ROAD RUNNING
The Ice Ultra gives one plenty of peace and quiet for thinking .
TIME FOR REFLECTION
After five days racing in the snow above the Arctic Circle , what are the things that really stood out for me ? Firstly , doing this event with mates was amazing . None of us had any idea of what to expect , and we trail-blazed together . It ’ s more fun in a wolfpack – the banter and support made a world of difference ! Also , meeting amazing people from all corners of the world and hearing their stories and what brought them to the race , was another highlight for me .
The privilege to find yourself in your thoughts in an untouched piece of paradise was surreal . When you stopped and listened , there really was silence – you wouldn ’ t hear any sound – and seeing such unbelievably beautiful places made me smile many times . Also , I found that most of the other athletes I spoke to had meaningful and quite often unexpected experiences of finding out more about themselves .
If you consider an event of this nature , my two cents ’ is simple : Say yes ! Do it . You will be better for it ! Then , you have to be clear on how you want to participate , and then train accordingly . If you want to race , you need to put the time and effort in , and you need to focus on being as light as possible , by challenging every gram you carry . If you are not racing , and you just want to complete the adventure , then it ’ s just a decision to do it ! Yes , you still need to train and make sure you ’ re ready for it , but you will get through it . The only thing you need to do in a day is get through the kilometres and make sure you consume enough calories . You don ’ t need to worry about anything else . Events like this should not cause stress and strain , because it ’ s an immense privilege to participate in them .
WHAT AN EXPERIENCE !
Since returning , I have been asked which event is harder , the Marathon Des Sables ( MDS ) or the Ice Ultra ? They are very different and challenge you in different ways . The MDS , with 1200 participants , is a big event with a big badge . The landscape is vast , with big sand dunes and sandstorms . It ’ s longer , with the longest day of between 85km and 90km , which means you will go through the night , and it tends to get a lot more primal . I also found that you get more time at the end of the day to digest the experience , and it felt like a simpler event .
The Ice Ultra , with 40 participants , is a niche experience . There are so many variables you need to manage , which makes for very busy days with a lot of prep required , both before and after the day ’ s race . Conditions change a lot faster , and more frequently . The snow is beautiful , and a lot of fun if you come from Africa , but it ’ s hard work , and you need to manage between being wet and getting dry , ensure that you don ’ t lose a glove or a buff , which could mean the end of your event . Overall , I found the Ice Ultra to be more intense than the MDS , but both adventures will challenge and shape you .
Let me conclude with some words of wisdom from Alex O ’ Shea , the Irishman who won this year ’ s Ice Ultra . I was back of the pack , so I only had an opportunity to speak to him on the bus back to Lulea after the race , and found out that he is a fireman , and completed his first marathon at the age of 40 , in full firefighter kit – steel toecap boots and all ! Alex put a year ’ s preparation into that run and completed the marathon in 3:41 , breaking a Guinness World Record .
Markers in the snow to help with navigation .
He then went on to represent Ireland five times in 24- hour and 100-mile events .
I found Alex to have such an abundant mindset : “ I was going to push myself , and that effort was going to put me wherever it put me in the race . If I was beaten , it would be by a better athlete , and that would be ok .” His words that rung very true to me , were that , “ these events are to be enjoyed !” I believe one must take the preparation process seriously , but the focus must be to enjoy every moment , as they fly by very quickly !
Cordi and Robin trundling on into the evening .
SUPPORT THE ICE ULTRA COWS
Author Cordi van Niekerk started a GivenGain page to use his Ice Ultra run to raise funds for the CHOC Cows . If you would like to support the fight against childhood cancer , click here to make a donation .
48 ISSUE 167 | www . modernathlete . co . za