ATACAMA CROSSING (CHILE)
250km / 155 mile, 6-Stage Ultramarathon

ULTRALITE (CHILE)

4 - 10 April 2027

280

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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2015

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Atacama Crossing (2015) blog posts from Colin Nanka

20 October 2015 05:04 am (GMT+09:00) Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo

We started the day at 8am after a brutal cold night camping out on the salt flats. This desert has huge extremes and we are getting

Comments: Total (3) comments

Christine Inf

Posted On: 13 Oct 2015 07:41 pm

Wow, what a journey - sounds absolutely amazing in all aspects! Well done Colin, and glad you can still walk!!

Kyle Byron

Posted On: 13 Oct 2015 06:12 pm

Awesome finish!!!!

Kyle Byron

Posted On: 13 Oct 2015 06:11 pm

Awesome finish!!!!

08 October 2015 12:11 pm (GMT-12:00) International Date Line West

Comments: Total (5) comments

Christine Inf

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:15 pm

Sounds like you are doing great Colin, amazing feat of endurance for sure! Keep at it, and enjoy that final few metres to the Finish Line on Saturday!! Best C.

Blake R

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 11:52 am

Hi hun-by the time you read this you'll be ALMOST done! I'm en route to Chile today and can't wait to squeeze you!! I love you so much and you are always my hero!!! #RunColinRUN!!

Blake R

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 11:46 am

FROM FACEBOOK James Turkington Keep killing it Nanka. Enjoy the night sky's. John Caamano Colin- final stretch. You can make up a lot of places in the long run. Same strategies as other races we have run. Gain some ground in cool morning without taxing your system. Slow and steady fuel up in the midday sun. Empty the tank in the cool evening. Daryl Mason Amazing to see you go from humble beginnings in these crazy races to a wiley vet to now helping others finish. All the things that hurt you, actually teach you. Play like a champion tomorrow! Go get'em Hollywood! Perla Andrea Murray Chu can doooooo it!🏼🏼🏼 Tristan Sjoberg He'll do it. I know Colin and we've been there together. He is a mind champ. Craig Lewis Dig Deeeeep! Amazing. Inspirational! Rich Resnick Amazing Colin! You got this!!! Lenka Tanner Go Colin!!! Mike Townsend Awesome - keep it going! Anne-Marie Tseretopoulos You're awesome! Keep going! Dennis Long *cheers for colin* Mark Saunders Conquer this thing !!!! Colin Lau You go Colin!!! This will turn into my inspirational emails for us for the rest of the year grin emoticon

Hugo Van der wardt

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:12 am

Nanka, as the old Dutch saying goes the last leds weigh the heaviest. I think an old fishing reference. Basically it boils down to this, you have been super strong so far, it's going to be heavy , but the reward that much sweeter. Keep up the stellar performance and we all know you will get through it by helping others as they help you. Go team effort. Cheers Hugo

Janette Yee

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:29 am

Colin by the time you read this you will already have finished the longest Stage - the one that earned you your nickname of Tarahumara. The funny quills and sharp-toothed bugs will all be irrelevant compared to the number of miles already under your belt. Draw strength from the music, particularly "Wonder" and remember why it's such a special song. Also draw strength from your fellow runners. Inspire each other and support each other. Remember to pause and take it all in as well. You are at the ends of the earth, and it has never looked so beautiful.

Stage 3 06 Oct 2015

06 October 2015 08:05 am (GMT+09:00) Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo

Up and Down Day

Thanks for all the notes friends!

Comments: Total (18) comments

Eleanor Nanka

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 02:30 am

Arrived home last night in one piece. Had a great time! Just read all your blogs and glad to hear you are still alive!!! It was nice of Blake to keep me updated. Love,Mom

Bob Cox

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 11:10 pm

Hey Colin, You're doing awesome!!! Keep up the good work! We are following all the way to the finish!

Alison Simpson

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 10:16 pm

Way to go Colin! Just think, based on what the veterans told you, you're not just 1/2 way down...you also now have the toughest regular day behind you! I imagine there will never be another orange that tastes as good as the one you worked so hard to earn at the end of the race today. You also conquered crud today...crud that's a helluva lot harder to conquer then the crud you face in a normal day, so now you'll be even stronger moving forward. Your description of the stars sounds glorious and I'm glad they're lighting the way for you and inspiring you. Please know that you're shining even brighter than the stars for all of us reading about your Atacama adventure. You continue to be an amazing inspiration for so many and we're sending lots of good thoughts and extra energy your way to help fuel you along! You've got this Colin...and that medal will feel glorious around your neck in a few short days.

Hugo van der wardt

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 07:22 pm

Nothing better than coming home after 8 hours of ppt excel and presentations and a 2 hour commute in stop and start traffic to sink into the couch turn on the TV and open up Facebook to read about the adventures of the BIG man Nanka doing a stellar job on the Attacama crossing. Keeping real and living the dream. Keep it up bud! Hugo

Hugo van der wardt

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 07:21 pm

Blake R

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 07:16 pm

From Facebook: Brian Joseph (Take 60 seconds somewhere along the line today to truly acknowledge that you're competing at a level that is unheard of by 99.99% of the population that has ever walked this planet.) Deanna Riggz (I've been enjoying reading about your progress! Keep it up Colin! Super admirable!!) John Caamano (Hang tough brother. Work your nutrition. Stay fresh for the long run. Same rules as usual take your time on the technical terrain and bolt in the good terrain. You're kicking Ass!!!) Stephen Miller (cool pic. You got this.) Sean Arora (Absolutely amazing what you have accomplished already! Excited to follow you the rest of the way.) Terry Dohrmann (Go brother!) Perla Andrea Murray (Colin you are a baddd ass!) Meryl Brown*my cousin (So inspiring!!!!) James Turkington (Looking great Nanka) Andrea Saltzman Yowza.* my cousin (And I complain when I have to walk too far from our beach chairs to the snack stand for ice cream. Bravo Colin! (Going to go lay down now, this video wore me out...) xoxo) Brandon Murray (Insane) Gloria Kesting (We are proud of you Colin!) Terri Ross (OMG Colin!! You are truly AMAZING!!) Francine Tosto *My mom's friend (Unbelievable videos !!!! Good luck and be safe Colin....) Cindy Schweiger *My mom's friend Amazing!!! John Caamano (Keep it up brother. Steady pace Slow and steady on technical stages and save up for the long run. Should be less technical and may give you time to fly.) Mike Townsend (Keep it up buddy) Hugo Van Der Wardt (Going strong my man, awesome to read how you are progressing. Sounds like you are on course. Keep it up bud) Kevin Lang (Keep rockin it!!) Stefan Danis (Gogogo)

Blake R

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 07:15 pm

Blake R

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 07:14 pm

Blake R

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 07:13 pm

Blake R

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 07:12 pm

Kyle Byron

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 05:20 pm

Hey buddy. I've been following along. Tougher terrain but you are stronger than ever, so on you go. You are inspiring many. Kyle

Michael Palmer

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 04:53 pm

Great seeing the posts and your progress. Looks beautiful down there man! Thinking about you in the quiet of the desert, mountains, sweat, grit and exhaustion. Nothing better I am sure.

Jim Dufresne

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 03:52 pm

Keep it up Colin. Thinking about you buddy!

Lucas Kuchler

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 02:43 pm

Keep it up Nanka!

Sal Disanto

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 02:43 pm

Colin, my wife and I have been following your journey. Dude, it is absolutely amazing what you are facing and accomplishing. I cannot imagine moving forward with what seems like such an immeasurable distance ahead. This is inspirational on so many levels my man. Q4 doesn't seem so difficult by comparison. Wishing you the best of luck on these last couple days.

Michelle Payne

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 01:59 pm

Been following the updates that have been posted on FB. Sounds like you are doing fantastically well, and not in too much pain. How is it compared to g2g? Some photos of the long run down the dune looked absolutely stunning. Never thought I'd want to do anything like that verticality again after the g2g dunes, but they have made me reconsider! Hope you're keeping something in the tank for the Long Day too, and then it's just a little jog to the last finish line! PS: I want those white framed sunglasses, they look pretty cool :D Keep enjoying that stunning scenery, look up as much as you can and looking forward to seeing any photos you take once you've finished! Best, Michelle

Michelle Payne

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 01:58 pm

Michelle Payne

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 01:57 pm

Canyons, Dunes and Salt Flats 05 Oct 2015

05 October 2015 10:49 am (GMT+09:00) Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo

Thanks for all the well wishes!

Comments: Total (14) comments

Blake R

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 09:54 pm

I agree with Janette--I wouldn't mind you with all 10 toes still attached to you! I was bragging about you at a fancy lunch today. No one can believe you do this stuff...for FUN, nonetheless. I said "he's the strongest person I know and he gets stronger and more mindful in his life due to what he experiences out there on the dirt for a week." I hope you're safe, enjoying the ride, keeping hydrated and building your shell a little tougher. I can't wait to see you...FOUR. MORE. SLEEPS!!!! I love you. Keep going. Be your best turtle.

Kyle Jamieson

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 02:27 pm

Really enjoying reading these updates everyday! Best of luck with the rest of the week, keep the updates coming!

Blake Ross

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 02:26 pm

More from Facebook Bob Cox You're doing awesome!!! Nicky Poole Go Colin! We are all supporting you and following your journey every step of the way (105,000 steps!). Crush it! Chad Katoff So awesome. Love seeing your progress. Kevin Egan Go Colin. Go. Paul Snelson So glad we aren't in a work week hustle this week! Kate Smith Ross Great job, Colin! Ray Zahab Go Colin go!!! Ursula Llabres Go Colin! Vamos tu puedes! Michael Cho Let's go buddy!

Nicky Poole

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 03:31 am

Oh, and don't listen to JY. No 4Deserts vet is ever going to be a foot model. Just finish the damm thing and worry about the toenails later. Crush it Buddy!

Nicky Poole

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 03:27 am

Hey Colin! I hope you get this at the end of Day Three, the toughest day right? Behind you now I hope. Loving hearing your stories as I follow you through Race Four. So proud of you! Breathe In. Breathe Out. You got this! Thinking of you, and I look forward to reading the updates tomorrow!

Janette Yee

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 12:47 am

Colin it sounds like you're drawing from your wisdom from doing four crazy races prior to this one. It's always tough to hold back when you're feeling good, so kudos to you for reminding yourself to be disciplined. Your wisdom has also allowed you to see the bigger picture - so even though youre "chunking it out" one day at a time, it's good that you're conserving energy for tougher days. Don't forget that your Ultrafix tape around each toe will be a good blister prevention tactic! I want you to come back home with your feet in foot-model condition! Rest well tonight my friend - dial into the Recovery Tunes!

Janette Yee

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 12:46 am

Janette Yee

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 12:45 am

Janette Yee

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:56 pm

Janette Yee

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:55 pm

Janette Yee

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:54 pm

Janette Yee

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:53 pm

Janette Yee

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:52 pm

Janette Yee

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:51 pm

Slow down to speed up 04 Oct 2015

04 October 2015 08:02 am (GMT+09:00) Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo

We started the day above 10,000 feet. It was a beautiful back drop of orange desert stone formation against the high altitude volcanoes. My motto this morning was "slow out"even wrote it on my wrist. A disciplined pace.I have blown races up on day one or two before and suffered all week.

The elevation could be felt for the first couple hours and my heart rate was anywhere between 120 and 160. I moved slowly and put walk breaks in to make sure I didn't burn out early. Ive learned a few things in the last four races. Wasn't going to make that mistake again!

Once we got down to 9000 feet I started to feel better and had a burst of energy. I resisted using all of it and continued to run conservatively and walk every few flags.

Once we hit the last checkpoint we started a slow climb up an old canyon road for an hour. The heat was heavy and everyone moved slow. I didn't really know what place I was in till finish but was aiming for first 1/3. My strategy was to go out conservatively and get stronger everyday. I was pleased to come in #25, above my expectations.

The training has been kicking in and over all feel very good. Same approach tomorrow. My friend Ash who has run this many times and came in 10^th! He said tomorrow is longer and the 3^rdday is very tough. Longer and tougher from here as usual.

BR - Feel Good. Our tent has 7 people in the top 25. A veteran and very positive group.

JY - Through two albums today. Aweome tunes!

KB - Salt, protein and amino strategy right on target.

RZ - Training is bang on and felt strong today.

Should sleep well tonight

Comments: Total (5) comments

Blake Ross

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 09:13 pm

Hi hon- We got a glimpse of you in one photo out of the hundreds 4Deserts posted last night. You need to do a better job of getting in front of the camera! :) Everyone on facebook has been following your every step, so I hope you feel the digital love from all your friends and family! Remember all you have inspired--even those who don't even know you!--with your very first step out on the field! I love you so very much and can't wait to celebrate with you in a few days! RUNCOLINRUN!! Here's more from facebook Judy Catherine Cessford Great first day, Colin! Congrats! :o) Bob Cox Way to go Colin!!! Keep up the good work!! Robert Miller**my mom's friend Keep going strong !! Tricia Gellman Fuleky Keep up the positive attitude and restraint. I am sure they will help you in the coming days. David Evans Keep going buddy! Do it for Millwoods!

Tony Rodoni

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 02:08 pm

Thanks for the updates. Congrats on completing the first day and doing so well. Have blast, and enjoy the journey!

Blake Ross

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 01:57 pm

FROM FACEBOOK Nicky Poole Go Colin! Awesome! Perla Andrea Murray "While you surfin the couch eating cheetos... #RunColinRun David LeShay *my friend David is this something jews do? James Turkington Keep up the good work Danielle Galante Falanga looking good Colin!!!! Keep up the good work Betty Saltzman *my aunt better amazing ! Lauren Pestronk Wilner Wow amazing! I can barely wear high heels all day John Caamano Slow and steady Colin. There is plenty of race left. Beth Kaplan Kondonijakos Go Colin Go! Terri Ross You need a good bottle of wine! xoxo Daryl Mason Go Nanka Go!

Lucas Kuchler

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 01:33 pm

Sounds like you in control there, keep it up!

Alison simpson

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 09:18 am

Way to go Colin -- you're off to an amazing start! Enjoy the scenery and know that all the training you've put in leading up to this week, have you well positioned for success! Thanks for inspiring us all with our journey!

Pre Race 03 Oct 2015

03 October 2015 02:05 am (GMT+09:00) Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo

We settled up in San Pedro and got bussed out of town and into the desert this afternoon. We are camping above 10,000 feet in a beautiful rock formation and had a great sunset. Its about 7pm right now and the sun is going down. Getting windy and cold now, everyone has their down jackets on, it will be a cold sleep.

Comments: Total (1) comments

Blake Ross

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 02:31 am

Just remember your heater waiting at home!! Had a great weekend with the girls--touring the wineries having lots of vino for you (and me, too). How are your sneakers holding up? Seven more sleeps, my love! TURTLE POWER!

Words of Wisdom 02 Oct 2015

02 October 2015 07:58 am (GMT+09:00) Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo

I've been fortunate to have great mentors in this sport. As I head
over to Chile, I'm thinking about a few concepts they shared in the
last few years.

It was only five years ago I was brand new and entering my first race.

Comments: Total (11) comments

Blake Ross

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 01:42 am

More Comments from Facebook: Francine Tosto Blake keep up your end !!! Jennifer Amigone Go Colin! Amazing! Brandon Murray Great update! Perla Andrea Murray #RunColinRun

Blake Ross

Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 12:39 am

Comments from Facebook : Arnold Ross Go Colin we are running with you Cindy Schweiger Good Luck Colin!!!! Betty Saltzman run like the wind!

Blake Ross

Posted On: 04 Oct 2015 10:02 pm

Hi turts. I hope you had an amazing first day--just like a good turtle, remember: slow and steady wins the race. Love you so much! Have a great second day, you're my hero.

Janette Yee

Posted On: 03 Oct 2015 03:08 am

Coliiiin Tarahumara is back!! Just reading up on your posts while I'm "on the hose" hahaha Thinking of you and all your time on your hose and how you're going to own this altitude. Go get 'em!!

Blake Ross

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 08:25 pm

#RunColinRun

Blake Ross

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 08:24 pm

#RunColinRun

Blake Ross

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 08:23 pm

#RunColinRun

Blake Ross

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 08:22 pm

#RunColinRun

Blake Ross

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 08:21 pm

#RunColinRun

Blake Ross

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 08:20 pm

#RunColinRun

Blake Ross

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 08:19 pm

#RunColinRun

Excursion Day 02 Oct 2015

02 October 2015 07:51 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago

Arrived in San Pedro de Atacama and the home town for our upcoming race. It was a 10 hour flight to Santiago, hour flight to Calama and a two hour bus ride to San Pedro.

Comments: Total (5) comments

Tony Rodoni

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 10:00 pm

Welcome to Chile Colin! Hope you are having a great adventure!

Tony Rodoni

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 09:59 pm

Welcome to Chile Colin! Hope you are having a great adventure!

Tony Rodoni

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 09:58 pm

Welcome to Chile Colin! Hope you are having a great adventure!

Tony Rodoni

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 09:57 pm

Welcome to Chile Colin! Hope you are having a great adventure!

Tony Rodoni

Posted On: 02 Oct 2015 09:56 pm

Welcome to Chile Colin! Hope you are having a great adventure!

Back for Number Five 06 Aug 2015

06 August 2015 01:03 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Back at it for my 5th Multi Day Stage race and 4th RTP race.

Comments: Total (7) comments

Christine I