I am schedule to leave for the third Antarctic Ice Marathon which will take place at 80 Degrees South (approx. 500 miles from the south pole) on December 7th. The Marathon is basically a 26.2 mile endurance run on snow, in some pretty brutal conditions so I am somewhat apprehensive about what to expect.
Running in these conditions will be difficult in itself, but coupled with snow gear and extra layers of clothing will most likely make it more an endurance test than a race. There are things to consider such as the larger shoe size required to accommodate sock layers, the flexibility of protective leg layers and the fogging of goggles from respiration. As any runner will attest, shoes are a runners best friend, and any change in shoe style (or size) can greatly change the experience.
I have attempted to train using some of this equipment, for obvious reasons have not tested it all at once (in case my sister reads this..... "It would be too hot Annie"...).
The training for this has been pretty basic, I would run approx. 15 miles during the week, followed by a long run of 12-20 miles over the weekend. No more than any other marathon I have done, no less either. I do wish I would have worked in some speed drills to strengthen me up a little bit more, but life was too busy as it is.
Working on getting all my gear together now. I found myself looking to buy gloves, hats etc. and thinking "those are nice, but boy, do they look hot"....... Think about that, is that not a pretty dumb thing to pass through ones head when gearing up for a trip to the coldest place on the planet? I am still kicking myself in the head (figuratively) about that (once again in case my sister reads this.... "because I want warm things when I am there"....).
OK, that is enough for now, and in case he is reading this "Happy Birthday Dad".
