Coming Up

I've been back more than six weeks now, and feeling guilty that I haven't written an update since I was flown off the Arctic Ocean. Emotionally, I've handled having that dream snatched away from me far better than I thought I would, probably because it was a bit of equipment that let things down, and not me. It also left me itching to channel all that frustration into the next expedition. Even before I was home from the North Pole, I'd bought a new pair of running shoes in Ottawa and was pacing along the canal twice a day.

And now I'm back, I'm hurling everything I've got into SOUTH, like a madman burning his own furniture for warmth. Deep down, I know that unless I immerse myself in it utterly, it won't be a success. In stark contrast to the simplicity of pulling a sledge north, life once again feels like spinning plates on flimsy poles, or like Mickey Mouse packing his suitcase for a holiday. No matter how much I jump up and down, I can't quite close the latch. Things pop out. Plates tumble. Family, friends, relationships, a social life, emails, calls, sleep; all have been neglected this year, and all will continue to come second-best until I'm back home safe and sound next February.

Which should all make entertaining reading for you lot. From now until the departure for Antarctica in late October, I'm aiming to document the large part of the build-up through this blog. As far as the training goes, I'm currently being coached by the fabulous Faye Downey, with input from Mark Twight and Gym Jones (and a summer training camp in Utah that promises to be quite special). I'm completely humbled by the brilliance of the team supporting me, and it feels like this mammoth goal is finally within reach. Watch this space.

— Filed under North Pole 2008, SOUTH