First Maté Latte on the North Pole…. Could be You…

How Am I going to Stay Warm at the Pole? Speed baby!!! and friction!! So anyone within 100 yards of me, yes you, the other 49 people be prepared for some friendly snuggling! PLUS, since most Floridians, including me, do not even own a jacket, I plan on using a few gallons of Icy Hot to apply layers upon layers of hot spots to my important, still functoning, body parts!

BRING ON THE POLE!

I have studied various ways that one might stay worm on this endeavor. First I thought about how I used to stay warm as a child, but quickly realized that the “layers” and garbage bags probably won’t do. So I quickly decided to do research on how those who live at the North Pole thwart off the elements. The answer I found was simple: Blubber. Hundreds of pounds of blubber. Just look at the seals, whales, polar bears and walruses! SOOOO…I have begun a steady diet consisting of Burger King double breakfast whoppers in the morning, McDonald’s double quarter pounders w/cheese and a large fry for lunch, and a rare porterhouse steak with a side of mac ‘n’ cheese for dinner, all the while with an intravenous serving of straight lard in my arm. On this regime, I should successfully baloon up to about 350+ pounds before the race, thus not only being able to complete the North Pole marathon, but do it naked in the process!

Fast movement, lots of layers, and some heated toe & hand warmers )

Two things:
1. Air tight clothing
2. Loads of baked beans and cheese.

I, Veronica Savage, will keep myself toasty warm on my long run in the North Pole Marathon by converting my electric blanket into a liner for my jacket. I will also make sure to think warm thoughts, keep moving and try to have some warm drinks handy - perhaps someone in the large North Pole crowds will hand me one? Actually, perhaps not, now that I think about it. Maybe a polar bear chasing me will keep me warm as I run, run, RUN!

What those who answered before me don’t get is that it’s a trick question.. There is no way one can expect to be truly “warm” at the North Pole. Thinking outside the box for a moment, the only way that comes to mind involves generators, electric warming pads, 26.2 miles of extension cords and lots of hot cocoa… sorry.. I meant Pixie Mate..

If selected, I fully expect to be freezing cold for much of the race - though my 2XU thermal wear, my GoLite mid and outer layers, goggles by Rudy Project, and a jazzy playlist on my iPOD will help limit the frostbite…

All the best!
Bobby aka Irondad aka Baselbutt

I’ll dress in layers. I still have most of the clothes I wore during my two Antarctic expeditions in 2003 and 2004, some of which I’ve run in during the arctic blasts we’ve received in Boulder this winter. I’ve got woolen socks, but not the “neoprene to cover toes” as mentioned in the NPM FAQ which might be worth trying. I’ll probably wear my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 6 running shoes with a pair of gaiters and/or running snowshoes if the snow is deep enough. I’ve got polypropelene long underwear, fleece, and REI shells top and bottom. For hands I’ve got a new pair of Pearl Izumi liners that I really like. On top of them goes Seirus gloves, followed by some EMS leather-palmed mittens, and even some EMS overmittens if it’s really cold. And finally I’ve got a neck gaiter, facemask, shades, goggles if I need them, and a souvenir acrylic watch cap that I got on the icebreaker “Aurora Australis” during my 2003 Antarctic cruise. Hopefully it will be warm enough that I won’t need the fleece layer on my legs, but in any case I think I’ll be ok down to about -40F (= -40C) or so.

Based on my experience of training in the freezer (-15 to -23F) and my 2 races in the Antarctic in 2006, the key is to dress properly, eat the right stuff and keep moving. As far as dress, I found that multiple layers of thin garments works the best. I prefer merino wool. I also use a fleece layer as a mid layer if it is really cold. I consider really cold anything at -15f or colder.

Protection from wind is also crucial. keeping warm is not just about temperature but heat transfer, which wind plays a big part. For this reason, I wear a 3 layer gore-tex XCR shell on the top and bottom. Also, extremeties are critical-hands, head and feet. I wear a neoprene balaclava, face mask and put neoprene shoe covers over my gore-tex lined trail shoes. This leaves no skin at all exposed!

When it comes to body fuel, I make sure I have the right balance of proteins, fats and carbs. I prefer the Hammer Perpetum. I also eat gel bloks and almonds. Electolyte replacement is also a critical part of body fueling. When you fuel the body properly and on a non stop basis, the body produces continuous heat.

what can I say about keep moving. Pretty obvious!

Those little chemical heat pack thingies.
I plan to duct-tape them all over my body.
They’ll generate so much heat that the
other runners will be huddled around me
like campers around a fire.

Oh, and I plan to fill my Camelback with
… what is your product again? …
oh yeah, piping hot Pixe Mate. That
should do the trick.

Peter

How do you, o daring runner, plan to stay warm during your race in sub-zero conditions on the top of the Arctic Ocean?

Stay in the cook tent and don’t even think about going outside. Don’t dare budge from your toasty spot next to the coffee pot. Well, okay, maybe occasionally look out the tent door to see who is winning. Other than that, let those macho types figure out how to stay warm during the race. Me, I’m going to fake an old football injury (flag football of course because us skinny runners didn’t usually play real football). Actually I played right guard in the 9th grade and sure got my bells rung a few times. They didn’t have cross country team in junior high when I was a student.

Pardon me, I guess you deserve a serious answer. Having done a few of these crazy events before, I have discovered the following truths that can literally help you have a good race and/or save your life when help is not imminent.

Here is my top 10 list of how to stay warm at the North Pole.

1. Go into the event with a couple of extra pounds on the old torso.

2. Devote the 24 hours before the event to eating and drinking healthy. Get a good high carb meal 3-5 hours prior to racing.

3. Plan out your eating and drinking stops/breaks ahead of time so you know what to expect during the race. Bring your own food and drink supplies in case the race director is a yahoo and doesn’t have what you want. I can’t stand whinners who complain about courses, aid stations, etc. If you want eight lanes all weather, go out for track. If you are a race director, you are welcome to use my motto for the Wyoming Marathon Races, “Where the race director promises you nothing, and he delivers.”

4. All of the above information just properly prepares you so your knowledge on how to dress is not wasted because your fuel tank is low. Hypothermia and frostbite occurs much more quickly if you are dehydrated and/or running low on fuel/carbs.

5. I know you have heard it before, dress in layers: one wicking layer, one mid-weight layer such as 100 weight polar fleece, and finally a windbreaker. The excess moisture build-up will just freeze on the inside of a Goretex jacket. Cover all exposed skin except your mouth and nostrils (however, cover your nose, esp. if there is any wind). Don’t skimp on protection for the head, hands, feet, and eyes. You may need to use your goggles when running into the wind. Use a fleece scarf or neck gaiter to help you regulate your body temperature. You can re-adjust it whenever necessary to warm parts of your face or neck. It can work as a thermastat when used properly. Have your buddy or someone look at your face carefully from time to time and make sure frostbite is not setting in. It is real obvious because your skin turns as white as this page. It quite often occurs around the nostrils because of heavy breathing and/or the wind.

6. If your wicking layer and midlayer becomes wet and clammy, stop and put on some dry clothes. The time you loose will pay dividends down the road (oh yeah, ice).

7. Always leave 10% in your physical and mental tank so you have enough energy to save your life if things go wrong.

8. If you can keep moving you can normally stay warm if you are eating and drinking properly. Remember, your body needs double calories; to generate energy to stay warm, and to generate energy to allow running, walking, or whatever activity. 8,000 to 10,000 calories a day is not out of the question for folks such a mountaineers and other cold weather adventurers. The real problems start occur when you can’t eat, or you do and it comes back up, or don’t feel like eating. That senario begins a spiral down to disaster.

9. Think warm thoughts. Nourish your spirit as well as your body. Have a grateful heart and count your many blessings.

10. Take me along because I am obviously full of hot air which will definitely warm things up a bit.

Hope these tips from the Weendog helps you pursue your goals in a safe manner. Cheerio.

If I were selected to run the North Pole marathon, the means by which I would primarily keep myself warm would be the conversion of food into exothermic energy. This heat will radiate outward from my person, and hopefully be carefully trapped and held close by using the appropriate layers of fabrics and materials.

The initial source of this food or caloric energy could be anything from my favorite food of pizza, to oatmeal, to oh….say Pixie Mate! There is nothing like hot cocoa to make you feel better and warmer when you have to be exposed to the cold!

How to stay warm while running at the the North Pole??? That’s an easy rhetorical question…the simple act of running combined with some decent functional running gear shoyuld do the trick. Add to that a lot of calories to burn (I figure the full caloric range so that means fried chicken AND glazed donuts) and I think I’ll be just fine.
Thanks fior reading!

Mike

If I were to get selected, the first thing I would do is to send out letters to various cold winter gear manufacturers to see what they would be willing to donate for me to test wear during the training leading up to the marathon. What great publicity they would get for their winter gear via my blogs… or bad publicity if the article of clothing or accessory does not work out. I would wear and use during the marathon whatever tests favorably during the training.

The last couple of weeks here in Chicago have seen record-breaking low temperatures. While everyone else is complaining about the cold, I am secretly jumping for joy! What great training weather! I have been experimenting with various head coverings during this cold spell. I don’t have issues with my main body, legs, and arms. In negative temperatures, 3 top layers and 2 bottom pants layers are fine. I only have issues with hands, feet, and face. Last weekend was a great test. It was negative 10 degrees with 30+ degrees below zero wind chills. The wind was as high as 35 miles per hour in some directions. I ran 17 miles on Saturday and 10.6 miles the very next day under these conditions.

I had problems breathing because the face covering froze up from my breath. I had to pull it down over my chin exposing my face after only a couple of miles. After Sunday I had the start of frostbite on my cheeks and tip of my nose. This weekend it will also be just as cold, so I will experiment with a different type of head/face covering. Someone told me about using a child’s sipper cup against your mouth before the covering. I am going to try that too. I plan on using snow ski/ snowboarding goggles to protect my eyes since my eyelashes had icicles on them when I finished my run.

I would test out different types of gloves to see which ones keep me the warmest. The ones I currently use are OK, but not what I would choose. I am planning on using the 8 hour hand warmers and stick them in my mittens and around my ankles. I would also run with 4 spares in case they cool off prior to the 8 hours.

So there you have it…hands, feet, and face are all set to go…North Pole Marathon, here I come! I know you want me to say that I will drink some Pixie Mate to keep me warm…sorry!

I’ve worked in Antarctica for sixteen years so I ought to have this outdoor running thing nailed. Here’s what I’ve learned: if I wear too much, no matter how cold it is, I turn into a boil-in-a-bag dinner inside my clothes, while my face and nether parts freeze solid as saddle leather. So basically the only three things you need are layers layers layers. OK, four: Goretex. And don’t forget the sunscreen!

Warm is a state of mind. First, I will maintain a mental warm zone: think warm i.e. Hawaii/Florida. Secondly, I will keep moving!!! Motion generates heat. Thirdly, I will employ my comprehensive cold weather dressout as follows. Pre-dressout includes the application of vaseline to the soles of my feet, between my toes, and “sensitive zones.” Top: 1.thin layer of underarmor, 2. 2X underarmor mock shirt, 3. Polipropilene thermal shirt, 4. 2X cotton turtleneck 5. Gortex Jacket. Bottom: 1. 2X underarmor, 2. Polyester leggings, 3. Gortex outer legings. Head: 1. underarmor bacalava, 2. Thin cotton cap, 3. Wool cap. Feet: 1. Thin racing socks, 2. Thick running socks. 3. Trail sneakers. End game strategy includes envisioning a hot jacuzzi followed by a full body massage that includes a hot stone application.

Well, I expect the marathon to be full of exciting, heart-pounding, blood-pumping “adventures”, including, but not limited to, out-running hungry polar bears and narrowly avoiding being mugged by Eskimo kids from the wrong side of the ice crack. Besides, I will be so grateful and happy to be there, the warmth generated by my love for running/the environment/cold will keep me nice and toasty!
I hope it is really cold. Super duper cold. Like it should be. And we’ll all raise our mugs of yummy yerba mates in honor of the polar winter-wonderfulness.

Two words: Go Fast!

My friend Darrin says that the two words should be “Eskimo Hotties” but I’m too PC, coming from Boulder and all, to get away with that, and would need to write “Alluring Aleuts.” I’ll just stick with speed. Besides, once the temps are a handful of degrees below zero F, it is all just frigin cold so you might as well get out of it as soon as possible.

My plan for staying warm in sub-zero polar conditions.

I plan to club several baby seals and use their fashionable fur to create a stylish and functional arctic running suit. Not wanting to waste any of the baby seal carcasses, the blubber will serve as a good energy source to maintain body temperature for the race. I just hope I can find enough baby seals in the race area to club.

My back-up plan will be to wear a good breathable base layer, a wind resistant top layer, wool socks, mask, gloves, goggles, and finally plenty of hot beverages. Pixie Mate and bourbon sounds like an excellent choice.

I plan to freeze my rump off.

But on the happy side– mate is here! I’ve heard friends boasting about sitting around with the locals in Argentina and sipping this hot drink that made them “a little buzzy and a little mellow” at the same time and just generally content.

As for the cold, I guess I’ll just try to ‘get zen’, enter that ever-elusive zone, take in the landscape and consider myself lucky to see the Arctic ice cap while it’s still here…

Despite the theory of evolution, we are all still cavemen/cavepeople(?) If we were forced to turn off our heaters today–used to heat the fifty rooms full of useless possessions in our 6000-square-foot McMansions–we’d revert to caveman techniques: we’d grunt and scratch and put our hands over flickering fires. There’s no magic formula for keeping warm–there’s no silly technology, no superhappyGoretex(TM) microfiber that we can don that will keep the cold out. We keep warm like the cavepeople did: we either sit by a fire or we keep moving in search of food or barbaric conquest. I will do the latter. I’ll keep moving and not stop. It’s that simple: don’t stop. Run, run, run. Ooga-booga.

In order to know what it takes to stay warm I’ve been gathering all the info I can from the experts. I have just finished the books Deep Survival and Into Thin Air along with watching every episode of Man vs. Wild.

In one episode of Man vs. Wild, Bear jumps into an ice hole (for effect I guess) and needs to stay warm. So he gets naked. I thought maybe I’d just run the North Pole Marathon naked, but then I remembered the last really cold run I had and how I got numb and couldn’t feel certain parts (kind of like cycling a lot).

I decided that going buff probably won’t work for me as well as it did for him and thought that maybe the best method would to stay dry in the first place. Therefore, like the others have said, I would wear a wicking layer as the first layer I put on. I also found a product called The Glove that is supposed to help men keep warm and from going numb. I thought that I might try that out?

My friend Dziowgo that supported my application has spent some time on the south end of the globe and he says that guys running the races down their use gortex trail running shoes…. so that sounds like good advice. But I’ll have to research the best socks to wear still.

From these layers, it will continue to build out, but I’ll spare all the details.

The one thing I would like to experiment with is creating some type of heating vest to wear. It will have to be homemade I’m sure, but I’m thinking about attaching hundreds of the hand and feet warming packets to a hunting vest or something? Just not sure how to keep all of them in the packets until go time.

The one thing that I have come to grips with after reading those two books and watching Man vs Wild is that I’ll have to be willing to do pretty much anything to survive. For goodness sakes, Bear drank elephant dung juices to get some water….. This adventure is sounding more appealing everyday!

I read about an athlete in an arctic even once wrapping themself in bubble wrap and duct tape. It provided the necessary air pocket and wind resistance to keep warm. To be honest I don’t expect to keep physically warm. My comfort will come from the fire of unquenchable desire. Embarking on a new adventure, taking steps where so few have, challenging myself to go beyond my comfort, these understandings and my personal drive to achieve the unimaginable will fuel my soul and prove to be the greater heat source.

How do you, o daring runner, plan to stay warm during your race in sub-zero conditions on the top of the Arctic Ocean?

I have run 277 marathons over the globe from the baking heat of the Sahara Desert to the frozen wastelands of Antartcia. To stay warm in the North Pole is simple. Run in layers of light, breathable thermals paying attention to the outer extremities, the fingers, the toes, the head and us men ‘look after little willy’ as he is in this category as well!!! Using Gortex material is essential to stop the katabolic winds and wind chill factor penetrating.The most important factor is to keep the head warm as over 90% of the body’s heat can be lost through it. Wear sensible footware on the day depending on the terrain. Is it soft snow or glaciers or both.

Lastly think positive and be strong. Don’t let the mind wander and you will finish a winner and a much better person!!!

Yours in the long run

Peter Ferris aka The Irish Mad Marathon Man

As the most intelligent species on the planet (this side of Dolphins) we have the remarkable ability to adapt to the cold. We invent things to keep us warm.

Thus, my polar fleece trousers will sport state of the art EPS CONDUITS sewn into the lining. This, coupled with the trail-shoe mounted ALLUVIAL DAMPERS and balaclava outfitted with FAZE INDUCERS will ensure that I stay as toasty warm as the proverbial GUNDARK. What’s more, my outer clothing layer will be rated capable of withstanding an INVERSE TACHYON PULSE in the icy vacuum of space (the Pole is mild by comparison). Naturally, the whole system will be powered by a hip-mounted FLUX CAPACITOR. It will be like running at the equator.

Of course, I may not be able to get all this equipment through customs. In the remote event that I am without this gear, another, far less technically sophisticated, option will be employed: Kittens.

I will line my polar jacket with irrepressibly cute, cuddly, warm kittens. Between ten and fifteen will do. Beyond the excess warmth this will generate, their contented, sonorous purring will help me keep cadence and fill me with nirvanic happiness for 26.2 miles. I’ll also fulfill a lifelong dream of achieving a World Record for “most kittens carried in a sub-zero marathon run entirely on water.” One must have goals.

When I get home, I’ll sell them to good, loving homes and give the proceeds to Bob Barker’s favorite charity. Everybody wins.

- Dean

Many different ways to stay warm: Dressing in layers of good wicking material with windproof on the outside is a safe bet. Many layers as opposed to one or two heavy is always better. Then again, thoughts of tropical places or warm beds will go far in the mind. Almost spritually, one could use pure determination and the fire that burns inside to conquer such a task as the motivator to keep warm. All good ways to keep warm in such harsh conditions, but all pale in comparison to the biggest trump card of all - mom. I plan to smuggle my mother along on the trip. Once there she will continue to tell me to put on another sweater or jacket until SHE is warm. I will be warm and mom will be happy - problem solved!

Two words: Package Package. I guess that’s really one word twice, but whatever.

On a long cold run in Philadelphia, I discovered that running pants may keep your legs plenty warm, but, uh-hem, they don’t keep everything warm. Without going into details that might not be appropriate for a family website such as this, I created the ultimate cold-weather running garment, the Package Package, out of a wool sock and a shoestring.

Get your very own Package Package, $12, at the North Pole Marathon Expo.

I plan on layering. 1 layer of warm clothes, 1 layer of grease. Repeat. At the start of the race, stand near the heaters to heat the grease to a nice fluid consitency. Then it’s just a glide to the finish.

Usually when people say “I’m cold”, my response is “Let the love in my heart keep you warm.”

So basically, I plan to stay warm by the sheer warmth of my big lovin’ heart!

Or maybe… I’m so hot the north pole can’t even cool me down! We’ll be lucky if the whole place doesn’t melt down.

wait I’m confused, it’s the north pole, we’re not supposed to be warm!

or maybe the winning answer is:
by running, duh, it’s a marathon!

Staying warm is simple. I just think of all the people who love me! It warms my heart and soul. It worked for me yesterday when I climbed Cayambe in Ecuador at 18,997 ft above sea level.

I think Laura Ingalls had the right idea with wrapping hot potatoes into her clothing… but her adventures didn’t include running a maraton at the North Pole, so maybe the whole potato thing is out.

I don’t plan on being very warm there, but I plan to stave off cold using some killer Minnesota tricks (which may or may not be unique to MN):
1. appropriate layers (but you’ve heard that one before. Has that one been beaten to death yet?)
2. toe warmers, super footwear and smartwool socks
3. mittens (not gloves) and hand warmers
4. Aurora’s Warm Skin all weather guard with Aloe, which was used by Ann Bancroft at the North Pole in 1986 and the South Pole in 1993.
5. Before the trip, I’d probably check in with Ann (she lives around here) for helpful tips and a pep talk, which I would then replay in my head at the onset of any doubts.
6. Camelbak full of whiskey? Or not. Can you imagine sipping that while running? Ack. How about a camelbak full of Pixie Mate, and we’ll save the whiskey for the celebration part when we’re not running…

One more thing… IF you are reading these comments for ideas about how to stay warm and you have found any (or all) of my comments useful, or if you laughed at them, or if you live in Minnesota, or if you like Ann Bancroft, or if you have heard of Warm Skin, or if you have tried Pixie Mate or own a camelbak, THEN please go write a comment that says you think I’d be the best pick for this adventure.

Thanks.

Staying warm?

1.Dress as we all know we should dress.
2. Drink what we all know we should drink
3. Eat what we all know we should eat.

That was the common sense part which everyone else has elaborated ad nauseam.

And now for the difference maker:
4. Outrun the rest of you to enjoy my Pixie Mate’ fresh and hot.
5. I don’t plan on being out in the cold long enough to get cold.
6. I was told I would be safe here. So why worry about the cold. Just Drink Deep and Take Flight.

‘nough said.

~In IT To Win IT~

The Marathonjunkie

I plan to freeze my ass off and then pick it up after the race. Then I’ll fly it home to Atlanta where I will have it sugically reattached. The only way is by layering so I look like that kid, Randy, from A Christmas Story.

A comment from Tim Eskut

I’m staying warm during the race with a four part strategy. First, preparing my body by training in the toughest cold weather environments I can find leading up to the race. This will take me to the snow-capped mountain tops of Utah, the bone-chilling cold of Anchorage Alaska, the frozen shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and the wind blown snow trails of Mount Ranier, as well as a few polar bear swims to toughen up the mind and body.

Next, having multiple sets of the best possible extreme cold running gear, I will quickly change to dry sets during pit stops, in the so called warming tents. This will be a key point in winning this race as all Nascar fans know the race is won or lost in the pits.

Next is preparing the inside of the body as much as the outside. This means eating the right meals leading up to the race. A few extra pounds for insulation and reserve fuel, (good excuse for eating some extra pasta), and of course Pixie Mate to warm the inside and provide the fuel that keeps the body focused.

Finally, I’ll use my battle-hardened mind to take me to a warm place while I run the race. Again, this is where Pixie Mate will come in. During each pit stop, as I rush to rip off the sweat frozen clothes from my body and chisel away the perspiration that has become a sheet of ice encasing my face, I’ll have a thermos of hot Pixie Mate. I’ll imagine that I’m running through the South American rain forest where the green leaves that make Pixie Mate grow. I’ll feel the hot equatorial sun beating down on me heating the outside of my body, as the warm Pixie Mate is pumping antioxidants and energy throughout the inside while warming it with the energy that had been stored in the leaves used to make Pixie Mate by that same equatorial sun.

I’m feeling a little hot just thinking about it and I’ll sign off to get a cup now.

In order to stay warm at the North Pole I plan on wearing a full bodied, wolverine fur covered jumpsuit. A little know fact, wolverine fur is one of the few furs that does not freeze. This suit will not only keep me insanley warm it has the added bonus of scaring the hell out of the competition by making me look like the illusive Abominable Snowman or possibly Chaka from Land of the Lost. If I am unable to find one of these jumpsuits I will revert back to wearing numerous layers of polypropylene. My previous cold weather experinece has taught me that constant motion is the best way to stay warm. As long as the thermal engine of the body is fueled with adequate energy such as Pixie Mate you can keep moving and thus stay warm. But dealing with the cold is not just physicaly demanding it also takes its toll on your mind. In order to deal with the mental toil of negative temperatures I will consume the bounty of mate leaves and the plethora of caffine they provide to whisk me away to my imaginary tropical happy place.

Any Retailer out there looking to add Pixie Mate to their operation please contact us @ 1-800-573-5282 or visit us on the web @ www.javaestate.com. We have all the organic Filterbags and the Original concentrate available. 9x the Antioxidants of Green Tea.

I plan on staying warm by purchasing the perfect gear! I have been running for decades in cold weather (though, that is only about two weeks a year in the -20 to -60 below range). I dress warm in layers and after heating up too much, take the gloves, mask, and sometimes hat off to cool down. One of the items I would purchase is a huge pair of snowmobile type gloves. When I run now I use an army pair of gloves, but if it is in the -20 and more range I wear my grandmother’s knit mittens and have in my pocket the gloves to add.
My concern would be after the 15 mile range when the sweat isn’t coming and the body is starting to cool. I would think about switching (have accessible the laps) into a dry inner t-shirt…. or adding clothes…. or…… getting some nice hot coffee?

As I do before all my long runs, I’d start with coffee and milk to keep me going and give me…um…rocket power. Then I’d add the layers appropriate to the temperature. Most important of all, I’d wear windproof socks and shell mitts. Got to keep those hands warm enough to hold a Mate Latte…

I’ve been using the recent cold weather in the Midwest to experiment with how to best stay warm when running, and it’s definitely all about layers. Polypropylene base layers, 1-2 wicking middle layers, windproof top layers, multiple wool blend socks on each foot, and heavy-weight mittens. I’ll be packing multiple sets of running gear, so I can change at the warming tents as clothing gets damp, and will be planning on exchanging water bottles at the warming tents as well, so my liquid consumtion doesn’t cool me off too much. Also, I’ll be trying to limit my time in the warming tents, so I don’t end up getting chilled when re-entering the race course.

Frequent consumption of steaming hot cups of Pixie Mate certainly wouldn’t hurt, either

Well, I will stay warm by moving. I am not going to lie, the first few miles I am going to be cold no matter what I wear. But after a couple of miles, I’ll be nice and toasty. I will wear a few base layers of Mizuno’s Breath Thermo clothing - it actually heats up a couple of degrees after you begin to sweat. Then top it off with a fleece, and a wind proof layer of jackets. ALSO sipping on some nice and warm Pixie Mate at the warming tents will replace any thoughts of electrolite mix in my mind and will get me through my marathon! Trust me - any chance I get to sip on something warm and tasty at any of the base camps, I’ll be on it!

Are you kidding me? I need to run the North Pole Marathon just to return my body temperature to 98.6! After running the 2003 Badwater Ultramarathon–which featured a record-setting 133 degrees–I need to be exposed to -30 degrees or so to balance everything out!

Well, now that I have the benefit of all of the various strategies that the others will employ, staying warm should be easy. However…

The point of running in extreme conditions is to experience the environment that you are in, so I guess that I am in the minority and don’t intend to work that hard to stay very warm…I think a little chill is just what the doctor ordered. If I wanted to run and stay warm, there are about a dozen warm weather marathons somewhere in the world that week, and I guess I would just go to one of those rather than the North Pole.

Now, post race warm up? That is an entirely different story!

My plan to keep warm while running the North Pole Marathon is to get fired up about the current state of our planet and how we have neglected to change our consumption habits despite having the technology available to do so.
Now faced with the consequences our our too-little, too-late policy we have created a global warming situation that may prove irreversible. It makes me hot under the collar just thinking of the melting of our polar ice caps - the very shelf that we will be running on, causing the probable extinction of the polar bear and other artic species and major environmental impacts on a global scale. If more heat is required, I can always contemplate the curent administrations plans for further artic oil drilling in one of the last places on earth we haven’t spoiled completely.
On a lighter note, sipping a hot Pixie Mate along the way will certainly help warm my cockles as well.

Colleen, record cold temperatures in Florida brought on by the global warming? Must be something President Bush is doing? When I was in high school and college, (1970’s), the same so called experts, (exact same experts check the record), were screaming that humans were bringing on another ice age.

Planet Earth has heated up and cooled off repeatedly long before human beings stepped foot on this wonderful and ever changing planet. Remember, it was what supposedly helped bring about the end to the dinosaurs, (possibly an astroid). Maybe that too was brought about by something President Bush or Rush Limbaugh did.

Can you not even run and enjoy anything in life without it becoming a political statement. Go for a run, clear your head, listen to the Dixie Chicks, and try not to let all the propaganda ruin your life. If that is not possible then try not to spoil everybody elses with your I love the earth and care more then you attitude. Buy yourself some colored ribbon to show everybody how much you care.

You might be surprised to know that some folks do not agree with you, and we still love our parents, children, grandchildren, and this planet and nature.

If you are lucky maybe there will be some horrible natural disaster that you can blame on someone, and use in some warped way to prove the earth is cooling or warming or whatever the latest political theory is this decade. There has to be a volcano, storm, tsunami, or astroid, somewhere that can be blamed on anybody that doesn’t believe the same way as you.

Well I think I will go for a run and enjoy our record cold temperatures, then have a cup of steaming hot Pixie Mate to warm me back up and relieve the stress brought on by the record hurricanes we did not have this past summer, (maybe they will come this year). Any which way won’t matter, if we have them it is due to global warming and if we don’t it’s still due to global warming.

Maybe you should stay home from the North Pole run, for if nobody ran then there would be no need to fly there and use all the fuel needed for the plane ride, hence we can cut back on oil drilling and save the earth and polar bear. I think I’ll park my car this week and work from the house, oh wait I do that every week.

[…] I may yet win something. I entered a supplementary contest with Pixie Mate, describing what I’d do to stay warm at the Pole. I suggested Science Fiction and Kittens. Anyway, the prize is a coffee gift basket. It would be an extremely small consolation in comparison to running the Pole, but heck, I’ll take what I can get. It’s just a shame that I don’t drink caffeinated beverages. […]

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