Final thoughts

This was an incredible experience. 

I trained pretty well and had a good idea of how I could perform physically, and went into this with a deliberate mental state to deal with the stress of this challenge. More so than any other race, I felt relaxed and determined to perform my best but savor and enjoy the journey. The only lull I had was when we were in a holding pattern in Chile waiting to get into Antarctica. 

The journey was full of diverse and deeply rich experiences. Even though we spent a limited time in each place, the pain of the marathons seared the memories in place. The intensity of the challenge made the experiences highly memorable. Each place had its own distinct place in my heart too. 

In a previous post, I mentioned the positivity that surrounds running and that was completely in evidence throughout this journey. In fact, as I typed this just now in a lounge in Santiago, Chile, someone just started talking to me about it and asked to take a picture of my bag which has the event logo. This was a frequent occurrence at airports, and the positive energy of volunteers and supporters at races was amazing too. Despite being in a bubble for the nine days, I also felt some glimpses of the positive energy and support from back home through the quick FaceTimes with the family and some texts and obviously the donations to the Children’s Fund. 

Amazingly, I may have gained a few pounds on this trip, despite running 209.6 miles and burning over 26,000 calories during the runs. I didn’t meet a calorie I didn’t like, and wolfed down fast food and gigantic airport Toblerons. 

I was very happy with my physical training going into this event. I had started about eight months ago to get ready for the 10K at the Summer Scamper, which also benefits Stanford Children’s. I then lost a bit of weight and tried to get fast for a personal record at a marathon in Ireland. I then piled on lots of miles to ensure I could go the distance. However, there was no way of knowing how my body would adopt to this stress. 

Thankfully, even though I had pains in different places, such as quads, glutes, and my ankle, nothing was too debilitating. The biggest concern was my ankle in the race at NYC, but I powered through that and didn’t have any issues afterwards. In Antarctica, I felt like a coiled spring after the one day off. 

Some folks were disappointed about not making the eight marathons in the eight days, but I ended the journey on a high with my best performance ever at the tough race in Antarctica. I just set my mind to do a particular pace and felt relaxed but focused on it. I only realized afterwards how tough the course was when folks congratulated me. A while later I did a loop with one of our crew who was finding it tough going when it got dark. The folks we met still out running those hills much later were really battling to keep spirits high, as the cold and treacherous conditions took their toll. 

A lot of people asked me about what’s next. In fact, some folks were asking me that before we even did the race in Antarctica. I want to savor the moment and not rush back into anything soon.

The experience of having a great cause with this was also an amazingly positive experience. I felt really proud to be doing this with the support going to kids and families through the Children’s Fund at Stanford Children’s Hospital. To have meaning for this incredible journey meant everything. 

Thank you all. 

Antarctica

We experienced the relief and exhilaration of taking off from South America and finally landing in King George Island Antarctica yesterday afternoon. Touching down in the airstrip was a seminal moment by itself. 

However, we didn’t get to start the race for another couple of hours due to logistics with the different countries’ base camps, and the race organizer had to abruptly alter the course to stay away from one of the bases. Unfortunately this meant doing 10 loops of the most hilly and difficult terrain on the original course. Apparently it was cumulative of close to 3000 feet of elevation over the loops. It also didn’t help that three of us took a wrong turn on the first lap and ended up about .2 miles behind others.

Once I got going, though, I felt pretty good and tried to set a pace that was equivalent to my other races on this trip. Despite this being by far the trickiest with technical, weather and hilly challenges, I had my best performance by far - in any race ever. I had paced myself through this journey, and while I had pains with different parts of my body at different times, it was always one at a time and then that particular pain disappeared. So, I pushed myself to the limit on this one and came in with a time of 3:56, and what I think of as my first ever race win. 

While it was a bit disappointing to not get into Antarctica the previous day to complete the eight marathons in the eight days, I enjoyed the rollercoaster ride of emotions that had a dip after an amazing seven days, but culminated in a high in Antarctica. 

In the next day or so, I will write some final thoughts on the variety of experiences across the world in the last nine days, with micro highlights in each location. For example, from the interaction with the people running with us in the streets of Cairo to the daybreak over the Singapore strait to hobbling around 26.2 miles in NYC. 
In the end, it wasn’t 8/8/8 but 8/8/9, and I subsequently found out that I had run 4:00 and 38 seconds in Singapore just down to clock management. These minor flaws may add to the character of this experience and make it a beautiful thing. Happily, I relaxed and soaked in the the experience including the support and wishes coming in from back home. 

Back to the airport

The ever changing situation continues and now we have an earlier window to get into Antarctica. We are at the airport hoping to get out at 12:30pm and start the race by around 3pm. There is no guarantee though, even if we get airborne. Some flights have been known to divert back to South America if conditions worsen. 

I’m feeling physically strong for the race, and excited to put the anxiety of the waiting behind me. We were told that the window is more optimistic than yesterday’s, so let’s hope. We will also hope to get back out of the White Continent tomorrow and not be stuck there for a few days.

If I do get in, expect radio silence until I get back out of Antarctica. 

The waiting game

After the whirlwind of flying around the world and the routine of running 26.2 miles every day, now we have to sit and wait for a window of opportunity to get into Antarctica. 

The latest news we got was that there may be a flight window tomorrow evening, which would mean we would land, sleep, then run early on Thursday morning. 

I did say at the outset that I was determined not to stress about stuff that is outside of my control, and this was always a possibility. Here’s hoping. 

Meanwhile, I just have to enjoy the sunsets in the southern tip of South America. 

No go for Antarctica

Unfortunately, we were told at the gate that the flights are canceled for today. It is a bit disappointing, but better to put safety first. 

We will see if we can get out tomorrow or the day after. Would be good to do the full circuit in the eight days, but I’ll be happy to complete if we get out in the next few days. 

Antarctica ahead

Looks like we may have a window to get into King George Island, Antarctica this morning. We leave for the airport shortly and hope to be running at around 10am local time. 

Unsurprisingly, there isn’t great internet service on the White Continent, so I will have to post the update when we get back the next day. We are to sleep in sleeping bags with three to a tent. Of course, ours has the three biggest guys on the trip. 

Thanks again for all your support. I’m looking forward to completing this amazing journey, and hopefully justifying your support for the Childrens Fund. 

Seventh marathon done

Thankfully the ankle didn’t give me too many problems although the other one swoll up in solidarity with its partner. The only pain was the typical marathon pain, and dealing with the lack of sleep since we were just off the plane. I managed to come through in the somewhat blustery conditions in 3:51. 

The next and last one is on King George Island in Antarctica. We hope to fly in early tomorrow morning, but there’s no guarantee as the flight will only operate if conditions permit. There seems to be usually an 80% success rate of getting in on the day. If not, we will try again the next day. I’m eager to finish this quest, and give my body some rest. So, I’m hoping we get the call to go tomorrow. We will have to be ready and scoot out to the airport immediately if we get the call. 

Feels good to have seven done, and I’m feeling good for the last one!

Punta Arenas

Just got off the flight, and about to start the seventh marathon. No time to unpack, just at it straight away. Hope the ankle holds up. 

Punta Arenas

Just got off the flight, and about to start the seventh marathon. No time to unpack, just at it straight away. Hope the ankle holds up. 

NYC pain

Just finished the marathon in New York. My face is probably frozen in a grimace as I had to nurse a swollen ankle through the 26.2 miles in the cold. I managed to come in with a time of 3:54. I felt the ankle ballooning on the flight yesterday. I am now icing and will take my first bout of ibuprofen for the swelling. 

Nonetheless , it was great to be back in my old home of NY, and to have six marathons under my belt. On to Chile tonight, where we pretty much have to run straight after the flight lands in Punta Arenas. 

We may have a very short turnaround if a flight window opens up very early to get into Antarctica. So, it could be that the last two marathons are just a few hours apart. 

Feeling strong though, and absolutely determined to see this through.

 

I’m having to nurse my left ankle, but the pain is manageable at least. 

Back in NYC

The race organizer sprung for an upgrade for me and a couple of others who were in coach, so it was great to be horizontal over the Atlantic. I then popped in to see my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law and get some good food to eat. Had to pick up the sleeping bag for Antarctica also. 

Was great to see grandma Jeano and she was just out of the hospital and in recovery. 

Now off to the hotel for a quick FaceTime with Sianna and some rest before #6. She’s still tracking me ;)

Amsterdam

While it was great to be back in Europe and get a few good hours of sleep, this was the toughest race mentally given the cold start and the toll of the previous four races. The good thing is the pain in my quads wasn’t the main issue, it was other pains spread throughout my body that I felt - so a clear positive there. I really leveraged the support and energy that so many people have given. 

We started the race in a Dutch forest, with a man on a bike showing us the course around a lake and dyke. I’m only surprised there wasn’t a windmill on the course. 

I managed to come in with a time of 3:45 after doing eight laps around the lake. I listened to my wife’s typical running playlist, so that felt good to have her with me mentally. 

Off to NY tonight, and will get to see some friends and my wife’s family, so that should be fun. 

Again, the place to support me (and more importantly, the kids and families via the Children’s Fund at Stanford Children’s Hospital) is through the links below. 

LPCH Stanford Fundraising Page: https://my.supportlpch.org/BrendanRunsSevenContinentsPlusOne

GoFundMe link (some portion covers expenses): https://www.gofundme.com/f/juh2k2-brendan-runs-eight-marathons-on-7-continents-1

European sleep

For the first time in a while, we had a decent amount of time overnight in a hotel. I managed to crash and get at least five hours of deep sleep. Just grabbed breakfast and going to start the race in an hour. 

My body was really feeling the pain at the airport last night, so I needed the restorative power of sleep. 

Just about to start the back 4, so to speak. 

En route to Amsterdam

I need not have worried. We left Cairo earlier than expected and have plenty of time in Rome to get on the flight to Amsterdam. Now I just need to worry about racing it. 

I have crashed heavily on the flight as my mind and body is in need of rest. We did for a lot in today, and did run four marathons I suppose. 

Cairo

So that was an amazing experience. I felt like my running hero, Eliud Kipchoge, when he ran sub two hours. There were pacers with me for both half’s of the race; the only difference was that they weren’t there for wind resistance but to shield from stray dogs and traffic!

They were incredibly inspiring people with great stories, and one of them was a girl from Ireland who ran with me for about four or five miles, and grew up close to where I’m from. 

It was incredible to run in the streets of Cairo and then along the Nile. I feel strong, and finished in about 3:54 or so. I just reached the half way point and over the races I was worried about. The next big concern in tonight with a very short connection in Rome to Amsterdam. That’s pretty much out of my control though, so I’m not going to stress about it. Que sera, sera. 

4am and barking dogs

It’s an early start in Cairo where we are about to run the streets on the fourth race. Apparently there are lots of stray dogs out there, so hopefully they aren’t there to make us run faster. 

The chaos of the airport in Cairo was an eye opener. We basically got two hours of sleep at the hotel and now the race. 

Wish me luck. 

Singapore- race three

I felt pretty good just before the start of the race at 5am this morning, despite the just two hours of sleep. Once the horn went for the start of the race, I just said, “oh oh,” as the pain in my quads let itself be known. However, I managed to power through that and then just had the heat and humidity to deal with. 

Thankfully we started the race before sunrise to escape the worst of the heat. This was the toughest of the races so far, but I managed to come in just a second or so under four hours. 

Now to the airport for the next trip. This one will be long as we go to Dubai and then onto Cairo. Hopefully I don’t cramp up on the airplane. I knew that was part of the challenge of this adventure though, so I’m ready to deal with it. 

Singapore sleep

We got to the hotel at close to midnight last night and now I’m up at 3:30am to run the next race in Singapore. 

Feeling good but tired and enjoying some muscle soreness, particularly in my quads. This race is going to be humid and hot even though we start at 5am, so I have to really watch the fluid intake. 

Got this notification on my watch. Think I have it covered. 

Thank you!

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. It really keeps me smiling through the pain. 

The Perth course was beautiful. Was great to connect with some Aussies on the course. You can’t help but feel the emotional impact of the devastating fires out here though. Keeps things in perspective. 

Perth

Just finished the second marathon of the eight. Feeling pretty good all things considered. I have some muscle soreness, but that’s to be expected after two marathons. I know there’s more pain ahead of me though. But that’s the whole point of this. 

Was great to check in with the family after the race. Sianna has been tracking my flights on the globe. The good thing is that unlike Phileas Fogg in Around The World In Eighty Days, we gain some time by going east to west.

Part of the challenge of this is the travel and dealing with tired and sore legs in coach and navigating airports. So far so good though, even if it’s hard to sleep. 

Tomorrow in Singapore will be tough though. It will be hot and humid, and that night comes the biggest travel challenge of getting to Amsterdam via Rome with a 55 minute connection. Let’s see how it goes. 

First one in the books

Just finished the marathon in Auckland. Felt good, and tried to take it easy especially in the last six miles or so. The people were absolutely lovely and really supportive, which helped a lot. 

Finished in 3:45 or so, which I think is faster than my first ever marathon in Dublin. Thinking I need to slow down for the next one though. We are off to Perth after we wolf down some food and do it all again tomorrow. The following day is Singapore which is the one I’m most worried about considering the heat and humidity. 

I should have more pictures and a video or two to post after I get them. 

Pre-event thoughts

So I made it to Auckland. I have a few days here before the first race so I can get adjusted. One immediate observation is that nothing seems to open early here on Sunday mornings. I was about to sit in a park and wait until 8am for Burger King to open for some coffee when I spotted the only open cafe behind the park (which thankfully is fantastic.)

At the risk of sounding all New Agey, which I’m definitely not, I’m going to use this event as a way to learn more about myself. If that doesn’t sound like a midlife crisis then I don’t know what does, but I just looked up the definition and it seems to begin at age 45. Since I am 44, either I’m ahead of the class or this isn’t a real one, in which case that’s all ahead of me. Dammit. 

One thing for sure, the positivity around this from so many people has really had a big impact on me. Stanford Children’s put out the blog on social media and I have had so much buzz from folks, and people whom I don’t know generously donating. I also had a text from an old business school friend (Matt Williams) who offered to use one of his soon expiring airline upgrades. Not sure it will work out, but those examples really make me so positive about humanity. 
I am sure this event will provide something unexpected, but I am feeling relaxed and determined to enjoy the experience rather than stress about it. 

Now to finish my coffee, call my wife and daughter and post pictures of me doing yoga poses with my new New Age-ness. 

Thanks to everyone who donated. I can’t say enough how incredibly supportive this is and feel good that this will help sick kids in an amazing setting. I brought my daughter in before this trip to show her our new hospital and it is so inspiring. 

LPCH Stanford Fundraising Page: https://my.supportlpch.org/BrendanRunsSevenContinentsPlusOne

GoFundMe link (some portion covers expenses): https://www.gofundme.com/f/juh2k2-brendan-runs-eight-marathons-on-7-continents-1

Ready to go

In the past I have been reluctant to highlight a running goal until I have achieved it. I always felt that it added tons of pressure for the race with the expectations of everyone on my mind. I’m glad I didn’t with this though as the support has been really energizing, and while there’s a lot outside my control that can go awry, I’m going into this pretty chilled. 

It will be hard to be away from the family for two weeks though. It was nice to have a family dinner and then leave it what hopefully is the worst weather if all of the locations. 

Going to dress in athletic clothesfor the journey. Haven’t yet figured out where to put the pocket square though ;)

Final week of training

Just finishing up a few miles of training this week. I fly out on Thursday night and get to New Zealand on Saturday. So, basically Friday doesn’t exist for me. 

I will have a few days in Auckland before the first race on Tuesday morning. Then it’s an early start for the marathon, and time afterwards for a quick shower and lunch before jumping on the plane to Sydney and then Perth. 

We will arrive into most locations at night and get maybe four or five hours in the hotel before the early morning races. That is except for the Punta Arenas, Chile marathon where it’s pretty much being run after we get off the flight from NY via Santiago. 

It’s feeling real now that I’m packing. Normally I would be super stressed about a marathon, but I’m determined to enjoy this and take whatever this experience throws at me. 

I have to be super organized with little time on the ground. The Chile and Antarctica marathon clothes are waiting for me in NY. Can’t wait to be reunited with them. 

Getting ready

I’m starting to pack as I start to taper off on my training. I am packing my race clothes for each marathon in gallon zip lock bags so I can be properly prepared. The way it will work (hopefully if there are no delays that create a knock-on effect), we will run the marathon in the morning, get a quick shower and then leave for the airport to get to the next destination. We typically will land at night and get to spend a few hours in a hotel before running the locally organized marathons.

My training went well, but I have no way of knowing what the effect of jet lag will have on me. I hope to catch an hour or so of sleep in my coach seat on the airplane. One thing for sure, the extraordinary generosity of the folks who donated will definitely help will me on the put one leg in front of the other. 

For those kind folks who donated, please know that the reason I chose the Children’s Fund is because this money directly goes to support care for thousands of kids and expectant moms. No family is ever turned away from this great hospital due to their financial circumstances. I happen to be fortunate to see such great care close up, so it’s inspiring to witness great generosity to something so worthy. 

The link to the LPCH fundraising page is: https://my.supportlpch.org/BrendanRunsSevenContinentsPlusOne

Link to GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/juh2k2-brendan-runs-eight-marathons-on-7-continents-1

In control...out of control

I packed a bag tonight that my wife is taking on her trip to NY tomorrow and will leave with her family. That will enable me to change clothes and pick up a sleeping bag before the marathon in NY. The plan is to sleep overnight in tents in Antarctica after the final race. 

As I packed, I was thinking about how remarkably I am not really stressed about the stuff that’s not in my control. The race organizer emailed yesterday and discussed the potential impact of the Mid East situation on our flights to Cairo via Dubai. Also, there is about an 80% success rate of flying into Antarctica on the scheduled day. Since there is enough to be concerned about that is in my control, I’m not going to worry about stuff that isn’t. If luck prevails and everything works out to finish this in 8 days, then great; if it ends up taking more days due to some other factor, so be it. It will actually be a good life lesson on stressing about the right stuff, and true to my mission to be positive about the whole experience.  

Speaking of positivity at running events in my last post, I just remembered this situation. My wife was running the half marathon after me, so I was out supporting her. An absolutely lovely woman and her son were also cheering on all of the runners. I had told them that my wife, Devika, was about to appear. They enthusiastically cheered on a pretty Irish looking lady before I pointed out Devika...

Moods & thoughts

I stood in my doorway slowly lacing my shoes before going for my run today. While I knew I would feel good a few miles in, it was tough to get the motivation to start. I had decided to run 15 miles, and I spent the first 6 miles engrossed in my audio book (Mythos by Stephen Fry if you’re interested) and the rest letting my thoughts wander listening to upbeat songs. 

Once I get to the halfway point, I love to look back and see how far I have come. Logically, you might think it’s daunting to think about having to run back.

When I got to 7.5 miles today, I asked a passerby to take a photo of me running towards him so I could capture my expression at this point. He was absolutely happy to do so, and I remembered just how positive most people are around runners and running. At one of the last marathons I completed, my brother and I talked about how volunteers and supporters have such incredibly positive energy and vibes. It’s so great to be around. 

Similarly, the positive reactive to the fundraising for this event has been incredible. So many of my colleagues and friends have been extraordinarily generous, and it’s great to be able to connect this to the super positive impact that the Children’s Fund has on the kids and families at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. These were the thoughts I had during the last few miles. 


Incidentally, just after I got home from this run, my wife came back from her first run in a while. I heard her blasting reggae music and banging drums in such a great mood. 

The runner’s high is a real thing.