It's cold enough here in Austria , after a sunny day , to make me wonder ,how much colder Antartica would be at the moment . It came as a surprise at the weekend to hear that the Race Element of the Event , being contested by 3 separate Teams , had to be suspended .
Twitter ( @SO_SL ) tonight disclosed a Facebook report , from one of the competitors :
https://www.facebook.com/SoldierOnSanslimites/posts/587883891267200
Essentially there were 3 Teams , at the outset of the walk to the South Pole , with the intention of creating a platform for additional FundRaising possibilities . In the first days , the British Team was in the lead , but the American and Commonwealth Teams were forcing the pace . As they had been delayed in South Africa because of Heavy Storm Activity , they had to spend days acclimatizing before going to the start line . It would appear that a Team Member was sent home for safety in the first days due to trauma . At the weekend the 3 Teams were moved forward to a new start line for the 2nd section , where they then combined , with the intention of arriving at the South Pole by the 15th December .
Perhaps adding the Report here will provide further detail :
" “[Everyone is] able to enjoy the moment instead of just thinking we need to push harder, we need to get a kilometre ahead or need to do this. We all have competitive edges and spirits, so a little part of us was disappointed but on the bigger picture this is great. Now we are sharing it all together, instead of just the seven of our teammates.
Everyone is now encouraging each other, which we were, but it is a lot more personal and closer now, spending time together and having lots of laughs really.
It is starting to be where we are supposed to be: that is, making sure that all 12 of us wounded get to the South Pole and show the world that with the right support, attitude, opportunity and the chance that we can accomplish anything. Whether you are sick or ill, a wounded veteran or just anyone who is having a bad day or week, you can do it! You can just push yourself and put your mind to it and get to it. Now we get to share this all together and it is great. People aren’t afraid now to say when things are hurting or bothering them. There is no fear of letting the team down or slowing them down.
It was the right call. It was a good call and it has turned into even more of a trip of a lifetime. We are happy and only 63km or so to go till we are at the Pole. The emotions are starting to run but I am excited to get there. “
- Chris Downey, Team Soldier On
No doubt more reports will be forthcoming oin the next days .
Glad i am not ski trekking in -45C , cold enough in the next village of the Tirol , where i guess i will be tomorrow , hiking up the couple of kilometres to the top of the Ski Lift .
REPORT FROM EXPEDITION DIRECTOR & TEAM NOOM COACH :
http://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/southpole2013/2013/12/07/ed-parker-i-have-suspended-the-race-but-the-challenge-goes-on/
" We have had a tricky couple of days. The weather remains good but the terrain is very difficult, far harder than we were anticipating and because of various factors, I have decided to suspend the race.
REPORT FROM EXPEDITION DIRECTOR & TEAM NOOM COACH :
http://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/southpole2013/2013/12/07/ed-parker-i-have-suspended-the-race-but-the-challenge-goes-on/
" We have had a tricky couple of days. The weather remains good but the terrain is very difficult, far harder than we were anticipating and because of various factors, I have decided to suspend the race.
Part of a Comment to the website :
" “Planning is helpful. If you don’t know what you want, you’ll seldom get it. But, no matter how well you plan, you will fare better if you expect the unexpected. The unexpected, by nature, comes unseen, unthought, unenvisioned. All you can do is plan to go unplanned, prepare to be unprepared, make going with the flow part of your agenda, for the most successful among us envision, plan, and prepare, but cast all aside as needed, while those who are unable to go with the flow often suffer, if they survive.”
(― David W. Jones, Moses and Mickey Mouse: How to Find Holy Ground in the Magic Kingdom and Other Unusual Places)
Those interested in further events in the UK , need look no further than this :
" “Planning is helpful. If you don’t know what you want, you’ll seldom get it. But, no matter how well you plan, you will fare better if you expect the unexpected. The unexpected, by nature, comes unseen, unthought, unenvisioned. All you can do is plan to go unplanned, prepare to be unprepared, make going with the flow part of your agenda, for the most successful among us envision, plan, and prepare, but cast all aside as needed, while those who are unable to go with the flow often suffer, if they survive.”
(― David W. Jones, Moses and Mickey Mouse: How to Find Holy Ground in the Magic Kingdom and Other Unusual Places)
Those interested in further events in the UK , need look no further than this :
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