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Kevin Hwang

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Atacama Crossing (2025) blog posts from Kevin Hwang

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

People expect that the courses are going to be hard due to the heat, terrain and distance. What people dońt talk about are the camping conditions. They´re hard too. 
 
Six of us are put in each tent, and there is not a lot of room. They get hot, they´re infested with flies, and are not level. You have different stations to go to for lukewarm water, hot water and portable toilets. My point is, they´re not that comfortable and it takes effort to get the things you need, when energy levels are low (my Garmin says I need 62 hours to recover). It would make a world of difference if we could recover in a climate controlled environment, in a recliner, with ice water, and sleep in a bed. But these are the hard truths of the desert.
 
Speaking of tents, I want to say that my tent, Lizard, saved me yesterday. They fetched water for me when I needed it and gave me salt tablets (I love Gatorade but not anymore). I still have mild nausea that is preventing me from getting the hydration and calories that I need. Seems like such a poor biological response to being dehydrated and heated. Why is that, doctors?
 
Anyways, today was just as tough as yesterday and Ím afraid Ím running out of steam. Oh Universe, let me get through stage 4.

Comments: Total (2) comments

Sharon dopak

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 08:01 am

Oh man! You've now officially done better than me in Madagascar. I was 5miles from the finish line on this day when I called it quits. You're closer to the finish line than to the start line!

Maddie Ryan Berault

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 03:50 am

Mom and I are praying for you Kevin! Chic Fil A and reflexology when you get home.
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31 March 2025 08:21 pm (GMT-04:00) Santiago

Yesterday, I mentioned that I had over exerted myself during stage 1. This was confirmed later when I got a headache, fever, nausea and diarrhea. If there was a Holiday Inn and a soda vending machine next to the campsite, I definitely would have quit last night.
 
I woke up today feeling somewhat the same. I tried to eat but couldn’t. Forget running. I needed to get through this stage any way I could and that meant walking the entire time. And even that was challenging. But I ended the day feeling better than when I started. That´s a win.
 
I am underfed for sure, only eating skittles for the entire stage. I didn’t feel like drinking either, so I’m playing catch up now at camp, but I still feel nauseated. Í´m only one third of the way through. Finishing this is going to be tough.
 
On the bright side, today´s landscape was beautiful. 

Comments: Total (7) comments

Rico L

Posted On: 02 Apr 2025 12:05 am

We are rooting for you, bro! Rest up, fuel up! ???

Melinda Wright

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 07:23 pm

So stinking proud of you, Kevin! Way to push through!

Mark Albers

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 02:36 pm

You got this Kevin. You can enjoy a McRib and a Jamba Juice when it’s all over but keep fighting for now! Proud of you brother!

Hillary Ryan

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 01:40 pm

Praying supernatural strength when you need during the day and deep healing rest at night when you sleep Kev ?????? miracles don’t happen unless one is needed. Believing for a fresh wind to overcome you and carry you through, faster than you expected..

Sharon dopak

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 07:12 am

Drink lots of water! Not sure if you're seeing these messages but yeah, I know you can push through!

Mark Romero

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 04:20 am

Yo Kevin! Hang in there, bro. Keep on pushing through. Can’t wait to hear about the next stage!

Josephine Romero

Posted On: 01 Apr 2025 04:13 am

Hey Kevin! Omg…so proud of you!! I hope you’re starting to feel better. We are rooting for you! You got this ?? Like you said, mind over matter ?
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30 March 2025 08:04 pm (GMT-04:00) Santiago

OK. Now I remember why I waited 17 years to come back.
 
This is painful! The day began well, suffering comfortably through the first few checkpoints. The altitude at the start was 10,500 feet, dropping throughout the stage until reaching camp at 8,700 feet. I definitely felt it. I picked my spots, running when reasonable and fast hiking when I needed to rest. 
 
The last few miles were surprisingly difficult. It was a gentle incline in a hot canyon. This is when I realized that my legs were pretty spent, so I walked the rest of the way. I had intended to leave some gas in the tank, perhaps a quarter, to plan for the next day. But my gas light had come on.
 
I may be more careful tomorrow, but I’m happy with my performance so far.
 
Until the next stage!

Comments: Total (2) comments

Melinda Wright

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 04:41 pm

GGGGGGOOOOOO Kevin!!

Sharon Dopak

Posted On: 31 Mar 2025 03:18 am

I feel like I remember the first day being the toughest…unless you don’t take care of your feet! ??‍♀️
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29 March 2025 01:07 pm (GMT-07:00) Mountain Time(US & Canada)

Atacama Crossing: t-1

When I was in Churchill, Canada, I visited a renowned dog sled musher. He explained that to make the dogs run, this is what you had to do: let them.

As soon as the dogs see them prepping the sleds, they go apeshit, excited to run.

That was today in a nutshell. We had a race briefing, gear check, and other formalities. But everyone is done just sitting around. We are rearing to go.


Comments: Total (3) comments

Grace Lee

Posted On: 30 Mar 2025 09:35 pm

Mental strength - no doubt, but you're fast too! You crushed day 1! I'm following your journey closely. Go, Kevin!!!

Stacia O

Posted On: 29 Mar 2025 06:01 pm

Good luck out there. Go get ‘em!

Marcolini Lappochini

Posted On: 29 Mar 2025 04:23 pm

Haha! 100% it felt like that. Organized chaos of some sort or hurry up and wait. Good luck with the race and enjoy!
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28 March 2025 01:02 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Atacama Crossing: T-2

Seventeen years ago, I signed up for the 7 day 160-mile Sahara Race. For the simple reason that I wanted to do something hard. Up until then I’d never run more than 5 miles. But I was curious. Commit to the race and see what happens.

Along the way, I learned this: anyone can do it.

Anyone, that is, if they want to. The real test wasn’t physical. You don’t need great fitness. You just need a reason to keep moving when your body is telling you to stop.

People underestimate their mental strength. But we all have it. Need proof? Maybe you’ve gone through a tough breakup. Lived with chronic pain or injury. Cared for someone who was sick. Or worked a job you hated. You showed up because you had to. That’s strength. And endurance.

These races aren’t for gifted athletes. They’re for the stubborn. So if you’re wondering whether you can do something like this: yes, you can.

In a study in the 1950s, mice were dropped into water to see how long they’d swim. They lasted about 15 minutes before giving up. But they were rescued, allowed to rest, and put back in the water. This time, they swam long, up to 60 hours! Because they learned they could survive, they didn’t give up easily.

This same concept applies to this race, but more importantly, it applies to life. Once you believe you can, you do.

Comments: Total (1) comments

Rico L

Posted On: 30 Mar 2025 08:11 pm

Yo Kevin! Rooting for you, bro! Stay safe and keeping pushing forward!
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