Kit weekend - Making the cold a reality!

I am sorry that it has been so long! During the past few weeks a lot has happened but the most exciting event was the weekend that has just past. 15 fellow racers, the race doctor, the quartermaster, 3 race organisers and I attended a two day session in the South West of England. The main aim was to become familiar with the equipment and to be fitted for the all important clothing.

We started with the clothes. Unlike our under prepared predecessors who wore thick woolen, animal fur and leather clothing, we are using a tried and tested layering system. It seems that the cold becomes a problem in three main areas:

1. When you stop
2. When you sweat
3. if you have any skin exposed and it is windy

We therefore need to have layers of clothes that "wick" moisture away from the body, can be removed easily, do not rub or chaff and have certain hygienic properties! (some wear the base layer non stop for 4 weeks!). We also have windproof outer garments for on the move, down based garments for when you stop, multiple hats / face mask / glove combinations and also some of the largest footwear I have ever seen!

The essentials will be:
Inner gloves
Outer, waterproof and windproof gloves
Very thick down mittens for periods of inactivity

Neck sock / snood / scarf thingy (names given by colleagues!)
Neoprene face mask
Fleece Hat
Balaclava

Goggles and sun glasses

Base layer leggings or top (either merino wool or synthetic)
Mid layer fleece style, snug fitting, Polartec top and trousers
Outer trouser and fleece (for when stopped)
Huge comfy down jacket (for when stopped)
One piece wind suit
Harness

Thick socks
very big Baffin Boots

With it all on you feel like the marsh mallow man!

I am not going to list everything else but if you are interested let me know and I will tell you. We learnt about our stove and fuel systems, the skis and bindings and the tent / sleeping bags / sleeping rests and how to use them safely and properly. All in all it made the trip, which is over a year away, seem much more of a reality.

I have continued my training with a lot of running (5 miles most days and 9 miles at the weekend) and trips to the gym to work on core strength. I also went to a spinning class that was almost the end of me! Its good to mix it up so you can see areas that need work. It is 3 weeks until my first half marathon (the Hasting Half) and I have this in my sights now. Its good to have short term goals.

I hope to have some good news for the blog in terms of technology sponsorship which I will post in the next few days. It seems like I may not be able to blog every day during the race, but can update the site every few days. So much to try to arrange!

Today is my birthday and I am celebrating by leaving work early to spend time with my young family. I will not be training today - but will be running to the gym again tomorrow at 6.30am!!

Thanks again for reading and if you want to know more please let me know!