A Dose of Norwegian Positivity

A Dose of Norwegian Positivity

Friday, 28 November 2008 “I’m bloody loving this!” I said. “Ah, some Norwegian positivity” Inge replied. We were taking a quick food stop during our final training camp in Norway and we were starting to understand what ‘gliding’ on skis means… As we skied,...
British Explorer’s Polar Masterclass

British Explorer’s Polar Masterclass

Tuesday, 25 November 2008 It was nearly 1:30 am by the time I left Belfast Rowing Club’s annual dinner and I still had to get home, pack my kit, take a two hour bus journey to Dublin airport and catch a 6:30 am flight to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Another all-nighter...
I Thought We Were Out Of The Race

I Thought We Were Out Of The Race

Thursday, 6 November 2008 Sunday 5 October 2008 was the day that we were to get our remaining kit. It was to be a day of excitement, the start of the final run in towards the race. But as we flew to Bristol and drove to the meeting point, I felt that our race was over...
Staying In Shackleton’s House!

Staying In Shackleton’s House!

Tuesday, 16 September 2008 Last Tuesday I flew into Edinburgh, the night before a banking conference that I was booked to speak at. I had been filling the journey by listening to the epic story of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and been inspired by the...
The South Pole Flag

The South Pole Flag

Monday, 1 September 2008 “Jan has an idea for some kind of viral marketing campaign” Simon said. He threw this comment in about ten days ago as I was in the trenches, desperately fighting to get through to corporate sponsors. “Interesting.” I said. I wasn’t having...
I Missed Training This Morning!

I Missed Training This Morning!

Tuesday, 26 August 2008 I don’t know how I woke but when I did it was too late to go training. Early enough that the start time hadn’t passed, but too late to get there to start it. It was 7 am and I was supposed to be on my way to the city centre already. I reached...
Testing The Ski Guidance Systems

Testing The Ski Guidance Systems

Thursday, 31 July 2008 Noel dropped off the flat of the plateau and I heard the swoosh of his skis gathering pace. In a split second his pulk (sledge) followed and then it was me. The tips of my skis hung over the edge and soon I too was on the move. Within seconds I...