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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2018
6
PostsAtacama Crossing (2018) blog posts from Duncan Chau
04 October 2018 08:27 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
I DID IT!
03 October 2018 12:49 pm (GMT-04:00) Santiago
This will be a short one, loooong day, painful day, tough day, no time, no energy.
First I just want to tell everyone how proud I am of my wife doing a very very tough 50km in HK this weekend!!!!
Comments: Total (28) comments
Lucille Wolff
Posted On: 05 Oct 2018 02:51 pm
Our hearts are with you. Rhea had a very serious face when I showed her the IG photos of your race. I told her Uncle Duncan knows how to handle himself so no need to worry.
What an amazing experience.
The Wolff-pack is in your corner.
Caroline Lown
Posted On: 05 Oct 2018 05:51 am
Despite that tough stage, you have come up in your ranking!!! That is incredible!
Keep strong, keep focused. We are all immensely proud of your achievement. Love you !!
Martin Moisen
Posted On: 05 Oct 2018 05:07 am
DUNCAN!!! You are tough as nails, and soon in San Pedro eating pizza and having a well deserved beer!
I loved the Atacama race and hope you have had a blast, especially now you managed to raid a shop ;) You will for sure have been the customer of the day!
Enjoy the last push and have a fantastic recovery! After all that why we do it... to suffer, to push beyond our limits and the. Be able to eat and drink like crazy for a week without feeling guilty :)
Cristina sends regards and says well done!!
Hope to race with you soon!
Sam Ko
Posted On: 05 Oct 2018 04:18 am
I just saw the breaking news. you are only 5km away to camp 6! you are almost done. you made it. my heart is already filled with joy and excitement. I am sooo proud of you.
you will be home soon! but remember to shower and shave before you come home =P.
Sabrina Pang
Posted On: 05 Oct 2018 03:08 am
Thinking of you, Duncan! Your lovely wife posted on FB today that you needed some cheering up! YOU CAN DO IT! We are all rooting for you and cannot wait to hear all your tales. So proud of what you're doing and it is such an inspiration to us all. Much love to you from the Fungs xxx
Vincent Chan
Posted On: 05 Oct 2018 12:27 am
Duncan the persistent man, I don’t know how hard the situation but I know how strong you are ! The strong man always carries his family, Matthew Micah & Sam, on his shoulder. Keep going and be the light & inspiration of others who is struggling !
I am sure you would be like the guy who has been this desert for 10times and it is your 1st time . So, go go go!
Godwin Chan
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 03:58 pm
Super proud of you bro, one step at a time, stay healthy and enjoy the company and mates you are running with. Look forward to hearing your stories when you are back. Take care mate!
Natalie Chan Chu
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 02:38 pm
Duncan go go go! In my heart you have already completed the race. Your obsessively focused attitude continues to remind us how strong our minds can be!
GY Wong
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 11:16 am
@DadaSuen - please check your spelling! Duncan: life is all about choices. For example, I chose to eat a bacon sandwich whilst reading your blog from the comfort of my desk. =P You - you chose to challenge yourself to the extreme, forge life changing memories and live once in a life time experiences.... I think I'd rather be you. There will always be hot showers and hot meals (and coke) waiting for you. I'm sure it's going to get worse before it gets better so hang in there, ride it out. You can do it! A LOT of people are super proud of you.
Duncan Chau
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 09:53 am
Good to see your jumping skills are up to scratch - on Stage 3 you jumped over a volcano! You almost look like you're enjoying yourself out there - or doing a good job at look fresh, clean and smiling when the media team are closeby. You'll read this after the Long March - hope you rocked it and managed to at least enjoy the windy plateau at the top of the hill / dune.
Sam Ko - so impressed you're doing your own ultra. Good luck with it.
Dada Suen
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 09:53 am
Was wondering how you were doing yesterday as Sam said your blog was not updated. Keep it up Duncan! What you have completed is already amazing and sure you can nail it! The wings continue to cheer for you!!
Micah Cheung
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 09:10 am
add oil add oil!!!!! must be a life time experience, by the time you read this message you do e more then 75% of the race.
Vincent Leung
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 08:53 am
Keep it up Duncan! Love the bit when you said your Hoka shoes were whipped to bits!!! You know you need new shoes and you know who to call!! Hahaha!!!
Rebecca Lai
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 07:26 am
You’re doing brilliantly! We’re all very proud of you and have every faith that you can finish the race. The Chins sending you lots of support from across the pond.
Rob Lown
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 06:31 am
Amazing bro! Keep going , imagine the feeling when you get to the end.
Salt is great for blisters....
Rob
Brigette Lau
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 06:23 am
Go go go Duncan!!! Proud of you! You can do it!!
Lillian Mak
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 05:12 am
Go! Go! Go Duncan! You are amazing and POWERFUL! Half way already and only half to go! Nicolas is getting 6 teeth pulled out tomorrow, I showed him your photos and he said he would rather be doing what Uncle Duncan is doing...:) totally looking forward to seeing you back and hearing your stories. Keep it up!!
Nancy Ng
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 04:30 am
Stay strong!!!!!! Go go go!!! Desert is tough but treat yourself as a strong camel and keep going going!!!!!!!
Bryant Lu
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 03:30 am
You are at point right before a new breakthrough and renewal. Keep up the fight... and press on! You can do it. We are all behind you!
Ernest Yung
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 03:22 am
Keep it up big Daddy! You will be a great role model to you boys as Daddy is conquering the unthinkable!!
Franklin Ma
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 03:20 am
Hey looks like you are half way done.... another few days and you will home with the family to celebrate your return + Matthew's bday + Sam's finishing her 50K this coming weekend!! A lot to look forward to and be safe.
Edwin Chan
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 03:16 am
Keep going strong Duncan! So amazed and inspired by your journey. Can’t wait to hear all about it after you crush this race! Must be absolutely stunning scenery. Will be all worth it in the end!
Erika Lau
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 02:44 am
I am so proud of you Duncan! You made it in one the toughest day of the journey.
Ga Yau!
Leanne Lu
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 02:17 am
Cheering for you , Duncan!
A lot of tough, painful and long challenges you are going through and thank you for taking your precious, tiring time to share with us all.
How are your roomies? Are they as experienced as you? Did they share any tips with you?
We will keep you in our prayers. Thinking of you! Add oil!
P.s Vesper says Hi!
Ivan Ting
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 02:02 am
Amazing! We are rooting for you! Remember the happiness doctor talk in Turkey? The tougher the challenge, the more satisfaction and happiness!
Vincent Ng
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 01:58 am
Salt water bath, nice scenery, and some friends to run with; sounds like a holiday! Stay strong and power through. You can do it. They don't call you Forest Chau for nothing!
Sam Ko
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 01:57 am
Btw. My 57km totem run this sat has been cut to 42km and mostly on concrete road due to the typhoon. So it will be easier. Anyway, nothing compares to what you are doing! Add oil.
Sam Ko
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 01:44 am
I did send you an email. Did you get it???Your day 3 blog wasn’t up yesterday. You must feel disappointed not getting much messages after such a long tough day. Hope your stomach feels better. At this stage, it’s all about mind rather than body. I know you can do it knowing how stubborn you are. Opps I mean how persevering you are. You are more than half way done. Just a long march left. Get a good night in and hope you will feel strong again in the morning. I am glad that to hear that you pray. We will be praying for you, too. Just do your best. God will watch you and keep you. Go beat the long march. You can do it. I believe in you. Miss you. Sam
02 October 2018 12:47 pm (GMT-04:00) Santiago
Before I get into my experience I just want to thank my wife for being so caring and supportive.
Comments: Total (1) comments
Sam Ko
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 01:33 am
Finally got ur day 3 update! It was a day late. I got a few people messaging me to ask if u are ok since we can’t see ur update. We are all tracking your progress.
Sounds like a tough day, but u r still doing well and still enjoying. I see that you did ur jump again! That was a really good one. U look like u can fly. Well done. Matthew kept asking where is daddy and I told him daddy is still running. He said why daddy runs so slow. He said he runs very fast. Haha. He misses you but he have been a good boy. He get excited when I told him you are running with a fireman and the fireman is number 1.
I’ve got coke at home. Will keep it cold for you.
Micah, Matthew and I are proud of you. Keep going! Don’t give up. Love you.
01 October 2018 01:39 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
Day 2 Morning
- Less cold last night so slept much better.
Comments: Total (13) comments
Jason W
Posted On: 03 Oct 2018 03:27 pm
Great job Duncan. You are an inspiration to us all. Not long to go now. Keep it up!
James Coleman
Posted On: 03 Oct 2018 12:57 pm
As ever I have so much respect for you being able to do this, I just couldn't imagine doing it, but then I wasn't very sporty at school either :)I am glad the views make up for some of the hardships and I am sure overall you will smash it and in a couple of weeks you will only remember the highs.
Take care and Good luck
James
Tony Chan
Posted On: 03 Oct 2018 07:54 am
You’re doing so well dude. Keep it up!
Vincent Ng
Posted On: 03 Oct 2018 06:26 am
One famous Chinese leader once used the phrase - "crossing the river by feeling the stones." Having just crossed 40 ice cold rivers, you are now ready to be true leader of men. Run Duncan Run!
Vincent Ng
Posted On: 03 Oct 2018 06:23 am
One famous Chinese leader once used the phrase - "crossing the river by feeling the stones. " Having just crossed 40 ice cold rivers, you are now ready to be a true leader! Run Duncan Run!
Caroline Lwn
Posted On: 02 Oct 2018 10:21 pm
Keep going Duncan! Keep those fantastic blogs coming. We want to see & feel the experience through your words!
You are:
Invincible,
Indestructible (your spirit),
Inexhaustible (your will power),
Inspirational (your actions).
We are all cheering you on! Keep going! Lots of love xx
Ken Szeto
Posted On: 02 Oct 2018 01:57 pm
Sounds really tough but super fun! Keep it up man! Don't think I'll ever do that...
Isabelle Yeung
Posted On: 02 Oct 2018 01:56 pm
Duncan - good job and good luck and keep it up! Your toilet paper story is really TMI haha. Add oil!!!!!
Andrew Espin
Posted On: 02 Oct 2018 11:43 am
Hey Duncan!
I had such a good laugh reading your blog! Keep on keeping on dude, you will be fine!!!!
Pretty envious of you out there in the desert!
Andrew
Mon Chan
Posted On: 02 Oct 2018 08:05 am
ok, i wish i dont have such a graphic mind...40 river crossing and sand dunes in between and the many miles for the day means very very smelly, peely feet...(green face with massive gags)...oh and waist deep in some areas...so more than wet feet?? (serious green face now)...ok, darryl wants to know how you can use 1 wipe 8 times on your butt? (i think i just puked a little)....Sounds like you have a power tent with super powers going on...thats good...positivity and super powers are contagious...spreads just like the good smell which i can only imagine...keep it up and stayed positively psyched!!! We are with you all the way....(in spirit and from a good distance, thank goodness...not sure if we could ever un-smell what we would smell if we see you right now!!)
Dada Suen
Posted On: 02 Oct 2018 02:57 am
Go go go Duncan! It’s exciting to read the daily progress of your race. Truly impressed. The Wongs are cheering for you!! Keep it up!
Sam Ko
Posted On: 02 Oct 2018 02:15 am
I spend lots of time on my phone these days. I check the updates and race result before I go to bed to check the race condition and see whether or not you have completed. In the morning, I checked your time, read your blog, go through the pics and video to see if can I find your face. lucky that you have bright yellow socks on. it's easier to spot. Do more jumps. get more pics in.
I show Matthew the picture of you with orange lip. he said he wants to see you with blue lip. the boys are cheering for you. they are so loud. micah won't stop talking and screaming.
btw, i think RTP is reading your blog, they may confiscate your soap.
seems like your spirit is still high. keep it up. enjoy and take care.
my mum and dad send their regards, too.
miss you.
sam
Vincent Chan
Posted On: 02 Oct 2018 01:46 am
Duncan the superman
Thanks for reminding us -Make you appreciate every mouth full of food and every tissue paper you have.
Felt really grateful when I was having a big breakfast
Duncan the cameramen :
Curious what attracted your attention and make you’re not obessively focused temporarily
Expecting the day 3 message already
Add oil
30 September 2018 12:59 pm (GMT-04:00) Santiago
Before I start I just want to thank my amazing wife who wrote a note for me every single day, todays notes was so nice!
Comments: Total (9) comments
Franklin Ma
Posted On: 02 Oct 2018 01:57 pm
What an amazing journey!!! Have fun and share some stories with Natasha and Devin. They are interested to know.
Vincent Ng
Posted On: 02 Oct 2018 12:35 am
Stop tipping the camera man and posing for photoshopped pictures. You are meant to focus on the running. Enjoy the wind gushing against your chapped lips, treasure the sand between thighs, and love the excitement of being chased by desert animals!
Caroline Lown
Posted On: 01 Oct 2018 09:04 pm
Hi Superstar! How was today? I’m scrolling through the photos ..... I cannot believe you are in the middle of such greatness! What you are doing is so inspiring! I told Seb and Ben you are running a race in the desert. They are cheering you on! They also mainly want to know what animals you have seen so far.
Keep going. One step at a time. We are all thinking of you!
GY Wong
Posted On: 01 Oct 2018 08:22 pm
Savour every moment - so envious of what you're about to see (but not what you're about to do!) Stay safe, stay strong. Pace yourself and enjoy the ride! Will be checking back in routinely...
ELAINe Lui
Posted On: 01 Oct 2018 05:25 pm
Hello from HK!! I told Sophie this morning that Uncle Duncan is at the desert... When she heard "desert" her face became worried: n asked why? I said 'oh he's doing some exercise there'. I asked her what she wanted to say to Uncle Duncan, n she said "love , joy, peace, patience, ... kindness, gentleness and self-control' (the fruits of the spirit!!) I was quite surprised she said that and thought that wasn't inappropriate to leave as a msg!!
We r all proud of you and all the best for the rest of your journey! Best wishes from the Wong's!
Mon Chan
Posted On: 01 Oct 2018 04:22 pm
Pls don’t tell Darryl and Hayley you got to pee in a luxurious Portaloo!!! They are moaning about the upcoming school camp in Sai Kung where Hayley has to share her tent with a massive crowd of 3 and Darryl can only pee or poo in proper toilets and shower in proper (home or hotel...it’s our family hereditary trait...not spoiled...just crazy hygiene freaks) showers!!!! We told them about your tough smelly sweaty 7 days and I’m sure it helps them suck it up a bit!!!! So uncle Duncan, we are counting on you to share your experience with the kids so they will shut the beep up....cannot count on me...nor Margaret...hahaha...don’t even know what tents look like from the inside!!!
Donald Pang
Posted On: 01 Oct 2018 10:12 am
Best of luck man stay safe!
Sam Ko
Posted On: 01 Oct 2018 09:33 am
Btw. Did u tip the camara man? There are quite a few pictures of u. I saw the one with the orange lip. Nice! Your signature jump is up there, too.
Sam Ko
Posted On: 01 Oct 2018 08:22 am
Your time on the first day is pretty good. I did 37km today as well and I had a nice shower after my run.
Can’t wait to see your pictures. Take more. No need to worry about the time as long as u are not the last. :-)
Btw, did u take my lip balm?! Haha
29 September 2018 12:57 pm (GMT-04:00) Santiago
Finally here at the base camp, the scenery here is unreal!
Comments: Total (23) comments
Rita Pang
Posted On: 08 Oct 2018 06:47 pm
DUNCAN, absolutely mind blowing the level of commitment and mental and emotional strength that you displayed. harder than anything i could ever imagine myself doing. congratultions on coming thru so mamy mountains and with wife and family and friends cheering ob
Herman Cheng
Posted On: 06 Oct 2018 11:14 pm
Duncan, what an amazing adventure. Whatever torture you put your body through, it will heal, but you will have your memories and experience forever . Must be an amazing feeling for the accomplishment
Claire Carroll
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 10:28 pm
Hi Duncan, Hope you are doing ok. I am amazed at what you have put yourself through but also in awe of your experience. Your blog is fascinating and inspiring and I am enjoying reading about your journey! I hope your blisters heal quickly and you are feeling stronger now you are more than half way through. The Carroll's are all rooting for you. Keep your chin up. You still take a better photo than any of us Carroll's despite being severely knackered!!!
Best wishes Claire x
Canace Lin
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 04:03 pm
Come on Duncan, you can do it! Go make us proud!!
Winnie Chau
Posted On: 04 Oct 2018 03:51 am
Hi Dunc, me & Caroline were worried about your sudden lapse of news! Seems your are alright even with those gigantic blisters! Can't imagine how you can put up with them! Take good care & just do the best you can, even though you come last you are always a hero to the Chau's , you are always in our prayers!
Ada Wat
Posted On: 03 Oct 2018 02:48 am
Love your poo poo / tissue splitting story. A race is never complete without a poo story.... on a serious note what an amazing challenge you have embarked on. Stay strong and keep going!!!!!!! Enjoy the scenery and come back in one piece!!
Winnie Chau
Posted On: 03 Oct 2018 01:46 am
Dear boy, 2 things to keep in mind, though you stopped the diahrra, drink lots of water to prevent constipation, 2) don't get too carry away & keep a safe pace to save energy for the tougher stages ahead, take good care, be alert & cautious at all times! Love
Lucille Wolff
Posted On: 01 Oct 2018 08:56 pm
We are jealous of your adventure and so proud of you.
Support from the Wolff Pack!
You got this
Juliette Chow
Posted On: 01 Oct 2018 03:25 pm
So proud of you! Stay safe and take care!
Benny Ng
Posted On: 01 Oct 2018 03:47 am
Amazing. Don’t know how you manage to do it but awesome reading about it. The star filled toilet experience is what dreams are made of. Sounds like we might need to gift you a down filled pair of underwear too.
Alex Ma
Posted On: 01 Oct 2018 12:06 am
Nothing difficult for King of Desert! Get discipline and keep your own pace, no matter how cool the wether how good the conditions are. Cheers
Herman Cheng
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 11:56 pm
Stay well and stay safe and enjoy the race. Look forward to more update
Joe Yip
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 10:58 pm
Best of luck!! Don’t forget to enjoy the run
Victor Chan
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 04:54 pm
Bro, still can't believe you are taking on 250km! Way to go and I know you will crush it as you said! Stay strong but also stay safe!
Will show your photos to Gavin and he will be looking forward to hearing your stories!
Proud of u man!
Olivia & Marco
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 03:41 pm
Go Duncan! “The marks humans leave are too often scars.”
John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
Winnie Chau
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 02:56 pm
Hi Dunc, so proud of you, it's your first day of race, enjoy! I went thru the lists & found that you are not too old after all, some are in their late sixties! So concentrate, make a good run, appreciate the stars, but have mercy on the poor llamas, a cactus pizza tastes much better!
Paul Chu
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 02:19 pm
Bro I know you can do this. You have a strong mind and you have already achieved so much. I am praying for your safety and strength!
Leo Chan
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 02:16 pm
努力、加油！
Ken Szeto
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 02:06 pm
Duncan Go Go Go! Take more pics on your way!
Leanne Lu
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 02:06 pm
Duncan,
Thanks for sharing your photos on FB! The scenery looks like in a movie set! I have never seen a real llama before. Only in children's story books and lately in Christmas cards and Christmas tree decors? Proud of you for signing up for this race and made it there too! Respect your determination and perseverance!
Add oil!
P.s Guess what we will get you for Christmas?
Mon Chan
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 02:00 pm
Go go go Bro! 7 in a tent and there sounds like a lot of love...let’s see if this tent love grows with sweat and smell day by day!!! Good luck and keep up the good spirit xxx
Chadwick Lie
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 01:57 pm
Go Duncan, you can do it!! It is all about GRIT!!
All the best and make sure you shower before you get on the plane!!
Sam Ko
Posted On: 30 Sep 2018 01:46 pm
Go duncan!!! Matthew has a book called llama llama and he loves it. So please don’t eat them. I will tell Matthew that you are running with llama llama, he will be so excited. Enjoy and best of luck to your first day! Love you.
Comments: Total (11) comments
Sabrina Pang
Posted On: 07 Oct 2018 03:19 am
Ian Carroll
Posted On: 07 Oct 2018 01:39 am
Herman Cheng
Posted On: 06 Oct 2018 11:35 pm
Robert Lown
Posted On: 06 Oct 2018 08:17 am
Robert Lown
Posted On: 06 Oct 2018 08:17 am
Mon Chan
Posted On: 06 Oct 2018 07:14 am
Caroline Lown
Posted On: 06 Oct 2018 06:46 am
Gavin Chan
Posted On: 06 Oct 2018 04:29 am
Victor Chan
Posted On: 06 Oct 2018 04:24 am
Vincent Chan
Posted On: 06 Oct 2018 02:40 am
Winnie Chau
Posted On: 06 Oct 2018 02:07 am