I write this pre-Christmas 2010 blog from sunny South Africa, knowing
that I will do the same in 2011 as we will be finalising our
preparations to embark on our record breaking attempt on the South Pole.
Currently, I gaze on the Indian Ocean, an hour or so south of Durban,
where as next year, I will gaze across the Southern Oceans where the
"two oceans meet" knowing that the next land south is the mighty
Antarctica.
To the bemusement of the locals on Shelly Beach I drag tyres and small
children on the sandy beaches and in the surf. (That does not read so
well; before anyone reports me, I am not dragging the children, but
they jump on the tyres)! I am using this time to start the long
physical climb to the peak required to set a new world record. My
fitness dropped off in the last couple of months of 2010 as the
demands of work and fundraising took its toll on my priority of time,
but I know with the right focus that the whole team will be able to
peak, not before we hit Antarctica, but I want the peak to be at the
top of the Beardmore Glacier as we push ourselves to beyond our own
perceived capabilities on the polar plateau.
This is also the time for us to start the long and tough mental
preparation. Talking big now will achieve very little on the ice, but
starting the internal messaging that will be deep within our psyche is
vital. When our bodies scream to stop, it will be our mental capacity
as individuals and as a team that will carry us on. When I look at the
line up of experts, both physical & mental, commercial & innovation,
and our growing band of supporters, I am inspired and know that beyond
all the preparation and training, success lies within the team.
Bring it on 2011!
Hurrah and have a Happy Christmas one and all
Manley
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