Adventure Stories - Page 7 of 9 - Audrey McIntosh

May 2, 2014

Published by Audrey at May 2, 2014

Highland Fling Race: slaying demons

There were demons to be slain at this year’s Hoka Highland Fling. I have been open and frank about my experience last year and the wake -up call that it gave me in terms of my preparations for Antarctica, especially in terms of managing hydration and food; knowing how much I need and what I can take and what my body will tolerate. A very different runner toed the start line this year: more experienced; leaner, fitter, stronger, apparently faster based upon my recent D33 time and with nutrition sorted (or so I thought).

April 20, 2014

Published by Audrey at April 20, 2014

The Highland Fling: take 2

As I taper into my 2nd attempt at the Hoka Highland Fling I find myself in an odd place both mentally and physically. To be fair a lot of this will be the effects of the taper: the whole idle body and idle mind just finding things to fixate on and worry about. A short easy run suddenly becomes very hard and niggle laden, your brain starts to dwell on the memories of last year’s fairly disastrous run, and the recent unexpectedly hard training runs on the route. How do you stem those negative thoughts and remain positive and dismiss the self-fulfilling disaster prophesy?

April 14, 2014

Published by Audrey at April 14, 2014

The full Helly – kitting out the Antarctic Odyssey

There is a sentiment that is much used in Scotland: that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing decisions. There was no room for bad choices or decisions when it came to kitting myself out for the Antarctic Odyssey. Helly Hansen stepped up to the challenge and agreed to sponsor my kit

March 31, 2014

Published by Audrey at March 31, 2014

Here we go again – D33 Race Report

In recent months and blog posting I have devoted a lot of thought and spoken about the life changing effect of my Antarctic Odyssey and pondered on what the future holds for me. There is with no doubt a legacy, and an on-going Odyssey and my recent participation in the D33 marked the first step of the next stage of my journey.

February 6, 2014

Published by Audrey at February 6, 2014

Things I Have Learned

In the past year I have learned quite a lot. So, in no particular order, here is a light-hearted and not too deep look at some of the things I have learned.

January 19, 2014

Published by Audrey at January 19, 2014

Antarctic Odyssey – The Final Days

As it transpired our delay turned out to be an additional 5 days at the Union Glacier camp as successive weather fronts moved in over the continent from the sea.

January 5, 2014

Published by Audrey at January 5, 2014

Antarctic Odyssey -100km Day, Friday 22nd November

It has taken me a while to write this entry, but I wanted to do it justice and so have waited until I felt ready and there was enough quiet time available to write. This was perhaps one of the most amazing and influential days of my life.

December 31, 2013

Published by Audrey at December 31, 2013

Antarctic Odyssey – Marathon Recovery Day, Thursday 21st November

This was a much needed rest day, especially as I was getting virtually no sleep. It had been -10 in the tent overnight, and I have to say, a pretty miserable night. As ever, after a marathon, there was a lot of adrenalin still in my system; that always makes sleep a challenge, but then add the light and the cold and it was a recipe for an uncomfortable night.

December 18, 2013

Published by Audrey at December 18, 2013

Antarctic Odyssey – Marathon Day, Wednesday 20th November

The sunshine, clear blue skies and reflected heat of the sun of the previous day had disappeared, it was cloudy with a light wind and sporadic snow shows. The cloud lay heavy over the hills and visibility was slightly reduced: rather like home really.

December 13, 2013

Published by Audrey at December 13, 2013

Antarctic Odyssey – Antarctica Bound, 19th November 2013

I stood looking at the things that were laid out on the bed: thermal base layer, mid layer of ski pants and warm top and 2 pairs of merino socks; a double layer beanie, down jacket, liner gloves, fleece gloves and down mitts, sunglasses, sun block and lip screen; snow boots.

December 11, 2013

Published by Audrey at December 11, 2013

Antarctic Odyssey: Scotland to Punta Arenas and final preparations

15th – 16th November, Travelling Travelling from 13.20 – 18.20, a total of 29 hours travelling: that was tough and tiring, not to mention dehydrating.

After the heart stopping realisation en route to the airport that I had forgotten to lift my MP3 player, which required an about turn followed by a speedier rather more frantic drive than intended to the airport, my journey to Punta Arenas was uneventful.

November 15, 2013

Published by Audrey at November 15, 2013

My ‘luvvie’ moment

Cheese alert: this is where I come over all sentimental, gushy even. It is my Sally Field, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet moment.

Before I head off on my epic adventure at the end of the world I want to say thank-you for all of the support that I have had so far.

November 12, 2013

Published by Audrey at November 12, 2013

I’m Packing

And it’s not a concealed weapon, unless it’s the large set of metaphorical cojones that I am going to need.

Let’s see: thermals, fleece layers, windproof jacket and trousers, mitts, gloves, fur hat: fur hat?

Cat! Cat, get out here! That could have been a bit of a, ‘should have gone to Specsavers,’ moment.

November 11, 2013

Published by Audrey at November 11, 2013

Another Aspect of mental preparation: films & writings

I have watched and re-visited an interesting and diverse selection of Antarctic films during my planning and preparations for the Antarctic Ice marathons.

November 8, 2013

Published by Audrey at November 8, 2013

Sweat, Spit & Snot

I am not referring to a new cartoon comedy trio, or a dodgy legal firm here. This post is probably not for those of a delicate disposition.

October 30, 2013

Published by Audrey at October 30, 2013

Running in the dark

Song title, perhaps; oh, no that is dancing. Although, I have to say that I did feel a bit like dancing during my run in the dark last night, and tonight it came up on my MP3 player.

October 26, 2013

Published by Audrey at October 26, 2013

Tail End Charlie

The Scots have a good track record with this event. Wendy MacKinnon won the first Antarctic Ice Marathon in 2006. Dr Andrew Murray won the marathon last year (2012) setting a new course record. He then completed 50km in Antarctica before continuing on to do a further 50km on the remaining 6 continents in under a week. Shona Thomson who completed the marathon last year has gone on to become the first Scottish woman to complete a marathon on all 7 continents

October 23, 2013

Published by Audrey at October 23, 2013

Is that a penguin I see before me?

No guesses as to who this little person is, and thanks to Alasdair (my husband) for the caption.

From what I gather I was a determined little individual from the start; and according to my Mum once I found my legs there was no stopping me. I would walk, and walk and walk, had a ton of energy and needed little sleep. Sound familiar? The photo shows a little person that is set to go and no messing.