We finished running yesterday but apparently the race has only just begun as we are now trying to out run a massive storm that is developing over the Drake Passage.  The sightseeing planned for today was cancelled and the captain pointed the bow at Ushuaia as soon as all the competitors got back on board.  I am confident we will out run the storm as Ryan is on the ship and he never loses a race.
 
Yesterday was a memorable day.  We woke up to real Antarctic scenery as were sailing down to the mainland.  Icebergs littered the sea and the coastline was a  series of glaciers rolling into the sea.  Unbelievable.
 
We were meant to arrive at our last course, Dorian Bay, at about 10:00am but we passed by a pod of killer whales and the captain stopped the ship so we could watch them. My disappointment in having my race day shortened was tempered by the amazing sight of whales chasing penguins around the sea.  Unfortunately for the penguins, the whales invariably won.  A couple of whales got cocky and started tossing the penguins up in the air to amuse us.  The biologist on board then got very excited when the killer whales started to attack a humpback whale.  Apparently this does not happen very often.  It was quite an amazing hour or so and was compelling viewing.
 
The fun could only last so long however and we eventually dropped anchor at Dorian Bay about 2pm and the race started at 3.   It was another lap race but this time in knee deep snow.  We were told that we could be racing until 9pm but, for some reason, I thought we would be spared.  Wrong again.  The first 2.5km lap was incredibly hard and sweaty work as we tried to bash a path through the snow.  It took us in the region of 45 minutes or so.  I was then soaked with sweat and had a very wet right foot as the gaiter had broken the day before.  The day did not get any better from that point on.  Around and around we went – I could not stop because my foot would freeze as soon as I did. As long as I kept moving, the foot just felt cold.  The tedium was broken a bit by a massive avalanche on a mountain across the bay and then we saw some extreme skiers flying straight down the face of the mountain above he course.  No idea where they came from or went to.
 
Once we got passed  7pm I knew there was only a limited number of laps  I had to do and cheered up massively as I realized the end was very near. Tremaine caught up with me and we decided to grind out the last couple of laps together.  His knee was hurting badly by then so we slowed up a bit and focused on the end game.  It was great to finish the last desert with Tremaine, who would also have completed the grand slam but for a freak accident at work which resulted in torn knee ligaments before Sahara.
 
I crossed the line and Amy put the medal around my neck.  I was freezing cold but incredibly satisfied.  Surprisingly I wanted hot chocolate more than a beer.
So I am on my way home now.  Exhausted and ready for a rest.  People keep asking me what the next challenge will be.  I have no idea but I suspect it is not a matter what I want to do but more what Amy will allow me to do.
 
Thanks to everyone who sent me messages. I hope to be able to see all of you very soon as thank you in person as they were critical to my success. 
 
Cheers
Phil

Here we go……..
 
I  HAVE FINISHED THE GRAND SLAM. JOB DONE AND AMY WAS THERE TO PUT THE MEDAL AROUND MY NECK. HOW GOOD DOES IT GET?
 
It is 2:30 in the morning and I am going back to my wine now.  More details tomorrow.  I’m loving life right now.
 
Phil

What a day that was.  We were woken up at 4am to find the ship in the caldera of a volcano.  We were staring out at Deception Island from Whale Bay.  Apparently this is the only caldera you can sail into in the world. Wow.
 
We off-loaded in a blizzard for a 6am start.  The challenge was to complete as many 2.5 km laps on this old whaling station by 9pm.  At least the course had a hill climb up to Neptune’s Window which would break up the monotony.
 
I set off at a reasonable/comfortable pace happy in the thought that I just had to stay on the course until 9pm and I would most likely get my medal and complete the grand slam as this was likely to be the last big day.  Amy even had the cheek to ask if I was ”plodding” today and wondered why I never walked so slowly in Hong Kong.  The first surprise of the day was a course change after one lap as a seal had wandered on to the course  - apparently he had heard Ryan was running today and wanted to have a look.  The next surprise was the sun coming out after a couple of hours and we then had the most glorious blue sky as a backdrop to our run.  Each time I got to the top of the hill I could look down and marvel at the scene in front of me and wonder how many people get to run around a volcano in Antarctica.    Occasionally we would have the pleasure of a few penguins wandering up the beach to have a look at us.  They seemed to get bored fairly quickly and, after a quick wave, they would disappear back into the water.  As the  tide went out and the beach widened, some of the friends accompanying the racers stripped off and had a brief swim in the water which had been heated up by volcanic activity under the sand.  Apparently some of the beach was too hot to walk on.  Not so, the part we were running on.  Amy in the meantime was having a very good day exploring the island and the camera was put to full use.  One of the guides took her and a few others on a climb up to a high ridge well above where we were running which was fantastic.
 
The weather stated to change a bit by midday as the wind strengthened and shifted direction.  Within a lap it was clear I had to put on every bit of clothing I was carrying with me, including the balaclava (a mandatory bit of equipment which I never thought I would use).  At this point though I suddenly realized I was wasting a huge opportunity by just cruising and I got angry at myself. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to challenge myself in the some of the harshest conditions in the world and I basically had not showed up to race. There was no way I could justify finishing my last desert like that so I started to run and, when I couldn’t run, I shuffled.  I was on a mission from that point onwards.  If nothing else, by focusing on a fast tempo, my mind was taken off the extreme cold.
 
We got the news at 3pm that the race was being shortened to a 5:30 finish due to inclement weather coming.  My view at that point was that the weather was already inclement but what was I to know.  Knowing I only had two and a half hours left, I pushed a bit harder and just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.  By the last couple of laps, we had come full cycle with the weather and more.  There was a full on blizzard again and it was blowing a gale.  I do not remember much about the last couple of laps as I was exhausted.  I do remember arriving at the start at 4:50pm and being told I had time to get another lap in (but had to be back by 5 :30 for it to count).  I had to try or risk disqualification even though I was about the last person to go on another lap.  Amy met me and asked if she should come with me.  I grunted yes and could not have been more grateful.  She dragged me around that lap and even managed to point out a huge whale bone which I had been running by all day without realizing what it was. Observant as ever.  It would have been nice to have a bit more romance to it or at least have a chat and enjoy the moment, but I could not really speak.  What a trooper Amy turned out to be; I easily made the cut-off and was just about the last to finish the day.  Mission accomplished – I left nothing out there.  It was fantastic though to finish that lap holding Amy’s hand.
 
We had a 14 hour sailing overnight last night and now have one more day’s racing apparently. I have woken up early to do my blog with very sore legs but now just want to get the race done so I can enjoy the sights.  I have still not danced with a penguin yet.  Hopefully today.
 
Until tomorrow.
 
Phil
 

The weather got the best of us today unfortunately.  Although we did manage to get off the boat by about 10 following a break in the weather.  We landed at the Russian Camp (apologies to all for my inaccurate report yesterday as I thought we were in the Chile when in fact we were in Russia which strangely enough is right next door down here - go figure) and started out on the same loops as yesterday.  The intention was to get as much mileage as possible done before we headed of to more dramatic locations.
 
Tremaine, James and I started off as we finished yesterday - full of intent to plough on through at a reasonable pace and trying to keep our feet dry for as long as possible.  We failed with the dry feet attempt but settled in to a comfortable shuffle which seemed to put alot less stress on the knees. We were still tired from yesterday but spirtis were pretty high.  We had been told by the ship's crew that their was a low pressure front nearby which was likely to hit the island.  Unfortunately the weather changed very quickly and after about 8km we were ordered to get to the start finish asap and get back on the ship.  There was a mixture of joy and disappointment.  I will not disclose which way I felt.
 
Amy managed to get off the boat and was on the way to explore the Russian camp but was called back within about a minute.  Not a great day for her unfortunately but has been taking loads of pictures of killer ice cubes floating in the water.
 
The day was then taken up with a nice long lunch with a glass of red wine and then a nap as we waited for the front to pass.  It never did and we are now moving on overnight to Deception Island and the hope is that we can get in a long day running on the beach - apparently in 2km loops.  We are running a book to see who goes crazy first.  it will not be me - I went mad months ago.
 
Please keep the e-mails and blog comment coming.  It helps to know we are still part of the world when we are sitting in such a harsh and remote location.
 
Next update after a (hopefully) longer stage 3
 
Phil

Day one over and what a day it was.
 
It is 11:30 at night and I need to get up in 4 and a half hours for stage 2  so I’ll be brief.  The day started late (luckily) due to high winds.  We got the call at 4am which said winds were at 35mph so we could stay in bed.  Eventually we got off the boat at about 11:00am for a midday start at the Chilean research base. The course was a figure eight with two out and back loops (total 44km);  the first to the Chinese Base and the second to the Uruguayan base. 
 
I ran most of the day with Tremaine and David and the partnership worked well as we all needed help at various stages.  The paths were treacherous – a combination of snow, mud and slush.  Luckily I purchased a pair of Gortex shoes 2 days before departure  and together with gaiters and some good socks, my feet lasted the day in good shape.  It was however brutal on the legs as we spent so much time wither humping through snow or sliding through mud that my muscles are quite sore and my knees are a bit tender.  The good news is that there are no blisters to be found.  What a difference a 40 degree drop in temperature makes!
 
We managed three laps before the cut.  On the face of it, a marathon in 7 hours is not great but I challenge anyone to try it on the terrain we had and with the cold wind blowing constantly.  After getting back to the boat, I rushed to heat up a freeze dried meal –shepherds pie.  You can take Phil out of the desert but you cannot take the desert out of Phil.  Amy tried a bite but was not impressed.  I was happy for the calories however.   Amy had a great time on the course cheering on competitors, taking pictures of penguins and coming back to the boat for lunch!
 
Off to bed now and will hopefully blog more tomorrow.  One day closer to my grand slam goal.  Who would have thought I would make it this far.  This is however the most amazing experience I could imagine.  It is hard to feel frustrated, depressed, annoyed… whatever when you are running in this environment.
 
Tomorrow should be much the same as today.  Word is however that the forecast is horrendous so most competitors are doing their favourite rain/snow/ wind dance.  I would be grateful if you would all pray or some inclement weather, at least for tomorrow morning so we get a lie in.
 
Until tomorrow then… one step at a time.
 
Phil

Day 2 on the boat and all is still fine, no sign of seasickness and the bar is still open. It is quite a bit colder out on deck today which suggests to me that it won't quite be the temperate holiday I was hoping for.
 
We had our first race briefing this morning and the excitement is now setting in.  The boat should get to King George Island by about midnight tonight and the course setters will get off the boat and do their thing right away. Competitors will disembark the ship at about 5am for a 6am start.  We are then required to run and cover as much distance as possible until 9pm which is when we have to get back on the boat. We will be running two out and back loops (totaling 14.5km each) via the Chinese and Uruguay research stations.  What happens on day 1 will dictate what happens for the rest of the race.  The RTP team think the fast guys will cover 150km and the slowest will do 30km.  I am hoping to cover about 90 km but really have no idea what to expect.
 
As expected the first two days are designed to get the bulk of the mileage out of the way and will not be in the prettiest of Antarct locations.  However the rest of the race should be spectacular.  We are hoping that Amy will get to cover one loop with me during the day if she isn't too busy chasing penguins around for the perfect shot.
 
It is going to be great getting the race underway.
 
Until tomorrow...
 
Phil

We have been on the high seas for nearly 24 hours now and, although the boat is pitching and rocking a bit, the Drake Passage has been relatively calm according to the crew.  I put a Scopolamine patch on before leaving Ushuaia which thankfully seems to have worked and I have not had any signs of seasickness yet. Amy is fine so far but is feeling a little unsteady.
 
The boat is really nice a comfortable (Amy and I bagged one of the suites so we have some decent space and a bath in which to wallow) which makes this event so different to the other three desert races and it is difficult to get me in race mode at the moment.  We have one more day crossing the Drake Passage before the racing starts on Saturday morning.  It looks like the Racing The Planet team are going to do their damndest to get 100 miles out of the way early on so I better get my mind in a very happy place very soon.
 
The outside temperature has been pretty mild so far and we have spent a fair bit of time sunning ourselves on the top deck. I spotted a whale briefly this morning in the wash behind the boat but it dove pretty quickly.  Apparently we should be seeing a load of orcas tomorrow.  Our wildlife fun today has been more about spotting various species of albatroses and trying to see which competitors have gone green from the ship movement.
 
Next update probably on Saturday if we have a break during the first long stage.  In the meantime I keep praying for relative calm on the high seas.
 
Must get ready for dinner now...
 
Phil

Today is the day we get on the ship and there is no turning back.  Next time I hit civilisation I hope to be wearing my 4 Deserts medal around my neck and satisfied with a job well done in 2010.  Please keep your fingers crossed for me...

Argentina has been fantastic.  Amy and I spent a long weekend in Buenos Aires checking out the sights.  We walked around most of the city in the space of two and a half days and saw all the sights worth seeing and I managed to break in my new racing shoes at the same time.  The only disappointment was not having the chance to see Boca Juniors play.  Amy was particularly gutted by that but we were both consoled by some fantastic food, especially the beef.   I think I managed to consume about half a cow over the weekend; french fries were also obligatory. I never thought I would ever crave vegetables.

We flew into Ushuaia, at the very end of the world, on Monday and it has been great to catch up with all the racers as they have arrived.  It has been a bit unnerving to see so many competititors hit the trails and pavement for last minute training runs as soon as they got here.  My approach has been consistent since Sahara, eat and rest.  Pete suggested that training regimen so let's see how successful that will be.  We did a hiking excursion up into the Patagonia national park yesterday and saw some amazing scenery.  We hiked through the woods to the very end of Route 3, which runs up the length of the Americas, and it hit home that we really were at the end of the world. 

We have just enough time to do some last minute packing and kit checking before we meet up at 2pm this afternoon.  The ship sails at 6pm apparently and my only hope is that the anti-seasickness pills take effect before we get to the Drake Passage.  Amy informs me that once you feel seasick it is too late and you will not be able to do anything about it. Oh dear.

Next blog after day 1.  As usual, I'll take it easy and one step at a time....

Hasta La Vista
Phil

You'd figure I would know what I am doing as I prepare for the final race of 2010, having already completed three races this year with no major dramas.  However I leave for Antarctica tomorrow with absolutely no clue as to what is going to happen when I get there.  I have assembled all the gear and tried to stuff it into a very large bag but that has been the easy part. How I manage to race with all of it in a cold climate is a complete mystery.  Running with spikes on my feet and with ski pants covering my CWX tights should be a neat little challenge. 

Sahara went well for me and I came home confident about completing the Grand Slam.  As the euhoria slowly wore off, the extent of the final challenge dawned on me.  Rather than panic however, I resorted to sticking my head in the sand and calmly ignored most of the valuable Facebook banter going on around me.

Training has been light as I thought my legs needed a rest more than any more serious mileage. Most of the three weeks I have had at home has been spent researching and collecting all of the gear.  However, despite it being unseasonably cool in Hong Kong over the past two weeks, it has not been cold enough to try a run wearing 2 layers of Capilene, a fleece and a waterproof jacket (yes it is green so Shrek will live to race again in Antarctica). I have no idea therefore whether this combiantion is even possible or not.  Perhaps it will be unseasonably warm down south in this el nino year...

So to me this year is coming full circle. It is somehow appropriate that I leave for the last race in ignorance as I started this Grand Slam challenge in complete ignorance as to what was involved and what it would take out of me. In reality I never imagined I would actually complete all four races.  To me these races are about the adventure, the camradierie and the learning experience each time and I have never been disappointed.  I expect Antarctica to be stunning and a once in a lifetime experience for me.  I am confident I will finish but have no expectations as to how the race will actually proceed except that I will take it one step at a time as normal.  As long as I find some penguins to dance with and end up with the medal around my neck, I will be a very happy man when I get home.

Next blog from Buenos Aires getting my fill of great steak and Malbec.