Running in the Arctic

My North Pole Marathon Journey

Standing in the middle of nowhere, 8500 kilometers away from Manila, I found myself at the starting line of the North Pole Marathon. It was one of the coldest places on Earth, a stark contrast to the tropical climate I was used to in the Philippines. This was no ordinary marathon—it was a test of endurance, resilience, and the human spirit.

Arctic Beauty and Brutal Reality

The North Pole is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with the bluest sky and the whitest, softest snow—untouched for generations. However, it is also one of the harshest places on Earth. This frozen desert of floating ice has temperatures that plummet to 40 degrees below zero, making it four times colder than your freezer.

Overcoming Initial Hurdles

Before I even began my training, I had several major hurdles to overcome. Living in a tropical country, I had never experienced a cold climate, let alone seen snow. My time for training was extremely limited due to my commitments and responsibilities. I knew that if I was going to succeed, I needed to prepare meticulously and seek guidance from those who had experience in similar extreme conditions.

Seeking Expert Advice

To ensure I was adequately prepared for the marathon, I reached out to Romi Garduce, the first Filipino to conquer the Seven Summits—the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Romi shared invaluable advice on arctic protection, educating me on the importance of wearing the right gear. He guided me on the necessary layers: a base layer to wick away moisture, a mid-layer for insulation, and an outer shell to protect against the elements.

I also sought coaching from Coach Ige Lopez, one of the top triathlon and ultra-marathon coaches in the Philippines. Coach Ige played a crucial role in my preparation, designing a rigorous training regimen to build my endurance and stamina. Under his guidance, I ran 200 kilometers a month, approximately 10 kilometers a week. My training varied from running in the mountains to beach runs, allowing my legs and feet to adapt to different terrains.

Training in Freezing Conditions

Training for a marathon in the North Pole required more than just running long distances. I needed to acclimate my body to the freezing temperatures I would face. To simulate these conditions, I trained inside a 20-meter by 20-meter blast freezer in Parañaque. For a month, I biked 10 kilometers and ran 20 kilometers, 2-3 times a week, completing 250 loops inside this small, frozen space for three hours a day. It was a monotonous and grueling routine, akin to a hamster in a wheel, but it was essential for building my cold tolerance.

Victor Consunji, one of the North Pole Marathon finishers, also played a significant role in my preparation. Victor shared his firsthand experiences and practical tips, which were invaluable for someone like me who had never been to an Arctic region. He advised me on everything from pacing myself during the race to managing the extreme cold, maintaining proper nutrition, and how to keep my energy levels up in such harsh conditions.

Final Preparations

In the final week leading up to the marathon, I traveled to Svalbard, the farthest archipelago in Norway and the jump-off point to the North Pole. Here, we ran in conditions that closely resembled those at the North Pole, constantly checking our surroundings for polar bears. This final phase of preparation ensured that I was ready for the extreme conditions I would face during the race.

The Marathon Experience

How does someone from a tropical country like the Philippines run a marathon in the North Pole? Preparation is key. In anything we do, understanding what we are doing and why we are doing it is crucial. For me, running the North Pole Marathon was about testing my limits and pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible.

On race day, the reality of the challenge hit me. The cold was more intense than anything I had ever experienced, and each step felt like a battle against both the elements and my own physical limits. However, the meticulous preparation paid off. The gear recommendations from Romi, the training regimen from Coach Ige, and the practical tips from Victor all came together to help me endure the grueling conditions.

Mental Toughness and Resilience

Beyond the physical preparation, the mental aspect of running the North Pole Marathon was equally critical. The isolation and monotony of training in a blast freezer had taught me the importance of mental resilience. During the race, I drew on the mental strength I had built up, focusing on each step and keeping my mind on the goal. Visualization techniques and the teachings of stoicism helped me stay grounded and manage the stress of running in such extreme conditions.

Triumph at the Finish Line

Crossing the finish line was not just about completing a marathon; it was about conquering my fears, pushing my boundaries, and achieving something extraordinary. It was a reminder that with the right preparation and mindset, we can overcome any challenge, no matter how insurmountable it may seem. Representing the Philippines and showcasing the resilience of being a Filipino in such an extreme and prestigious event made the experience even more meaningful.

The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. As I crossed the finish line, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the journey and the people who had supported me along the way. My North Pole Marathon journey taught me invaluable lessons about preparation, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, the North Pole Marathon was more than just a race. It was a transformative experience that tested every aspect of my being—physically, mentally, and emotionally. From the initial shock of deciding to run a marathon in one of the coldest places on Earth to the meticulous preparation and the grueling race itself, every step of the journey was a testament to the power of determination and resilience.

The advice and support from Romi Garduce, Coach Ige Lopez, and Victor Consunji were instrumental in my success. Their insights and guidance helped me prepare for the harsh conditions and build the physical and mental strength needed to complete the marathon.

Lessons for Future Endeavors

The North Pole Marathon taught me that no challenge is too great if you approach it with the right mindset and preparation. Whether it’s running a marathon in extreme conditions or tackling any other life challenge, the principles remain the same: understand what you need to do, why you’re doing it, and then put in the work to achieve your goal.

Preparation was half the battle; the other half was execution. By training rigorously, seeking expert guidance, and maintaining a positive mindset, I was able to achieve something I once thought impossible. This experience has become a metaphor for tackling life’s challenges—showing that with the right preparation and determination, we can overcome any obstacle.

Pushing Forward to New Challenges

The North Pole Marathon was a significant milestone in my life, but it was also a stepping stone to even greater challenges. The confidence and resilience I gained from this experience have empowered me to take on new endeavors with the same level of commitment and preparation.

As I continue to set new goals and push my limits, I carry with me the lessons learned from the frozen tundra of the North Pole. Every new challenge is an opportunity to grow, to test my limits, and to achieve the extraordinary.

The journey to the North Pole Marathon was not just about crossing the finish line; it was about embracing the journey itself—every step, every challenge, and every moment of preparation. It taught me that with the right mindset, preparation, and support, we can achieve the impossible.