Hi all, A belated blog for the end of the race. Day six was pretty relaxing as we all lay around eating what food was left and talking. My feet were ok though it took most of the day for the swelling in me right ankle to go down. We woke up the next morning in great spirits. There was laughter in the tent instead of the normal pre run nerves. We had a late start to the final stage of only 8 or 9 kms with the remaining runners going off in two waves. Those with the slower cumulative times went at 930 and the rest of us at 10. It was a flat run across dirt and sand for a few kms before getting onto the tar roads of San Pedro de Atacama. I ran all the way at a reasonable pace, passing all of the walkers from the first wave before turning right up the main street towards the finish line. I still had enough legs to make a 150 metre sprint to they finish. An Aussie named Adam, also from brissy, gave me the Australian Flag with 25 to go and it was a nice way to finish. I crossed the line, and received my medal along with a great big hug from Darren. Soon Andrew was also over the line and we all enjoyed the live music, coke and pizza. Though the finish line buzz was great, the final day was a bit of an anti climax from a running perspective. The real end of the run and highlight for me was the long march. It was then that I truly felt the mix of relief and joy that comes with finishing ultramarathons. After a swim in the hotel pool and a well deserved shower, we kicked on to enjoy a great night at the awards banquet that evening. The event staff all did a great job across the week challenging us while keeping us safe, healthy and in good spirits. My overall reflections on the race are that it was a truly amazing adventure. The running was great but all the bits in between were exceptional. Spending time eating, resting and talking with your fellow competitors is not the normal race experience. A big thanks to my good friends Andrew and Darren who shared the dream and commitment to see it through. A final big thank you to Maree and the kids for their unwavering support in giving me the opportunity to have this experience. And not just for the two weeks away in Chile, but for the immense amount of time preparing for the event. Since rolling off the couch in January, I have completed 122 runs, over 179 hours, travelling 1853 kilometres and climbing 22,836 metres (I love my GPS watch and running app!). A lot of time away from family. Thanks again for messages if support. Regards Michael

Hi there all,

Yesterday was a big day and my first full day in the sun. It started with 10 or so kms across salt flats (very uneven ground) during which the blister on the ball of my right foot burst (painful to run on but strangely relieving). We then headed across the same distance of generally flat sandy desert. At this point I learned an important lesson – when filling up your drink bottles for the day (in the dark) you should use your headlight to have a look inside them. My stomach was starting to feel a little upset and my drinks tasted terrible. As I filled my bottle at checkpoint three I noticed the impressive mould cultures inside them. Mmm tasty. The doctor at the checkpoint assured me that food mould won’t kill you, it is just disgusting (too late now for a second opinion). I used the bottles for another few hours before opting to carry a plastic water bottle from the checkpoints and my spare water bladder. A bit awkward to carry, but better than the taste of mould. The next section of the run took us along about 7 kms of dirt road which was a treat after the uneven and sandy ground.

Then came my favourite section for the day. 14 kms across rough desert sometimes uneven but generally hard packed. I was mostly alone for this section and that gave me time to really soak up the scenery. The run was in parallel to a high ridge with very interesting rock and sand formations. Near the end of the stage the trail markers veered towards a large dune formation on the side of the ridge. It was incredibly steep and a huge mass of sand apart from a couple of shrubs. Strangely though, the shrubs were moving. Anyway, up and over the sand dune and onto the next checkpoint for water and a moment of needed shade.

The next section was a 13 kms along a dry creek bed. The sun was really baking me and for about 30 mins I found myself grimacing a bit and finding it difficult to maintain my pace. My food intake had also started to reduce a little and I could feel my energy levels dropping. The heat, mould taste, foot condition and general exhaustion after five big days was starting to grind me down. I stumbled into checkpoint five and took a moment to make a recovery shake and eat a slice of my treat food (beef jerky) which pepped my up. This along with three lolly snakes was all I could manage in terms of food until the end of the day (a further 19kms). I left the checkpoint feeling pepped up and made my way along a long dirt road as the sun set (thank god) towards the final checkpoint. The view of the Andes as the sun’s light faded upon them was calming. With a little running and a lot of walking, I arrived at checkpoint six. The course staff are exceptional. The first thing you hear is them yelling out “Go Michael go!...well done you’ve made it”. Then they are straight onto you. Someone is filling up your bottles and the doctor is quizzing you about your fluid and food intake for the past and next stage. This along with course vehicles move along the stage where possible to check you are ok.

The final stage was a killer for me. Only 9.7kms but the first 6kms was an endless hill. More grimacing. At one point I caught myself making some sort of ridiculous face. I wondered what it would look like in the mirror and had a bit of a laugh. My feet were killing me and I could feel my right ankle starting to go (very old injury). Then as I hit the top, I could see the moon rising across the distant mountains, shedding the most powerful light across the terrain. One of the many memories I will take home from this incredible trip. The road started to head down and I knew that I only had few kms to go. My energy started to build a little (thanks to a lolly) and before I knew it I could hear the drums banging at the finish line about five hundred metres up and around corner. One of the course vehicle was acting as spotter and I suspect radios in that someone is coming. With the drums booming ahead, all pain left my body and I felt a massive adrenalin surge. Obviously delirious with happiness and relief, I started screaming out “woo hoo” at the top of my voice. I started to build my shuffle into a jog, and before I knew it I was running at full speed towards the line. And no, I didn’t fall over.

All in all an amazing 10 hour 17 min day that took me to my limits. As usual, my friend Darren was at the finishing line to congratulate me.

We had a nervous wait of a few hours, before my other find Andrew finished. He had not been well for a few days and showed absolute grunt to push through to the end. I haven’t mentioned the boys before in my blogs, because they have their own stories to tell through their own blogs, which I would encourage you to read. Andrew Barron, Darren Basford and I have trained together for many, many kilometres and competed in the Kokoda Challenge, The North Face 100km and now the Atacama Crossing.

Two of the best men I know.

Day six is a rest day with the last competitor finishing yesterday’s stage at 930 this morning. We are all sitting (ok lying) around camp listening to music, talking and eating (though rations are now a bit lean).

Tomorrow is the final stage of 9ish kms. Some ankle strapping tape, one more push and we are there!

Hoping you are all well and thanks again for the messages of support.

Regards

Michael

Well day four has come and gone. Today

Sorry for the late post. Yesterday was a busy day as my friend Andrew, was not well after his run. He bounced back as he normally does, and has headed out again today.

In terms of running, Day 3 can best be described as brutal. The first 20 kms was ok, and I pushed through it well. As the mercury rose (to around 44 degrees) the terrain became increasingly difficult. Kilometres of sharp and loose red rock, followed by a scramble up a massive dune, before the camp came into sight. The last 4kms took us through very undulating terrain, before ascending the final straight, a 45 degree and 20 metre high sand dune. Susan (a german competitor who unfortunately withdrew from the race the day before as she could no longer swallow food) was cheering for us all at the top. This was a great lift after an incredibly difficult day.

In terms of health and wellbeing, the old body is holding together and my spirits remain high as I soak up the experience.

Thanks again for your messages of support.

Regards

Michael

Hello all,

I have run out of time to blog today. It was a tough day, but I made it through and am in good health. Will do a double update tomorrow.

Cheers

Michael

Hi all,

Well I have survived Day 2 which was an amazing 44.8 kms through a wide variety of terrain. The temperature during the run varied between 14 and 35+ degrees Celsius. We started the run through some rolling hills (dirt hills of course), before descending into a narrow canyon with a fast flowing creek (Rio Grande) running through it. We crossed it more than a dozen times including some sections where we needed to wade in knee deep for 50 or so metres. It was absolutely freezing, and it took five or more minutes out of the water before the feeling came back into my feet. After that we ascended a very steep high ridge with 360 degree views across the Salar de Atacama (salt flats) and some amazing mountains. I think I took 30 plus photos and I hope they come out well. We ran along the ridge before descending (running flat out!) down a 150 metre sand dune. It reminded me of the dunes that descend into some of the Fraser Island lakes, except there was no water at the bottom just another 22km of desert. This section was incredibly difficult to run in as the ground went from hard to soft to hard continuously and the heat across this section of desert was intense. Also, it becomes very difficult to eat after exerting for so long but I kept to the nutrition and hydration plan. If you stop eating your energy levels drop very quickly which is not ideal in the middle of the desert. I just put my head down and made it through to the finish.

Tomorrow we run 40.6km through dry crusty terrain and sand dunes (bugger!). Hopefully I will keep a consistent pace and only be out in the sun for five or six hours. It is very difficult to determine the right pace as the terrain is so varied. I am just trying to run within my limits and remember that there is still a bloody long way to go. The main goal is to finish healthy.

My wife Maree has emailed me making wild accusations that I am editing this blog (as it is public) by not mentioning anything of a

Hi all,

Well I survived the first day. It was great to start running. Last night was very cold close to zero, but all the gear worked pretty well. After a breakfast of porridge in front of a fire, we started running at about 8 am. It took a few kms to get some feeling into the fingers and toes. It didn

Well we have arrived at first camp, which was moved from the original location for some reason. We ended up at only 3014m instead of 3300m, which I am happy about. No altitude effects, and tomorrow we drop down a few hundred metres

The camp lies between two ridgelines which are very eroded with many colourful strata. The view down the valley leads to an amazing volcanic peak, which I understand is visible for most of the race. We got a good look at some of the terrain we will run across during the long march

Hi all, We have just finished the race briefing and check in, including the bag weigh in. My starting weight ended up at 9.5kg plus about 1.5kgs of water. The good news is that it only gets lighter from here. The officials checked all of our mandatory gear and one of the doctors went through our food checking our calorie and electrolyte plan and looked at all of our food. We also got some great news - there will be seats/stools to sit on in camp (what a luxury!). Also (Jack & Nellie), appraently there are pumas (or some sort of big cat) here but we don't expect to see them, and we have been given clear instructions not to pat the wildlife. It was great to see all the competitors in one place - a great buzz. 162 in total (I think) plus about 40 volunteers including 7 doctors. All in all they are a fit looking bunch - I'll be happy with a finish). 27 or so are attempting the grand slam (Gobi, Sahara, Atacama & Antarctica). In a couple of hours we bus up to the start line camp at 3400m (I bought the leaves mum, lets see if they work!). The race starts at 8 am tomorrow, with the first leg an easy day (joke) and the shortest at about 36kms. Thanks to all for the messages - they are a great encouragement and I expect will make all the difference during the race. Regards Michael

Hi all, Just a quick update. We left Brisbane on Thursday morning and arrived late Thursday night in San Pedro de Atacama after a very long trip. The flight to Santiago was good, and though I didn't manage to sleep I certainly caught up on the latest movie release. The connection to Calama was delayed and once we go it the air we were diverted to another city due to a sandstorm. Luckily we got going again after waiting for a while on the tarmac. After the transfer to San Pedro de Atacama we finally got to bed at about midnight after the longest Thusday of my life. Along the way I had a good chat to Asger, a Dane who is completing the 4 deserts grand slam this year (this is his third race). An interesting discussion about their education system, and lots of good advice on what to expect during the race. He said that camp life (between the running legs) was fantastic, and I am really looking forward to meeting people from across the world. Friday started with an early wake up, and the sight of the sun rising over some amazing volcanic peaks. We had a massive breakfast and then had a wander around the town. Lots of craft shops and restaurants in the centre of town, and a beautiful old church that is in the process of being restored. I packed all my gear and the race bag is bulging. I am pretty happy with both food and gear, though apart from a sleeping mat and a toothbrush, little of what is in the bag could be classified as a luxury. We went for a short run today, which felt good. I could feel the altitude, so will take it pretty easy on day one. Tonight we will go out to continue pre race carb loading, which is easy work given the quality of the local fare. Tomorrow we will do the gear check and race briefing so will be busy for most of the morning. We come back to the hotel at lunch before bussing it up to the first camp and start line. Am feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation for what is ahead, and can't wait to get started. Michael

20 minutes until the airport pickup, the adventure has arrived! Looking forward to getting started on this fantastic opportunity. Michael