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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2007

Kristian Smith

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Atacama Crossing (2007) blog posts from Kristian Smith

24 August 2007 07:22 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Take 2 - the first draft didn't save and the queue is growing for the computer so I will have to be quick.

Started in two groups yesterday.

Comments: Total (12) comments

Posted On: 29 Aug 2007 06:56 pm

Hurry up!! I want to see pics of the injuries or i think that you are just bluffing!!!! Em thinks you are way cool!! strange girl!!! well done buddy spk to you soon

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 01:15 pm

Dont know if I have missed the punch somewhat, but good luck with the last sprint! sounds like a mighty effort to get to this stage. I still maintain you are nuts, but an impressive nutty acheivement all round...! Enjoy your trip home. Stretch well before the plane - cramp on there can be a bitch! Al

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 01:31 am

I AM SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!!! Stay focused and cross that line you crazy fool!! ~(A-Team, motivation) having a glass of wine on you!! Pre-empting your sucess already, sorry! Love you x x x P.S If you don't think you can make the last bit bribe a shepard into lending you his lama!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted On: 25 Aug 2007 12:41 am

Excellant work Kristian---I hear daily updates from Louise ----- From Darwin to Chile -----Cheers & well done !--- keep on going --

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 10:21 pm

Hi Kristian. Well done! You're really 'cooking on gas' now. Keep it up.....the end is in sight. Three cheers! Love you.....X

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 10:17 pm

Wonderful --well done Kristian ---Told you Forrest Gump had nothing on you!! great that we can look at the photos as you trek --Good luck for the last stage---enjoy the beers!! Love, x

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 09:07 pm

Well done Kristian. I'm afraid I've missed most of it being stuck in a different desert but have read back through your blogs now I'm home and it certainly sounds no mean feat! Look forward to hearing all about it and seeing the photos!! Love, Ab xxx

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 08:32 pm

Fantastic effort K, I knew you could do it, just keep up the concentration for the last bit. That pizza and beer is gonna taste soooo good. Looking forward to seeing you back safely. X

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 07:06 pm

Well done you, you have done so so well...I am so relieved to hear you made it safely through that stage, just take it easy tomorrow! Love you and am so proud! x

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 05:43 pm

WOW Kristian - That's terrific. Been waiting all day (and last night ) to get this news - Well done....... Just don't trip up on the final "sprint" tomorrow....... Good luck.... Will be online watching for the final result...... And on the case regarding changing your flight, can't do anything until the morning. Love you lot's & wish I was there to watch you cross the finishing line XXX

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 04:16 pm

Awesome effort - it's all cocktails and cigars from here (if you're indulging again that is...)

Posted On: 24 Aug 2007 03:45 pm

Wow! Rather impressive i must say. Have been showing my workmates the photos, they cant quite believe it. The end is nigh...

22 August 2007 02:56 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Firstly, thanks for all your comments and emails - most of them are helpful and all bring a smile... Thanks!

Over a hundred miles completed now with only a 40 miler tomorrow and the last stage is literally a hop, step and a jump.

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 29 Aug 2007 08:02 am

Congratulations Kristian from all your family in Southport. Well done on your fine achievement - now have a good rest .... and a few beers! Cheers, Katharine et al.

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 10:08 pm

Sounds good, Kristian, bet you could sink a few beers. All our friends are following your progress....so we wallow in reflected glory! Keep right on to the end of the road........Love you lots.

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 08:26 pm

Well done brother, get through tomorrow and youve done it. I knew those fat reserves would come in handy sometime! Well done

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 03:29 pm

Off to devon with Jess to look for my cottage project so will be thinking of you lots. Keep going you're well over halfway and if DW was anything to go by you've cracked it mentally now.. . ! X

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 01:30 pm

Mate - I imagine you're going to be buggered by the time you've finished today...just think of all those awesome restaurants in Santiago...

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 01:08 pm

Just eaten a brie and rocket sarie and it was yummy!! if you get really hungry you could eat the scabs on your feet and rehydrate on your blisters!! or maybe not!! ha ha. Every one is rooting for you bro!! You go, go go!! Love you x x x

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 11:19 am

Full English breakfast, shoulder massage, foot rub, anything- just finish in one piece!!! You are so close now, keep up the excellent pace and look after yourself in the dark on stage 5! I'm with you all the way x

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 07:28 am

You`re going from strength to strength ---well done---good luck for the next stage---You Can Do it---with you all the way xx

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 03:57 am

Just so you dont feel completely alone in this K, my wrist is a bit sore after my fly fishing exploits this morning, and I also swallowed a bit of seawater earlier whilst snorkelling. I feel your pain bud. Al

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 10:51 pm

Oh WELL DONE - 26th place that's great news.... After today I take it you won't be sprinkling salt on your full English!! Keep up the good work - you've broken the back of this now, just the "March of Death" & a hop skip & a jump as you call it. I'll be glad to see your blog after the next leg - Be safe - love you lots xxx

21 August 2007 03:06 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

I woke this morning and felt relatively good and managed to set a good pace for the first two legs, although the terrain suited me as it was mostly tracks.

Comments: Total (11) comments

Posted On: 23 Aug 2007 09:54 pm

Couldn't find Stage 3 until after Stage 4 so...better late than never! You're doing fine and our thoughts are with you every day. Love, X

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 07:23 pm

Its good to hear how well your doing Son and im very proud of you. I wouldnt want to be in your shoes, but i wish i was there with you. Good luck for tomorrow, looking forward to hear the update. Best wishes, Dad and Danuta. p.s. Danuta wants to know if you want some jam?!

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 07:22 pm

Not sure about your new best friend. You sounded extremely weary last night ... But today you'll be over the half way mark - You CAN do it I know you can. The conditions sound absolutely horrendous - Big question - Are you going to do a repeat run next year with Jess? It would certainly be a different way to spend your honeymoon!!! Can't wait to hear all about it - Love you lots XX

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 06:44 pm

Come on you big girls blouse...stop whinging and get on with it!!! Lets do curry and beer when/if you get back!!! Ray x

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 06:29 pm

Ash: Failure is not an option and dreading achieves nothing! Stiff upper lip and all that... Amy C: Really impressed with what you have achieved Kristian. Remember you cant let your fans let down x

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 03:55 pm

All sounds decidedly unpleasant to me, well done you for keeping focused. I know your bloody minded competitive edge will get you through. Thinking of you and looking forward to having a beer together when you get back. X

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 03:46 pm

Another piece on you in the "Echo" Keep up the good work - You're doing great.........

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 02:50 pm

Stage 4 doesn't sound pleasant! Hope that determined streak keeps pulling you through! Keep smiling...great pic of you in stage 3! Love you x

Posted On: 22 Aug 2007 10:42 am

I can`t keep track of this huge time difference between Oz & you !-- but each morning I awake to read your blogs & again I`m so proud of what you are achieving --amazing work Kristian---Go Go Go xx

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 11:14 pm

where's your pipe and cherry tobacco when you need it??

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 10:14 pm

Well done you, I can't even begin to imagine how tough it must be, I am still concerned about all those crusty salt plains or whatever they're called! Go for it! V & O

20 August 2007 03:32 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Apologies for the short blog last night.

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 08:43 pm

Hey Chin - Following this race has become addictive! Studying the results page I can even tell who your running buddies are! Hope today's stage has gone well....... Hope you've managed to take some photo's, the scenery looks stunning. Keep up the good work XXX

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 07:17 pm

It felt like 36miles, just wait until you do the 50miles...so wouldnt moan too much just yet! I know you can do it i have every confidence in you finishing the race. Love D & D

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 07:03 pm

Mental and physical discipline should get you there; Failng that... plod on mindlessly or get a piggey back! Well done, keep up the impressive work.

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 05:53 pm

It feels like I'm coming out in sympathy blisters but not sure I'd go as far as having my toe drilled!. Keep up the good work K, I'm with you all the way. X

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 04:42 pm

Hi Chin...... Quite relieved to read your stage 2 blog - it sounded much more positive - Well done.... Sounds as if stage 3 is going quite well too - keep it up.... XXX

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 04:36 pm

Hi, again, better a drill in the toe than a drill in the head. Several of our friends following your progress. You're doing well - keep it up!

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 03:26 pm

Keep plodding on...each painful step is a step closer to the finish line! Thinking about you constantly xxx

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 01:07 pm

Drill, Drill, get some......! Good work fella, that is a good 2nd stage time, don't push too hard to early though! All the best.

Posted On: 21 Aug 2007 07:18 am

BRILLIANT effort for stage 2 ---I even managed to track down your radio interview on the internet!!!! Shall send to Aussie friends who are also following your progress ---we`re so proud of you-- Keep your smile !!Love x

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 11:04 pm

Well dude I am proud of you! Try not to drill a hole in your toe too!! You got scanky toes already!! ha ha.. Missed your interview on radio, would have been hilarious!! You go bro, I love you! x x x x x x

19 August 2007 08:02 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

At 8am this morning we started the first the day of the Atacama Crossing. Starting at about 3500m and finishing over 26 miles later at about 2600m.

Comments: Total (12) comments

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 08:38 pm

Not an ideal start, but well done, i imagine the first 2-3 days will be the worst. Dont burn yourself out! dont foget to look at the scenery and enjoy yourself. Best wishes, ash

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 07:50 pm

The first day the first success and each day a step closer to your triumph. Wishing you all the best. Run smart! Love Dad and Dauta

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 06:50 pm

Hey Kristian, YOU ARE FAMOUS! Your name is up in light in Lincoln! Dont let your fans down! Love Amy 2xx

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 05:03 pm

As a kid, I got three meals a day. Oatmeal, miss-a-meal and no meal

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 05:01 pm

Keep up the good work and stop dragging ass!

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 03:31 pm

Fame - Not only an interview on local radio - but you featured in an afternoon news report too - Every step, however hard, is one nearer to the finish - Well done - your fans are all behind you x

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 03:19 pm

So proud of you. Keep going! Onward and upwards, as they say! Thinking of you every day and sending our love. X

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 09:14 am

Good on you , Kristian---be strong , ----all of Golden Grove Kindy send their best wishes ---you were the topic of the day for my 4 year olds!! Our positive thoughts are coming your way from Oz to Chile----x x

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 07:37 am

Well done you!!! It can only get better after such an awful start for you. Be strong and stay positive and take lots of pics of the stunning scenery to take your mind off the pain! Love you lots xxx

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 07:30 am

First day has to be the worst. Well done! Keep it going now, you can do it.Will have massage couch warmed up ready for your return, next time I'll volunteer as a sports masseur! Great effort K. Love and best wishes, Lynn x

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 06:34 am

Keep the blogs coming Chin - We're missing you too & thinking about you. Food poisoning - just what you don't need, hope you're feeling much better now. Day 1 over - Focus focus focus You can do it........ XXX

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 03:59 am

3500m to 2600m.......its downhill.....what are you moaning about??

17 August 2007 06:39 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

I have been interviewed for the

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 20 Aug 2007 03:55 am

Bondi Beach runs.....not finding the restaurant.....when did this blog become fictional??

Posted On: 18 Aug 2007 11:20 am

Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever. Best of luck.

Posted On: 17 Aug 2007 11:32 pm

Hope your Bondi beach training runs last year helped with this one???!!! 35c ---- You can do it!! Thoughts are with you all the way -- x

Posted On: 17 Aug 2007 05:02 pm

Hiya Lincs Echo asked if I was worried about you doing this - I said no - Now I'm beginning to wonder !! Keep on running - You'll do it Will be with you every step of the way - albeit sat in the comfort of my office - Love you XX

Posted On: 17 Aug 2007 03:27 pm

Kris, It is clear that you are about to put yourself through the mill and what for, a bet. Hope you are not in too much clip by the time you get back, should you finish!! Will get hold of Ben Lovent and give him so shekkles to show our appreciation.

Posted On: 17 Aug 2007 03:25 pm

Good Luck! I'll be thinking of you. Look forward to hearing how its all going!

16 August 2007 06:03 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

I went for a walk yesterday morning and the city was absolutely dead, even the stray dogs were nowhere to be seen,

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 17 Aug 2007 04:32 pm

You go bro!! So proud of you!! Remember to shake your booty!!!! NO not your butt, your shoes for scopions!! and watch out for those amgo's ''The Hills Have Eye's''!!!!! Your craZY, AND I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

Posted On: 17 Aug 2007 10:37 am

The things you do for fun? Chris will have a cold beer up in Darwin on your behalf ---Run Forest Run ---sorry run Kristian Run---Gump will have nothing on you---keep wearing your smile ! x

Posted On: 17 Aug 2007 10:01 am

I do not wish to hear sordid tales of your sticky nuts and suasage. It's all your own fault for going out early. Everyone knows that the true way is to do no training, preparation, acclimatisation and just nail it. And behave yourself with the journalist, you pest.

Posted On: 17 Aug 2007 06:15 am

An error with your image.....jeez this web site really knows you!! Where's that mankini??

Posted On: 16 Aug 2007 07:24 pm

mong!!!

Posted On: 16 Aug 2007 05:58 pm

Stick with it - Sounds pretty boring at the moment, just use the time to chill (no pun intended) and wash your smalls by the sound of it. Hope your kit travels better on your next flight! Keep smiling! X

Posted On: 16 Aug 2007 05:30 pm

Stay strong my friend - the force is with you - you are invincible! No training, scorching temps, no kit and a whole bunch of miles left is no reason to be down, your gonna smash it up and tell everyone you loved it!!! Dont rub sand in your eyes!

15 August 2007 04:46 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

It seems the post I left yesterday afternoon didn

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 16 Aug 2007 09:31 am

Hey you, am enjoying reading your blogs and hearing about what you are up to! So pleased to hear your bag has arrived and all the important things are still in it! Forgot to say yesterday that I went for a good run on Barossa with the little water bottle carrier that you bought me and it was fab...thank you!! Enjoy your last day of wandering the streets of Santiago. I hope you track down some nuts...! Alfie, the girls and I are missing you lots. Love you Jx

Posted On: 16 Aug 2007 09:24 am

Hi Special K, Good to hear that you are safely landed in chilly Chile, shame about the bag though. Ali's eventually turned up 3 weeks later, if that's any consolation! Good luck with the race, I'm sure you'll be fine, we never think we've done enough preparation but our competitive spirit always gets us through, you'll be fine. Enjoy the experience and make the most of it. I look forward to hearing all about it. Love and best wishes, Lynn x

15 August 2007 04:35 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Jet lag kicked in last night at about 8pm, which meant that I was wide awake

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 15 Aug 2007 02:54 pm

Kristian! Im glad you are here... You must be wondering why?? ... Im writing an article about atacama crossing because since I heard about it Ive been thinking its really amazing. Reading your blog I was thinking may be you could contact me and we can get together (I live in Santiago) so i can show you my city and you can tell me everything you know about this adventure. If you are short of time, you can just send me an email explaining why did you travel so far to live something like this Im looking forward to hear from you... Catalina Guzman ( journalist student. Universidad Católica) email: [email protected] cel-phone: 09.8276488 home:4185913