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Daniel Roark

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Atacama Crossing (2009) blog posts from Daniel Roark

04 April 2009 10:44 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Today was the final 9.5 km trek back into San Pedro and I ran it as fast as my sore and tired legs would take me. Seeing the finish line in the town square of San Pedro was an emotional moment and we were warmly greeted by a local band, many supporters and...pizza! This race has been relentlessly difficult in ways that I could never have imagined and I have been absolutely humbled and beaten, but am so thankful that I was able to give it my all and finish safely.  

I sincerely want to thank all of you who have read this blog and posted such inspiring comments. Your words kept me going when all I wanted to do was stop. Lastly, a sincere thanks to Darren Myers, my Atacama soul brother. Darren brought a full heart and his wicked sense of humor to the Atacama and I am so grateful for both.

See you in Austin.

Danny 

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 15 Apr 2009 08:56 pm

Hey Danny. This is Seth's sister. Congratulations on an amazing feat! I really enjoyed your blogs. Thanks for sharing!

Posted On: 06 Apr 2009 08:57 pm

Yea -So proud of you both, Mr. Dorsey is waiting for you at home and has really missed you. I ended up spending the night with him Sunday night .Call when you return, Love and congrats.Mom nightsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Posted On: 06 Apr 2009 07:24 pm

Congrats on the big finish! I wish I could have posted this over the weekend before you completed the run, but I'm just now back on the computer. Great job, Dan. I'm very proud of you for completing the most challenging journey I've ever read or heard about. You are truly an incredible person and inspiration in my life. And from reading all the posts, you've inspired all of your friends and family! Glad you're back home where you belong...in Austin!

Posted On: 06 Apr 2009 06:52 pm

Congratulations, Danny! What an amazing journey! I loved reading your posts. You should be so proud of yourself. Way to go!

Posted On: 06 Apr 2009 12:03 pm

Congratulations DJ on making it through!!! What an amazing feat, from your feet! Very impressive what you have accomplished. Welcome home soon!

Posted On: 05 Apr 2009 09:59 pm

Way to go guys. Proud of both of you. I hope you were able to get some photo's to reveal the difficulty you so well described. Welcome home soon. Dad

Posted On: 05 Apr 2009 06:46 pm

Congratulations!!! While I never doubted you would finish, it is absolutely amazing anyone could survive your week

Posted On: 05 Apr 2009 06:59 am

& Baby Grayson! Leigh and I are so impressed and proud of you guys! One of the more significant accomplishments I\'ve ever heard of, Grayson compares it to his trip down the birth canal, but i think he\'s being a bit overdramatic. We can\'t wait to see you guys when you get back. Congratulations!

Posted On: 05 Apr 2009 03:11 am

Congratulations, Danny!!! I am AMAZED by what you have accomplished!!! Hope to see you soon. Love, Kristin

Posted On: 04 Apr 2009 07:14 pm

Well done my friend! -JB

03 April 2009 05:33 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Yesterday morning we awoke at our usual 6 a.m., but the mood in camp was somewhat different than the mornings prior. Everyone was exhausted from the previous 4 stages (especially the salt flats that ended the previous stage and shredded our legs and shoes) and we all knew a monumental task awaited us. We went through our usual preparation (breakfast, pack, sunscreen, tape blisters, shoe check, etc.) and then made our way to the starting line. An 8 a.m. start sent us on an immediate 15km exit out of the dreaded salt flats. This part of the flats was brutal at times, but more easily navigated than the portion the day before. The flats still slowed everyone down considerably and the sun was out in full by the time we hit Checkpoint 1. From there it was welcome, mostly flat off-road for about 8 miles. I was in serious pain early on (knee), so was just doing my best to keep a consistent stride. At Checkpoint 2 (17 miles in) we were greeted with a welcome treat - a can of Coke - that I carried with me as I began the third stretch. The sun was beating down on us by now, so I was just doing my best to stay hydrated and keep food in my mouth (the last of our Power Bars and gels). The third stretch was through an awesome, wide valley bordered by peaks. Our path was mostly packed sand with some salt and required us to constantly ascend and descend rolling dunes. At this point I decided to break out my iPod, which I had been saving all week for this long day. Amazing is the only word I can use to describe having music in my ears after so many miles without it. Now with Coke in hand and anthems blasting in my ears, I felt completely rejuvenated. The path lead us towards the mountains and I noticed that pure sand dunes covered the sides of them. We had been told that we would have to ascend one of these things, so I tried to figure out a way up our approaching dune as we hit the base. I decided to go straight up it and painstakingly moved up the powdery sand, stopping a few times to catch my breath or avoid falling backward. Once I got to the top, I took a quick second to look back at what we had covered so far. No time to stop, so we quickly hit the next checkpoint (same protocol - clean the sand out of your shoes, fill your water bottles) and were off. By this time it was late afternoon and we were over half-way complete with the stage. Knowing we didn't have much daylight, Darren and I booked it across this next stage, which was mostly flat and sandy. Night caught us mid-stage, so we broke out the headlamps and continued on our way. At night, the course is illuminated with glow sticks every 100 meters or so (flags during the day) so requires you to get a sight line and then look down at each step as carefully as you can so you don't trip (which I did plenty of:). Finally, a flashlight shone in the distance and we had hit CP 4. Only 2 stages left. Darren and I broke out our hats and jackets (a strong wind appears each night like clockwork) and made our way back onto the route which was mostly rocky road. By now we had been in constant motion for 12 hours and I was just trying to keep it together by engaging in thought (counting steps, singing songs to myself, thinking about my dog, etc.). Nothing to do but move forward. Finally at 10 p.m. or so we hit the final checkpoint where we were told that hot water would be available so we could eat. I made a cup of Ramen and cleaned out my shoes as I let it cool. My socks were completely brown from the sand and I had a nice hole developing in one of them. After the Ramen (delicious!), we were told it was 6 miles or so through a valley (which more accurately resembles canyons) back to camp. One of the volunteers used the word "bouldering" in describing the final stage, which is the last word you want to hear after 40 miles. We took off into valley and trudged our way across the winding sand roads. The stars were in full sight overhead, which is an amazing sight, but my enjoyment was altered by the pain in my legs and the miles that remained. This part of the course at night resembled something straight out of a sci-fi movie. The sand appeared to be snow white under our feet and cut a winding course through stone bluffs. We twisted and turned and were greeted by a blinking flashlight which we knew was part of the course that required assistance in crossing. We came upon a ledge and saw nothing but darkness below. A volunteer told us to follow her steps and she crossed a side wall and safely to the other side of the dry hole. Darren and I did the same (and laughed about how bad it would be to fall into that hole so late in the run) and continued on the dusty path. It was well past one a.m. at this point. We were moving as quickly as we could, but it took considerable effort to scale rocks or descend a sharp point of the trail. My legs were on fire and all I could think about was the tent. Finally the trail widened and we knew we were close. Heads down, we forged on for fifteen or so painful minutes and the next thing we knew, our lamps illuminated Racing the Planet flags that signaled our arrival. We were a bit shocked because every other day we had seen camp way off in the distance and walked several long miles afterwards to get to it. Camp was, though, right here and for a second I don't think either of us believed it. Darren and I made our way across the finish line and exchanged a smile that contained a million words, before we drug our weary bones back into the tent and fell asleep. 
 
Now we are enjoying a rest day before our final 8 km trot into San Pedro and the conclusion of this race. Everyone is battered but in great spirits and a camaraderie exists in camp that is quite amazing to share. I am absolutely filthy, exhausted, sun-burned and weakened, but have had a huge smile on my face all day long. I look forward to seeing everyone soon!
 
 
Danny       

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 04 Apr 2009 05:00 am

You are awesome, danny. Great Job. We can't wait for you guys to get back. Nice Job.

Posted On: 04 Apr 2009 02:56 am

Danny - Your descriptions are incredible. What an enduring spirit you have!! We've been thinking about and praying for you...hope your final day goes well! Love, Kathryn

Posted On: 04 Apr 2009 02:55 am

Great job. Congratulations.

Posted On: 04 Apr 2009 01:40 am

.D. J.,What an amazing marathon. we are so proud of you and Darren Your puppy will be in Austin to greet you Sunday SO tHANKFUL IT IS OVER AND YOU WERE TRIUMPHANT So grateful to the Lord for helping you through and bringing you and Darren home safely, God's speed,we love you and are so proud of your adventurous spirit and perserverance See you Sun. Love Mom and Dad.,

Posted On: 04 Apr 2009 01:04 am

i'm so proud of y'all. it gave me great joy to see on the result page this morning that y'all finished together. oh my gooness, y'all are incredible!!!!! AMAZING. i can't wait to hear every detail. waiting patiently in ausitn..... well waiting anyway.

02 April 2009 09:26 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Nothing about this day was easy! We lost quite a few competitors today (3 from our tent, which is very unfortunate) and all are very glad to have it behind us. We started across miles of sand dunes, then waded through a muddy creek in a valley before ascending to more dunes and a marathon stretch across a lifeless desert to an oasis that stationed checkpoint 2. From the beginning, my knee (tendonitis) was giving me problems and impaired me from running. I found a semi-comfortable gait and strode it out. The third stretch was a trek across the infamous salt flats. These are crusty salt formations that are either razor sharp or crumble under your step and are pure misery to cross. We covered 13 km of this terrain over many hours and it was an extremely punishing experience. I stayed with a small group during this, which made the experience pass much quicker. After we emerged from the flats, glorious checkpoint 3 beckoned in the distance. From there it was a steady 4 miles across off-road terrain into camp. All said, the day was over 26 miles, 10 hours and easily the hardest yet. Fortunately, my feet feel pretty good (small blisters only) and my shoes are still intact, though the tread is gone. Now I am back in camp and just enjoying not moving. I ate a great meal and paid a visit to the medical tent for some tape. Too, someone just gave me a few gummy worms which were delicious (amazing what tastes good out here:). After this post, I plan to make some hot chocolate and call it a night. Tomorrow is the final hard day (40 plus miles), so we are really looking forward to the other side. I might get in late tomorrow eve, so will be sending out an update on Friday (our rest day before the final 10 km into San Pedro). Thanks again to all who are reading this and know that your support means everything.
 
Danny  

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 03 Apr 2009 03:33 pm

When is the next update? I feel as though I have run a couple of miles just reading your blogs...

Posted On: 03 Apr 2009 02:37 pm

Dan, your ongoing strength and perseverence is inspirational to us all. I have been thinking of you and Darren all week and am so impressed by your will to complete this race. Get some rest today and take many pictures of the 6 mile stroll tomorrow. -JB

Posted On: 03 Apr 2009 04:06 am

keep truckin Dan, youre almost there. just remember tomorrow will be one of the most rewarding days of your life. leigh says she wont go into labor until she knows yall have made it!

Posted On: 02 Apr 2009 11:35 pm

Keep going!!!

Posted On: 02 Apr 2009 08:17 pm

Dan! You are truly the man. Hang in there and keep your eyes on the prize. I look forward to hearing all about it when you return to civilization!

Posted On: 02 Apr 2009 07:36 pm

Danny, I love the blog it sound terrible out there! Despite the missery you are indurring it sounds like over all you are doing well. I cant wait to hear the stories when you get back. Keep up the good work > good luck with the 46er, almost home!

Posted On: 02 Apr 2009 04:36 pm

Danny! You are amazing! Loved your post- you sound determined and calm and like your body is holding up nicely! Congratulations on this amazing journey so far- I am thinking of you and everyone today. Hang in there!! You can do this!! All the best, Darren's sister.

31 March 2009 07:52 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Glad to have this stage completed! Although we are only half done with our total mileage, we only have 2 really hard running days ahead (one of which is 40 plus miles) so many look forward to getting on the other side of Stage 3. The day began in a rough way with a trek through waist high grass. The stage leaders mowed a pretty good route, so the rest of us just followed behind their hard work. After a few miles we hit an ATV type trail that made for good running. Most of this event has crossed such harsh terrain that pure running opportunities have been rare. So it felt good to be able to cover some ground and Darren and I both covered the first two stages (half of the total day) in great time. Then we were warned about the approaching terrain. Stage 3 was brutal! It was flat but the ground was a strange mixture of salt, rock, mud and grass that was either hard or extremely soft depending on the luck of each step. All you could do was look straight down and watch every other step sink beneath the earth only to raise it out and hope the next would be secure. This stretch continued for about 6 Km and then the ground turned into soft sand (the type of terrain I imagine a desert to be). Sand terrain is beautiful to look at, but running in it requires twice the effort for each step. Finally, I trudged up to Checkpoint 3 (the end of this particular stretch - one more awaited) and was side by side with a man from the UK who turned to me and poignantly stated that the terrain we had just passed would break a few hearts. Hopefully it won't (and thankfully it didn't break my own), but I can definitely see how it could. The last stretch was a 7 mile trek across sand dunes. At one point we crossed over an oasis which was definitely a cool sight to behold. We crossed over dune after dune after dune until finally the tents (home!) beckoned in the distance. All in all I feel fortunate to be in a somewhat decent state all things considered. My blisters and pains (aside from extreme soreness) are managable and I generally have a good time each day until mile 16 or so hits. Then it is just pain and suffering until camp. So I am happy to be in beautiful camp overlooking sand dunes and looking forward to dinner and a cup of hot chocolate (nightly treat:). Hope all is well wherever you are!
 
Danny 

Comments: Total (9) comments

Posted On: 03 Apr 2009 12:32 am

Dan Dan, So very proud of you and your endurance on this tedious run,we have been praying for you and Darren to have a safe trip. Darsey Blue is so cute and has been a great grand dog. Chica and Stinks love him. May God help you and your group to finish this challenge and to bring yo home safely. Love , Mom and Dad

Posted On: 02 Apr 2009 03:32 am

wow. you guys are unreal. i'm just speechless. i hope God gives you guys the strength to get through stage 4! leigh just told me to remind her of these blogs while she is in labor so she won't feel sorry for herself. i think that says it all

Posted On: 01 Apr 2009 09:53 pm

Dan Man, you make pregnancy look like a walk in the park!!! WOW!!! What a day stage 3 was. I can hardly wait to hear how stage 4 is...although scared is more like it. We are so proud of you and Darren. And glad you both are still in one piece!!! Keep up the hard work. Think there is HUGE pressure now to make the return party a smashing hit... knowing now what all you guys went through. But we are cheering from a far!!!! Get back to Austin safe. xoxo

Posted On: 01 Apr 2009 09:25 pm

What an update! That was a hell of a journey. Good luck in the 40 mile beast Stage tomorrow. We look forward to the update. Your Stage 3 update motivated me to head out to Town Lake and fight through one lap around the 3-mile loop.

Posted On: 01 Apr 2009 05:13 pm

Hey! So glad to hear you've made it this far and so proud of you. I don't know how we are related, but I hope to have 1/100 of the endurance and strength (and craziness) you have. Love you, praying for you like crazy and can't wait to see you. BE SAFE.

Posted On: 01 Apr 2009 03:52 pm

You are one tough dude. Keep having fun and get back here. We need you....

Posted On: 01 Apr 2009 03:25 pm

A cup of hot chocolate does sound like a treat after that day! You are the man!

Posted On: 01 Apr 2009 05:31 am

Danny, thanks for the update. We're behind you and Darren. Keep the posts coming and safe travels the rest of the way. Reagan

Posted On: 01 Apr 2009 03:35 am

Nice Job, Danny! Your descriptions scare me and I'm sure it is much more brutal than words can describe. Keep it up! We are cheering you on here in Austin. Good Luck tomorrow.

30 March 2009 09:12 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Man, what a day! Extremely difficult and a few were forced to drop out. Most (including myself) didn't get into camp until the afternoon. I am now in camp tending to blisters, making some dinner and just trying to rest up for tomorrow. Today's stage was regarded as the most diverse and took us through river valleys, pure desert terrain and salt flats. The highlights were wading through a half-mile of knee-high water in a river gorge (seriously cold!) and descending a steep sand dune of pure golden sand. Once these stretches passed it was mile after mile of arduous rock/sand that crumpled under every step. I ran where I could, but most of the terrain forces you to just grind it out. I am pleased to be done with 2 stages, but we have nothing but miles ahead. Now, we are camped out by a salt lake so I am looking forward to soaking my feet and getting some sleep. More tomorrow, but please forgive me if these posts get shorter. Pretty tired. Hasta manana!
 
Danny  

 

Comments: Total (15) comments

Posted On: 01 Apr 2009 12:39 am

Wow!!! You rock!!!

Posted On: 01 Apr 2009 12:11 am

Danny, Keep it up. Cannot wait for the next update.

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 08:52 pm

This race and journey you are doing is absolutely amazing. What an incredible accomplishment to even be at this stage of the race! I'll look forward to your continued updates. Thinking of you & routing for you in the days to come!!

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 07:56 pm

Hey Danny!! You're amazing! Have fun and good luck! Take care, Elizabeth :) (Wardlaw's girlfriend)

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 07:27 pm

I thought the Gobbler Tournament was tough - keeping ahead of the younger teams. If you see any turkeys, let us know. You will be the one to make it. You did survive Casey.

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 04:35 pm

Danny- I just talked to Faye and she wants to make sure you pick up those dirty clothes you left on the floor! Keep it up and we are envious of your journey!

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 04:24 pm

Stay focused and take it one stage at a time. Sounds like you are off to a good start and I will look forward to future updates on your journey. Best of luck, my friend.

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 03:27 pm

Incredible stuff congrats to both of y'all for completing 2 more marathons than I ever will complete!. Keep blogging and I'll stuff you full of Pluckers when you get back -- you'll need it!!!

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 03:26 pm

Danny - you're incredible!! Keep it up!! Good luck today!

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 03:16 pm

Keep grinding Dan - i hope things seem to get easier as the days roll on. We're all impressed you've made it this far. Good luck!

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 03:10 pm

Best of luck Dan, what an accomplishment, hang in there...

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 03:10 pm

Way to go, Danny! Very impressive that you even have the strength to type an update at the end of the day. Hang in there and when the going gets tough, just think about all those Chilean women waiting for you on the other side!!

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 03:06 pm

Good luck and keep it up.

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 02:55 pm

Dan, great updates so far. Let us know how the next day goes, and good luck! I'll have an ice cold Dos Equis waiting for you poolside in Austin upon your return. Good luck, and we'll see you back in Austin soon! We're all behind you!

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 02:12 pm

You the man Dan! Keep up the good fight.

27 March 2009 03:41 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago

Greetings from San Pedro de Atacama. After a long night in the Southern Hemisphere skies, I arrived early this morning to this charming, remote desert town that will serve as our home for the night and also as the finish line for the race next Saturday. I am so relieved to report that most of the food items I packed made it through customs in Santiago except for a lone bag of beef jerky (which I hear is quite delicious after many miles spent in the desert sun). Upon confiscating the jerky, the indifferent customs agent asked me if I wanted to watch the jerky be destroyed. I found this to be a somewhat odd, but certainly intriguing request, nevertheless proceeded on my merry way to catch my domestic flight to Calama in Northern Chile (which offers the closest airport to San Pedro and the surrounding Atacama Desert and snow-capped mountains). 

Darren arrived yesterday sans his checked bag which contains a number of his carefully-selected food items. American Airlines owes him big time, but we will definitely make due if the bag does not arrive before the start of the race. We met for coffee at the hotel then decided to take a stroll around the dusty streets of San Pedro, ducking into a timeless, thatched-roof cafe for lunch (serrano ham pizza - delicious). After lunch, we stepped into a few shaded, adobe shops which mostly sold local artisan wares (ponchos, blankets, chess sets, etc.). I purchased a hat prominently featuring a group of llamas and Darren thought he had found the perfect gift for his incredibly understanding wife - a blouse hand-sewn by a local artisan - until we discovered a massive hole in it. We hit a cafe and chatted with a few other race competitors (each of whom already seemed to be grizzled and wise) while sipping cortados and are now back at the hotel ready to pack a week's worth of items into a day-sized backpack. Both of us are in high spirits and ready to roll. We have an 11 a.m. check-in, then will be bussed to our first campsite located somewhere off in the distance,1.5 hours from San Pedro.  The race starts early Sunday morning and right now it can't come soon enough. All in all we feel great, save for a sore knee (me) and sore heel (Darren), but these pains will hopefully be overcome by the enthusiasm that surrounds us and our own personal reasons for doing this thing. I have to get going, but extend a heartfelt thanks to all who have supported us in our preparation for this event. It means the world and will mean even more so in a few days time.

Saludos,

Danny

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 29 Mar 2009 05:54 pm

Hey Danny! Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you and Darren~ y'all are amazing and inspiring. Hang in there and take care of yourself. Love to y'all!! Melanie

25 March 2009 10:51 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Hey all - In the Houston airport right now getting ready to board a flight to Panama City, then Santiago, Chile. After that, I fly due north to Calama and catch a quick bus to San Pedro de Atacama, which is our meeting point for the race. The town sits at the edge of the Atacama Desert and is supposed to be breathtaking. We start running Sunday morning and I am ready to get going. I will continue to post updates on this blog after each stage. 

Saludos,

Danny

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 02 Apr 2009 02:49 am

Danny - What an experience! I am in awe of what you guys are doing! Hang in there and know that there are so many people praying and rooting for you! Run like the wind!

Posted On: 31 Mar 2009 05:04 pm

Amazing stuff Dan. Looking forward to some more updates.

Posted On: 29 Mar 2009 02:43 pm

Danny I pray that certainly you will be kept safe, and and that you have a most memorable experience to share with not only your nephew, but your children and grand children I also pray that you will gain new strength; that you will mount up with wings like eagles, that you will run and not get tired and walk and not become weary. I love you, June Isaiah 40:31

Posted On: 27 Mar 2009 08:37 pm

This sounds more like survival than a race but have a great time - I am not sure how you will have the energy to write but your many supporters will be waiting to hear your daily updates. Good Luck

Posted On: 26 Mar 2009 10:17 pm

Danny wow Katy emailed us about your race! Lane and I are praying for you! I am sure this will be a wonderful & challenging experience! We can't wait to follow with your updates.

Posted On: 26 Mar 2009 07:42 pm

Good luck Danny!!! We'll be thinking about you and praying for a safe journey!

Posted On: 26 Mar 2009 07:38 pm

Be safe. We will be thinking of and praying for you. I look forward to hearing about it.

Posted On: 26 Mar 2009 07:28 pm

Danny - we'll be thinking and praying for you! :) Can't wait to hear about it. Take care! Love, K

Posted On: 26 Mar 2009 07:18 pm

I LOVE YOU!!! Be safe. I'll be praying for you a lot.

Posted On: 26 Mar 2009 06:28 pm

first I pray you safe journey by air, land and foot! secondly take pictures Stay under His mercy jimmy what a trip- are you recruiting down there as well !