Saturday 10 January 2009

Impossible2Possible

This morning I'm sitting here with my hands clasped around my cup of coffee in the warmth of my little cottage watching the day unfold. When I got up this morning the sun was just rising and you could tell it was going to be a cold, crisp day. The temperature last night dipped well below zero Fahrenheit and is now resting at minus 10F or in Canadian speak, minus 27C with the windchill.

With all of my moaning and groaning about the cold it is nothing compared to a fellow Canuk who made history this week along with two of his adventure buddies.

Ray Zahab who hails from Chelsea, Quebec, (literally across the river from me) along with Richard Weber and Kevin Vallely trekked 680 miles (1094 kilometers), self-supported, to the South Pole in a goal of under 40 days. Dragging sleds weighing over 160 pounds (73 kilograms) each, the team hoped to achieve what most are saying is impossible! Well, they did it, they completed their expedition on Wednesday in just over 33 days!!

You may recall, Ray and his friends ran across the Sahara Desert a couple of years ago, that story is truly amazing as well.

Please check out their website South Pole Quest 2008 and read about this incredible journey!!!

So, as I head out for my cold winter run this morning, I'll be thinking about Ray and his friends and wondering to myself....

Why am I running in freeking cold temperatures????

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

28 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

That's an amazing story about Ray, and freakin' cold where you are! I also have my hands wrapped around my coffee mug, contemplating if i'm going to run on the TM at the gym (if my car will start lol) or outside. Have a great run and a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

I too have my head wrapped around my coffee cup reading blogs! LOL

Love the sassy ponytail under the hat!
You sure look sharp under all that bundling up!

I am for the treadmill too. I was actually on it this week. The girls want one at home..... soon.... very soon! (-;

Ter

Unknown said...

Wow. That's an incredible accomplishment.

Still probably wouldn't be enough to get me to run outside in the cold weather that faces you though.

Go get 'em!

Judi said...

you're a hard ass lilly!

Aron said...

wow that is so awesome!!! but i think you are definitely awesome also for getting out there in those COLD temps!! BRRRR :)

BeachRunner said...

What a group of crazies (you included).

I am SOOOO kidding. You rock and kick ass at the same time, Lily-meiester. Stay warm.

bluecolnago said...

why are you running in those freeking cold temperatures? ;)

Bob A said...

You Canuks are a tough breed -- to even contemplate running at -27°C. Whew! I might have to pour the hot coffee over my feet if I tried that.

Nat said...

We actually found it warmer than last week out there... hope you had as much fun out there as we did. :)

Mary Gee said...

Thanks for your kind comment on my blog. I will sign on to follow yours! Good for you on getting out there in the cold.

Marci said...

I love your Canadian flag scarf!! great inspirational story too, it really helps in such cold weather. Stay warm!

Sunshine said...

This year I have given up on running outdoors when it is that cold. We are off to the indoor track.
Wishing you a good New Year and an early spring.

Wes said...

I am all about pushing myself, but I draw the line when death is involved :-)

Sprocketboy said...

And apparently a cyclist came through Ottawa yesterday afternoon cycling home to Montreal. He decided to do a winter ride from Vancouver! Not quite the South Pole but still...

As for myself, it is either spinning classes or cross-country skiing for the time being.

Laurel said...

You know, the last 2 runs I have had, when I start to get tired, I think of the three of them pluggin along through the Sahara and I swear it's been helping me.

But, it's still pretty cold where you are :)

Amy said...

BRRRRRR!!!!
I am looking forward to temps around 0 C this week, yay!

Marcy said...

Coffee and some links? Ahhhhh could life be any better ;-) Thanks chica I'm off to check em out!

teacherwoman said...

Stay warm there chica!

Viv said...

I love that time in the morning, wrapping my hands around a hot cup of coffee. Anywhoo Laurel you are one tough cookie!

Vickie said...

Whenever I think how bad off I might be, I always realize there is someone worse off than me and am thankful.

Aka Alice said...

I LOVE that you found someone in colder weather than you...

You're just awesome!

AddictedToEndorphins said...

You are UNSTOPPABLE!! Rock on Lily!

Marlene said...

Brrrrrrrrrrr! Looks like you were nice and bundled.

That story is incredible. Thanks for sharing!

E said...

You are so determined for getting out there in the cold!

SuperDave said...

I knew about the Sahara Desert, but South Pole??
One extreme to the other.
Wouldn't it have been better to go to the North Pole and visit Santa?

Frayed Laces said...

Oh my goodness dearie! You are one brave soul!

Craig, The Flanders Fat Cat said...

High of 9 degrees American predicted down here tomorrow. If you got out to run, guess i'm gonna have to bike. Why couldn't you have inspirational stories about smart people doing cool things indoors?

robison52 said...

Which is worse, the Sahara desert or the South Pole??? Or another view, which is worse your Canadian weather in the winter, or my desert running in the summer? I would still run on a treadmill if the temps are over 100 degrees.