People accuse me of doing crazy things. Well, that’s fine by me. You see, what to many seems completely mad, to me sets a challenge like no other on this earth…
During April 2014 I’ll be leading a team in the Ice Man Polar Race in Greenland. Organised by Paul Walker of Tangent Expeditions, the race will be a real test of Arctic travel and survival skills, teamwork and leadership, all during a race across the ice.
It’s a few years since I’ve been on the Greenland icecap where I suffered an appendicitis. Hopefully this trip will go a little smoother..!
Planning and training are well underway, so keep watching as the adventure unfolds…
February 2014 Update
Planning and training are well underway for the race, but I’ve been ordered to rest by the Doctor after damaging a skin graft to my right heel. It’s very frustrating to be told to sit down, but I have little choice. Skin grafts are notoriously delicate and need lots of TLC.
After a ski touring trip in Scotland, I’ve purchased new NTN Bindings and Carbon Fibre skis for the race. Big thanks to Rob at Mountain Spirit in Aviemore. He’s helped me since day one of my injuries, to fit boots and skis to whats left of my feet.
Right, i’d better get some packing done..!
March 2014 Update
Terra Nova Equipment, based in Alfreton, Derbyshire have supported me on many of my expeditions. For the ICEMAN they have supplied me with an Ultra Hyperspace tent, dry bag, balaclavas and arctic mittens. Id better keep what fingers I have left warm..! Big thanks to everyone there for all their support.
Shipping to Greenland had to be ready for the first weekend in March, and I met up with Paul Walker, loaded with kitbags and skis.
Having your heavy equipment shipped out is a real bonus, particularly with the price of luggage on flights. Paul and I have known each other for over 10 years and it was great to catch up again.
April 2014 Update
I met Pauline Latham OBE MP for Mid Derbyshire and have been invited to the House of Commons upon my return from Greenland.
May 2014 Update
I flew to Greenland in mid April..! Here’s the first blog…
Like they say Nigel, ‘If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.’ To your continued success in #JapaneseHealth with best wishes, Mark