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The Last Desert Blogs 2012

Simon Southgate

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The Last Desert (2012) blog posts from Simon Southgate

03 December 2012 01:17 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

We have had a great few days sailing across the Drake Passage. First night after the race a small group of us drank until 330am. Lucky for us the seas have been calm and the good weather. During the voyage back we have seen whales swimming, and two pods of dolphins have been playing around the ship. The atmosphere on board is a stark contrast to this time last week.Everyone is relaxed and looking forward to their final journeys home. Another late one last night. We finished around 0345 hrs. No surprise to most of you I have become the ship`s unofficial DJ. We had a pre-party last night and I was spinning tunes to the early hours. Lots of group singing and some very unusual dance routines.

Tonight is the awards banquet, and judging from mood, I think it is going to be another late one. We leave the ship tomorrow after breakfast, so most people have spent the afternoon packing so they can party late tonight.

I have one more night in Ushuaia before I start my long trek home. If tonight is a `big one` I don`t imagine I will be doing much.

I cannot wait to get home.

See you all soon

Good times

Simon

Comments: Total (1) comments

Neil Gane

Posted On: 05 Dec 2012 02:29 am

Simon - You are an absolute star, mate. Congratulations on an amazing achievement. You have a huge heart, both literally and figuratively. The only slight disappointment (and surprise) was you seemingly forgot to pack any 'fancy dress' outfits for the after-party....the pods of dolphins would have enjoyed being observed by a gorilla in a boat. Very proud of you Hammers. Neil

30 November 2012 04:19 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well, I`ts done! We had a short intense 90 mins stage yesterday running in deep snow around a penguin colony. The knee suffered a bit, but as it was the last stage I thought what the heck! I tried to clock up as many km as possible. It was a very funny stage. The local penguins decided they wanted to join our race and continually hopped onto the course and waddled along next to the runners. We were told we had to give way to the penguins so it was a very strange race! Although they have tiny feet, they still seemed to run more effectively than me in the snow.

Eventually the time came for me to run my final lap and approach the finish line. It was a very emotional time for me. Since 2008 when I first started this little project I have experienced many highs, and a few lows. I have seen amazing sights, and met incredible people. It has been a blast. A little sad it has come to an end, but I am sure there will be more adventures to follow.

Inevitably there were huge smiles at the finish line. Everyone has experienced a different type of journey to get to the 4Deserts Club, and there was a lot of emotion at the fiinish line!

To be expected there was quite a celebration last night. The bar officially opened as soon as we returned to the ship, and it didn`t take long for me to pull the tab on my first beer. I cannot describe how good that first beer tasted. Unfortunately, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc etc also tasted very good. A group of us celebrated to 0430 hrs, but we suffered this morning. I have the mother of all hangovers this morning, which is not a good thing when you are on a ship sailing across some of the roughest seas on Earth.

The `Last Desert` has been an incredible experience. The stages might not have been as long as the `hot deserts` but they have been really challenging. Running in the deep slow, the climbs, the descents have been exhausting. The conditions have been brutal at times.

That`s enough from me!

I am incredibly happy at the moment, so I apapologise if when you see me next I am wearing a stupid grin.

Best wishes to you all

Simon

Comments: Total (4) comments

Marc McCarthy

Posted On: 03 Dec 2012 07:41 pm

Simon - Congratulations on an incredible performance! You are a true hero to all those children around the world fighting cancer. I leave you with this quote from William Shakespeare on behalf of all the people involved with St. Baldrick's whose lives you have touched. "I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks."

Veronica Chan

Posted On: 01 Dec 2012 09:45 am

Did you really write "more adventures to follow"? I thought this is the end :p

paddy O'Hara

Posted On: 01 Dec 2012 06:20 am

rough seas with a hangover; rather you than me! it's over, you acquitted yourself well, and it sounds as if it's been an amazing experience. as usual, v jealous. safe travels back, hopefully see you next weekend

Ryan Hill

Posted On: 01 Dec 2012 06:00 am

Simon from the Kung! Great effort mate you must be on cloud nine. Great blog look forward to catching up soon and hearing about everything first hand. Cheers ryan

29 November 2012 04:12 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I have just returned to the ship following my night of camping on the Antarctic Continent. An interesting experience. Just pitching the tent proved to be a challenge. I spent twenty minutes stamping down the snow to try and make the pitch flat. I thought I had done a reasonable job, but no. There were way too many lumps to enable a peace-ful night`s sleep. The tempretures were not to bad, and thanks to the guys are Marmot, my sleeping bag was nice and toasty.

The penguins keep chattering through the evening. I must say the noise they make is a lot melodic than Hong Kong`s village dogs.

I really cannot get enough of watching the penguins. They are amazing and very comical creatures to watch. The way they waddle around and `talk` to each other is hilarious. At the same time there is a real majesty in the way they stand.

Today should be the final stage, but the weather has deteriorated suddenly. A fog has closed in around the ship and the winds have really picked up. The zodiacs cannot be launched so we cannot get ashore. Bummer as we all want to get started and finish this. Fingers crossed we can get a window of clear weather and get to run.

Until then, I am chilling with a nice cup of coffee.

Babe - thanks for sorting out the hotel and saving me one more time. You really have been an angel.

Have really enjoyed receiving everyone`s messages. It has been fantastic to receive so many messages from the friends I have met during previous events! Thank you so much!

Good times to you all

Simon

Comments: Total (0) comments

28 November 2012 04:00 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Woke up this morning feeling very stiff. The legs, and especially my left knee is feeling sore. Frantically trying to get my clothing dry for today. It is never nice having to put on wet socks, shoes and base-layers, even more so when the tempretures are minus 5.

We have just been lucky enough to have been joined by a pod of killer whales who followed us as we sailed to our next drop point. Despite my best efforts all I have is photos of splashes in the water. I am hoping the official photographer has managed to capture them.

Have just been told we have a shorter stage this afternoon. We`ll only be running for 3-4 hours this afternoon, oh joy. But.....we will be sleeping ooutside in tents tonight followed by an 8-hour stage tomorrow. Sounds exciting, but I think my body may object to that!

Best wishes all

Simon

Comments: Total (0) comments

28 November 2012 04:00 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Its all very confusing. The stages have been re-numbered and we have just finished a short and sharp stage 3. Laps of a 1.25 km circuit that literally went straight up, then straight down. Really punishing on the legs. Thighs and quads burnt on the way up, knees took all the strain on the way down. Thank G for poles and brufen. The knee held together so I should be very grateful. We ran for 2-hours so you could say it was a sprint stage!

We are camping out on the ice tonight near a penguin rockery. Should be an interesting experience. I just hope my sleeping bag lives up to the grading it has been given.

We have been told that tomorrow will be our final stage. I am now in the home straight of an adventure that started in 2008. Fingers crossed all goes well, and this time tomorrow I will be able to enjoy a quiet cold beer and some reflections!

Its so good to receive messages from you all. Big thank yous go out to Lucy, Gary, Stan, Paul, and Rob!

Babe - love you loads. I hope the kids are behaving themselves and are not causig you too much grief. Mary took some video of me today so that might be on the web-site later.

Good times all

Simon

Comments: Total (5) comments

Ross Hunt

Posted On: 30 Nov 2012 03:30 pm

Great work Simon, we're very proud of what you have achieved over the last few years. Enjoy the beer(s) and come home safely! See you next Saturday @ 5am! :)

Clare Soper

Posted On: 29 Nov 2012 09:35 pm

Keep up the fantastc work Si, we are all so very proud of you,

Mark Stevenson

Posted On: 29 Nov 2012 08:25 pm

Simon, probably by the time you read this (I can't imagine they have an internet tent set up on the ice!?) you'll be safe and warm back on the ship. Wow, to think you've camped overnight on Antarctica! I want to hear all about it. Many, many congratulations on your achievement Simon. How much in total did you manage to raise for your charities? I'm dearly hoping I will following your suit in 2014... Best, Mark

Colin Jack

Posted On: 29 Nov 2012 02:27 pm

Hi Simon, outstanding performance and great distance mate. Sounds like an incredible experience and you are getting close to the end. That beer is going to taste so good. Enjoy and a celebration will definitely be on the cards when you get back. cheers Colin

Diana

Posted On: 29 Nov 2012 09:02 am

Better late than never. I guess you'll have finished by the time you read this... But we've been thinking of you and looking forward to hearing about it over a couple of wines!!

27 November 2012 04:00 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Greetings all. Don`t be confused. Stage 2 was cancelled yesterday because of crappy weather so we have jumped to stage 3.Today was another tough day at the office. No surprises there! I woke this morning feeling pretty anxious about my knee. The course briefing warned we would be running up and down some steep hills, and the snow would be deep. This made me feel even more uneasy. The knee was going to take a beating today. I took a couple of brufen and decided to give it a go and see how things turned out. I found my rythm pretty quickly and got a reasonable pace going. The scenery today was amazing. I know I have probably said that a few times already, but truly, the views here are difficult to describe. I encourage you to look at the race pics to get an idea of what we have been lucky enough to see. There were penguins on the course and they did their very best to keep us entertained.

We were out for 8.5 hours and I managed to clock up around 45kms. No complaints about that. The knee did me proud! I am sure at some point in the next few hours the adrenalin will wear off and the pain will start. But right now I have a huge smile on my face. I have had an incredible day in a truly magestic place!

Thanks again for the messages: Mark, Paddy, Kelly Shiro - thanks foor all your encouragement!

Have to wait to see what surprises tomorrow brings!

Best wishes

Simon

Comments: Total (0) comments

26 November 2012 04:00 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

We have been given a full rest day today. We arrived at Deception Island this morning but the wind was too strong, so we could not go ashore. We raised anchor and sailed for a few hours to Trinity Island. By the time we arrived it was too late to set a course so we went ashore for a spot of sight-seeing and penguin watching. What an amazing experience? I really have been bitten by the Antarctic Bug. The scenery here is truly breathtaking. Have seen some amazing landscapes, sun-sets, and floating ice-bergs. The penguins really stole the show this afternoon. I sat still near this rockery and they just wobbled past me. They really are a joy to watch! I must take taken over a hundred photos of penguins today. Got very snap happy!

Normal business should resume tomorrow. If all goes according to schedule we should be going ashore around 10am and running until 7pm. I am keen to going again. The sightseeing is great but that is not why I am here. The legs still ache after yesterday but I hoping the stiffness will go once I start moving. I just hope the snow is solid and not the soft mushy stuff we had to deal with so much yesterday.

This trip has been an amazing adventure. I promise I wont bore you all with the photos!

Please keep the messages coming. Its great to hear from you all. Special thanks to John,Donna, Susan, Lucy, Thadeus, and Campbell.

Take care all

Simon

Comments: Total (0) comments

26 November 2012 01:53 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Yesterday was a tough day at the office.I just about managed to complete 5 laps and get 70kms done. I can honestly say yesterday`s stage was one of the toughest I have experienced in all the races. Unfortunately I twisted my knee whilst taking on the deep slow. It has really stiffened up over-night so I will have to see how things go.

We sailed to Deception Island this morning but the wind was too strong to land so we had to up anchor and move on. This meant today`s run has been post-poned until we sail around to another landing point. No complaints from anyone on board. We are all feeling strain from yesterday. The exra hours rest is most welcome.

As we were sailing today we saw a huge ice-berg floating by, and a few penguins swimming and playing in the water.

The views have been amazing. The scenery here is truly breathtaking. This is a harsh but beautiful landscape.

That`s all from me today.

Please keep the messages coming!

Best wishes to you all.

Simon

Comments: Total (1) comments

paddy o'hara

Posted On: 27 Nov 2012 02:35 pm

been thinking of you a lot, views look amazing. hope the knee keeps loose enough. says 21st, but you're actually 17th=. considering the competition that's pretty awesome. make sure you take lots of piccies; looking forward to the slide show when you're back. btw, weather's crap here, so you're missing nothing

25 November 2012 01:53 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Dear All

Well we were all dropped straight in the deep end! We have just finished the long day, and oh boy was it tough. I managed to drag myself around for 5 laps and complete 70kms. I am suffering a bit tough. We had to deal with a real mix of different conditions. Frozen snow, mushy snow, deep snow, and every other type of snow. Fortunately we had amazing weather. Blue skies, sunshine and the wind was ok. There are a lot of broken and stiff bodies wabbling around the ship.We were also lucky enough to see quite a few penguins. With my stiff legs there is a good chance I will be walking likea penguin tomorrow.

You`ll have to excuse me for not writing too much tonight. I am totally pooched!

Thanks for the messages I really appreciate the kind words. I am going to need your encougement over the next few days. If today is anything to go by we are all in for some tough days.

Best wishes to you all

Simon

Comments: Total (3) comments

Mark Stevenson

Posted On: 26 Nov 2012 03:12 pm

Fine effort Simon. With the long day out of the way it's all downhill from here, white outs, blizzards, frost bite and killer whales apart. Keep the blogs going, love to hear how you're getting on. Mark

Shiro Arai

Posted On: 26 Nov 2012 02:28 pm

hi, Simon! This is Shiro from japan! Good to hear you are all right in many kinds of snow. Please enjoy yourself at the amazing planet during the whole week!

Colin Jack

Posted On: 26 Nov 2012 02:25 pm

Hi Simon WOW you smashed it on Day 1. 70km. No wonder you were pooched at the end of that. After 2 days on a boat and that crazy journey. Incredible performance mate. Cant wait to see the next update. Good photo of you on Stage 1. I see you went all James Bond in all black outfit lol. Best of luck tomorrow cheers Colin OLD POST (wasnt sure if it would have made it through last time) Go get them Simon. The end of an amazing journey lies ahead and what a journey it has been for you. Look at how much you have learned along the way, but more than that how much you have given back. It's amazing all the good you have done with all your amazing charity fundraising efforts for great causes, to the personal interactions you have had with individuals from those charities and to all the time and dedication you have put into raising awareness of the cause. On top of that all the time and support you have given to people like me who needed needed some advice or a push in the right direction and the various talks and seminars you have started to deliver. Not to mention holding up all the things in your personal and work life. Truly inspirational. I'm sure you will give this 100% and will rock. Say hello to Tara Gaston and Shayne Stoik for me. And I'm sure your journey whatever form it takes will continue after the event For now, Remember and enjoy the adventure to the full and Seize the day. We will all be watching Cheers Colin

24 November 2012 10:30 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Our first day of racing starts early tomorrow. We have spent the last two and a half days crossing the Drake`s passage and it has been a rugh one. Fortunately the sea-sickness patches have worked for me and I have not been ill. But sleeping has been very difficult. The ship has been rolling around, at times violently. Everything in the cabin has been fallng all over the place.

There is a feeling of excitement and trepidation in the air. No-one really knows what to expect from the weather, and we are plunging straight away into the long-march. Rumour around the ship is that we will be going for 15-hours tomorrow! That would be tough at any time, but is going to be especially challenging after being stuck on a rolling ship for three days. I have a feeling I will have jelly legs by the time I get to shore.

My race pack is all set and I just hope I have the layering system right. I certainly dont want to be too cold, but being too hot and sweating could be just as problematic.

I just want to get started now.

Thanks to everyone who has sent me messages. Its great to hear from you all. I will do what I can to keep you updated during the event.

Thats me done for today. It is not a nice feeling typing on b oard a rolling ship!

Take care all
Simon

Comments: Total (5) comments

Kellie Irwin

Posted On: 26 Nov 2012 01:58 pm

Great start Simon , keep up the good work! We will be following you along the way. Kellie x

Michelle Jordan

Posted On: 26 Nov 2012 11:07 am

Hi Sims Glad you finally arrived, will you EVER manage to go anywhere without some kind of drama ?? Hope your first couple of days has been OK, the temperature looks favourable and hope you are getting to see the penguins. The kids keep asking if Uncle Sims will bring one home....... Look forward to your updates mate. Keep safe, listen to your body and stay strong. We are waiting to have a few drinks on your return. Lots of Love the J's xxxx

Neil B

Posted On: 26 Nov 2012 07:41 am

At the rate you're moving, and Phyllis' bump is not, you'll be finished before she eventually pops out. Hope your gear is doing the trick and complementing rather than hindering your running. BTW, the Hammers lost 3-1 to Spurs & England lost 15-16 to the Saffers. The cricket lads on the other hand have just demolished the Indians with a 10 wicket win- Monty got 11 wickets and Cook & MOM Pietersen blasted first innings centuries. Keep plugging away and flying that flag, mate!

Donna Warren

Posted On: 25 Nov 2012 01:15 pm

All the best on your first day. Incredible work to get there, now your journey begins. The Warren's will be following you and cheering you every step of the way! Donna

Alina B

Posted On: 25 Nov 2012 12:41 pm

Hi Simon - I'm SO glad that you made it to Ushuaia in time (sounds like Veronica was a saint)! I'm keeping close tabs on the race... right now you have all been running for nearly an hour and a half... and I'm looking forward to hearing more about how everything goes. You've been training and working hard for this for years, so enjoy it and know that there's MANY of us cheering for you from HK! Sending my best, Alina

28 September 2012 08:21 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I have had a dramatic month which has caused me to reflect. A very good friend of mine passed away whilst competing in the New York Ironman Event. I had known 'Andy' for more than 20-years, and we had competed together as a team and against each other in a number of endurance and sporting events. As a team mate he was always supportive. Competing against him was a nightmare - he was just too good! 

One minute all was well, the next he was gone! His passing has been difficult to accept, but we have all received some comfort from the fact that he lived his life to the full, and was doing what he loved right up to the end. He had a 'carpe-diem' spirit, that inspired many, including me.

My training has taken a bit of hit over the last few weeks as I have struggled to manage time around an increasing number of committments. But my hunger to complete my 4Deserts Challenge remains. Whilst goals might need to be modified slightly, I am as committed as ever to make the very most of this once in a life-time event.

A quick message and word of advice for anyone who reads this blog. Whenever you are faced with the mental anguish of whether to commit to a challenge or not? My advise is simple - Do it! Time is very precious, and you need to make the very most of it! 

Go out there and seize your day!!
         

Comments: Total (1) comments

Colin Jack

Posted On: 23 Nov 2012 01:15 am

Go get them Simon. The end of an amazing journey lies ahead and what a journey it has been for you. Look at how much you have learned along the way, but more than that how much you have given back. It's amazing all the good you have done with all your amazing charity fundraising efforts for great causes, to the personal interactions you have had with individuals from those charities and to all the time and dedication you have put into raising awareness of the cause. On top of that all the time and support you have given to people like me who needed needed some advice or a push in the right direction and the various talks and seminars you have started to deliver. Not to mention holding up all the things in your personal and work life. Truly inspirational. I'm sure you will give this 100% and will rock. Say hello to Tara Gaston and Shayne Stoik for me. And I'm sure your journey whatever form it takes will continue after the event For now, Remember and enjoy the adventure to the full and Seize the day. We will all be watching Cheers Colin

26 July 2012 11:43 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

If you are ever planning to run the 'The Last Desert: Antarctica', I highly recommend you read "The Worst Journey in the World' by Aspley Cherry-Gerrard. It is widely regarded as the best ever book on adventure. The book is beautifully written and guaranteed to inspire.

Cherry-Gerrard was one of the youngest members of Captain Scott's final expedition to the Antarctic, and he was involved in a number of amazing sledging journeys. Although he was not part of the ill-fated party that made it to the South Pole, he was a member of the team that travelled through the Antarctic winter from Hut Point to Cape Crozier. 

One cannot but be amazed at the challenges these guys faced, and the unbelievable hardships they endured. We choose to run / walk for 7-days; wearing modern technical clothing; carrying specially formulated meals; along a clearly marked course. And its tough, challenging both your physical and mental determination to the full. But what we do is a fraction of what these guys did. 

I am reading this book for the second time. I read it once before when I was at school and I found it amazing then. But, I did not truly appreciate the effort required to accomplish what these guys achieved. It is truly an amazing book made even more so but the fact that the exploits and the characters potrayed in it are true - not fiction!

Comments: Total (1) comments

Sandy Suckling

Posted On: 30 Jul 2012 12:54 am

Hi Simon, will have to pick a copy of the book up and have a read... there is so many amazing pioneers from our past that so so did it tougher than what we will ever do. Look forward to meeting you in Antarctica. By the way love the words of inspiration... I always take a few pics that I have downsized and laminated for the tough times... Happy training Sandy

16 July 2012 11:18 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

There have been many times over the years when I have had to dig deep to find the strength to continue when the 'gas tank' has seemed empty'.  These desert races are more than physical endurance events, they are tests of your mental strength, and you need to equip yourself with some powerful tools to fight the 'inner demons' trying to convince you to stop and give up. The more tools you have, the stronger you'll be! Many racers select music, and there is no doubt there are some inspirational songs and pieces of music out there. But there is one problem. You are relying on technology and your ipod / MP3 having power when you need it most! This might not always be the case.

I always carry a scrap of paper in my front pack with a few inspirational words on it. This lightweight, low-tech and inexpensive method has helped me on more than one occasion. I would like to share with you, some of the inspirational words that have given me strength over the years: -        

Invictus: William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

 

Comments: Total (2) comments

Emrys Davies

Posted On: 26 Jul 2012 06:27 pm

Thanks for these poems, and what a great idea....words often inspire me so do you mind if I pinch this idea for the atacama ? Thanks again

Sam Fanshawe

Posted On: 20 Jul 2012 02:48 am

Very inpirational! Makes me think about my old school song - He who would valiant be, gainst all diasaster.

13 July 2012 06:03 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

If you are lucky, one day you might get to meet someone who truly inspires you. Today, I was fortunate enough to meet such a person. Angel has to be one of the most courageous and positively-minded persons I have ever met. On 16th September 2008 she was diagnosed with 'Rhabdomyosarcoma', a very rare type of cancer. It would have been easy for her to feel sorry for herself, but no! She was determined to remain positive and fought back. She composed songs whilst she was undergoing blood transfusions, and despite two relapses and numerous sessions of chemotherapy, she continues to remain upbeat and optimistic. Angel has literally faced death square on and never lost her smile! She is such a confident and bright woman, you cannot help but feel inspired when you are with her. I sat and described to her what is what like to run across a desert for 6-days. In reply, she described what is what like to receive chemotherapy, and to receive radiation therapy for 28 days in a row! My efforts seemed pitiful! An amazing individual who I feel truly honoured to have met!

Comments: Total (0) comments

10 July 2012 02:18 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Just a few words to describe 'Week #1' of my training schedule. As is always the way, it was a case of trying to fit training in amongst all of life's other commitments. 'Working Day' training was done around 0430 hrs! I prefer to get the sessions over and done with rather than waiting until after work, when you never know what unexpected events might 'pop up'! I was pretty pleased with the end result. Summary as follows: -

Monday 2nd July: 15kms with a full race pack (11 kgs) - flat easy terrain
Wednesday 4th July: 11kms road run with hills (no pack)
Friday 6th July: 11kms road run with hills (no pack)
Saturday 7th July: 17.5 kms with full race pack - difficult challenging and undulating trail
Total: 54 kms

Hong Kong this time of the year is not a pleasant place to train. It's hot, humid, and there are spider webs across all the trails! Not the ideal location to prepare for Antarctica's frozen landscape, but there you go. 

Pretty pleased with the way I felt after the sessions. No injuries and not too much stiffness. Running with the pack after all these years is almost second nature. Using poles for the first time which is interesting.

Testing my clothing and equipment this time around is going to be a challenge. HK's climate, especially in the summer months is not a good place to be running around in thermal layers and goretex! So, I am going to have to come-up with some innovative ways to get around this. I don't have the time or $'s to fly off and train in a cold environment, so I am going to have to explore the possibility of training on a treadmill in a cold-storage area! Should be interesting.


In addition to the physical training, I have also been working on fund-raising committments. It's a busy and exciting time. I am very psyched at the moment. I cannot read enough about Antarctica and the exploits of Scott, Shackleton, Amundsen and more recently Fiennes! 

1 week down, only 19 to go!

Cheers

 



 

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01 July 2012 11:51 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Over the last 6-weeks I have been concentrating on building up my foundation fitness. A few long runs of between 15-20kms. Some runs with the race pack, normally weighing (with water) around 11kgs. Other runs / hikes have focussed on developing x-country fitness. The trails of HK are seldom flat so are great places to do hill training and develop the much needed muscular stamina and endurance required for 'ultras'. I have also spent some time in the gym. I have always included strength training as part of my training regime, and will continue to do this for Antarctica. I am a big fan of the TRX Suspension Training System, as you are constantly required to engage your core. Having a strong core is key when you have to run carrying a race pack over extended distances and difficult terrain. My strength programme normally includes the following exercises: - Warm Up: Static bike or rowing machine [5 mins] - Low row: 15 Reps X 2 Sets with 30 seconds rest - 1 minute of skipping - Dumb-bell chest press or barbell bench press: 15 reps X 2 sets with 30 seconds rest between sets - 1 minute of skipping - Lat Pull Down: 15 reps X 2 sets (with 30 seconds rest) - 1 minute of skipping - Dumb-bell Chest Fly 15 reps X 2 sets - 1 minute skipping - Barbell or dumb-bell upright row 15 reps X 2 sets -1 minute skipping - Dumb-bell or barbell shoulder press 15 reps X 2 sets (30 seconds rest between sets) - Dumb-bell side raise X 15 reps X 2 sets (30 seconds rest between sets) - 1 minute skipping - 15 Ballistic squats - no weights just use bodyweight with a jump and soft landing (30 seconds rest between sets) - Walking lunges - no weight just bodyweight (30 seconds rest between sets) - 1 minute skipping - 1 minute 'plank' for core muscle group - slow crunches 20 reps X 2 sets - 1 minute skipping - Superset for arms (3 sets) - triceps extension X 15 reps immediately followed by bicep curls X 15 reps - 30 seconds rest - 2 minute skipping to finish When deciding what weight to use, pick a weight you can handle that ensures you don't cheat or use poor form when you do the exercises. I am not trying to develop bulging muscle. I find 15 reps is good for developing both strength and stamina. I do my best to try and repeat this two times per week. If I cannot make the gym, I have an equivalent TRX circuit that I will do on my rooftop. Today represents Day#1 of the 'Big Programme". The true training programme starts here. I have given myself 4+ months to get ready for my 'Last Desert'. I have improved my performance every time during the last three races, and I hope to do the same in Antarctica. I have modified a standard training programme for a 100km race. I have used elements of the programme before but will make some further modifications so it meets my needs for Antarctica. So here we go........

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22 April 2012 05:31 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

The start of 2012 has been a hectic and frustrating time for me. Work has been busy and I suffered a nasty case of bronchitis that just would not go away. With May just around the corner the physical preparation for '2012 The Last Desert' is about to kick off. Although I have not been able to do much physical training whilst I have been sick I have not been idle. I have focussed on my fund-raising and charity work. I have been busy collecting items for a a fund-raising auction I intend to hold at the end of the year. I would like the auction to have a sport / adventure theme and I have been busy sending out literally 100s of e-mails to potential donors. Inevitably a large number of e-mails go unanswered or strike a blank. But I have been lucky and believe I have been able to collect some great auction items: - - Signed book personally donated by Sir Ranulph Fiennes - Signed book personally donated by Michael Palin (President of Royal Geographic Society) - 6 bottles of red wine from the British Army 22 SAS Officers' Mess - Limited edition prints from Captain Robert Scott Terra Nova Expedition - 2 special edition limited edition box sets of Shackleton's 1907 Antarctic Expedition whisky - Limited edition photograph of Antarctica donated by a National Geographic photographer Still waiting for replies from some people so there may be even more items to follow. On Tuesday 24th I along with six other members of the Police 'Old Bill' rugby team will have our heads shaved for St Baldrick's and Hong Kong Children's Cancer Foundation. I have been lucky enough to secure around HK$30,00 in sponsorship, and as a team we hope to raise over Hk$50,000. A great start! The Last Desert is going to be a spectacular adventure, one with even more significance this year being the 100th anniversary of Scott and Amundsen's epic expeditions to the Geographic South Pole. I have really been bitten by the Antarctic bug. I have recently been in London and took the opportunity to visit the special 'Scott' exhibition at the Natural History Museum. It is an amazing exhibition, and I highly recommend it. There are a number of incredible photographs and items on display, but it is the audio records of Scott's journal that really make you think. Very inspiring! So it's now time to dust off the race pack and add the bags of rice. Start slowly and build up gradually. In 1911-12 Scott planned to cover 1600 miles to get to the South Pole and return to his base. I might not be able to go quite a far as that, but I would like to cover 800 miles in training - the distance to the Pole! I will keep you posted!

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Posted On: 27 Apr 2012 07:32 am

Holy Cow Simon! Make sure you email me when you plan your auction, I am so in for a bottle of that Shackelton Whiskey! Will start saving my pennies.

21 March 2012 06:58 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

This blog marks the official start of my reparations for the final chapter of my 4Deserts Challenge. I started in 2008 with the Sahara Race, and quickly decided after that event that I wanted to complete the series. I have now completed the Gobi March (2010) and the Atacama Crossing (2011). The 2012 Last Desert (Antarctica) has special significance for me for a number of reasons. Obviously it represents the final chapter of my challenge, but this year also marks the 100th Anniversary of Scott and Amundsen's epic expeditions to the Geographic South Pole. Ever since I was school boy I have be drawn to the stories of Antarctic exploration. I am even the proud father of two Huskies! At school we were all divided up into four houses - Scott, Shackleton, Hilary and Livingston. I was in Scott, and was required to read up on Scott and know all about his exploits. The fascination continues today. Just last week i was fortunate enough to attend the Royal Geographic Society's (Hong Kong Chapter) celebratory guest lectures covering expeditions to the South Pole and Antarctica. The speaker, Edward J Larson gave some incredible presentations, all of which have really wet my appetite for the Last Desert. So the preparation starts now! Physical training will start off slowly, but there is a lot to be done to raise money and promote the charities that I represent. St Baldrick's and the Hong Kong Children's Cancer Foundation are working together to conquer childhood cancer. They fund vital research, and do amazing work to improve the lives of young cancer patients and their families. http://stbaldricks.com http://ccf.org.hk Operation Breakthrough works to tackle juvenile delinquency by providing positive reinforcement and sporting opportunities for juveniles at risk. This charity has a great track record and its work has be rewarded with international recognition. http://breakthrough.hk You can follow my preparation for the Last Desert and the 'story so far' on Facebook Simon's 4Deserts Challenge I may be entering the home straight, but there is still a lot of hard work to do.........

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Posted On: 22 Mar 2012 05:57 am

It's not often you read about the "The Home Straight" eight months before the event starts. Looking forward to seeing you follow in Scott's footsteps to complete the series!