pm

You are a rock and also a crazy one! We love you for this! I know is tuff but you are going to complete it because nothing can stop you when you put your mind and heart into it! I am so looking forward to hug you and hear all the crazy story about it!! Love you lots

Julie Wickenden

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 03:05 pm

You definitely are one crazy lady. Of anyone I know, you are the one who can do this! you are awesome and I love you loads. xxxxx

Erin O'Callaghan

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 02:00 pm

I have to say I agree with Beatrice!!! You CAN accomplish anything you set your mind to. You are a bit insane for doing this once again. And I TOTALLY wish I was there by your side (on a 4 wheeler!) lol! Push on through and know that you have a crowd cheering you on every single step of the way! And to all of your "trail angels", thank you for physically being present when we cannot. Help others whenever you can, and ask for help when you need it. Much love and respect to all of the racers but especially bib #49! xo

Beatrice Furniss

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 11:28 am

It sounds crazy and tough but I know you can finish this race and overcome any obstacle like you always do. Also yea you’re insane for sure, but this is also so cool and I’m kind of jealous I can’t be there too! Love you mama!!

30 March 2025 08:19 pm (GMT-04:00) Santiago

I will start at the end and say that your messages, every one have really been incredible comfort after what was described as a moderate day and I am here at camp wondering why I even care about finishing the 4 desert series. Why am I here. (There is no question mark on this keyboard)
 
Last night we arrived at camp after a 90 min drive through the most incredible geology and we saw a lot of animals some of which are llamas and others which are not llamas but look similar. I am in a test with experienced multi racers so we have a lot of wisdom in there, always a plus.
 
I slept OK, its rough and sharing with 6 people means a lof of soundes despite earplugs… and going in and out for a pee. The altitude was messing with me, despite drinking the peruvian Caco tea Marcos recommended, I was still having headaches so I tool a low dose asprin at 2am.
 
But sleep is never comfortable on a rocky ground, and I was up at 430am.
The race started at 8am and was very technical, a top runner broke his ankle I heard (true or not) and this is always the tradeoff, you pack is heaviest on day 1, and its technical, but you want to be off the course before the hot sun.
 
After the technical start I began to shuffle–run and that was good, I felt great and did that as much as I could. The Hammer sustained energy was great and got me to checkpoint 1 pretty well. The we ran through these insane canyon rocks, I hope you see the photos, it was breathtaking. The place so far is so beautiful’ the starts at 430am were beyond comprehension.
 
I was feeling great, the rocks were nuts though. It was like Namibia all over. But day 1….. skipping ahead I have 2 blisters behind my pointer toes and three other black and blue toenails on day 1…. Never happened to me before. I am staying positive (I threaded all of the blisters, wonderful brown and clear liquid slowly osmotically dripping out)….
 
Stage two got so hot and then I really needed my final mix of sustained enery and of course I could not find where I stashed it but did not want to stop and take my pack off bc I was afraid I could never start again…. So I set off on the final stage and it was the hottest part of the day… 130pm and I was a shambles. I could not shuffle jog without my energy concotion. I was on empty. AND my body decided to put all of its energy into my small intestine and that was killing me…. I had nothing to give. I was scrambling for bits of shade…. Almost none…. I walked this bit as fast as I could but I thought I would vomit. And then you hear the drums…. Calling you toward camp.
 
The greatest sound. Guys… I am terrified if that happened day 1 what the hell happens next. I am rolling out with my lux pack item a tennis ball because the back of my glute and hamstring feel so tight…. And my feet are all jacked up. 
 
I literally do not care about my place, I care about getting the day done as fast as possible to get out of the heat…. So have to manage body, fuel, time, heat better the rest of the race. Keep sending me advice, cheers, tell me to buck up.
 
Special shout to William, Bean, Wyn, my Dad, Susie and Mary and Alasdair (great pack Mary) I DO miss you being there at the CP….. so keep sending me messages. Much love to everyone, and those of you really pushing me on I cannot tell you how much it helps. Xx Jacqueline Day 1

Comments: Total (11) comments

Andrew Ball

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 11:56 pm

Thanks for the updates! You're amazing, keep going!

Erin O'Callaghan

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 08:57 pm

Jacqueline, you've got this!!! I can't even imagine the feelings, sights and sounds ~ take it all in and know that every step brings you closer to the finish! An accomplishment most can't even fathom let alone accomplish!!! Love you xoxoxox

William Furniss

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 07:36 pm

Another stage conquered!! So great and you seem to be moving well. Can’t wait to hear about it! You may not know this but you are current first in your age group!! Hope the blisters ok?!

Chantal T

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 04:55 pm

Watching the live tracker as you make your way through stage 2 and it's so awesome to see you race across the desert in real-time! Cheering for you! Go Jacq, Go! Xox

Anto Babe!

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 12:26 pm

Come on Jacqueline! Our minds and hearts are supporting you. You are amazing my friend you are so positive and so smiling. We love you!!!!

Pier Djerejian-Shiever

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 11:31 am

Jacq- the struggle!!!!! Your arduous journey has begun! Finished a great op ed David Brooks article this am that is very apropos for you - about living your best life! It begins with Haruki Murakami (his tendency toward total commitment explained in his thirst for running) and then more. Some bits rto give you momentum: People commit to great projects, they endure hard challenges, because they are entranced, enchanted. Some notion or activity has grabbed them, set its hooks inside them, aroused some possibility, fired the imagination. The seeker notices the vast discrepancy between what she knows about some subject and what she’d like to know, how good she is at some activity, and how good she wants to be. Whether it is ballet, engineering or parenting, the seeker is humble enough to see where she falls short, inspired enough to set a high ideal and confident in her ability to close the gap. Effort becomes its own reward. Mountain climbers often don’t pick the easiest route to the mountain top; they pick the hardest route they can manage, because they value challenge, growth and the fruits of hard effort itself. He’s experiencing the pain, confronting limitations and pushing through not that energized by beating other people in races, just in competing against himself. “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” Jacq, when you read the full article you’ll know I’m the one in the grocery store arranging the jars on the shelf into some semblance of aesthetic perfection and you are the runner choosing the inevitability of pain and suffering. Go forth and finish this beast but seriously pause to enjoy the views! Xp

Mary Gadams

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 11:20 am

Go Jacqueline, you got this. Remember what I said that each Stage will take longer than anticipated. The terrain just takes more time to manage. Hardest sections? Probably Stage 3, early part of Stage 4 and early part of Stage 5. Keep those feet blister free. You are a pro, I don't need to tell you anything. Had about 10 leeches on my legs today. I was dreaming of the dry Atacama Desert. Go, go, go. The 4 Deserts Club medal is something no one can every take away from you. What an accomplishment.

Julie Wickenden

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 09:53 am

Go Jacq. Sounds tough but stay positive. It's only ever a moment in time! You are an inspiration and we are with you in spirit!

Liza Goodman

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 09:08 am

We all know it’s in you Jax to get this done. Keep that positive mindset you had in the previous races!! Go girl xx

William Furniss

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 06:27 am

So good to hear you are basically ok?! Was so impressed watching 49 move through the course yesterday! The GPS tracking is fantastic even shows topography so can read the terrain. Hope that you have better Hammer Time today all your potions to hand. Hope you have had a better nights sleep. Is your music working well? Luna says good luck! Love you 49!

BILL DE FRANZA

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 03:08 am

Like I said, be like a proton and stay positive. ;-) If it was easy, it wouldn't be an endurance sport. Hats off to you, cuz! Here's hoping the worst is behind you now.

28 March 2025 02:06 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

The flights to get here to the edge of the Atacama were uneventful, in fact the LATAM 10 hr flight from New York was full but everyone was asleep, including me. Everything went smoothly, the transfer from International to Domenstic, getting all my weird white powders (Hammer Sustained Energy) and odd beige powders (BLUK porridge) and everything through customs- no worries. But one racer was caught by a sniffer dog for having a banana! So I think the Chileans know their powders, fruits and veg!

The drive into the desert and up into 8000 ft/ 2,500m was interesting. I bought some low dose aspirin at the airport pharmacy and it has really helped. Then Marcos, our friend from Peru who drives me to JFK, he recommended this Cacao Tea which helps with acclimitization- the local bodega by the hotel had the tea- both of these have really helped me out. Still, I have been battling my own inner demons about the race- the self-doubt and the guilt for the time and expense, it all starts weighing on me. Everyone here looks so incredibly fit and by comparison I just look MEH - can I really do this? Can I finish 250km after a 15y hiatus?

I know that this is mental, and I know I am really hard core when the chips are down. But its also physical and I have been feeling my age, especially because I have chosen not to train with any NSAIDs (no tylenol, advil, etc.) and I know every ache and pain. I have them, they move around and they are stressing me out. I could be doing something mundane like going up and down the stairs at home and feel a twang... is this like a "take down" thing or just a random one off? The worry has been overwhelming me. But today I had a breakthrough.

A racer from the USA, Kevin Hwang BIB#72 and I had breakfast together- it turns out he was also on my first race in 2008 Sahara and he remembers me! (this translates into immediate race bond) He and I went out today for a 5km run into the desert... he called it a dust off? I can't remember- anyway it was Hot, Dusty as hell, the altitude was very present and overall it really blew the cobwebs off but by the time we navigated back to the hotel, it also meant that I felt capable. I felt my mojo come back... my nerves abated. YESSSSS

The toolkit for me is to over prepare... to get acclimitized, to not over think it but to think enough that I feel ready and to take action and stop thinking. Action works. Well, here I am. I still have to measure out my breakfast.... but I feel better today than yesterday. Tonight I check-in to a new room and share with a racer so that is exciting. Race briefing is in the morning. Just about 36h to go folks!

 

pre-race 5k with Kevin edge of Atacama

Here is a pic of me looking very pale on the run today, copyright Kevin Hwang!

 

Comments: Total (7) comments

Sylvie Freund-Pickavance

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 07:26 am

Go Jacqueline ! What you are doing and your courage are nothing short of amazing and inspiring ! Sending you love from London ♥️?you can do it ???

Sara Tunstall

Posted On: 30 Mar 2025 10:19 pm

Go Jacqueline you are amazing

William Furniss

Posted On: 30 Mar 2025 05:19 pm

Congratulations on Day 1, have been GPS tracking you all the way! Hope you are feeling ok. Hope the altitude wasn't too sickening! Can wait for your next post!! Wxox

Chantal T

Posted On: 30 Mar 2025 11:14 am

You got this Jacq, just take it a stage (and a step) at a time and enjoy the experience! What an epic adventure! Love and hugs ❤️

BILL DE FRANZA

Posted On: 29 Mar 2025 02:19 am

Sounds like wise preparation. You got this, Jackie!

Julie Wickenden

Posted On: 28 Mar 2025 10:04 pm

Way to go Jacqueline. I imagine the build up can be more daunting than the actual race. I am so in awe of you and will be with you in spirit every step of the way.

Kevin Hwang

Posted On: 28 Mar 2025 04:52 pm

I called it a shake off but dust off certainly fits!

24 March 2025 04:39 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

It has been 15y since I ran a race, and despite a lot of training and preparation over the past 6m there is still that film of terror in my heart like PTSD from the dunes in Namibia, or my contorted IT Band in Sahara. But I have always dreamt of finishing the Racing The Planet series, and my husband and partner in all things called it- now is the time Jacqueline. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive - some of you for my entire life (Dad, Mom in the great beyond) but also my children, my Nixon-Furniss Family and of course everyone that stands by me, as a close friend, an old friend, or a new acquaintance  you likely have no idea how your simple kindness, a gesture, it all serves as encouragement in ways that fill me with positive energy so Thank You. Follow me in the Atacama Desert 250km race…. Bib#49 on this link here https://www.racingtheplanet.com/atacamacrossing/live  And PLEASE send me an email- there is a link in my race profile. Every "KEEP GOING" message even from strangers, fuel me when I am at my lowest. Look for more posts throughout the race. Wish me luck! Xx Jacqueline
 
I have more thank yous for another entry- but for now; since many of you have asked to sponsor me, I am providing you with some options in different currencies. Most of these are centered around research and advocacy in Rare Diseases. Someone in our family has a rare disease, and I am sure you know someone who does too.  Rare diseases affect between 3.5% (263 million) and 5.9% (446 million) of the global population (that we know of). Sadly, this population struggles to receive a diagnosis, treatment or meet another with the same condition. In addition, the study of rare diseases will frequently unlock mysteries to more prevalent disease pathways and therefore has resonating impacts on tens-of-millions of additional patients suffering with more common chronic conditions. There is no downside to more research and support of Rare Conditions.
 
The time to expand our funding into Rare is HERE- NOW. To satisfy the international network of support amongst us, I am listing a few UK, USA and one very special Hong Kong outreach centre. I hope that if you support my effort in the Atacama Desert you might express this through a donation to one of these carefully selected orgs below. Thank you for believing in me and helping me pay it forward.
 
 
BEACON rare disease patient communities
 
Beacon (formerly known as Findacure) is a UK-based charity that is building a united rare disease community with patient groups at its heart. We envision a world in which no one faces their rare journey alone.
Our charity upskills rare disease patient groups through trainings, guided programmes, community projects and research initiatives. We help these groups maximise their impact and deliver change for the world’s often neglected rare disease patients. Patient groups are a lifeline for those living with a rare disease. They provide emotional support and advice for day-to-day living. Patient groups are the impetus behind new care pathways and treatments.
 
https://www.rarebeacon.org/support-us/donate/
 
 
Rare Disease UK *select the 'Rare Disease' campaign on the Genetic Alliance donation page

Genomic Research / Rare Disease UK has delivered the tools to diagnose many rare conditions quickly and effectively. If people living with genetic conditions and their families are to benefit from this technology, genomic medicine services in the NHS need to deliver diagnostic and clinical services fairly and efficiently.  Genetic Alliance UK is a voice for everyone affected by rare genetic conditions in the development of these services across the UK.

 
https://geneticalliance.org.uk/donate/
 
 
 
 
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a nonprofit voluntary health agency that serves as a clearinghouse for information on rare disorders. A rare disorder is a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans. Cumulatively, there are more than 7,000 rare diseases affecting more than 30 million Americans. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare diseases through education, advocacy, research, policy, and community. NORD administers patients and caregiver assistance programs and supports research grants and collaborations. Give.org rates this charity as having very low admin/ a very high percentage of fundraising goes direct to research & patients.
 
https://rarediseases.org/donate-nord/ 
 
 

Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre is here to provide a uniquely designed environment through professional assistance and social support, including practical, emotional and psychosocial services to people affected by cancer and their family, friends and carers, which can improve their quality of life to living with and beyond cancer.As an independent charity, we rely solely on public donations to keep our doors open. It helps Maggie’s Centre remain a haven of support to anyone who needs comfort, advice or simply a friendly face in their greatest hour of need. No referral or pre-registration is needed. 

Donations of HK$100 or above are tax deductible

https://www.maggiescentre.org.hk/en/how-you-can-help/one-off-monthly-donation
 
 
 
Want to learn more about how impactful research and patient advocacy has been to tackling disease overall? Check out this paper: A 30-year retrospective: National Organization for Rare Disorders, the Orphan Drug Act, and the role of rare disease patient advocacy groups
 
https://www.dovepress.com/article/download/15846
 
 
Sahara 2008 - crying in pain as I approach the FINISH
 

Comments: Total (4) comments

Pier Djerejian-Shiever

Posted On: 30 Mar 2025 04:28 pm

Go Jacq! Enjoy the ride with your strong mind and bod! Xp

BILL DE FRANZA

Posted On: 29 Mar 2025 02:21 am

You are now reading this sentence.

Ana Morse

Posted On: 27 Mar 2025 08:31 pm

You've got this! xx

Pete Caldwell

Posted On: 27 Mar 2025 07:34 am

Go girl!!