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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2013
9
PostsAtacama Crossing (2013) blog posts from Douglas Morin
10 March 2013 12:43 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 6 was a rest day for those who completed Day 5 in one go. I was proud of my 46th place on day 5. I planned my Atacama race, trained, ate, rested, recovered each day to face the next. Day 7 was an 8.2 kilometer run into the town of San Pedro for the big finish in the town square. At an overall race rank of 57 there was only one person who was about 5 minutes ahead of me which could move me up to 56, James Boocock. I was out of food and my friendly French tent mate John gave me a sweet French cream of banana breakfast (gross). That with some magic Scottish jelly beans should have been enough to run it out. James and I exchanged some friendly banter and a 10 am took off for San Pedro. Mentally I had nothing left and was barely able to run. Fortunately the town turns out to cheer everyone on and the energy is contagious and I crossed the line, received a medal and it was over. Mentally I never had to dig too deep as I had done enough training for a 57 ranking and the day to day race was very mechanical. At the finish line there were many families there and I was hugging James and speaking to his wife and two five year old sons and then I started to cry. I think the 7 days of focus and determination to complete the race ended and seeing James with his family brought me suddenly back to reality and what is really important in life. Family.... That is all that matters. Thank you to my wife Karmei for rallying support and the messages from friends and family around the world.
08 March 2013 03:50 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
75 kilometers in 13 hours 43 minutes. Took 45th Place for the long day (improvement).
Started with the Herminator but never saw him after the start. I cranked my music the entire race and roared. Figured out I needed to take 1 salt tablet per hour instead of 1 every 3 hours. Made a big difference. My gators are shredded, my shoes are riped up, my shirt is brown (was white) and I lost 4 kilos. I took a photo for you Karmei as this is the closest I will get to a Ray 6 pack. In the middle of the race was a huge huge sand dune. Like a 20 story building and we had to go straight up. I took Phil’s advice, popped a Power Gel x2 caffeine and cranked the Gangnan Style. Oddly that little PSY step worked and I smoked the hill. After that I just kept running into the nothingness of this wasteland. Atacama has over 40 distinct types of really brutal rock / sand / mud / fudge / rocky surfaces. None nice for running. I ran out of running food post check point 5 which was still 8.5 K to check point 6. Prior to this point I had cut off the music to save battery for the final stretch and had to break out my 250 calorie dinner ramen which I was eating while walking as fast as possible. I had one gel stashed for the last stretch. 15 K to go I bonked (ran out of fuel and could barely talk). My super friendly Scott tent mates caught up who had been dogging me for 40 K. I shadowed their walking speed to keep moving forward. He gave me a few jelly beans which got me to check point 6 then I took my last Get Home gel. 10 K left to go. Past check point 6 was all uphill the first 3 K and I was still water skiing behind the Scots in the Atacama darkness looking for glow sticks. We caught up to a pair of Middle Eastern runners who were delirious and asked how much further. I told them “a lot further”. At this point the temperature was dropping and I figured I would not have enough fuel to walk it out. I could feel the gel working so I told the Scots I have to run. Then I just ran, Ran, RAn, RAN. 3 K later I saw a head lamp up ahead which kept turning back to see if he was going to get passed. I closed on him then stopped and asked how he was doing. He said he couldn’t feel his feet and can barely walk. I told him not much further, hasta luego, cranked what was left of my i-shuffle and took off. I think I sprinted the last 2 K to the finish line where they bang drums, clap and wave flags. I was en fuego when I crossed the line and probably could have kept going. I did a blood test at the end as part of a study on glycogen, weight and salt I had agreed to. Nurse said my kidneys, salt, glycogen were perfect. I also didn’t lose any weight from Day 3 to Day 5. Total loss 4 kilos. Grabbed my 2.5 liter allocation of water then had my recovery drink. I stumbled into the tent where my faster tent mates were all different states of delirium and pain. Hate dirty feet so I went out and washed my feet shivering in the freezing cold night (forgot jacket). Then crawled into the sleeping bag. My legs were seriously hurting to the bone. Crazy pain like nothing I had experienced. I didn’t have any ramen left to cushion the stomach so I couldn’t take any pain killers. After about an hour of agony Damien turned to me and said take this. I took the magic pill and 1 melatonin. Next thing, I was a human blob with no feeling in my body and couldn’t move but awake. Now I see why all you people love muscle relaxers, my first but not last. At 11 my rash that I picked up day 2 in the river and had gotten worse was itching like crazy in the heat of my sleeping bag so I got up and went to the camp fire. I spent the next 6 hours speaking Spanish with the Chilean work crew drinking coffee with too much sugar looking at the stars. At 5 am went to bed for 3 hours then the medical tent, hot box and here I am typing. Rest day today and 10 K to finish tomorrow. Then the long 38 hour flight back to Hong Kong.
Dear friends and family, I really appreciate all the messages you sent, advice you gave, patience during the training, time off work and encouragement. I shed a tear when I read your notes before writing this.
Comments: Total (20) comments
Elenita Elenita
Posted On: 11 Apr 2013 03:30 pm
Thanks for the link to David Wilson's diary this looks like a fun read. Multi-day events sound like such a fun advretune! I just saw Dean Karnazes speak and he had some great stories. It's cool you have such a huge goal that is relatively far off it's hard for most of us to think beyond a year.
The Woo
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 08:45 am
DUDE. You are a true stud! Steak night is on me. Sat Sevens weekend. Bask in the glory. You did it. And love the pic, lean and mean, I've known you for a long time and that's the leanest I've seen you yet! Automatic entrance to Mardi Gras.
Johnny K
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 07:18 am
Doug, you took it all on, the most challenging race in the world, and you smashed it.. Pulled all the stops out . What you've done is really inspirational and amazing.
Fantastic mate. Can't wait to hook up when you return for a beer, or three with Karmei .
Have a safe journey home . JK
Tye Tye
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 07:15 pm
Congratulations Doug! Love reading about the long day - the elevation is all there!! Fantastic efforts very happy for you!! Safe trip home, catch up in HK.
CT B
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 06:37 pm
YOU da man. I knew you would leave NOTHING in the tank. Just knew that you would pour everything into the finish and crush the "competition." Can't even call these fellow adventurers that after reading about the camaraderie. Sounds like you've also made some good friendships along the way, culminating in the magic pill. Better living through pharmacology! See you when you get home. First Anejo and quesadilla is my shout - you deserve it. And I think now we all have a lot to think about with regards to your charity. We sure do. A great commitment from you really deserves a cash applause, so we'll drum up the funds, no doubt. Well done. You DA MAN!
P Phua
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 04:06 pm
Congratulations Douglas! Race is in the bag. So happy for you...you are an inspiration to us all...
a mo
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 03:50 pm
Race is finished. CONGRATS BRO!!
P No
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 03:07 pm
I always knew you were unstoppable, but who knew you could WRITE like that???! That Day 5 chronicle is like a John Krakauer novel! AMAZING!!
Claudio Honigman
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 03:02 pm
CONGRATS!!! IMPRESSIVE!!! safe travel home!!
B JD
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 12:42 pm
You da' man! Way to go DMO, I am in awe. Not only did you crush the stage but you stepped it up and took it to a whole other level. Well done. Hang in there for the last stage and enjoy a well-deserved beer and/or muscle relaxer when it is all over. Tequila on me at the Sevens...
K MO
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 11:25 am
amazing achievement honey! so happy we won't have any BLOBS in our family. I told the kids that you were in pain, Blake was feelin' it for you and grimaced in pain and had a super sad face, Sofia said "well its daddy's first time so that will happen!" ... I asked who would sleep with daddy if he is super smelly.. Blake said "I would" ...we all miss you and can't wait to see the 6 pack. You said you ran out of food does that mean you have none left for breakfast and such?? did any mules leave any food lying around or is that a myth? ... 10k will be a walk in the park right??? no long term damage?? remember Eddie Nailer saying he can't ski nor run anymore !! don't dope on the last run otherwise you won't know when there is serious pain/damage being done.. Love you! call me when you are done and drinking your first beer : )
Nancy H
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 11:12 am
GO DMO!! !!!! Stupendous effort! So impressed and inspired. And wondering what the magic pill was? Wish i could run like that. Enjoy the home stretch. We're taking K out with us tonight.
S Han
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 11:12 am
Way to kill it Douglas! All most there mate. Congratulations. We're taking K to a 25 course dinner tonight - Will do it again x 2 when you get back.
Ray Janssen
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 11:10 am
DMo, so psyched for you--have been following all along, just crappy Oz connections so haven't been as direct as I should have been. You are kicking "a#!" buddy...wish I was there with you. One more leg and then all the bragging rights over cigars and Jim Beam! :)
Woo Ski
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 09:50 am
Been waiting to hear how you fared on Stage 5. There are a heck alot of us Dmo fans out there actively glued to our computers.
You are an animal! Truly beyond impressed. K was right about the difficult of carrying own food and sustenance and race management. Surely alot to learn. And well done on foot blister and pain management. You've inspired alot of us to dig deeper, much much deeper and do what we had thought was not possible.
Looking forward to hearing about the finish! Go Dmo go!
GG MO
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 08:16 am
Truly a soul searching experience "... as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." PS 63
Has to be life changing. May the wind be ever at your back as you finish the race. Love you/Mum
GTG Graham
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 07:43 am
Absolutely fascinating. Not to mention entertaining. Wish him all the best, and congratulations!
Gilbert
T Dubbs
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 05:13 am
A day to remember - forever.
Enjoy a little rest . . . then focus hard on the last 10k stage. . . it's not over yet. Deep breathes + (keep) pushing thru the extreme pain.
> > A 'Finish' will always feel/look/be (much much) better than a 'DNF'. TW
al Morin
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 04:24 am
We are very proud of what you have accomplished. It is a great testament to you as a person and friend to so many people. It will be something that you will always remember and share with Sofia and Blake as as the type of accomplishment they should be striving for. Glad to hear you are OK and ready to knock off the final 9.9 miles. Probably can do that in your sleep. What a week. It has been just fantastic. We all feel your joy and wish we had the same bragging rights. Well done.
A MO
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 04:00 am
EPIC! Way to push through and to draw power from the spirits. Almost to the finish. Godspeed.
06 March 2013 02:21 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORDS OF WISDOM. DAY 4 COMPLETED, 45 K AND AGAIN AROUND 8 HOURS. TOMORROW IS DAY 5 OR THE DOUBLE DAY AND ALL THAT MATTERS. STUART YOUR ADVICE OF “TIME ON FEET” IS ALL THAT MATTERED IN THE TRAINING. I WAS BLISTER FREE UNTIL I HAD A POWER MOMENT AND STARTED JUMPING OFF ROCKS AND LANDED HEAVY. OTHER THAN THAT IT’S A VERY MECHANICAL RACE AND THERE IS RELATIVELY LITTLE FREE TIME. ON THAT NOTE HAVE TO GET ALL MY STUFF READY AND EAT.
Comments: Total (33) comments
S Han
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 12:32 am
Well done mate! Thought of you last night over a dinner at Bo Innovation.
Johnny K
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 11:32 pm
Hi Doug, inspirational performance from you, feller! I'm going out now to buy ice cream for the whole family! On On !!
al morin
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 03:04 pm
You are keeping us all in suspense. How did Stage 5 go for you? You made amazing time; upped your average speed from 3.35 mph to 3:55 mph which is what got you to the finish line faster. You look like one tired puppy in the finish line photo. I am sure it took a lot out of you. Nice to have a day of rest. Congradulations.
Akash Shah
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 10:41 am
DMO, inspirational...absolutely unbelievable. Kept the spirit alive. Medal for best feet. Proud of you man!
Rusky Mac
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 08:05 am
DMO, you rock my world. I am enjoying a beer for you. You will have earned a few at the end of this. Feel the love on your 80 km day. Go DMO GO
CT B
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 06:41 am
DOUG - YOU ARE 14TH IN YOUR AGE GROUP FOR MEN...4 MINUTES OVERALL SEPARATE YOU FROM 10TH PLACE. YOU CAN DO THIS! KICKIN ASS HARD NOW. HOPE YOU ARE SLEEPING BETTER IN YOUR NOISY BALLOON.
KplusK Team
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 06:32 am
How are your plums?
Battered to buggery no doubt.. !!
You're doing Famously!!
Good Lad!
from all the fellers @ KplusK
Phil Tye
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 06:20 am
Absolutely fantastic Doug. You are a star! Great result for the long march. How about that sand dune? Enjoy you rest day. Pick up the pace for the last10km on Saturday so you get plenty of pizza at the finish line. Rest well and be very proud on a huge job will done.
Seb K
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 04:35 am
Astonishing workrate, Doug! This is incredible. Still on potatoe chips and parmesan? You will rewrite sports nutrition science after racing through the ranks. 53rd position is just 5min. away. You can maket it! Add oil!
CT B
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 03:33 am
YEAH...COME ON DOUG. UPDATE US. GET ON THE DAMN COMPUTER AND WRITE SOMETHING ABOUT (PICK ONE): ACHING SHOULDERS, SORE LEGS, BLISTERS, HYDRATION, JEWEL IMPAIRMENT, GELS, LACK OF SLEEP OR LACK OF FOOD. LETS SEE...MARKETS ARE MOSTLY STRONGER, JPY IS ABOVE 95...DYLAN WENT TO SCHOOL TODAY....SERIOUSLY, YOU ARE KICKING ASS. MAJOR BUMP UP IN STANDINGS AND YOUR EFFORT MUST HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLE. I CAN IMAGINE YOU SMILING AS YOU WALK BY COMPETITORS AND BEFORE THEY KNOW IT, THEY DON'T HAVE A CLUE WHAT HIT THEM! ONE MORE DAY, ROCK 'EM SOCK 'EM. YOU'RE KILLING IT, SO JUST FINISH STRONG. IF SOMEONE IS 0.25KM AHEAD, YOU CAN OBLITERATE THEM. JEDI MIND SHIT. PHIL TYE MENTAL MADNESS!!!
k mo
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 03:13 am
Just had a closer look at you went up the ranks from 60 to 54!! that is incredible you are nearly in the top third of the race --massive achievement-- update!
K Mo
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 02:44 am
Wow 13 hours is amazing !!! Do you get a days rest now before the final stage ?? How are your feet knees and shoulders? Did you enjoy any if it, the views the company?? We saw a photo from stage 5 I posted it up on Facebook and am so proud you did it so fast . Amazing update us please love you
BJDs Better Half
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 02:01 am
DMO, jia you, jia you! We are cheering you on from Shanghai. Amazed and proud and anxious to see you safe and sound on the other side. Sending you love and good vibes. Rock it.
K No
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 12:28 am
I been following the race very closely and posted some pics on Facebook to show how proud I am of you!! Nearly done yeah!!! Like nate says eat run drink eat run drink... As I write I think you are nearing the end and we are anxiously waiting the email alerts we get .. Keep strong hope those perfect feet are holding up.. Today is kids project day so will be in and out of school 4 times to drop off and watch the presentations Blake's gets a new English teacher called Mona !! Imagine the nicknames blake will give here. We are all missing you too much xxx
alex t
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 12:08 am
right - have just discovered the blog - you're out there being superhuman and i've been struggling with a website. Only one of us is a man, evidently. Wasn't aware that Twoo is interested - hello Teresa! Blistered feet much less interesting than jewels, plse keep us fully informed. Eun Ju sends her kimchified love and support x
Gayle Morin
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 10:50 pm
Keep humming the song -- Just one more river and that one river is Jordan -- meaning the biggest and hardest day ahead. Hang in there.
A MO
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 08:00 pm
DMO!! - You're killing it!! Keep it up - GO - GO - GO.... Hope your blister is ok!
Brett Rierson
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 03:40 pm
Go Dougie! Rooting for you from Long March land.
M K
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 02:02 pm
dmo, the whole family here has been sending you well wishes telepathically as you are doing the long day. Are you picking it up? Louca has been focussing so hard that he now has a fever. Anxiously waiting for the results and can't wait to hear your war stories over a nice piece of beef! XxM.A.L.E.C.
Claudio Honigman
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 01:43 pm
Almost there !! Good luck!
T BONE
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 07:39 am
I LOVE DMO
David Pierce
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 07:16 am
Morin, amazingly impressed by this endeavor of yours.
T Dubbs
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 07:11 am
Great work.
Almost there - pure focus.
Head down. 'There' is real soon.
Safe steady travels. TW
Nate E
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 06:32 am
Dude - YOU ROCK!!! You are almost done. So impressed. Keep it together. Slow and steady. Eat, drink, run . . . repeat. Looking forward to seeing you back in one piece. Think of all the beer you will be able to have when you get back to HK!!
Cedric Bimar
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 06:30 am
Hey Doug, looking strong ! You have good health and feet and that is all that matters now...! Sorry for being silent butbwhile you are having fun, I am working in the cold here in France ! Merde on the long day which is a good one as it is...the last one ! Got to go but will think of you my american mate...my hot croissants and florentine eggs are waiting ! Cedric
Tye Tye
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 06:00 am
You doing great you out there. Can't imagine the heat, the terrain, the endurance - fantastic race - WELL DONE YOU!!!
BJ D
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 05:20 am
if ctb is going to jump on the all caps bandwagon then i am going to go no caps and even further no punctuation glad to hear your feet are holding up you gotta be exhausted kick butt tomorrow i will be glued to my computer to see how you are doing hang in there coming down the home stretch
CT B
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 03:41 am
THE ALL CAPS THING SEEMS TO BE WORKING. YOU ARE A TRUE INSPIRATION AND EVERYONE IN ASIA IS THINKING ABOUT YOU AT THE SAME TIME. WE ARE ALL WAITING BY OUR COMPUTERS AND GETTING UPDATES AUTOMATICALLY AND I, FOR ONE, KEEP THINKING I'M GOING TO SEE "DOUGLAS MORIN HAS JUST CROSSED THE FINISH LINE AHEAD OF THE PACK! HE HAS TAKEN OVER FIRST PLACE, CRUSHING EVERYONE IN SIGHT." REGARDLESS, THE FACT THAT YOU ARE GETTING STRONGER AND RISING THROUGH THE RANKS SHOWS AMAZING DETERMINATION. YOUR FEET WON'T FAIL YOU, YOU'VE TRAINED HARD AND WELL AND NOW IT'S JUST JEDI MIND SHIT THAT IS GOING TO SEE YOU THROUGH...BE STRONG, BE TOUGH.
T Woo
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 03:30 am
Dmo, you are my hero. K's right, I was all gung ho until I read and watched all the videos. Goodness. you are a stud. Will be thinking of you during your 80km slog. Hang in there, you can do it. We've been online waiting for the updates, a little slow which gets us here in Asia a little worried. Finally see the update see you hanging in there and so proud. Keep feet pretty and taped up. Keep inspiring! W and Sky
stuart gates
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 03:26 am
LONG DAY - head down - drink and eat constantly - and just have fun, you can do it then look back on the whole event, awesome
k mo
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 03:19 am
Hey you moved up the ranks to 60 : ) i've been looking at all the photos and videos and still can't believe you are pushing yourself through this desert and reading some of the blogs of guys who have withdrawn its probably been the toughest thing they will ever do in their entire life. after this nothing will ever effect you in the same way, its wonderful that you have the capacity to see with a fresh pair of eyes love you so much for that. So brave and strong. Love KMO
Phil Tye
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 02:49 am
Nice one. Salt flats done and now you are on the home straight. You will read this after the long march and no doubt feeling very satisfied. If you have stayed blister free until now you have achieved near god like status in my mind. Fantastic effort mate. Not that you care but I have been running in whistler the last couple of days. Bloody cold but absolutely wonderful. Enjoy the well earned rest day.
k mo
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 02:44 am
Well done 2 more days to go, mental endurance and anti blister management is the name of the game it seems? the kids and I are very excited to see you do so well and Twoo is not "as" sure about doing Race the Planet races after hearing how brutal its been for you but of course she will do it and i will support! I wish I was there with you and give you a massage! I am your biggest supporter and want you back home soon undamaged!! love kmo
05 March 2013 02:08 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
DAY 3 OF 7. BRUTAL DAY! 40 K IN 8:06 HOURS. RAN THE FIRST 20 K WHICH WAS IMPRESSIVE (FOR ME). ALTHOUGH MY RUNNING IS PHIL TYE WALKING SPEED. THE LAST STAGE OF THE DAY WAS 11.8 K AND QUOTED AS THE HARDEST STAGE OF THE ENTIRE RACE. UBER HOT, SAND WALLS, SCRUB GRASS, SHAP ROCKS, SHREDED MY GATORS. FORTUNATELY I LINKED UP AGAIN WITH THE HERMINATOR FROM BOGOTA AND WE TRUDGED THROUGH TO THE END. RASH ON MY JEWELS AND A SMALL BLISTER ON MY HEEL. NURSE GAVE ME SOME YEAST INFECTION CREAM. LOVE IT. DAMIEN GOT THE RUNS AND STILL MANAGED TO FINISH STRONG TODAY. HE SEEMS TO OPERATE CONSTANTLY AT 40% HEALTH. HYGENE A BIG ISSUE IN CAMP AND I INFORMED THE TENT THAT COLOGNE IS NOT A MAGICAL DISINFECTANT WHEN WORN. THE TENT LOVED THE MENTOLATUM, THANKS HONEY, GOOD CALL. I HATE MY AIR MATTRESS. ITS LIKE SLEEPING ON A NOISY BALLOON. DONT SLEEP MUCH. TAPED UP THE GASHES ON MY SHOULDERS AND TOSSED SOME CLOTHING AND FOOD TO LIGHTEN UP. HUGE DIFFERENCE. NO PHIL I WILL NOT TOSS MY WET WIPES. THEY ARE GOLD. BLAKE, SPELLING TEST THURSDAY. SOFIA TRY FENCING, YOU MAY LIKE IT. ONE MORE 45 K DAY BEFORE THE 70 K DAY. CEDRIC, LOVE THE COTTON SHORTS UNDER THE TIGHTS. LESS RASH. MY SLEEPING BAG TO WARM, SWEAT SACK. HAVE A SLIGHT COLD. IM ALERGIC TO SAND.
Comments: Total (18) comments
T BONE
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 01:13 am
you're a funny man, dr. morin! miss you, bro! keep on keepin on!
mark decker
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 02:46 pm
Dmo! Great work man....love the spelling test look! Haahaha....hang tough man....
Scott Hancock
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 12:59 am
ALL CAPS? A positive shift in determination or onset of sand blindness. Great story, keep it up!
aaron morin
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 07:47 pm
BRO!! Keep up the great work and forge on--. You're making HUGE progress and you are getting to the end. Nice work and keep at it.
Never, never, never give up....
Woodie Neiss
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 05:21 pm
Amazing Doug!! Keep up the awesome work! YOU ROCK!!! go go GO!!
Claudio Honigman
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 01:23 pm
Bro, amazing!! Keep it up! Before heading home come to NY all dinners and drinks on me!!!
good luck and take care
Woo Woo
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 01:14 pm
When I read your blog to Skylar I had to divert her attention in case she read the part about your rash. I can just hear it tomorrow morning during the drive to school. "Why does Uncle Dmo have jewels? Why would jewels get a rash?"
Way to go man. We're all following your progress intently. Steak dinner on me. You're almost there!
k mo
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 12:26 pm
Honey can you wave at the video camera man please and say hi to Sofia and Blake they would love it!!
K Mo
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 12:19 pm
Sounds like the worst is "kinda" over?? Mentholatum under the nose OK so blocks out everyone and 2 dabs under the eye to help you keep your eyes shut which in turn helps you sleep for some odd reason. I hope you have the melatonin, must get a good nights sleep.
Sofia is impressed a "little" by your event, Blake says he would never consider running as far as you!! so we need to consider brain washing him at some point, he just lost a tooth and didn't want to wrap it in a tissue whilst it was under the pillow in case Jay thinks its rubbish and throws it away. Blake will go to school tomorrow but his English teacher is a new one so not sure there is even a English test.
The kids miss you alot, I'm impressed plenty right now so come home anytime, you have passed the macho test. Love you!
Craig Thomsen
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 08:37 am
GO DMO!!! I am totally rooting for you as I spend my holiday in Australian Treehouses, Beach bungalows and Outback Glamcamps!! I know, we BOTH have it rough right now! Seriously bud, you are a champ, regardless of ranking, and you have done your family, your friends, and your charity mighty proud! Keep it going!!!
B JD
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 08:35 am
Watched the start video and got to see DMO blow by with his orange glasses, you look like a pro! Keep up the great work! You da' man.
Sofia Morin
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 08:29 am
Hi daddy, Blake doesn't have a spelling test. He's sick and I might try fencing . Hope you make it! Miss you.
Love sofia
CT B
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 05:38 am
I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY CACTUS IN PICTURES, BUT CAN IMAGINE IF YOU FIND THE RIGHT ONE, AND EAT A LITTLE, THERE MIGHT BE SOME HALLUCINOGENIC BENEFITS WHICH COULD HELP SLEEP. I SEEM TO RECALL LICKING THE BACKS OF CERTAIN FROGS OR LIZARDS HELP TOO. BARRING THIS, WHAT ABOUT FRENCHIE'S SAUSAGE? OOPS, THAT CAME OUT WRONG. MOST PRESSING QUESTION IS WHERE ARE YOU NOW ON THE BEAUTIFUL FEET STANDING WITH ONE BLISTER? I LOOKED AT MY FEET LAST NIGHT AFTER ALL THIS READING AND DON'T THINK I WOULD QUALIFY. YOU ROCK HARD AND YOU KEEP ROCKIN. IS THERE ANY WAY YOU CAN SWIPE THE COLOGNE AND SMASH IT? KIND OF LIKE SURVIVOR...ALSO, I THINK THINK YOUR COLOMBIAN FRIEND IS ON SOMETHING. BRIBE HIM. HE MAY HAVE A SECRET STASH. KICK BUTTOWSKI!
P No
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 05:34 am
I always suspected you were superhuman....now I'm wondering if you have any human in you at all. I'm just amazed. So PROUD. Keep trudging, Homie. But safely. Safely.
W W
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 04:15 am
Well done! 8:06. Vaseline my friend. Melatonin? swap someone. Very impressed. You've inspired me! We're still wondering what the safety pins are for. If you ditch them now, what happens? You've even got the K inspired, though she won't do Mag 2014 but may support.
al morin
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 03:36 am
Good going Doug. Your times are great and very consistent. Am tracking you and sharing with family. Keep that good mental health going. We are very proud of you.You should be in great shape for Stage 5.
nelson tang
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 02:29 am
still best feet in camp ? hang in there !
Phil Tye
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 02:23 am
Great job Doug, by the time you read this you are preparing for the long march so you will have broken the back of the race. A little jock itch can't stop you and one blister is a great result after all that water. You are doing amazingly well, just rest as much as you can (you did take sleeping pills with you?) and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Just about 80km now before you can celebrate so keep thinking about that. 10km at a time at your pace and try and enjoy.
04 March 2013 02:46 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Stage 2, 45 kilometers completed in 8:34 hours. The first 10 K was criss-crossing a icey cold river where I managed to snap one of my poles (bummer). Also ran down a massive sand dune (fun). The rest was hot, shruby and sandy. Again today I did the last 20 K with Herman from Bogota, Columbia as we are a similar pace. When we finished the day at 4:36pm Hermans nose started bleeding which is apparently common at this altitude. The run today was long and painful. At 2pm the temperature was 42 degrees Celsius. The 11 kilo pack is slowly getting lighter but is the main source of pain on the shoulders. Went to the medical tent today. The river (not clean) gave me a rash on my calves and the top of my feet as the filthy water was trapped against my skin all day. On the positive side the nurse said I have no blisters and the "best feet in camp" :-) Tomorrow is a 40 K day. Everyone is friendly and positive. Thanks for your messages.
Comments: Total (13) comments
K Mo
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 04:58 pm
Ive been watching the videos closely and saw you stage3 beginning of the race walking through the crud wave to the kids when you get the chance I'm watching every video your orange glasses look good no 95 love you kmo
K Mo
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 03:49 pm
I always said you had perfect feet and its now official : ) you eating all your daily allowance or do you end up dumping some of it? Hydrate! I still cant believe you are really doing it , so proud of my hubby! Love you so much... Stretch those toes out now and then, can you duct tape the pole? I just landed and I'm home with the kids now finally! Everyone is doing well here. Blake had a slight fever and on meds so no school for him today or tomorrow, Sofia.. All grade 5 are doing a Taipei trip and she is happily hyperventilating at the thought of travelling without us :( Love and pace , born to run, smile it's incredible what you are doing and blessed that you have perfect feet and awesome body that can drink smoke and also endure crazy extremes. Keep surfing those sand dunes. Love kmo x
W W
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 01:58 pm
Best idea I can come up with. Use the vaseline, I assume you remembered our Maclehouse, up your nose. Gross thought, don't share with us whether you did or not! Way to go man. Have set up my laptop station to check in on you day and night. Still working on banishing the lions. Mad 2014.
Nancy Hancock
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 10:39 am
Hey Hot Feet, I'm totally jealous you are there. can't wait to hear about it. I'm sure it is outrageously tough, but it has to be so fun to be out there and be part of it and just getting it done. Go Hot Feet! i need to do one of these races. i'm so excited for you! ps - the video was great. "my wife made me do it"
BJ D
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 09:12 am
I always knew you had nice feet! Well done DMO! If I would have known that you were going to do the actual race through fetid water I would have insisted that you come up to Shanghai to do some training here...in your jammies of course. Stick it to the Frenchies for me. Any PRC people yet to really get you fired up? If you need motivation just imagine one of the guys ahead of you was the guy smoking in the office. Lots of love from Shanghai.
P No
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:29 am
Ugh. This guy was my college roommate. All he could ever talk about was how attractive his feet are. Get over it. The CSL license has been granted. Stop bragging about your feet and get back to work.
Seb K
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 06:25 am
well done on the eight and a half hour run [and with keeping a healthy pair of feet]. do you have time to change socks after the watercourse before jumping into those sand dunes?
best wishes from jk too. he says don't peak too soon!
all the best, keep going!
nelson tang
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 05:55 am
Doug, hurry up and cross the finish line. CSL license has been granted.
A MO
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 05:43 am
Hey Bro! Nice work persevering. Nice work getting voted best feet in camp. Not sure if you're getting the emails I'm sending so I'm trying the blogosphere. And remember, when you're running past Spiderman...
Some people will believe anything if you whisper it to them. - Louis Nizer
stuart gates
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 04:39 am
Sounds like you are having a blast - just keep the pace and step by step - still got some distance ahead of you but you are doing an amazing job. Rest and keep eating are very important as you try to load up your body with calories. have fun
Amy Tye
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 04:09 am
We\'re channelling the cold and snow from here to you.
Phil Tye
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 04:05 am
Nice one Doug. Keep looking after your feet as they have to get you to the long march. As you know by now, you have to be mental to do this so you are fitting right in. It sounds like a very strong field too. However you are due a better complement than nice feet mate. Give the nurse some of that parmesan and see if you can bribe your way to some better flattery. 10km at a time Doug. You are doing great.
CT B
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 03:02 am
Nice feet? That's all you got from her? What about a free bowl of soup or some steak...or even a beer? Hope that sausage was good from Frenchie. Probably what helped you keep up with the Colombian, who seems to have some strange issues. Columbian? Bloody nose? Anyway, lets chalk it up to altitude and dryness. Keep the calves dry and clean, the feet moving quickly and you'll cruise through the 40km. I'm sure they are dropping like flies now. You da man. It's mental. Phil will tell you...it's mental. Cadence and all that. GO DMO!
03 March 2013 04:19 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
No Shadow at 12:00pm
Survived day one, 33 kilometers in 5:15 hours. (Ill take it given a little altitude head pang) . Managed to run the first 23 K but the 39 degree celcius heat kicked in and the poles came out. A blister free day. Landscape is right out of the Star Wars planet, Tatoine. My French tent mates finished ahead of me and were lounging in their under garments, scary (think Borat). I signed up for a medical study where they check your blood and weight every 2 days. Apparently I gained weight today but my kidneys are all functioning. Issue Im having is my pack at 11K, shoulders aching. Thank you for all the messages. Best news is they have 4 portable toilets at each campsite, yeah!
Comments: Total (1) comments
GG MO
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 08:01 am
This has to be a soul searching experience ... as in a dry and weary land. PS 63. Expect it will lead to a renewed love for life and all that is really important. With you all the way and may the wind be ever at your back. Love Mum
02 March 2013 04:46 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
All set to transfer 1.5 hours by bus from San Pedro to base camp this afternoon. Race starts at 8am on March 3. For the equipment check I somehow was short 10 of the required 20 safety pins. Not sure why we need 20 safety pins but traded 1 gel for 10 pins. Go King Rat. Also my pack weighed in at 11 kilos which is way to heavy. There is a serious competitor on the event whose pack weighs 5 kilos. Tossed a pair of sock and a few items but still too heavy. Average pack weighs 9 kilos. Not sure why but I agreed to carry a 245 gram block of parmesan cheese as my tent mate Damien is bringing a truffle sausage to share. Some French rite of passage thing I guess. 149 competitors here including a 20 strong Japanese contingent with film crew and 2 blind men. Next time I bring my film crew. My tent has 4 French, 1 S. African, 2 Scottish and 1 American (me). You can feel the altitude but I figure training in Hong Kong air is about the same oxygen level so we shall see tomorrow.......
Comments: Total (15) comments
Karl Hudson
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 09:55 am
Douglas, Get it on! Bang a Gong! You are the MAN! By the way any allergy to sand is actually quite specific and dependent on whether or not the variety is gypsum, biogenic, silica, ooid, lithic, volcanic, garnet, quartz or even iron. I am pleased to let you know that the sand in Sanya is none of these so therefore you will be able to join us there over Easter. Buena Suerte! Mi madre es una marinera! Karl
Prter Bennett
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 03:52 am
Winners survive. Two more days...and then you bask in glory and will have stories for your children and grandchildren. Keep going! All of us very proud of you. Peter
Nancy Hancock
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 01:45 am
Go Doug!!! Cheering you on from afar. What an amazing experience. Hope that pack is getting lighter...
Karmei Mo
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 01:25 am
Wow honey I'm so proud of you 63rd 4:30 hours pace yourselves how are you feet and knees and the toilets?? And the smells? Saskia's parents are super impressed and Aaron and Al have been showing your video interview to everyone the miami crew are all cheering you from sydney and beyond. I'm getting flight to HK in a few hours and will show the kids all your photos and video, go in front of that camera.
Give the kids a big smile we love you!!! Miss u so much I wish I came as support team. Next one I'm coming. Sanitize that keyboard !! Love kmo
Seb K
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 10:36 am
... i would have picked some gouda cheese instead, but understand it is all about the ratio ;) ... go dmo, this is truly incredible. just saw your result - you're doing great!!! but do save some power for the next few days
Amy Tye
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 06:41 am
First day over, way to go! Watch out for that mad Iranian Ash, Zandy from NY and the dessert dogs, they all know the best line to take...! Enjoy yourself, can't wait for your tales from the next few days.
Phil Tye
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 03:47 am
Just saw results for stage one. Congrats on getting through it and keep going 10k at a time. Very impressed. Remember it is all down to the long march. You had any of that sausage yet? Sounds delicious.
Phil Tye
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 12:43 am
Trust Damien. He may be French but I have shared a tent with him before. You will be screaming for some of that truffle sausage after a couple of days. Tell him I said hello. Ditch some freeze dried food and/or wet wipes and rely on the mules. Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy the race.
CT B
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 11:29 pm
Don't kick the Llamas! Whatever you do, don't kick them...I read that showing any kind of frustration gets you disqualified. Even if the crazy Frenchman's cheese was laced, stay away from the Llama. Other than that, salt is good - retain water - nobody is watching your weight. You're not in Hong Kong, so nobody will say "Ayahhhh, you look FAT, Morin!" Keep running. Rock on.
m k
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 05:31 pm
hey dmo, that damien is smart. It's the french secret weapon to use cheese to propel you over the salt flats. We are all keeping an eye on you and cheering you on. Good luck tomorrow!!!
Team Humidinthe'Pore
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 02:58 pm
Way to go, trying to convince the K to do Madagascar 2014. She said one word. Lions. You better make this sound like a cake walk.
A Wong
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 09:56 am
OMG!!!! You are a star and I am with you in spirits!! Woo-hoo!!! Love you loads! Look after yourself. xx
K MO
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 09:39 am
Everyone here in Sydney says hi and good on ya mate! Just spent the day with Angie and her cutie pie boys and vegan Akash (who is not that skinny... ), meat eater Pauline and their 2 boys. Miss you honey, and we all can't believe you are doing this.. Parmesan might give you nightmares! as if you need anymore.. Love you xx
Team TW
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 01:49 am
I thought you were lactose intolerant. Parmesan cheese,I'm sure your tent-mates will remember you fondly. I would grab Frenchie's sausage if I were you before you hallucinate, never know what transpires after the grueling stage 5 and you grab the wrong thing. And I do hope you remembered your Maclehouse days.
Hang tough, your ol' teammate.
CT B
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 01:31 am
Dylan asked why you were doing this, Savanna rolled her eyes and I just laughed. Nice trade for the pins. Your gills are ready for this so blow 'em away. Hike strong and WIN...or at least beat some people. We know you'll do great. GO TEAM DMO
01 March 2013 06:11 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
39 hour flight from Hong Kong me and the equipment arrived safely. Race briefing starts at 8am Saturday and we depart at 3pm for the base camp. Click this link and you can see photos of Atacama. https://www.google.cl/search?q=atacama+pictures&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:es-CL:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=es-419&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=Ke8wUbqgFoi08ASzkIHQAQ&biw=1024&bih=589&sei=LO8wUePvDanq0wHG8IHwAg
Comments: Total (1) comments
AK Graham
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 06:45 am
Fascinating photos. Go DoMo!
26 February 2013 08:02 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I'm doing this 250 kilometer race to benefit the The Children's Medical Foundation which provides funding and support in rural areas of China for families who cannot afford life-saving treatment for their newborn babies. Send them a check at www.cmf.org.hk.
Departing Feb, 28 for the 37 hour flight from Hong Kong to Atacama, to a little town called San Pedro. (The flight may be more painful than the actual race). The training routine was supposed to be 100 kilometers per week in addition to other strengthening workouts for at least 6 months prior. This workout schedule turned out to be a challenge as friends, family, work, cigars, beer a ski trip to Japan seemed more appealing than running for hours on end. Fortunately or unfortunately this race is more of a mental challenge than a physical one so I'm relying on your support and the charity obligation for motivation.
The Atacama Desert is recognized as the driest place on earth
Comments: Total (6) comments
Gayle Morin
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 07:59 am
Today from Korea. "Hang in there, Doug." As my dad always said, "The race doesn't always go to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can."
Aaron Morin
Posted On: 02 Mar 2013 01:35 am
Good Luck Bro!!! We're thinking about you and will watch for you in the video feeds and photos!!
jay fast
Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 06:51 pm
doug
doug
good luck!! your dad wishes he were going with you. see you at the finish line!!
jay
Al Morin
Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 05:34 am
Kick the hell out of that desert. Just a bigger beach. We are all rooting for you here in Nashville.
Nate E
Posted On: 28 Feb 2013 07:18 am
Thanks for the geography and medical lessons. I feel smarter already. Looking forward to reading your blog DMO!!! Run smooth.
CT B
Posted On: 28 Feb 2013 01:48 am
Wurd! Hit it hard...we'll be cheering you on from thousands of miles away. Mental, mental, mental...if PHIL can do it???? Knickabocka!!
Comments: Total (8) comments
mark decker
Posted On: 14 Mar 2013 02:25 pm
Estella Huang
Posted On: 12 Mar 2013 02:53 pm
Nate E
Posted On: 11 Mar 2013 01:37 am
J Doyle
Posted On: 11 Mar 2013 12:14 am
P No
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 09:24 pm
john Weiler
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 06:58 pm
T W
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 05:30 pm
P Phua
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 02:37 pm