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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2014

Denis Kelliher

11

Posts

Atacama Crossing (2014) blog posts from Denis Kelliher

12 October 2014 03:11 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Finished in a slow limp over the line but great feeling to be done. We had the party last night which was a blast. Lots of emotions great stories and camraderie. Meaghan was a brilliant volunteer. Now the day after waiting for bus to start trip home. Thanks again for the support and look forward to seeing you all soon Dk

Comments: Total (7) comments

Brent Kappely

Posted On: 14 Oct 2014 09:44 am

Courageous or Stupid...let me think...ok...I will go with the former...well done mate. Still a legend!

Paula Jones

Posted On: 13 Oct 2014 04:27 am

A huge goal achieved !Awesome effort ! - time to look after yourself for a while I'm guessing they will want Meagan at all their events helping in the future! Have a great trip home - well done x

Joe OSHA

Posted On: 13 Oct 2014 03:17 am

Well done Deekers. Sorry that the leg was not more cooperative but you finished. That long day is a tough thing, every time. Congrats and hope to see you in CA or NZ at some point soon. J

Rob Farrell

Posted On: 13 Oct 2014 12:30 am

Well done mate, sounds like you really had to dig deep towards the end there. Expected nothing less. See you back out at the Wormsley soon!

Ash,Jack,LaurieRobin Westcott/Kelliher

Posted On: 12 Oct 2014 08:21 pm

Congratulations on an extraordinary feat of endurance! We are all really looking forward to seeing you both home safe and sound.

David McShane

Posted On: 12 Oct 2014 08:01 pm

Congratulations DK, another huge effort! I can't even begin to comprehend the level of determination (bloody-mindedness) you have displayed to finish. Be very proud of what you have achieved... I know all us couch potatoes sitting at home are. Can't wait to see you both back home and hear all about it. Well done mate.

Donna and Mike Bridgman

Posted On: 12 Oct 2014 07:45 pm

DK we have been slow on the post. Well done - a fantastic achievement! The photos, videos look amazing and great blog. What an event! See you both back home soon, Donna and Mike

10 October 2014 02:03 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well, for those generous people that have donated to aviva take comfort in that you have extracted your pound of flesh. Unfortunately I was reduced to a walk/limp for all the Long day with dodgy leg, which really was not fun limping around being overtaken,and being out on the course for about 18 hours, finishing the stage in 98th place, overall in 64th by the looks of it. The Olympian is killing it out in front with a long lead. Disappointed I couldn’t give it a nudge as was otherwise feeling good, but also pretty happy to actually make it in to be fair, given the leg issues. Doc said at checkpoint 3 shouldn’t do any permanent damage so was a case of suck it up princess and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Another hot full sunshine day here in Atacama , across the salt flats, up one nice big dune in the middle of the day, and then wander under the stars and moon without the headlamp thru the “valley of the moon” which was really surreal - yes it does look like a moonscape... 10 hours of Ricky Gervais, Stephen merchant and Karl Pilkington podcasts helped bear the burden during the day, and Skeptics guide to the universe in the evening….. had to traverse across more of that frozen broccoli which you really need your wits around you for. Harmony ( Stephen) continues his fine form finishing in aroud 20th, although I am asking for a stewards inquiry….we are in camp today and have maybe 10k to the finish line tomorrow where I am dying for a salad of some description that evening. Megs was on the penultimate checkpoint 6 and can you believe it, was asleep when I arrived… to be fair it was midnight and shed been up since 5 am…. She did get up on say hello tho. Thanks for all your comments and emails - now heading back to tent for a snooze. Kids you are on icing duty when I get home - there’s not lot of that out here in the desert Cheers, dk

Comments: Total (9) comments

Hayden Stockdale

Posted On: 12 Oct 2014 11:01 am

What an awesome effort. Even more so given the injury. I bet the first beer will go down very nicely. Looking forward to hearing all the details.

Fiona Binnion

Posted On: 12 Oct 2014 06:18 am

Sounds horrendous, but we are very proud you are still going! The Binnions xxx

Bernie O'fagan

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 07:35 pm

What an effort Tough head mate very well done

Bernie O'fagan

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 07:35 pm

What an effort Tough head mate very well done

Nic Farrell

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 06:47 pm

Hard to comprehend what you guys are doing. Sounds like a long hard day but awesome achievement to keep going with such pain. Great work!!

Nic Farrell

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 06:46 pm

Hard to comprehend what you guys are doing. Sounds like a long hard day but awesome achievement to keep going with such pain. Great work!!

Adam C

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 10:31 am

Well done. Never fun when things break down. Nearly there now.....

Rob Campion

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 07:16 am

Well done champ. You need to make up a 'mere' 5.5 hours over the remaining 9km to run to your age (as niffy suggested). Better get your jet shoes on!!! Looking forward to catching up when you back. Proud of you mate Rob

Laurie, Robin Westcott

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 05:24 am

Relieved to know you made it! Laurie suggests you walk the last 10k backwards, might undo some of the damage. Kids at Flyn's bday celebration. Icing duty.. well they would both be keen if it was cake you wanted. There is probably not a lot of that out in the desert either.

08 October 2014 02:11 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Rough day

Comments: Total (13) comments

Rob Campion

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 01:15 am

DK, we all waiting for the blog update post the long day.......I doubt there much to do in the atacama desert so would you pull your finger out!!!

Sue mayne

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 09:36 pm

Such an awesome job. Loving reading the blog, keep it coming. Keep the meds going and hang in there. Hope meaghan enjoying her "holiday", boy u know how to treat a lady. Puts my living in the garage for reno in prespective. Well impressed. xxx

David Grosse

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 08:53 pm

top effort on the long day old bean. respect. enjoy the final few KMs, beer n pizza. Cheers dg

Eva Stockdale

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 12:15 pm

Hey DK. I am just so blown away by your grit and determination. It's a big effort to go to for a bit of attention! It all sounds absolutely amazing - the views, the terrain, the fatigue..... How you tap In to those reserves and stick at it. Good on you! And Meaghan for supporting. I'm sure these memories will last a lifetime. Thinking of you enjoying the full moon. Hope your injury improves. X eva

Andrew Perkins

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 10:59 am

Yes, agree with Natalia, take his poles away...!

Julie McCloy

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 12:49 am

Hey Denis, just reading your blog - best of luck with the damaged ankles and that big day you have ahead. I hope you survive it OK. Thanks for your support of Aviva - I see you are at $2950!! I am going to push you to the $3000 mark.Keep on slogging and thanks again!!

David Grosse

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 12:55 pm

See - i told you going slow was the appropriate approach. One pace is all that is needed. Good effort old bean - i am sure you will tough out the long day. Best regs. dg

Hayden Stockdale

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 12:29 pm

Wow DK that's a super impressive effort. Only 2 more days to go mate. Turn up the Air Supply and it'll be over before you know it.

Ash,Jack,Robin,Lauri Kelliher, Westcott

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 08:09 am

Please treat your tibialis tendons with respect - not easy on the long day. Maybe commandeer the Bradshaw poles. Laurie back with us after 5 days in Mudgee. Sue now on morphine only, no sustenance. All fine in Chch

Megan Stewart

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 06:43 am

Hey mate, you are doing awesum, I a, M jealous as, this is my favorite race....such a god damn awesum place. Keep it up, slowly but surely wins the race.... Day 5 we nearly got struck by lighten Ning, ha, sort of makes ya run faster ah!!. Load your car Bs tomorrow, it is a real slog but you will get there my friend, go hardl and go well, it is nearly done. And you are sooo Lucky to have your wife there. Proud ov ya mate, Kia kaha Meg's

Rob Campion

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 06:03 am

DK. Hang tough mate. Just the back to back marathon to go!!! Maybe slip your sleeping bag into meaghans things!!!

Joe OSHA

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 05:26 am

One more long pull and you are done.

natalia watkins

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 05:12 am

I'm suprised you haven't taken Harmony's poles already....certainly a small hole in his mattress would be totally appropriate. You've got no choice but to suck up the pain and to take max painkiller allowance. Love what Erin's doing - puts everything into perspective. Hope meaghan's going well and hang in there today.

07 October 2014 02:07 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Whats with all the sand. Tough day today, really difficult terrain. Picture endless miles of judder bars with frozen broccoli and cauliflower on top of them and you have salt crud. Oh and sand. Lots of it. I was running with harmony , my tentmates nickname, doing run 50 steps, walk 50 steps, until it all got a bit too much after checkpoint 2 and I had to slow it down as day got hotter.So i finished in 43rd place today in 7;20 or so. Very hot afternoon, mid to high 30

Comments: Total (11) comments

David McShane

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 08:36 pm

Keep up the fantastic effort DK. Inspirational. Looking forward to seeing you climb up that leaderboard as the young bulls fall by the wayside. And remember, as the saying goes "You're only as old as you feel" And right now you probably feel like a nice cold Heineken - founded in 1864, which makes you a nice round 150 yrs old.

Emma Roocroft

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:01 pm

Huge respect for what you are doing DK - fingers and toes crossed that you finish. So nice of Niffy and Campion to give you words of encouragement from the sidelines!!!!

Emma Roocroft

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:00 pm

Huge respect for what you are doing DK - fingers and toes crossed that you finish. So nice of Niffy and Campion to give you words of encouragement from the sidelines!!!!

Cathy Mullin

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:00 pm

Watching with interest from HK! If you go a bit faster tomorrow you might come across my mate Emily! She's only 6th overall! Seriously, well impressed... Keep digging deep!!

Rob Campion

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 10:34 am

DK. I think Niffy was trying to be encouraging with his post but I just interpret this as him calling you an old bugger!!! I was getting concerned with your lack of photo coverage......having now seen the all white one piece I can see why they might have overlooked you....and don't get me started on the usain bolt pose!!! Going great mate.....stay safe Rob and Meegan!! Ps; ditch the sleeping bag!!!

Brian Canniffe

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 10:25 am

DK - fantastic effort so far. Steady she goes. There will not be many in the race that can beat their age with their finishing position!! Niffy

Connell & Alex Weston

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 09:43 am

Huge effort DK, Keep those laces double knotted! Nice cold beer waiting at Misceos on your return.

Catherine Chapman

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 05:31 am

Looking sharp DK. We'll have a cold beer waiting for you back home. Cat & Chris.

Jack, Ash, Robin Kelliher, Westcott

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 05:03 am

Oh no, not a strained extensor hallucis longus? Of course with a name like that it could all be in the mind - who could be blamed for hallucinating after a long day of extensive exertion at 40deg! Seriously, I hope the damage isn't too bad and that your anti inflammatory and pain killers do the trick. Jack's instructor owes him a chocolate bar. He confidently bet Jack couldn't complete a challenge he set. Ash happy with some new clothes. Love to competitor and staff member from the 3 of us.

natalia watkins

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 04:58 am

So what are you doing without Adam for company? Is anyone else in matching white lycra? And for that matter, is it still white - or a sandy sludgy colour by now? Think you need a little David Bowie in that landscape - Spiders from Mars?

Joseph Osha

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 04:58 am

Fantastic finish! I think you're going to start seeing your position improve now that the rabbits are starting to drop. Reading your comments carefully for insight into next year. Hang in there!!

06 October 2014 04:28 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Urrgh, coming into he finish line listening to pink floyds

Comments: Total (3) comments

Rob Campion

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 11:39 am

I have read many of the other blogs and checkpoint 3 does get a number of positive mentions!!! Going well mate. I am interested to know who is carrying your food in my absence!! Look forward to reading up on your progress tomorrow!! Stay safe

adam C

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 10:07 am

Grrrrr. Go get 'em Tiger. Forget the kisses, how about the sneaky food? Hope you are enjoying it all and Westie is holding up well..... Right off to run home via Violent Hill and the Twins in preparation for my inconesequential OTW.

Jack, Ash, Robin Kelliher/Westcott

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 07:04 am

You always tell us to share, Dad, why not sneaky kisses all round? Glad you didn't drop, except into bed. Take care of your tootsies love from us all

05 October 2014 02:51 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Day one started very chilly, couldn

Comments: Total (8) comments

Cara Dallamora

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 12:59 pm

Good luck to you, dk. Sending all good thoughts and better lamb meals. Will donate to Aviva today. xo Cara

Andrew Perkins

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 02:13 am

DK, hope all is well I NZ, you were just moving there when we met in Jordan. Glad to see you and Harmony are getting through it pretty well, haven't seen Harmony's blog but I guess he will sort it out. Wish I was with you guys doing Atacama, have signed up for one in Bhutan next year. Will be following the progress. Cheers Andrew

Adam C

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 11:53 pm

Good job DK. You know what you always say, the first day's the hardest ..... until the second day. I know you will deal with the wet feet well with your patent foot drying technique.....

david Grosse

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 08:15 pm

Good effort DK old bean. Sorry i cannot be there to act as your pacer. I hope you havn't got Megan taking secret supplies for you - like the hair net. And please tell me you are not wearing white spandex pants again. dg

Rob Campion

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 08:01 am

Dude, ditch the sleeping bag.....it clearly slowing you down!! Good start mate.......

ash kelliher

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 07:22 am

dad, I meant....NOT one big blister. love you dad and good luck xoxox ash :)

ash kelliher

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 07:19 am

dad, I hope you are feeling good about your race tomorrow. I sincerely hope you come back as.....well.... one big blister. love you dad and good luck xoxox ash :)

Shazza Grosse

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 05:43 am

Sounds like you had a good and made a great start. Of course nothing less expected! Well done and enjoy the lark. I'd get Meaghan onto the "full English" to accompany that morning coffee. All the best for Stage 2. Shazza

04 October 2014 02:42 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Well after a few airport dramas( picture a personal best pushing a trolley betwwen Auckland domestic and international terminals, and an afternoon evening in santiago airport) we made it to san pedro after a marathon trip. We are now at camp one set in hills at 3,300m. clear and warm during the day but going to be chilly tonight. The air is very dry something like 8% humidity. So tomorrow is a 35 km day, will be taking it easy. There are some very fit looking people here. Ten people in our tent, and the banter has started already. Meaghan has settled into her volunteer role quickly. Shes manning checkpoint one tomorrow, so hopefully up early to make me a coffee. Well retiing to the tent to tape the shoulders and a few toes. A bit nervous, just have to get hydration and food intake going smoothly. Big shout out to jack and ash!! dk

Comments: Total (4) comments

Fiona Binnion

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 12:59 am

Run well Mr DK, and love to Meaghan. I hope to see photos of you clad in white Lycra! The Binnions x

Robin westcott

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 08:08 pm

Despite your knowledge of the remedial nature of Nutella and TimTams, you obviously left them behind. Ah well, can't be wasted. No mention of you as first or last so "Steady as She Goes". Listen to the helmsman, the Raconteurs beat didn't seem rapid enough for the early stages.

Joseph Osha

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 05:51 pm

Good luck dude! Stephanie and I will be watching your progress. Love to Meghan. J

Hayden Stockdale

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 12:01 pm

So that's the idea - you go half way around the world and up a big mountain pretending to do some long run thingy when you're just sitting around with your wife, taking in the scenery, ordering coffee and clad in lycra. Sounds like a normal Sunday morning to me. Did she bring you the papers in bed?

23 September 2014 05:23 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

The bag is packed and I

Comments: Total (3) comments

Adam Ski

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 12:28 am

Go get 'em, Killer. Don't forget the magic properties of you white and silver compression tights........ Wish I was there with you and a big hello to Mrs K

Miguel Sagastume

Posted On: 23 Sep 2014 05:54 pm

Good choice of music!

Miguel Sagastume

Posted On: 23 Sep 2014 05:54 pm

Good choice of music!

02 August 2014 10:07 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Well, training is going somewhat slow- getting out in the weekends running up the waimak river bed, a few overnight runs up in the foothills, which has been good fun, and fitting in a few runs with the backpack around Hagley park. Given what is going to be a lack of supreme fitness I'm debating taking poles this time. I took them on two previous events and didn't on two others. Will see how we go over the next two months. It's hard getting out in the evenings after work in the dark cold winter days of Chch so looking at ramping it up now On a positive note I will be taking this opportunity to raise funds for Aviva, formerly Chch Womens Refuge. Will post more details nearer the race start. Have met Simon Huntley who is a Brit living in Chch who is also doing atacama. So that's two of us coming from nz for the race!! The missus meaghan who is coming as a volunteer is also in training. Of the vocal kind. Working on all kinds of epithets varying from. " you're doing great ,not far to go!" To " do you need your bottles filled?" to " get out of the bloody chair and get moving!. I think the last one may be meant for me....... "

Comments: Total (4) comments

Andrea Williams

Posted On: 19 Sep 2014 04:22 pm

Denis, you are a bloody nutter, seriously. I also think that Westie has lost her marbles as how can anyone go for 7 days without a shower? You must really like white lycra and Westie must really like seeing you in it - whatever floats your respective boats! Good luck my friend - we'll keep an eye on your progress. xx

Andrea Williams

Posted On: 19 Sep 2014 04:22 pm

Denis, you are a bloody nutter, seriously. I also think that Westie has lost her marbles as how can anyone go for 7 days without a shower? You must really like white lycra and Westie must really like seeing you in it - whatever floats your respective boats! Good luck my friend - we'll keep an eye on your progress. xx

Andrea Williams

Posted On: 19 Sep 2014 04:22 pm

Denis, you are a bloody nutter, seriously. I also think that Westie has lost her marbles as how can anyone go for 7 days without a shower? You must really like white lycra and Westie must really like seeing you in it - whatever floats your respective boats! Good luck my friend - we'll keep an eye on your progress. xx

Megan Stewart

Posted On: 12 Aug 2014 01:27 am

Hey mate, how zit all going???, take the poles !!!!, very useful for one big mutha sand dune, you been getting any altitude training in?, head to the hills, it will be worth it, all the best, Meg's

15 May 2014 12:25 pm (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

So have started to ease into some training. Well, ease meant off running the Heaphy Track in N/W Sth Island of NZ. Its one of NZ's "Great Walks". About 80k. Had great weather, unusual for that part of the world. Only saw 6 other people on the whole track though. Finished in 12 hours, pretty damn sore by the end of that, which brings back all those wonderful memories of previous 4Desert Events. Am going to try some Bikram yoga to get some heat acclimatisation given the Kiwi Winter, and also splashed out on a new Aarn backpack - at least for training anyway. Check them out. http://www.aarnpacks.com/#!marathon-magics/cav0

Comments: Total (4) comments

DK Kelliher

Posted On: 30 Jul 2014 11:52 pm

yeh get into it mate - im heading over for sure, training going kinda slow so will be a bit of Lets Wing It race - wife is a volunteer

Stephen Bradshaw

Posted On: 22 Jul 2014 04:59 am

Hi DK, I did hear that the 4th in the Egg n Spoon race was under investigation after a dodgy drugs test mate !! Hope all is well .... U still heading out there ?? I see Nat\'s name has disappeared from the entry list !! Just had a foot injury but seems to be healing up so might try and sneak a late entry in .. Hope to see you out there minus the snake this time !! Harmony

Megan stewart

Posted On: 29 Jun 2014 01:08 pm

Hey there, you dont know me but I am a 4 deserts nutter as well, and the atacama is just wicked..... if i can help with any prep or you have any questions just give me a yell mate. cheers megs

Sam F

Posted On: 15 May 2014 12:29 am

What amazing options you have for training - that trail sounds awesome.

16 March 2014 06:48 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

So finally signed up for more mirth and merriment. Meaghan ( wife) coming as volunteer/personal massage therapist. Now to get some training in over the next few months, dust off the race gear, check if last races colours are still fashionable, try and stitch gaiters on myself without any visits to A&E, try out different noodle brands, hell maybe even clean the sleeping bag from last time, look for a liteweight hair product, check out bulk discount options with Hammer, enamour myself with extortionate pricing of supplies here in NZ (Hello RTP SHOP!!!). With the race coming out of a NZ winter, the heat acclimatisation will be interesting. Have checked out the local Council gym and yup there's a sauna, so sign me up for a 20 visit discount pass please ma'am. Having entered previous events being based out of HK heat training was never really an issue, nor hill training. So do have hills in ChCh, a little further to get to, but not too bad. Of more concern is why everything from the hips down seems to ache more and more, and gets that way in a shorter time....and takes longer to go away. That'd be old age says Meaghan - Wow so supportive...Thanks I also really want to avoid Alien abduction as the race location looks like a perfect place for this to happen again, so open to suggestions on this...

Comments: Total (3) comments

Rob Farrell

Posted On: 17 Mar 2014 04:25 am

Awesome, need a house sitter while you and Meag's are hiking? - Party Boy

DK Kelliher

Posted On: 17 Mar 2014 03:09 am

oh man, the vacuum packed lamb roast 3 course dinner and fresh bacon and egg breakfast with waffles might have to be rescheduled then as well....

Sam Fanshawe

Posted On: 16 Mar 2014 06:51 am

DK, I think you've made a typo in the blog title. Don't you mean "Highway to Heaven"? Looking forward to having Meaghan on the volunteer team but think I need to give her the code of conduct before you lead her astray further. An important point "no preferential treatment can be offered to any competitor". Looking forward to seeing you both in Chile.