All right, here we go! Over the next seven blog posts, I’m going to take you along for the ride (or, well, the run) through The Great World Race—seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. Each post will dive into one of the marathons: the highs, the lows, the unexpected bathroom adventures, and everything in between.
This was more than just running—it was an adventure of a lifetime, and I want to share every detail with you. Let’s start at the very beginning: Day 1, Wolf’s Fang, Antarctica. Because if you’re going to run a marathon, why not start at the bottom of the world?
Antarctica. Ice, snow, and a whole lot of “Are we really doing this?” The first marathon of The Great World Race, the second marathon of my LIFE, wasn’t messing around.
Day 1: Wolf’s Fang ❄️
I got up at 4 am for an early morning flight to Wolf’s Fang and I was equal parts nervous and excited. Flying to the freaking end of the WORLD alone would knock me out, but running a marathon down there? Unreal. Unreal would be a word I use all the time, BTW, because so much, so many people, so many experiences, felt simply UN-REAL.
Stepping out of the airplane was like stepping into another world. The sun was shin gin bright, the sky was a clear blue, no clouds, a hefty wind, and it was bitterly cold (to be expected).
We didn’t wait around too long for the marathon to start and the moment my feet hit the ground, reality struck. It was like running on wet sand, every step sinking and pulling me back. And then I realized the first 4k was uphill. Of course. Breathing felt harder than usual, that’s what 1200 meter above sea level, 155m elevation gain and 0% humidity according to @theathleteblog will do for you).
I had to slow down (ouch, ego), and my legs felt every single meter. But then came the turn. Downhill. The ice stretched out in front of me, and suddenly, I wasn’t struggling—I felt like I was flying. The views were unreal (that word again), the air was freezing, and I couldn’t stop smiling. I was running. In. The. Antarctic. Goosebumps.
After 1 loop (about 10,5 km) I started to feel cramps. By loop 1.5, I was seriously wondering: What happens if you have a bathroom emergency in an ice desert? Well, I found out. Bathroom stops every 10.5k are great… unless you’re just a little too late. Arctic bathroom adventures? Check. Let’s move on. 🤪
Loops 3 and 4, though? Magic. I found my rhythm, soaked in the views, and chatted with the incredible volunteers at every aid station. No music, no distractions—just me, the crunch of snow, and the unbelievable feeling of being alive in a place so few people get to see. Crossing that finish line and getting the first medal? Unforgettable.
Time:
- My watch: 04:07 (including bathroom detour)
- Official: 04:13:39 (not sure why the difference)
Post-Run Highlights
- Massage: Delicious. Truly.
- Food: Also delicious.
- Flight back: Switched to first-class seats with recovery boots for a taste of luxury. Still no sleep, though.
Lessons learned
The hard moments don’t last forever. Keep going, even when it feels impossible. The breakthrough is always worth it.
One marathon down, six to go. Exhausted, exhilarated, and already looking forward to what’s next. Antarctica, you were everything. 💙
