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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2007

Tom Gallagher

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Atacama Crossing (2007) blog posts from Tom Gallagher

25 August 2007 01:37 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Hello All,

Today around 1pm I crossed the finish line, received my medal and headed to the soda and pizza table... it is finished!

The story of the day is about kindness and sporstmanship.

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 27 Aug 2007 12:52 pm

The Humanitarian Award! You're the best. An inspiration in so many ways. Cue music with tongue firmly in cheek -- (Bette Midler): "Don't you know you are my hero..." See you soon.

Posted On: 26 Aug 2007 03:10 am

Truly amazing event and accomplishment. Congratulations! Get some well deserved rest.

Posted On: 26 Aug 2007 12:15 am

I've read the blogs , seen the pictures/videos, and have cheered you and the whole group on from this computer. A great experience for you and for all of us who followed the race. What a week and tremendous accomplishment. Incredible on so many fronts. Congrats, Tom.

Posted On: 26 Aug 2007 12:03 am

Tom The red carpet is already out......we are very excited today. Love Mom/Dad

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 09:12 pm

Rest up my good man! Well done. Thursday night you take on the king and there will be no mercy! Congratulations Tom! You have run the good race! Safe travels home!

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 08:50 pm

Tears here,too for the newlyweds and one and all!Heartfelt congratulations from NH!

24 August 2007 09:05 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Hello All,

At just past 1am this morning, I finished the 50-mile March of Death after beginning our day at 7:30 am.

Comments: Total (17) comments

Posted On: 27 Aug 2007 05:02 pm

Tom, Truly a memorable accomplishment! Sam

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 02:47 pm

Terrific...and many congrats!!! Inspiring!

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 01:47 pm

Way to go...Your determination has been amazing! We'll be thinking of you as you cross the finish line.

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 05:16 am

Hi Tom, Thank you so much for your wonderful blog. It has been amazing to follow your journey and you write it with such passion. You are amazing! Lisa (Steve McGrath's sister)

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 03:12 am

Great job Tom! Sleep well and have a memorable finish - you should be very proud of your accomplishment! Sue

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 01:08 am

Awesome finish Tom. What an experience. Home safely, can't wait to see you. Love ya, MM

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 12:28 am

Tom, what a wonderful accomplishment. Have a great day tomorrow! Judy & Paul

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 12:03 am

Now for some desserts! Great job, Tom. Love Mom/Dad

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 09:43 pm

Great job Tom ,now its back to the water enough of derserts at least for now.Talk to you soon .Bill.

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 08:59 pm

Vivat Jesus!

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 08:51 pm

Awesome in every way! I get first dibs on the movie rights! Well done Tom, well done!

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 06:31 pm

AMEN!!

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 06:29 pm

Words fail! Finish strrong!

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 06:27 pm

What an amazing story....I can't wait to hear the rest of it in person someday!!

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 04:53 pm

Extraordinary Tom....Great job..See you when you get home. Good luck tomorrow. Pat

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 04:13 pm

Awesome and remarkable accomplishment! I'm so proud of you! Everyone here in Italy sends you their very best. You've been the talk of our trip, especially when we did our short trek in 96 degree heat exploring the ruins of pompeii. We reminded ourselves of your trek. Can't wait to see you!

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 04:10 pm

Rock on.

22 August 2007 03:34 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Hello All,

Just got in around 5:45pm.... another long day.

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 02:11 pm

Tom, You're doing a great job! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Judy & Paul

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 01:52 pm

Awesome reporting of your experiences. Almost home big guy - stay strong!!

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 12:32 pm

Tom, We're with you all the way! You're doing amazingly well..it is a thrill to "keep up with you!" Continued prayers! My screensaver reminds me each day ,"A journey of one thousand miles begins with one step"

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 04:34 am

Another stage finished. Crunch time is nearing and you’re gaining momentum. “Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance.” You have my permission to use these quotes for Wake Up! Media, Inc. That last 15k, naked, on one leg whistling Dixie should be an Atacama Crossing first! Stay strong…You are doing great!

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 02:32 am

Hey T. Leo, proud of ya Tom. I spoke of you at work today. They couldn't get over what you are doing. Take it easy tomorrow, I know you'll get through it. I went to mass today and prayed the whole mass for you, tomorrow- the same. Love ya, MM

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 12:05 am

Way to go bro! keep the faith. Nothing more than walking 1 mile.... 50 times. Ain't no big thang! GO GET EM!

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 12:02 am

Tom I've got choclate chip cookies for the finish. That's got to help and a few Hail Mary's Love Mom/Dad

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 11:52 pm

Tom, congrats on another impressive day! Tomorrow will be just as impressive. Remember to break down the distance into sections that make the whole - you've done all of these distances already so tackling them as parts of the entire distance tomorrow will help pace you and bring you to the finish. Keep up the excellent effort and strength! Sue

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 11:43 pm

Fantastic Tom. Great attitude. The Big One. The Fifty Miler. You knock this one out,, that last 15k you do naked on one leg whistling dixie. Nice job! Pat

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 10:52 pm

Whoo-hoo! Your are sounding STRONG and that's fantastic. Over the hump and much closer to the finish line. Great job, Tom... Walk/run on... be smart and safe!

21 August 2007 03:33 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Hello All,

Got off the course around 4:30am and went straight to the medical tent to take care of a couple of nails.

Comments: Total (13) comments

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 11:06 pm

Man, Tom this is one hot summer here in Florida.I was so dried out the other day after running I wasnt able to even muster a spit.Tom there isnt anything in this world that cant be done,well maybe catching fish in a desert might be tough.See Ya.Bill.

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 06:18 pm

Tom, just finished reading your blog, great work my man, keep it up!!! Think of how easy walking 18 holes will be after experiencing atacama! got a quote for you, "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious." Vince Lombardi, it's you versus the desert!

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 05:36 pm

You are probably reading this after your trek today. I am sure it was a "doosey". I have to stop thinking about it because my feet are starting to hurt. Keep blogging. and if you keep putting one foot in front of the other, you'll be home!

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 05:08 pm

Tom: Thinking of you and remembering you each day at the Eucharist. be well, fr. joe

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 03:40 pm

Gals, We are following your blogs with much interest and support. Today’s dailygood.org quote was so appropriate to your challenge…“Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance” --Samuel Johnson “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire”…Ferdinand Foch If there is anyone with enough fire within his soul, it’s you. Keep finishing! Great job…Sal & family

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 10:50 am

Your comment about "shedding" touched me to the core. Such presence of mind/heart/soul. Keep it up!

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 01:11 am

Duke sends his best from Camp Carhart. I'm going to bed now so I can run with you tomorrow! Mom

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 12:47 am

We are looking on with awe that such a race is possible and people like you are brave enough to accept the challenge. We had meer- chira- chrome way before you," little cousin..."we just hoped Jerry didn't bring out the I-OW!-Dine! Bompa, Uncle John and Marge are on your team..so proud!

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 12:07 am

Tom: As Roland used to say, "Check your clips Gang"! Check your clips Tom and know that each step is one step closer to home! Go Man GO!!!!!

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 11:22 pm

Uncle Tommy, You're doing great! We keep checking the website and today we found 2 pictures of you with your fellow racers sitting around the campfire. It was great to see you! Get some rest...and good luck tomorrow. Love, The Martins

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 11:08 pm

Awesome-- you're in and safe... stage 3: check.

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 11:00 pm

Tom, I thought of you again today and couldn't wait to read about your success - I enjoyed your note on the "maceer-chrome" smiley face - "maceer-chrome" is something that reminds me of your house growing up - your Mom always had it (and probably still "has it") ready for some scrape or cut - it's a comfort to know it's just not on Carhart that it's ready to be used wherever you are! Keep up your strength and focus - it will keep your feet moving forward 1 step at a time! I'm very proud of you - Love always, Sue

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 11:00 pm

Great job Tom. Get as much sleep as you can. Your blogs are excellent. How you still have a sense of humor I don't know. 3 down. Great job. Pat

20 August 2007 03:50 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)


Hello Family and Friends,

A long day in the office today.

Comments: Total (13) comments

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 08:19 pm

tom, i'm rooting for you and thinking about you!!

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 07:55 pm

Tom. This whole blog thing is cool. We can be transported into your crazy world while sitting comfortably at our computers! Thanks for bringing us along. Keep it up....and don't forget to breath. Namaste.

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 10:47 am

Good to hear you've carried a bit of the Legion with you on the trip. (In retrospect, I hope you'll think that's funny.) I'll be driving down the street here in suburbia and it dawns on me, "Wow, Tom's trekking across the desert." Blows me away every time. U DA MAN, man!

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 02:01 am

AWESOME JOB!!! 2 down...I like what Carol said..."GO,GO,GO..." How is the sherpa holding up?

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 01:59 am

Tom, thinking of you every step up the way - you've got loads of strength within you to keep you moving forward, just keep remembering that - sleep well and have a good day tomorrow.

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 01:33 am

One step at a time big guy! We are with you every step of the way! God speed!

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 01:32 am

Hey Tom were there any trout in that creek you stepped in.Bill

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 12:48 am

Awesome Uncle Tom!! Rest up and good luck tomorrow! We're cheering for you all the way.... The Martins

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 12:46 am

Go Tom Go! Couldn't agree more with Amy V. xx, W.

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 12:19 am

You have amazing courage and vision...Go.. Go..Go! Love, C

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 12:13 am

Excellent job Tom. One day at a time. Two down. Awsome. Pat

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 12:01 am

We hear you......sleep well.

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 11:05 pm

Tom, I'm completely addicted to the "breaking news" ticker this website displays... So thrilled to see your name flash across the page it as you went through stage 2. Keep it up and be safe! --AV

19 August 2007 08:09 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Hello All,

Just back to base camp, stage one - 42k or approx. 26 miles.

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 10:10 pm

Way to go Tom! They say, the first leg is always the hardest! Also, my sense is that nearly capturing the gold in the water balloon contest earlier this month probably set the stage for a strong finish in Chile. And one final thought...just keep telling yourself (in the words of Carly Simon)," I haven't got time for the pain." MEM

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 12:21 pm

Great job, Tom. We are right there with you.

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 11:30 am

Tom, Awesome job! Goodness, forget all reflections of my past cycling challenge-- I've read your re-cap of stage one-- my ride would have been good first quarter training for this race! I'm amazed by your efforts and all those participating. Unreal conditions, and I'm following the race closely-- go for it! AmyV

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 03:57 am

Very cool Tom...Keep on keeping on... Dan

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 03:28 am

You go Thom. I am proud of you. Take care of yourself. I am hoping Mr. I. B. Profen helps you to sleep. Miss ya, MM

18 August 2007 09:06 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 01:48 am

Way to go big cat!! 6 minutes 50 seconds must be record time! 1 down, 5 to go! Well done!

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 12:28 am

Tom, This challenge or yours is bringing back great memories for me-- my bike ride from Montreal to Maine (not nearly as grueling, but certainly a tough 4 days). I'm thrilled you are experiencing this-- it's something your will remember forever. Embrace the pain--it means you are getting further along on your journey. Go for it and focus like only Tom Gallagher knows how! Amy

09 August 2007 03:46 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Really getting excited about the adventure.

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 19 Aug 2007 01:02 am

Hey Tom! AWESOME!!! You will do well...pace yourself...there will always be someone waiting for you at the finish line (where are they going to go??? the local H2O hole?). 2 pcs of advice...don't alwyas be the first to finish everyday...your competitors get resentful ( learned this when I ran the Sahara Race) and also make sure your sherpa gets to bed early everynite!!! Rock on!!! Dan

Posted On: 18 Aug 2007 10:49 pm

Tom, You will do well! We are excited to be sharing this with you, "Our Fam"...Prayers with you of course! Carol/Dick

Posted On: 17 Aug 2007 01:35 pm

Dude, did I see "Gordon Lightfoot" on the list? Just the name alone should get you moving a little faster! Go get 'em. God Bless- Dennis

Posted On: 16 Aug 2007 08:33 pm

Am thinking: The Band's "The Weight" when you strap on the backpack, Dylan's "Forever Young" when you're feeling - well - not so young, and anything by The Dead when you're in the groove for the rest of the race.

Posted On: 16 Aug 2007 05:25 pm

You are the man! Have a safe journey.

Posted On: 16 Aug 2007 12:05 pm

Tom, we are in awe of your participation in this event and will follow you with great excitement! Be sure to stretch. xxx

Posted On: 12 Aug 2007 04:08 pm

Tom, Lots of luck!-Knock 'em dead!-mjor