The nerves are building so I've decided to head off for a yoga class tonight to try and ensure I get a good nights sleep.
My mother will take over from here with write ups and you can also keep up with the latest news on the Extreme World Races Website.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Excess baggage
I don't think I've ever boarded a plane without a major excess baggage concern and tomorrow will be no exception. I've worked out that it's all my food that is adding the weight. I'm carrying 11kgs just of food! I'm hoping I won't need it all but I can't take risks and need to prepare for worst case scenarios.
I don't think it's so easy to get hold of advanced nutritional substances and expedition food in Irkutsk!
I don't think it's so easy to get hold of advanced nutritional substances and expedition food in Irkutsk!
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
One more day before take off
Since I'm an ultra organised type of person I'm all packed and ready to go with one day to spare.
The GO PRO Hero 2 camera arrived yesterday so I've been running around learning how to use it. At the moment I can't get it off wide-angle so everything looks curved!
There are so many gadgets that I need to consider for charging purposes and as always there is not one lead that does all. I have a camera, an ipod, a Satellite phone, a GPS, a head torch and a front bike light and to charge them I have 12 spare lithium batteries a power monkey solar panel and a storage unit.....I hope I can figure it all out.
I've calculated how long the race could take me, but this is the very lucky, brilliant weather, no wind, no storms, no mechanicals, lots of ice and not snow and legs feeling strong scenario.......80hrs & 30 mins!!!! If I'm finished by 8pm on the 21st March then I would have managed it. We start at midday on the 17th.
This is the first race I've done where I genuinely don't know how it will go and most of my decisions and planning will need to be done en-route. This makes it very difficult to work out food rations and clothing but for worst case scenario I've taken 9 days worth of food and plenty of clothing with me.
I'm starting to wander if my Baffin minus 100 boots are a little OTT since the daytime peak temperatures have been around minus 8 degrees C recently! Night time is still down to minus 27 degrees so at least my toes will be warm at night.
My mother has very kindly agreed to keep my blog up to day whilst I'm racing, so keep tuning in for more updates.
The GO PRO Hero 2 camera arrived yesterday so I've been running around learning how to use it. At the moment I can't get it off wide-angle so everything looks curved!
There are so many gadgets that I need to consider for charging purposes and as always there is not one lead that does all. I have a camera, an ipod, a Satellite phone, a GPS, a head torch and a front bike light and to charge them I have 12 spare lithium batteries a power monkey solar panel and a storage unit.....I hope I can figure it all out.
I've calculated how long the race could take me, but this is the very lucky, brilliant weather, no wind, no storms, no mechanicals, lots of ice and not snow and legs feeling strong scenario.......80hrs & 30 mins!!!! If I'm finished by 8pm on the 21st March then I would have managed it. We start at midday on the 17th.
This is the first race I've done where I genuinely don't know how it will go and most of my decisions and planning will need to be done en-route. This makes it very difficult to work out food rations and clothing but for worst case scenario I've taken 9 days worth of food and plenty of clothing with me.
I'm starting to wander if my Baffin minus 100 boots are a little OTT since the daytime peak temperatures have been around minus 8 degrees C recently! Night time is still down to minus 27 degrees so at least my toes will be warm at night.
My mother has very kindly agreed to keep my blog up to day whilst I'm racing, so keep tuning in for more updates.
Monday, 12 March 2012
Ice to Water
So today I've been busy making water and working out the most effective method for converting ice to water in the fastest amount of time. The most important lesson is that it takes water to make water so always begin with some water in the bottom of the pan Also, add ice very slowly and let the water properly warm up before adding more ice.
The ice axe I'm using was made by my father especially for this race. It's perfect as it's small, compact and lightweight yet very good at breaking up the ice.
...and whilst I was waiting for my ice to melt I put the time to good use and learned a few important Russia Phrases such as 'Pomogitye mn'e, pozhalujsta?' meaning 'Will you please help me? !!!!
Sunday, 11 March 2012
A few photos
Qoroz Mountain Bike loaded up and ready to go
Yes, that's a shovel!
The fantastic Hilliberg Soulo which could be my lifesaver!
Lots of kit all laid out!
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