Will put race bits and bobs on blog next week. What an incredible thing to be part of

Finished!!! What an amazing adventure

Just got in at the end of the long stage. Flash of northern lights as I got to the end. Long long day. Legs battered. Time to rest

Long stage coming up today. Very nervous but will try my best. Toes swollen and sore but hopefully manageable with pain killers. Sleeping in a cabin trying to keep the fire going to make coffee before we set off. Not seen any Northern lights yet but keep looking. Thanks a million again for all the messages, they're making me really happy and keeping me going. Xx

Just finished stage three, had a ride on a skidoo to the cabin. The most beautiful ice lakes today. Pretty cold though, early start tomorrow - pants, nevermind

Just starting day three, feet sore but all ok. Amazing out there. Just trying to keep going. Thanks for your messages guys

7 am arctic time guys, its beautiful

An hour before we start, slept in a tent on a reindeer skin and kept sliding off. Crazy dream about Paul Daniels carrying waterbottles. Got some breakfast down. Bag weighs a tonne, couldn't not bring my moisturiser. Got bizarre Norway radio reporter doing an interview. All surreal.  Love it

Amazing here

I'm off now

Well guys, I'm off now to eat, meet the race people, go for briefings and kit check. I've bumped into a few runners at the hotel yesterday - they looked seriously athletic / competitive / fast. I'm fairly sure they won't be starting at the back with me.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to write anything while we are out there, - I couldn't get 4g cover on my phone when I arrived, and I should imagine that it will be impossible. So, I'll post something if I can, if not I'll try and remember some interesting stuff. Oh, and take pics : after all, I Am on holiday!

Wish me good vibes this week, please - y

The race is situated in the Northern part of Sweden, inside the Arctic circle, the Jokkmokk area on the map.

Gallivare luxury!

I've had the luxury of staying in Gallivare for a couple of days before the race starts on Mon. Partly to explore, partly to try kit out, partly to repack my running bag yet again. I am hugely grateful for this opportunity of being here - thanks again to all who are covering for me at home.

It is fun and beautiful and sunny and cold. I managed approximately 200 metres with snow shoes before strapping them back on my pack again. Run in them??? Heh heh, not much of a chance. Everything, even a slow jog, takes at least twice the average time, after all the faffing with packs and kit.

So, at least, even if things go completely wrong next week,: at least I've managed to run (albeit slowly) in the Arctic. Fabulous stuff.

Arrived in the Arctic circle!!!!

Arrived at the Lapland airport, Gallivare. A rather bumpy plane ride, where I got asked to move to the front of the plane to help with the balance - obviously my carbo loading has been excessive.

Enter into a magical, snowy world. Our airports would shut down with this much white stuff.

The adventure certainly has begun, how hugely exciting.

Still travelling...

Ice ultra info and race pics / tracking here.....


http://www.beyondtheultimate.co.uk/

Getting ready for the Arctic!

This dishevelled pile of down clothing, food packets, old and new running kit, might (I hope) help get me through the Ice Ultra. Flying out later this week. I have got my fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly, travel arrangements work, and my kit is sufficient.

The excitement is mounting. I have been floating between feelings of apprehension (what could go wrong? An awful lot of things), and feelings of nervous disbelief that I might have the insane opportunity to run in the Arctic tundra, beneath the Northern lights. What a dream.

My hope is to try and complete this event. I'm afraid, I don't think I'll actually be running much : like the Spine challenger, I think it will be more about trying to move forward and as quickly as possible. Just seeing the place : unbelievable. Being part of this : immense.

I will do my best, on behalf of all plodders in life.