Official training

Before the pre race training in the Arcitc there are a number of compulsory organised training sessions with the Polar Challenge team. These include a navigation weekend in Wales and an Arctic skills training week in Austria. Whilst in Austria we will perfect our skiing, learn about polar bear safety and plunge into freezing water in an ice break drill before taking part in a four day mini expedition. On this page we will give you reports and photos from these events.

Sept 2007 - Snowdome GPS training and downhill races

Okay, not quite races but a bit of fun on the slopes of Tamworth's snowdome.  Picking up our GPSs now means that the forthcoming North Downs Way and the West Highland Way are all that more achieveable now that we shouldn't get too lost.   

Nov 2007 - GPS navigation and team building training in the Black Mountains

In November 2007 Lost Penguins ventured west to Wales to join other UK based competitors in the Black Mountains.  The GPS training and team building weekend was our first real chance to meet other Polar Challengers and the incredible race organising team.  It was a great weekend of laughs, gale force winds, real ale, fell running and relentless snoring (cheers Barny).  The team came away with far greater knowledge of the GPS navigation that will lead them to the Pole and, following a couple of presentations by past competitiors, real fear of the challenge ahead.  We have to pull our socks up when it comes to training to ensure we're not shot in the paddock...

The Lost Penguins before a 15 mile ridge walk in the highly recommendable Black Mountains