Scrambled Eggs and Bacon ......

I drove down to Yatton, near Bristol for a team training session yesterday. It was the first time we had all been together since early summer, and there was lots of admin to be done.

We tasted a selection of the food rations. The breakfasts will take some getting used to. I ordered mostly porridge, with a few packs of cheese omelets to break up the monotony. In this picture I am sampling the eggs and bacon ….. I think my face says it all. The evening meals were a lot better, although they were a little on the salty and bland side – nothing that a bottle of Tabasco wont sort out! There are about 7 different options of main meal, from chicken stew, chili con carne, to beef strogonoff; enough choice not to get bored! We didn’t taste any of the puds, but we were told that they are all nice! Through the day we graze on a 600g of dried fruit, chocolate, nuts, sweets, Peperami – all high energy, high fat foods – yum!

We were given most of our kit; all the time we are being fed bits of important and useful information:

• Put coloured tags on all your clothing to make the zips easier to use with gloves on & identify your kit from your team mates
• We have given you 2 pairs of goggles, so when one freezes, swap them over with the warm pair in your pocket
• We wrap all thermos flasks in duct tape, so you can hold them in the cold!
• Take powdered Orange juice, you will get bored of tea and coffee (there is also hot chocolate but I don’t like that!!)

We were also given our GPS’s (one each), and the Maps, so that we have got a bit of time to learn how to use them.

My team is now confirmed, if you want to see who they are check out Rob MacAlister and Lucy Maizels on the Polar Race web site and select 2011 Racers page! I am the oldest and the smallest on our team! We have had a first divvy up of team responsibilities.

 I am the lead on:

• Fitness, Charts (Maps), Navigation, Sponsorship / PR, and Protection (responsible for the gun!)                                

And Back up on:

• Media (Press & TV), Communications (Daily radio communications), Films (video & stills)

• Dehydration
• Frost Bite
• Hypothermia
• Snow Blindness
• Sunburn
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Polar Bears

It’s suddenly all becoming very real and very close. I am getting really excited, but also apprehensive about leaving all my family for so long. I know once we are past Christmas and New Year, our projected leaving date – 27th March 2011 will arrive in no time. I still have so much to do! ……

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