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Embracing the Extreme: My Journey to the Edge of the World

Adventure, they say, begins where the comfort zone ends. This mantra became my reality as I embarked on one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life – the Albatros Adventure Marathons Polar Bear Challenge. This wasn’t just a test of physical endurance; it was an expedition into the heart of the Arctic, a journey that promised to push my limits and expand my horizons in ways I had never imagined.

Picture this: the raw, unfiltered beauty of Greenland’s icy landscapes, the challenge of running a marathon and a half marathon in one of the world’s “coolest” place, and the thrill of competing against other determined runners. From the bustling streets of Copenhagen to the serene, otherworldly expanse of the Greenland ice cap, this adventure was more than a race – it was the experience of a lifetime!

In this blog post, I invite you to lace up your running shoes and join me on this 7-day trip. From flight cancellations to breathtaking sights, from the chilling cold of the Arctic to the warmth of newfound friendships, every step of this journey was a story in itself. So, let’s embark on this extraordinary adventure together:

Day 1: The Beginning of an Adventure (25.10.2023)

My adventure began with a whirlwind of excitement and a slight hiccup – a last-minute flight cancellation from Oslo to Copenhagen. Despite this initial setback, fortune favored me, and I arrived just in time for an invigorating 8 km sightseeing run through Copenhagen with GoRunning Tours. We saw the city’s famous landmarks and learned some interesting facts from our fantastic running tour guide.

The evening brought us to the Albatros Headquarters for a delightful tapas dinner. It was a great opportunity to meet and talk to fellow participants and our tour leaders for this trip. The highlight was receiving our race packs with the bib, a time schedule for the booked excursions, important race information, as well as lots of goodies (we got an entire rucksack with cool stuff in it).

Day 2: Touchdown in Greenland (26.10.2023)

An early start at Copenhagen airport buzzed with anticipation. The 4:30-hour flight was a journey in itself, offering a mesmerizing first glimpse of Greenland’s ice cap. Landing in Kangerlussuaq was like stepping into another world – the crisp, dry air and the stark, beautiful landscape were awe-inspiring.

My accommodations at the Hotel Kangerlussuaq offered a splendid view of the runway, uniquely situated in the heart of a military base. The afternoon’s highlight was a 3-hour hike to the majestic Russel Glacier, a surreal landscape that seemed like a scene from another planet. Dinner at Roklubben, near a serene lake, offered a taste of local delicacies, rounding off the day with the spectacular Northern Lights tour – a perfect start to this Arctic adventure.

Day 3: Pre-Race Preparations (27.10.2023)

Jet lag worked in my favor, waking me early with a surge of energy. I embarked on a tranquil 5 km run in the frigid morning air, blessed again by the sight of the Northern Lights. After a nourishing breakfast, we ventured in off-road trucks towards the ice cap for marathon and half marathon route inspections. The route, with its mix of ice, small climbs, and breathtaking views, left me speechless.

The evening was spent in classic pre-race tradition – a hearty pasta dinner and meticulous preparation of my race kit.

Day 4: The Marathon – Conquering the Arctic Elements (28.10.2023)

The day of the marathon started with a mix of nerves and excitement. As I got ready in the darkness of the early morning, I could feel the weight of the challenge ahead.

The journey to the starting line was an adventure in itself. Our 4×4 trucks bumped along the uneven, icy terrain, a good reminder of the remote and rugged nature of this land. The starting line, situated around 2 kilometers from the ice sheet, felt like the edge of the world. As we set off, the first few kilometers were quite an uphill challenge on icy gravel roads, and breathing in the -20°C ice cold air made it even harder. I was determined to stick with the leading group to get on the ice as fast as possible to avoid getting jammed on the single trails on the ice sheet.

Running on the ice was a surreal experience. The fresh layer of snow concealed the treacherous ice beneath, making each step even harder. I found myself pushing through shin-deep snow in some sections which took a lot of energy. Running on the ice with the spikes was a really unique experience and I loved it. I guess you just have to trust your spikes and balance skills 😉

The cold was relentless, biting at any exposed skin, especially in the face. My breath formed a cloud of vapor in the frigid air and the buff covering my face froze completely.

Despite the physical challenge, the beauty of the landscape was overwhelming. The endless expanse of ice, snow, and glacier with the occasional glimpse of a distant mountain provided a backdrop of inspiring beauty. It was a harsh yet mesmerizing world, one that demanded respect and resilience.

Every 5ish kilometer along the route were checkpoints/aid stations that served hot water and hot iso drinks as well as warm energy bars. For my own nutrition, I wore a running belt underneath the jacket and the first layer (close to the body) with my own energy gels and bars to prevent them from freezing. The staff at each aid station was so welcoming and motivating at took care of us really well. For any case of emergency, there were also heated cars and a medical team that patrolled along the route.

Crossing the finish line and winning the marathon as 1st lady with a significant lead was a moment of pure gratitude and joy. The sense of achievement was immense, not just for the physical feat but for having overcome the mental challenges that such extreme conditions posed. The mood at the finish line was emotional, each of us sharing in the collective triumph of having conquered one of the world’s most challenging (and coolest) marathons.

I signed up for the Polar Bear Challenge, which meant for me: eat, sleep, and repeat (at least half the distance).

Day 5: The Half Marathon – Ice, Ice, Baby! (29.10.2023)

Despite the fatigue from the previous day’s marathon, the excitement at the starting line was infectious. The half marathon posed its own unique challenges – the terrain was just as unforgiving, and the cold seemed to penetrate deeper into tired muscles. The race started with a steep uphill climb on icy roads, followed by a technical route through the moraine. I maintained a fast pace, staying close behind the leading men until the 8th kilometer.

As the race progressed, the isolation of the Arctic landscape became more pronounced. Running almost alone, with only the sound of my breath and the crunch of snow underfoot, was a meditative experience. There was a profound sense of solitude, punctuated only by the occasional cheer from the aid stations. The warmth of the hot drinks provided a much-needed respite from the cold, fueling my body and spirit for the next stretch.

Crossing the finish line with a triple win – in the Marathon, Half Marathon, and the Polar Bear Challenge – was a dream come true. It was a testament to the power of determination and mental resilience.

Day 6 and 7: Reflections, Kangerlussuaq Explorations, and Homeward Bound (30. – 31.10.2023)

The aftermath of the intense races left me with a blend of fatigue and exhilaration. Day 6 began with a slower pace, a well-deserved respite after the marathon and half marathon. The morning in Kangerlussuaq greeted me with its serene, frosty landscape, and sunshine.

I ventured out for a leisurely stroll, embracing the quietude of the Arctic morning. The streets of Kangerlussuaq, with their unique blend of rugged wilderness and modest human habitation, told a story of resilience and adaptation. My walk led me to the one and only local supermarket – a simple yet fascinating place that offered a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people who call this remote part of the world their home. The shelves stocked with a mix of familiar and unfamiliar goods, the warm smiles of the locals, and the cozy atmosphere provided a comforting sense of normalcy in this far-flung town.

The rest of the day was spent capturing memories through my camera lens. The town, small and unassuming, was rich with photographic opportunities

On the final day of this Arctic adventure, the reality of departure was bittersweet. The flight back to Copenhagen was a journey from one world to another. As the plane ascended, I caught one last glimpse of the ice cap, a vast, white expanse that had been both a challenge and a source of awe. The flight was a time of contemplation, an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of the past days.

Arriving in Copenhagen, the contrast was striking. The bustling city life, so different from the quiet isolation of Greenland, served as a reminder of the diverse beauty our world holds. The journey back to Oslo the next day marked the end of a remarkable chapter, one filled with extraordinary challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

Conclusion: A Journey Beyond the Finish Line

Winning the marathon, the half marathon, and the Polar Bear Challenge was a dream come true, but the real victory lies in the journey itself. The early morning runs under the Northern Lights, the breathtaking views atop the ice cap, and the exhilarating sense of adventure that accompanied each step – these are the moments that will stay with me forever.

This adventure was a reminder that life’s most rewarding experiences often lie beyond the comfort zone, waiting to be discovered. As I close this chapter, I carry with me not just medals and memories, but a renewed spirit, ready to embrace whatever challenges and adventures lie ahead.

Link to the Albatros Adventure Marathons Polar Circle Race: https://polar-circle-marathon.com