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Let's
Get Physical
Imagine
skiing 2,400 miles (3,850 km) across the icy peaks and valleys
of a vast, frozen continent while pulling a 250-pound (113-kg)
sled in temperatures averaging -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-34
degrees Celsius). This isn't your typical workout.
Not
surprisingly, preparing for such an unusual adventure requires
an intense training regime — up to six hours a day —
that is quite frankly, a little odd. Rather than spending
countless hours in a gym pumping iron, Ann Bancroft and Liv
Arnesen trained every day by doing things they like to do
that build strength, endurance and utilize a full range of
body movements — among them, pulling car tires. Here's
a sample of some of their training activities:
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In warm weather, Ann and Liv challenged the outdoors by running,
hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. During the cooler months,
the time of year Ann and Liv like best, the duo cross-country
skied and windsailed while pulling weighted sleds over snow. |
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Leaving the rowing machine and weightlifting devices behind,
Ann and Liv pulled three car tires harnessed to their waists
against the resistance of a gravel road. This activity helped
them simulate pulling 250-pounds (113-kg) sleds over gritty,
rough Antarctic terrain and built leg and back muscles.
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•To
prepare for the long winters in Norway and Minnesota, Ann
and Liv "pumped wood" by chopping it. (Ann pushed the limit
by hauling the wood in a makeshift sled.) This helped the
team build leg and arm strength needed for wind sailing, skiing,
setting-up the tent and crevasse rescue. (Also completes a
pesky chore!)
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Kitty litter in a backpack added the necessary resistance
while running up and down steep bluffs to simulate pulling
heavy sleds.
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Go
Team!
Living
half a world apart, Ann and Liv were forced to do most of their
pre-expedition training on their own. However, they took several
joint training trips in Finse, Norway and Great Slave Lake in
the Northwest Territories of Canada, where they practiced skiing
and pulling their 250-pound (113-kg) sleds, windsailing and
rescue techniques. |
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They
also tested the durability and reliability of their equipment
— such as their tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear, radio
and computers — in harsh Antarctic-like conditions. |
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Games
When
crossing Antarctica, mental stress can sometimes be worse
than physical pain. Therefore, the team had to be in top mental
condition to prepare for crossing a vast landscape of whiteness.
In addition to pulling tires for hours over a gravel road
— a slow, sluggish activity — Ann and Liv jogged
on railroad tracks to "practice" concentration. They also
trained alone to get used to less human contact and other
interruptions to prepare for the trek's natural solitude.
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Medical
Treatments
Besides
being physically conditioned and prepared before taking off,
Ann and Liv knew how to handle medical emergencies which could
arise.
Pfizer supplied Liv and Ann with a medical kits and Ann took
training at a Minneapolis hospital on how to handle medical
emergencies and issues which may arise on the ice.
These
medical issues range from hypothermia to altitude sickness
to open wounds to protection from the sun.
Ann
and Liv took hypothermia very seriously and safeguarded against
it as well as they could with their clothing
choices and food
choices.
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Ann
and Liv went to great lengths to achieve and maintain optimum
health. Their very survival depended on it. They could not
take their health for granted, so they were knowledgeable
about all aspects of their physical condition.
As
women in mid-life, Ann and Liv have a lot to offer about living
healthy lives. Perhaps one of their greatest lessons is that,
regardless of age, women can continue to set and achieve goals
that require physical and mental stamina. Pfizer
partnered with Ann and Liv to help them ensure a healthy and
successful Expedition.
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What
We Know!
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How
do Ann and Liv Clean Up?
They
use moist towelettes to wash their faces and a few parts of
their bodies.
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How
do They go to the Bathroom?
Ann
and Liv "squat" quickly and with careful judgment
of the wind.
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How
Often do They Change Their Underwear?
Once
a month
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Do
They Ever Wash Their Hair?
When
they are at home yes, but during the expedition -- no.
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