Place of peace or "war zone"?

At the time of writing I only have 5 sleeps to go and can't wait to get on the plane.

A great reminder today that we are heading off to a third world nation still struggling to find a democratic balance after abolishing their monarchy (take note John Key and all you republicans out there). On Sunday the "Maoist" president decided to fire the army chief and announce it to the nation. However with the the farcical way politics work in Nepal the Army chief comes under the control of the Prime Minister who comes from the "Nepali Congress Party" and he immediately reinstated him so now the nation goes on high alert with riot police dispatched to guard the city while there is yet another power struggle. One of the other key political parties appears to have withdrawn from the process throwing the coalition government into disarray so who knows - we might have a few good old fashioned street riots on our hands.

To view the NZ Herald article click here

The reality is that it is most likely perfectly safe (a bit like Fiji really) and the media found another opportunity to create a bit of hype. I have never believed in mixing sport and politics anyway so aim to keep well out of any hot spots, spend a few days at the Orphan Help Centre to see where the money we raised last year is being spent and more importantly spend some fantastic time with the kids before heading off up into the mountains with Rod and the competitors in the Tenzing Hillary marathon for some much needed acclimatisation. One way or another there should be some spectacular photos coming home with me.

Many thanks to all of you who have supported and encouraged me while preparing for this event and trip with special mentions to Bec's Forlong from "Performance Massage" in Ellerslie and all the team at 1RM Physio in Penrose for helping keep my failing body on the road. Also to all of you who came to the fundraising night at College Rifles where we raised $20,000. My brother Rod who has been a great motivation in keeping me running (I still can't keep up with him) and is now joining me for the first few days of the trek which will be fantastic.

Also many thanks to Wendy Chrisp for all the advice she has given me in preparing for the upcoming Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon. Wendy is an extraordinary endurance coach and amazing athlete in her own right and took the time out to fill me in on all the little things that will make the big differences competing at altitude in a third world country. She completed the Tenzing Hillary marathon in 2005.

One more special mention to my staff at TechRentals and Bearcom who have put up with me while I have been training especially to Neerja Mahendra who has offered fantastic advice on the Indian leg of my journey and also made family introductions for when I am in Delhi.

The Global Corporate Challenge begins while I am trekking so my "step count" better be right up there with the top guys at work or I will never live it down.

I can't help but feel under prepared physically but with all the advice I have received, commitment to achieving the goal and sheer stubbornness that has seen me through many trying times I know that it will be the mental side that will win through and get me over the finish line.

Another Inspirational Nutter!

Just when you think you have seen and heard all the stories about amazing people accomplsihing amazing things I just heard about this blind runner who completed the 2007 Everest Marathon and is now in a race to the South Pole.

Here is an excerpt from an article in the Belfast Times - I suppose being Irish explains at least some of it!

Mark Pollock (32), a member of Team South Pole Flag, is predicted to finish fourth this weekend in the historic 481-mile Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race.

The event is the first race to the South Pole for almost 100 years since the famous showdown between Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen in 1912.

Mr Pollock’s team mate Simon O’Donnell has described Mr Pollock’s progress in the race as “unbelievable and inspirational”.

The four teams taking part have faced temperatures of minus 40 degrees centigrade with wind chill as they traverse the largest ice cap in the world to the Geographic South Pole, pulling 70kg sleds behind them.

Mark went blind when he was 22 and studying at Trinity College, Dublin. He won a silver medal rowing for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth games, finished the 250km Gobi Desert ultramarathon and raced in the North Pole marathon. In 2007 he became the first blind person to complete the lowest and highest marathons in the world — the Dead Sea Ultra in Jordan, followed by the Tenzing-Hillary Everest marathon in Nepal.

Englishman Captain Scott reached the Pole on January 17 1912, only to find Norwegian rival Roald Amundsen had beaten him to it 35 days earlier.

Ninety-seven years later, history repeated itself, with Norwegian team Missing Link first to finish yesterday. Trailing 30 miles behind was British Team Qinetiq — including TV presenter Ben Fogle, and Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell.

Missing Link said they were “elated, emotional and extremely exhausted”. They covered 50km a day and snatched a few hours sleep every night.

Team Qinetiq is expected to finish second, followed by Team Danske Bank in third place, while Team Due South and Team South Pole Flag battle for fourth, arriving on Saturday or Sunday. Team Southern Lights, which is made up of the oldest adventurers, will reach the South Pole on skis.

Race updates are available on www.amundsenomega3southpolerace.com