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

ULTRALITE (CHILE)

4 - 10 April 2027

280

DAYS TO GO

RACE INFO

RTP Home

Atacama Crossing Blogs 2015

Posts

Atacama Crossing (2015) blog posts from Ryan Hill

Stage 5 09 Oct 2015

09 October 2015 02:58 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

big day now behind us,

Comments: Total (6) comments

Ian Butcher

Posted On: 11 Oct 2015 02:11 pm

Key thing is Ryan - you'll be able to spend the rest of your life saying "there were plenty of times I wanted to throw in the towel" - But YOU DIDN'T - what a great feeling that is!!!

Tara Smyth

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 01:53 pm

Wow. Unbelievable. Just unbelievable. I'm not sure what I think is worse. The walking on glass or the no sleep for 4 nights. Sheer, utter endurance. I'm really, truly lost for words. I'm like a goldfish. Mouth opening. Mouth closing. Stunned. 8km… I think you might just manage that. Wowser.

Graham Hill

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 11:53 am

Ryan what can I say, Brilliant. Well done. Hope your feet are ok. Pint of cold lager will do you good.lol x

Jeremy Speirs

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 05:18 am

Legend! Well done Ryan and how awesome to have GK see you home.....you two will be feeding off this experience for years! Enjoy the final stroll into town if you can......sounds like your feet are shot to pieces.....but 8km....cmon.....membership awaits you into one of the most exclusive clubs going! Simply fantastic fella!

Louise Hill

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 05:15 am

Oh and yes of course I'll be at the airport!!! with a cold beer! just not in a giant plastic syringe this time ;))) hahahahahaha I solemnly promise not to come in fancy dress this time..... hehehe

Louise Hill

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 05:00 am

Oh My God.... so emotional!!!!! YOU DID IT YOU SUPERHERO!! MY HERO!!!! I can't wait to see you! I'm booking massage treats for Wednesday as we speak and will get you there in a neighbour's golf buggy if poss!! Love you so much ... now come home so I can hug you xxxx You should see all the messages you got on Facebook from our friends and family - you have no idea!!!

Stage 4 07 Oct 2015

07 October 2015 07:14 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

thsnks for all the ace messages....just getting them 2 days late so everything is delayed. Geoff is going strong. he

Comments: Total (48) comments

ryan hill

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 12:42 am

Hey Ry! Still following your progressâ€¦ Looks as though the last leg was pretty tough - can't believe the 1st guy did it in 8hr something - that's mental. And then the poor German bloke who took over 25 hours. Wow, you guys have stamina! Sounds like you were keeping a steady pace and staying with it. Well done. Can't wait to hear your blog on Stage 5â€¦ Hoped it would be there when I got up this morning - will check again laterâ€¦ I'm about to take my Scouts stream hiking this morning. All brand new - maybe one of them will take part in the 4 deserts one dayâ€¦ Take care a you and look after those feet. You are awesome. And I leave you with some words from Winston Churchill : "Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." I know you have the courage.

ryan hill

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 12:41 am

ryan hill

Posted On: 10 Oct 2015 12:40 am

Neville Ross

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 11:34 pm

Ryan, you are doing fantastic! The blisters sound horrendous. Keep it going mate only 74km to go! Nail it. Nev

Adam Hill

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 10:34 am

Hi Ryan, It looks like your smashing it again, as always, keep up the good work your doing brilliant. I've been following Louise's posts on FB the pictures of you are fab. Hope your injury is not giving you too much trouble. I am so proud of you and all you achieve. Keep well, keep safe, lots of love always. Remember it doesn't matter what position you finish it's taking part that counts. Mamma Lynn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dalene Barnard

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 01:40 am

Go guys go wonder what your new team will be called you guys are doing amazing please keep it up. Ps Thanks for looking after David

Sarah Shaw

Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:02 am

Ryan ;) Everything you have achieved, each step, is amazing, even the ouchy ones because wow this is a truly awesome challenge and not for the faint hearted.....somebody said to me recently, "courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to carry on inspire of it" keep going :) :)

Meaghan Hunter

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 10:41 pm

hey superman! Hope I'm not to late, just wanted to let you know how proud we all are of you over here.WOW. We have all been following your journey and the AMAZING job you've been doing. You are literally killing it!!! An absolute inspiration to us all. Last push for the final hurdle, just think how far you've already come- you can do it! -we are all routing for you! Best of luck :) Lots of love, over and out. Ps. You've got quite a fan club! What wonderful family and friends you have xx

Meaghan Hunter

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 10:40 pm

Glenn Hockley

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 08:58 pm

Hey Ryan. Sounds like you've have had an amazing journey so far! This is obviously the toughest part coming up and it seems like you're going through a lot of pain but me and Vic know you can make it through to the end and make yourself and everyone else proud! Grit your teeth mate and if you're lucky we'll give you a foot massage next time we see you! We know you can do it!!!! Lots of love, Glenn

Glenn Hockley

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 08:57 pm

Jeremy Speirs

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:52 pm

Hey Ryan, Sounds like a tough day at the office for you all today.....and a super stage tomorrow....no idea how you all do it day after day but hats off to you! Simply brilliant effort. Hope the feet hold together and the injury from earlier in the week does not return.....keep going buddy.....massive day tomorrow and then the final lap of glory.....can't see anything stopping you now! Enjoy what you can....experience of a lifetime . Well don fella.....total respect! Jeremy

Kylie Waterstrom

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:50 pm

Ryan Hill! Super hero extraordinaire! I have tears in my eyes as I type this. So in awe of you and so amazed at your ability, mental capacity and sheer will to continue. Amazing amazing amazing! Congratulations and I'm tempered to fly to Singapore next week and rub your feet! Buy you a beer and just listen to your stories. A massive cheers and congratulations! So proud of you Kyles (

Kylie Waterstrom

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:49 pm

Kylie Waterstrom

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:48 pm

Kylie Waterstrom

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:47 pm

Kylie Waterstrom

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:46 pm

Kylie Waterstrom

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:45 pm

Kylie Waterstrom

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:44 pm

Kylie Waterstrom

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:43 pm

Ross Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:26 pm

Home straight now superman . May the force be with you are kid ðŸ˜ðŸ˜. Dig deep . As you always taught me. Never give up. ðŸ˜ðŸ‘

Ross Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:25 pm

Home straight now superman . May the force be with you are kid ðŸ˜ðŸ˜. Dig deep . As you always taught me. Never give up. ðŸ˜ðŸ‘

Ross Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:24 pm

Home straight now superman . May the force be with you are kid ðŸ˜ðŸ˜. Dig deep . As you always taught me. Never give up. ðŸ˜ðŸ‘

Ross Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:23 pm

Home straight now superman . May the force be with you are kid ðŸ˜ðŸ˜. Dig deep . As you always taught me. Never give up. ðŸ˜ðŸ‘

Ross Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 07:22 pm

Home straight now superman . May the force be with you are kid ðŸ˜ðŸ˜. Dig deep . As you always taught me. Never give up. ðŸ˜ðŸ‘

Chris Bird

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:28 pm

Ryan, you great, gorgeous hunk of manhood, you're truly amazing. And it's just wonderful to read Jude

Ian Butcher

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 04:54 pm

I've never told you Ry that I can see into the future!! - and I already know that you finished the race with honour!!! - so now you can relax and enjoy the final stages with confidence!!! - Rooting for you!!

pam butcher

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 04:13 pm

Hi Ryan , I'm remembering back to when you did that first race through the Sahara , your description of the stage when you were the last one to cross the line , such a struggle you went through , it brought tears to my eyes and we were all so concerned for you . And you DID IT ! And what's more followed with the Gobi and Antarctica so I'm sure you're going to get through this one . Great to have a supportive companion in David . Hope you can eat some of that boring looking stuff you had to pack , better put in a request to Louise for the best thing you can imagine her cooking for when you get back . Could never have imagined Jude and Ezra writing these brilliant comments , or having the reason to write them , when we were all getting up in the night to feed them 12yrs ago . Lots of love , Pam and Ian xxx

Andrew Dixon

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:25 pm

Looks a doddle mate what ya worried about? Just make up your favourite tunes play list and think about how you are going to put it all together, that should eat up a few K's. Seriously though masive respect to you and your mates and fellow competitors to do this. Totally mad but totally brilliant too. I'll have pint waiting for you in HKG next time you're here!

Andrew Dixon

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:24 pm

Andrew Dixon

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:23 pm

Andrew Dixon

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:22 pm

Andrew Dixon

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:21 pm

clare keon

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:17 pm

Words aren't adequate to describe my level of awe. Praying that your feet are feeling better.

clare keon

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:16 pm

Words aren't adequate to describe my level of awe. Praying that your feet are feeling better.

Adam Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 01:43 pm

come on Ryan, u can do it brother.I Have every faith in you, you have achieved so much. Big push for the last stage,"no pain no gain" wishing you all the best and will be thinking of you... Adam

Adam Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 01:42 pm

come on Ryan, u can do it brother.I Have every faith in you, you have achieved so much. Big push for the last stage,"no pain no gain" wishing you all the best and will be thinking of you... Adam

Adam Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 01:41 pm

come on Ryan, u can do it brother.I Have every faith in you, you have achieved so much. Big push for the last stage,"no pain no gain" wishing you all the best and will be thinking of you... Adam

Adam Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 01:40 pm

come on Ryan, u can do it brother.I Have every faith in you, you have achieved so much. Big push for the last stage,"no pain no gain" wishing you all the best and will be thinking of you... Adam

Aisling McGivern

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:55 pm

Ryan you've smashed your way through 164km....an amazing achievement just two more days to that ice cold beer. Thanks for the update on Geoff, he was in the field so long today i thought for sure he was injured. I'm so glad you're both there together. Stay strong...it's in the bag. Lots love to you and my man....by the time you read this I hope you've 250 done and dusted and they are pouring your pints x

Ezra Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:38 pm

OMG you are doing so well in this race! Hope the thorns don't stop you from racing tomorrow! You can beat Usain Bolt at this kind of stuff. You just have to believe in yourself and hope for the best... I think that you will make it but you have to give it everything you've got because that is some HC (hardcore) distance right there! You are ready sensei! You are the best! When you come back me jude and mummy will give you the biggest hug in a life time. And I mean literally the BIGGEST hug ever! You are the best dad in the entire world and I could never ask for anyone else but you to be my dad. If you became a rugby player, you would automatically better than Jona Lomu! By the way, when you get back you are gonna get a pedicure... You are come first place wether you like it or not! You are the fingers on my hand the support of my life and the biggest, best dad you could ever be! When you finish this you will or should never regret any of these moments! :D You could never be better. I think that when we get back you should just relax and take your time at home. I hope you don't lose any toe nails! :) You are my hero and my guide for happiness and a better life. Thank you SO MUCH for everything that you have done for me for the last 12 years of my life! ;) I love you in so many ways that you could never imagine. Can't wait till you get back from that run! But if you are seriously thinking that you won't be able to make it to the finish line then, please don't try to go outside of your comfort zone to much. So if you really can't carry on then please stop. I know that you can do it though! :D I love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are the best dad you could ever be!!!!!!! Love, Ezra <3 <3 <3 xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Lorissa and Todd Peate

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:06 pm

Follow your dreams Ryan, if only we could watch you on tv as you battle through this and scream like we did in the Wallabies match last Sunday morning. Pretend those cameras are on you mate and hear us yelling the same thing... You've got it in the bag!!.. Don't give up now!!.. Focus..Breath!!..and Todd said a few more things than me (which I shouldn't write) but I'm sure you know what they would sound like.. Look ahead the end is near

Natasha Shuttleworth

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 11:51 am

Ryan, I can't imagine how much your body has been through during the race it sounds like you have coped amazingly well in tough conditions. I know from Louise how hard you trained and how much you want this. Keep that chin up and keep on going, nothing worth celebrating ever came from zero struggles. We are all super impressed by what you guys are rocking out there for mile after mile. This is such an incredible adventure to share with everyone and we get to live vicariously through you. One day you will be a grandad sitting with your grandchild on your knee telling your story of when grandad ran across the desert and which one is up to you as this is your 4th!!!!! How cool is that please? Final big push tomorrow. Us Northerners are strong folk in body and mind just think about that fantastic chilled beer or four with your feet up when it's all over. That's my motivational carrot for you. Stay strong and keep the faith we're all cheering you on - Nat, Greg & Miko xxx

Tara Smyth

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 11:43 am

Wow, Ryan. That really does sound brutal. I am following the photos and reports your beautiful wife posts, every day. Do you ever wonder why you are doing it? I sent this to Janine, when she was having a collywobbles and second thoughts: From the mouth of George Leigh Mallory in 1922: "The first question which you will ask and which I must try to answer is this, "What is the use of climbing Mount Everest?" and my answer must at once be, "It is no use." There is not the slightest prospect of any gain whatsoever. Oh, we may learn a little about the behaviour of the human body at high altitudes, and possibly medical men may turn our observation to some account for the purposes of aviation. But otherwise nothing will come of it. We shall not bring back a single bit of gold or silver, not a gem, nor any coal or iron. We shall not find a single foot of earth that can be planted with crops to raise food. It's no use. So, if you cannot understand that there is something in man which responds to the challenge of this mountain and goes out to meet it, that the struggle is the struggle of life itself upward and forever upward, then you won't see why we go. What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life. We do not live to eat and make money. We eat and make money to be able to enjoy life. That is what life means and what life is for." Don't give up Ryan. You can and you will do it. Imagine the joy and the euphoria on finishing. It will be a euphoria you take with you to your grave and a legacy to leave with your beautiful boys. Keep going, Ryan. Keep going. Just do it for the JOY! Tara xxxx

Jude Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 11:39 am

OMG YOU are doing INCREDIBLY well keep it up you are so god damn fit YOU ARE AMAZING you are the best dad in the world. YOU ARE INCREDIBLY FIT like holy crap.YOU ARE AWESOME. I cant believe the you are doing 86 KM LIKE OMG HOW DO YOU DO tHAT KEEP it up. BE Strong and keep going have you lost any toe nails. You are absolutely Incredibly fit like amazingly fit. You have the BALLS of STEEL. Forget superman YOU are the MAN of STEEL you have god damn superpowers. like LITERALY keep going. TRUST ME You ARE AMAZING You have more muscle than DWAYNE JOHNSON like way more you are super fit man. KEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPP GOING. You and your friend David are a good team and SMASH through the finish line like Sam Burgess. YOU ARE AWESOME. Keep it up and then you can say the you have run through the atacama desert, Sahara desert, ANTARCTICA and the gobi desert. JUST KEEP IT UP. Knock Knock Who's there Obama Obama who Obaaaaaaaa ma self. That is a good joke. I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUU TOOO THE NEXT galaxy and back <3<3<3 I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxxoxoxooxoxoxxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxox <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3 I LOVE YOU KEEEEEPPPP GOING JUST KEEP GOING SMASH through that finish line like Sam Burgess and Anthony Watson. I love you to bits. Love, Jude Best of luck. <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

Georgina Land

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 11:37 am

Ryan, remember you are enough, you have enough and you are the possibility. Pain takes on a voice and don't let the beast have power over your soul. Full heart your way you awesome man, husband and father. Big love from the UK Twin tribe x x x

Louise Hill

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 11:17 am

Oh my poor BABE!!!! I love you to bits, keep going!!! and BE STRONG!! You and David are such a great team, I know because I'm reading his blog and the praise he has for you is endearing ;)) stick together and help each other and smash it through to the end ok?? all that training... you have to finish well :)) Your poor feet though!! Please send all my love and a give Janine a huuuuge hug and to Geoff too - bring it home guys xxx loads of love from us in La-La land.....

Ian Bell

Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 11:14 am

Mate you have balls the size of space hoppers, I'm wincing just reading that. Keep it up champ nearly there.

Stage 3 06 Oct 2015

06 October 2015 01:48 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Today was a brutal brutal day

Comments: Total (0) comments

Stage 2 05 Oct 2015

05 October 2015 07:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Brutal day, but managed to finish after 7 hours 10 mins...think David and I came in 24/25^th? We were in and out of freezing cold water for first 90 mins or so running through a canyon with no chance for the shoes to dry out. It felt good on the sore shin muscle though and that might have helped me get through the day...i was so lucky it held out. After the water we had a massive climb up from the valley floor to a ridge looking out towards the distant volcanoes and mountains...simply breathtaking. Hopefully you're getting some pics and videos

After the ridge we had a huge descent down a sand dune which was incredible and filled my shoes and socks but was one of the most amazing things ive experienced.

The next 22km to the finish was horrendous despite it being relatively flat. David and I just marched it the whole way, through rocky beds and crusty hard salt flats. It was brutal on the feet and totally demoralising...just before the end of the stage they had put another mini sand dune as part of the route to the finish. Everything aches and ive just popped a couple of blisters and rolled my legs in the medical tent and put voltaren on the shin...people are still coming in and they will have been out for about 11hours...tough tough day. Tomorrow is no easier.

More of the same tomorrow, managing my shin through it and hopefully arriving in one piece. Im not aiming to finish top 20 now givn my injury...finishing will be fine by me ;)

Love my gorgeous wifeand boys xxxxx

p.s. To Em......David 'do it'......you would nail it.....

thanks Sam x

love ROSS x

Comments: Total (15) comments

Ian Butcher

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 07:09 pm

Ry If it's OK with you I'd like to recognise your efforts by sending a donation to Emma and the kids in Nepal! You are an inspiration and keep going whatever you do!!!!

Ian Butcher

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 07:08 pm

Ry If it's OK with you I'd like to recognise your efforts by sending a donation to Emma and the kids in Nepal! You are an inspiration and keep going whatever you do!!!!

Ian Butcher

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 07:07 pm

Ry If it's OK with you I'd like to recognise your efforts by sending a donation to Emma and the kids in Nepal! You are an inspiration and keep going whatever you do!!!!

Ian Butcher

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 07:06 pm

Ry If it's OK with you I'd like to recognise your efforts by sending a donation to Emma and the kids in Nepal! You are an inspiration and keep going whatever you do!!!!

Lourens Roets

Posted On: 07 Oct 2015 02:35 am

You guys are motoring - awesome effort! Enjoy the next few days - that cold one is waiting for you at the line. Cheers, Lourens

Jeremy Speirs

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 08:09 pm

Well done fella -another day behind you....just a few to go and the mission is complete ! Hope the injury gets no worse and you can struggle through -if it's tough for you I can only imagine how GK is feeling! Give him a big bear hug from me ! Thinking if you guys- no kids jokes from me but had a lovely night out with HR tonight in Stockholm.....now where would you rather be !!

Kylie Waterstrom

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 03:37 pm

What an amazing effort Ryan!!! Just awesome. One can only begin to imagine what you are going through psychologically, physically and emotionally. Seriously hats off. Glad to hear that you made it through the day with the injury and it wasn't too much of a hindrance. You worry me! We popped into one of the churches in Paris, I said a little prayer for you, Lordy who knows is listening, I prey that you have a great day tomorrow. Keep smiling.... It's just one more step.... You are a super ðŸŒŸ "star" Xxxx

Kylie Waterstrom

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 03:36 pm

Kylie Waterstrom

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 03:35 pm

Ezra Hill

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 12:28 pm

You are doing so well and you are the best! I think that even though you got that shin injury you will go on. I cannot wait to see more. The scenery must be breath taking! That cold water must have been a big relief to you and your mates. I cannot wait for you to come home and give you the biggest hug of your life! :D I love you so much! You will be fine and it doesn't matter what place you come you would have done absolutely amazing! :) Love you! Love, Ezra

Jude Hill

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 12:11 pm

Sup dad I love you. I hope your shin is ok. I love youuuuuuuuuuuuuu. I am doing exercises in my room since most of my things are being cancelled. I LOVE you!!!!!!!!!!I cant wait to see you. The place looks AMAZING I saw that photo of you you look awesome and that cold river must of felt nice. I hope you do well tomorrow Never quit just keep going. When you feel down just think of us. We are always gonna be motivating you and supporting you.WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH, I hope you get a good night sleep. I have a few jokes for you Why do crabs never give to charity?................Because they are Shellfish. “A ham sandwich walks into a bar and orders a beer. Bartender says, ‘Sorry we don’t serve food here.’” “How do you make holy water? You boil the hell out of it.” “Anytime I do something smart my dad says, ‘Wow, you’re a fart smella…I mean smart fella!’” LOL Anyways I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCHHHHHHHHHHHHH Lots of LOVE <3<3 Jude and Best of luck Jude xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxooxxoxoxoxoxoxooxxoxoxoxooxoxoxooI LOVVVEEEEEE YYYYOYOOOOUUUUUU SOOO MMMMUUUUCCCCHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Louise Hill

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 11:24 am

Hi babe, you are my HERO - I can only imagine the pain you have to run through, the thought of your shoes filling up with sand on top of wet feet sounds horrible! But the scenery is incredible!!! Found some photos of you and David marching on, so lovely that you are sticking together!! Do the best you can with that shin, you are doing so well!! Boys are missing you very much but very excited about it :)) love you loads xxxx keep going!

Aisling McGivern

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 10:28 am

Ryan sounds absolutely gruelling but of course you are sticking with it :-) Hope you get a good nights sleep. Best of luck for tomorrow. Haven't seen Geoff's blog yet....fear that he may be in pieces after all that stage 2 has offered up. Onwards.....beer at the end.

Aisling McGivern

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 10:27 am

pam butcher

Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 08:06 am

Hi Ryan , Was just reading about stage 2 on David's post and thinking the first half looked interesting and you might have appreciated the cold water and then the 2nd 20k sounded gruelling ...... you've just confirmed that . You must be feeling so annoyed about the shin , really bad luck to have that happen on the first day . It will be extraordinary just to complete the 7 days , we know you can do it ! By the way , if you happen to pass any Llamas could you bring some wool back for me ? Lots of love , take good care of yourself , Pam xxx

Ryan......bittersweet day 04 Oct 2015

04 October 2015 07:57 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Was a good day today, came in joint 14^thwith David my buddy from previous races in a good time and we ran strong; but right near the end I pulled my anterior shin muscle in a random innocuous pothole and the muscle tightened and started to swell, so the day is bittersweet because I'm in good form and feeling strong...Have compressed it and had a cold compress and ointment put on by the medics and also been keeping it raised......fingers crossed the swelling and tenderness goes down before the morning start otherwise I'll be disappointed and the race will become one of survival rather than competing.

The stage today was pretty tough and the sun was high but bearable. The ground was very dry and rocky with long sections of sand too, but it was great to be runningwith David B as we encouraged each other all the way. The landscape is incredible just massive plains, hills, mountains and volcanoes! The whole place is so dry......the wind is picking up now bringing in a nice cooling feeling......however, with no clouds last night was freezing cold ....missingmy bed now!

Off to eat and rest...thanks fr the messages ...keeps driving me forward.

Cheers

ryan