We've Got Feet
Apologies for the silence - the blog has taken a back seat for a bit. Life has been pretty crazy for the past few weeks, and I've just finished a fortnight-long tour of schools around the UK, speaking to nineteen schools (often two or three in the same day) to promote the Ice Edge competition.
I think what I had to say was well received, but the range of reactions I saw was amazing; from being fixed by the indifferent glare of the inner-city Liverpool teenager with stripes shaved into his eyebrow to spotting the Belfast girl hiding behind her scarf when I talked about the polar bear Pen Hadow and I encountered in 2001. I ate school dinners, drank overbrewed tea and signed autographs with chewed-up pencils. Schools are, I decided, simultaneously the toughest, and the most rewarding audience a speaker could ever hope for.
Speaking of rewarding, the best experience of the fortnight came on the very last morning, when I spoke to the wonderful Dyffryn School in South Wales. Not only did I experience the warmest welcome of any of the schools I spoke at (amazingly, some schools didn't even offer me a cup of tea after we'd travelled halfway across the UK to speak to them) but the pupils there had also already produced some fantastic work towards the competition, and they seemed both enlightened and passionate about the environment. One piece of work, by Alex Hollet, nearly brought tears to my eyes. He'd spent days making a giant Arctic scene, contained in a huge white-painted box. There was a poem written on the lid, and the title of this post comes from two lines of his work:
We drive our cars and that seems neat.
Have we forgotten we've got feet?
You can see more photos of Alex's work here (and a zoomed-in version of the poem here).
Somewhere in amongst all the talks I managed to move to a new flat in Parsons Green. I'll post some photos of it soon.
Last up, a few other things I've been meaning to share:
- The Offscreened schools expedition to Dubai and Oman.
- Rene Pollrich's winter ski tour to Norway (otherwise known as 'photos to make Ben envious').
- Rosie Stancer's 2007 solo North Pole expedition. I've been harbouring a secret desire to head North alone again this spring, but couldn't find either the sponsorship or the time to do it in the style that it deserves. Rosie is a great friend of mine, she's been training like a maniac, she's one of the most driven people I know, and she deserves to pull it off. I can't wait to follow her progress.
{ Filed under Miscellany, Schools/Education on Saturday, February 10th, 2007. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site. }
Ben Saunders is the youngest person to ski solo to the North Pole and holds the record for the longest solo Arctic journey by a Briton.
Andrew Fox wrote:
From the link you posted:
"Its relative expense as an area to buy property is illustrated
by the fact that between April and June 2004, the average price
for a terraced house in the area was £654,615 and for a flat it
was £290,675."
I bought one of your miles, about a year ago, to help your
expedition. Since then you have travelled frequently between
London and New York, and you have enjoyed life as a professional
speaker. Now you choose to tell us what a lovely place you
have moved to.
Thanks Ben. May you reap what you sow.
February 11 2007 · 3:59 am
Rhys wrote:
….and that looks like a new Mark and Spencers sweater as well!!!
February 11 2007 · 11:03 am
Ben wrote:
Andrew, I'm not exactly sure what you're getting at. If you feel it's any of your business, you should know that the flat is rented. I certainly couldn't afford to buy here, and I moved here from a rented flat in Putney, where prices are equally extortionate.
You should also know that SOUTH is run through a limited company, of which Tony and I are directors. I've put a lot of my own hard-earned cash *into* the expedition (including my entire salary from Nike) but there certainly haven't been any dividends, if that's what you're worried about.
But you know what, I do live in a nice place, and you're right, you do reap what you sow. I've worked my bollocks off to get where I am in life. Four years ago I was juggling part-time jobs with fundraising and training for my 2004 expedition. I sewed up my running shoes with dental floss because I couldn't afford new ones, I pawned my watch to buy food, and when I first started getting speaking work, I travelled by National Express coach so I could use the travel allowance to pay off my debts.
In sharing the fact that things are going well for me now, my intention isn't to boast, but rather to show that setting big goals, and pursuing them with every scrap of your energy and time *does* pay off.
February 11 2007 · 1:54 pm
Ben wrote:
Sorry - I'm typing this on my phone and I was cut off mid-answer.
SOUTH isn't about me. If I wanted to be rich, I'd work in hedge funds. If I wanted to be a celebrity, I'd be auditioning for Big Brother right now, not going out for two-hour runs on my own in the rain. My dream is for SOUTH to inspire a new generation to dream big, to value perseverance and dedication, and to realise that their own horizons and their own potential are only limited by their vision. If that all sounds a bit trite or cheesy, so be it, but believing the same is what got me to the North Pole (and indeed to Parson's Green). The last I heard of him, my dad was an unemployed bricklayer. I've never inherited a penny, I'm state school-educated and I don't have a degree. If you're offended that my audacity and hard graft are finally paying off, I'm sorry. And if you don't buy into the vision I have for SOUTH, send me an email and I'll gladly refund you straight away, because the money hasn't been touched.
February 11 2007 · 2:15 pm
Andy Kirkpatrick wrote:
Keep up the good work. I think all highly paid public speakers should do one free talk for every paid one (there's always a school near by). Like you said they're a dam side harder to please!
Keep up the great work - kids need more heroes (even ones with M&S sweaters!).
Andy K
February 11 2007 · 6:37 pm
Alex Hibbert wrote:
Well said Ben.
Alex.
February 11 2007 · 6:39 pm
Tony wrote:
I think there is also a wider point; that the toffs of Parson's Green are willing to allow a man with such incorrigibly poor dress sense to move in suggests that Britain is steadily moving towards a more diverse, tolerant nation.
Huzzah!
February 12 2007 · 8:02 am
Ben wrote:
Oi! That's my favourite jumper. I'm hoping the receding hairline and the bags under my eyes might go some way to convincing people I'm not exactly living the life of Riley…
February 12 2007 · 8:41 am
Jon wrote:
I was a bit taken back by that as well. Seems to parallel the
concern some had about Prince Charles flying to NY to accept
an environmental award.
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/6308609.stm)
But who am I to judge…
February 12 2007 · 4:31 pm
warrior woman wrote:
It looks like you've become a little vexed that someone has dared to question the motives behind some of your life choices. "…to show that setting big goals, and pursuing them with every scrap of your energy and time *does* pay off."
The mere act of justification stinks of a bad conscience and unresolved issues but hey ho I guess that's why you need to go pull a sledge for hundreds of miles.
February 12 2007 · 5:22 pm
Alex Hibbert (Exped Leader JS2007) wrote:
I don't know quite why renting a flat in a nice area of London should draw quite so much obnoxious criticism from people, some of whom are too cowardly to even leave a real name, 'warrior woman'.
"The mere act of justification stinks of a bad conscience…" - it seems that Ben is not permitted to reply to aggressive posts on his own blog? Perhaps you should consider the consequences that this could have should one of Ben's sponsors read it? The parallel with Prince Charles' flight is just ridiculous.
Ben has carved out a niche through hard work and original thought and should not be the subject of negative criticism by people who are jealous after finishing off their McDonalds and lard-shake in front of the computer.
So, to all those who are behind Ben and sit quietly reading this - leave a post of support.
Alex.
February 12 2007 · 6:32 pm
Amy Rowland wrote:
Well said, Alex. Ben: keep up the good work and remember, as Aristotle put it, "Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing".
February 12 2007 · 7:20 pm
Andrew Fox wrote:
Ben
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my comment.
Under normal circumstances I would certainly not consider it to be any of my business where you lived or under what financial arrangements. However, I did (and still do) believe that I have a right to make a point when you felt it necessary to post a Wikipedia link on which about 50% of the text refers to how expensive your new address is. I believe you made an error of judgement considering your status as a high-profile fundraiser for your remarkable expedition.
I have the utmost respect for what you have achieved, and for what I am sure you will go on to achieve. I took exception to what I saw as boastfulness and if I regret anything it is the Biblical flourish I chose to finish with. Frankly, that was just silly. I hope you accept my public apology for that.
As for the sense that you were boasting, perhaps I was wrong on that score, too. I believe that people involved in fundraising activities must be seen to be above suspicion. I don’t for one moment accuse you of any impropriety, but I maintain that your Wikipedia link was not one of your better decisions.
I am not offended by your audacity, or hard graft – quite the opposite. And neither am I jealous, as Alex Hibbert claims, without grounds. I also do not want my money back, but I certainly appreciate the public offer.
Good luck. I think it’s fair to say this is the last opportunity I’ll have to wish you well.
February 13 2007 · 2:55 am
Ben wrote:
Thanks Andrew. In posting the Wikipedia link, my intention was merely to inform the vast majority of this blog's readers that (like you, I believe) live outside the UK and would perhaps not have heard of Parson's Green. From the first page of Google search results, the Wikipedia page was the one that described it best, but in hindsight I wish I'd posted a link to a Google map!
Or perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned it at all. One of the things I'm still trying to work out is how much of my life I'm willing to share online. At times I fear that my blog is far too bland, out of the necessity of not offending potential sponsors. You'll notice that I rarely talk about current affairs and I won't discuss religion, politics, the Middle East, and a host of other contentious issues. I should probably add money, speaking engagements and international air travel to the list as well, but I worry sometimes that this site is becoming an inane, soulless collection of links to vaguely polar news stories and the odd update about SOUTH ("lots going on, can't tell you about potential sponsors as it's all under wraps for now"); that I'm not telling the story that I'd love to have read ten years ago, when I was dreaming of doing what I'm doing now - about what goes on in between expeditions, how they get off the ground, and what the people behind them are really like.
I'm still trying to get this balance right, much like I'm still trying to find the right balance between time spent actually on expeditions, and time spent on the self-aggrandisement that's sadly necessary to get them off the ground. (Warrior woman, make of that what you will.) Honest criticism is hard to find these days, and I thank you for sparking off this little debate, for replying with such decency (using what I assume is your real name!) and of course for your support of my next expedition.
February 13 2007 · 7:13 am
Sally wrote:
Ben,
As I have recently had the pleasure of hearing you speak on your
schools tour, can I just say that I have seen first hand the
committment and effort that you put into talking about both your
Arctic experiences and the environment.
In terms of "reaping what you sew", then you certainly sewed some
seeds into the minds of youngsters who would still consider some
things to be impossible. For this, you should be commended, not
abused.
Keep up the good, no, sorry, GREAT work.
'nil carborundum illegitimi'
February 13 2007 · 10:45 am
Andrew Fox wrote:
Ben
This is my real name, and I do live outside the UK – São Paulo State, Brazil.
Where I live goes some way to explaining the root of this debate, I think. In this part of the world you won’t go far wrong if you presume everyone with a chance to be corrupt will take it. I'll now work on turning that radar off in certain circumstances. Better late then never.
Anyway, keep on doing what you’re doing. In 2005 I ran the Rio marathon inspired chiefly by Bob Brown and you. Given that I had up to then spent a good chunk of my 37 years smoking and drinking, your unknown input was vital. Nothing in these exchanges has changed my opinion of you as an example to be looked up to.
I’ve never met anyone who can lay serious claim to having an easy life; we all fight our own battles, most of us without sponsors or vicarious fame, or any kind of real reward save survival to do it all again tomorrow. This is why your expedition is important, and this is why your blog is equally so.
After all this, the South Pole should be a stroll.
Walk on.
February 13 2007 · 11:05 am
Jon wrote:
Specifically to Alex I take offense to "after finishing off their
McDonalds and lard-shake in front of the computer.". That is just
the arrogant attitude that started this whole chain.
Please do not try and justify your existence just stay with what
you do best leaving the judgement of others to someone else.
A middle aged triathlete that has been McD free for over 12 yrs!
Cheers
February 13 2007 · 6:17 pm
Alex Hibbert (Exped Leader JS2007) wrote:
and leave Ben to defend himself against offensive personal comments on his own?….I think not. Just as some of you have ganged up against him, a few do the opposite.
Ben would not need to defend his 'existence' if people who don't know the facts didn't lay into him for simply mentioning where he lives!
As for the McD comment, it is as much an observation of attitude as physical action.
Andrew, I think that your latest comments make a lot of sense.
February 13 2007 · 6:47 pm
Rachel wrote:
Thanks for sharing your fantastic motivational experiences.
Students were buzzing all day at Fairfax.
Sorry for not offering you a cuppa!
February 13 2007 · 10:49 pm
Karen Tynes wrote:
Ben,
I am glad to know you are safely quartered, where ever that is…in a tent on the ice or home in the UK.
Keep up the good work!
February 14 2007 · 12:05 pm
Bill (in Washington, DC) wrote:
Speaking of Rosie.. do you know if everyone will be able to follow along with her progress? I've visited her blog a number of times hoping to read about her upcoming adventure into the wilds but it is not updated too often (understandably) and comments seem to be disabled.
Any info on her that you can say?
bill
February 14 2007 · 8:04 pm
Tony wrote:
Hi Bill,
I'm running Rosie's expedition and her blog (like mine) will start to be updated far more regularly shortly. The experience of putting together a major NP expedition while simultaneously having to pretend to be a monster for a five year old boy has meant that Rosie's blog time has been limited. However, we are off to Canada on Friday and proper service should follow soon after!
All the best,
Tony
February 15 2007 · 12:14 am
Moki wrote:
Hello to Ben and his Followers here.
I've been away from Ben's blog for a spell, and upon reentry into Saundersland, am finding myself very disappointed not to mention infuriated that such repartee has oozed its way where it does not belong. My assumption was that most who find themselves curious enough to keep track of Ben's endeavours were here honorably and not prompted by jealousy or envy or misgiving of any kind. Perhaps the attacks, questions, and doubts are a result of ignorance as to what it takes to be a true adventurer and explorer. Perhaps it is because it is very hard to envision the complex and daunting logistics of putting together an expedition without the support of a drippingly wealthy sponsor. Perhaps it is simply little more than a few people having a bad day. But whatever the reasons, it would be far more respectful to just not visit this blog than to taint it with malevolent remarks.
I've come to know and admire Ben BECAUSE of what he does, BECAUSE of who he is, and BECAUSE of his integrity. He inspires me, so much so that I never once questioned my purchase of not one SOUTH mile, but a would-be 10 of them with the amount I sent in. My hopes now are the same as they were the day I bought my mile - that Ben succeeds in his mission.
I find it shameful that there are people who come here to check up on him and his activites, and who choose to scold Ben like the parent of a child who made a wrong decision or failed a test of some kind. Ben should be looked upon as an EXAMPLE and not made a victim of undeserved verbal assaults and criticism.
Ben, I sincerely hope that you are able to let the negativity roll off your back like an avalanche off a steep slope taking the nay-sayers' judgements with it. Concerning yourself with opposition or pessimism serves little purpose in my opinion. You won't always have 100% complete support in all that you pursue, but you should have 100% respect - which you have undeniably earned.
I walked vicariously alongside of you to the North Pole, I will do the same to the SOUTH. May you be victorious!
February 15 2007 · 3:38 am
Andrew Fox wrote:
MLK said: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Looks like there’s plenty of living being done by the readers of this blog. Long may it continue.
February 15 2007 · 5:34 pm
Moki wrote:
HEAR, HEAR, Andrew!
It is exhilarating to be witness to passion and the pursuit of noble dreams.
February 19 2007 · 2:53 pm
Marc wrote:
Hi Ben,
interesting discussion!
Right behind you on this, i'm training for my first Ironman
this year and loving your work!
All the best,
Marc
February 20 2007 · 10:20 am
wil wrote:
A fine friend once sent me a very fitting quote when I had a
daunting task before me while trying to manage similar pecking:
"Heights by great men reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight but, while their companions slept, they were toiling upward in the night."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Plainly - lives have been changed for the better as a result of your life -
of you sharing who you are, what you do and have done. That kind
of accomplishment can only be claimed by those who've kept after it, and at the end of the day that's the only thing you'll crucify yourself for not
having done. Good on you for your success, in all of the aspects of your life.
February 20 2007 · 8:12 pm
wil wrote:
And I almost forgot my original comment: reading your description of the teens was amazing - they're the same here in the US - same mannerisms, fears, I loved your descriptions of your experience with them, and even more your ability to transcend cultural divides with your experiences. Very inspired now, thanks :)
February 20 2007 · 8:45 pm
Claire wrote:
Hey ben, thanks for mentioning my school, me and my friends
just wanted to say We really enjoyed listening to you
talking about your experiences and i see you've noticed our School
is great at clapping :D Many Thanks for coming to our school we all
had a great time - Thanks From Dyffryn School :D
March 3 2007 · 9:32 am