The final details are coming together for my participation in the Fire and Ice Ultra at the end of August. This six day stage race is conducted in the north/central region of Iceland and has been on “my list” for a couple of years. I am looking forward to an epic time! Hopefully the post event write up will be worthy enough for consideration as a saga.
Logistics look solid and my training is going well. Pack runs are peaking out this week however distances will still be high next week. After that it is taper time! Nutrition and all equipment are in hand. For this event I am testing out some new gear in anticipation of my Spine attempt in January 2017. Specifically my new Enlightened Equipment Revolution custom quilt (rated at around 25 deg F/-4 deg C) and La Sportiva Crossover 2.0 GTX shoes. The quilt has a special down fill that made the temperature rating in between their standard products yet still within my weight specifications. While warmer by almost 10 deg F (5.5 deg C) than my old Western Mountaineering HiLite it weighs the same.
My trusty Raidlight pack will have one more go but with the additional clothing required it is going to be a tight fit at 24 liters. Estimated starting weight is at or below 17 lbs (7.7 kg). This is mainly due to the extra clothing (gloves, waterproofs, etc.) and an increase in calories (about 3200 kcals/day). I decided to error on the high side for food since it will most likely be colder. Packing lists and menus will be posted soon on their appropriate pages.
The pre-race plan is to arrive a week early so to enjoy a drive on the Ring Road with my wife Lisa and my mother Janice (who has always wanted to go to Iceland). There is so much to see it will be hard to squeeze it all in. More to come!
Ultra Stage Racing 