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0:00:03 > 0:00:08- In 2009, Lowri Morgan completed - one of the world's toughest races...
0:00:08 > 0:00:13- ..over 120 miles through - the Amazon Jungle in Brazil.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18- I couldn't have given any more - to this race.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- There's nothing left in the tank.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25- Before I left...
0:00:25 > 0:00:31- ..Mam told me that every time I fall - to get up and keep going.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- That's exactly what I did.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37- It's been an amazing journey - and an unforgettable experience.
0:00:38 > 0:00:43- This amazing feat is nothing - compared to what lies ahead.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- Lowri Morgan is a well-known - television presenter.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- She's also an athlete - and an adventurer.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- She's won rugby caps for Wales, is - an accomplished marathon runner...
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- ..and has completed - several Ironman triathlons.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- She is both a skiing - and scuba-diving instructor...
0:01:25 > 0:01:30- ..and has visited the remains of - the Titanic in the Atlantic Ocean...
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- ..but the Jungle Marathon - is her greatest achievement to date.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- It's been six months - since the Jungle Marathon.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- It was five months before - I could wear my running shoes again.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- I literally couldn't put them on...
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- ..because I'd lost - all of my toenails.
0:01:49 > 0:01:55- I also felt quite lost and depressed - after crossing the finish line.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- I'd sacrificed over a year - of my life for that challenge...
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- ..and had pushed my mind and body - to their very limit.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- I was left with nothing - when the race ended.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16- Our bodies and minds - are amazing machines.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- I've been fortunate since I've seen - how the body and mind can cope...
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- ..when it's forced - to withstand extreme conditions.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- I would never attempt these - challenges if they were easy.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- We need to experience failure - before tasting success.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- This is why I'm going to one of - the world's most dangerous places...
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- ..for my next challenge.
0:02:47 > 0:02:48- The Arctic.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- The Arctic is - the land of the midnight sun.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55- A wide expanse - around the North Pole...
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- ..that is primarily a frozen ocean.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- Unfortunately, - the Arctic is thawing quickly.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- The ice caps will be completely - melted by the end of this century.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- Lowri has chosen to compete - in the 6633 Ultra...
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- ..which starts off in the Yukon, - Canada's westernmost territory.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25- 6633 signifies the latitude - of the Arctic Circle.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- It's the only race that takes - competitors across that line.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- Competitors start - at Eagle Plains, Yukon...
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- ..and cross the Arctic Circle - along the Dempster Highway...
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- ..towards the coast of - the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- It's a 350-mile, non-stop race - over eight days.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- The competitors are - completely self-sufficient...
0:03:51 > 0:03:56- ..and must pull a pulk or sledge - containing all their provisions.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- It's a true Arctic experience.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04- It's the coldest, windiest and - toughest ultra marathon on Earth.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- The Arctic takes no prisoners.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- Only those who prepare thoroughly - will succeed.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- The tiniest of mistakes - could be fatal.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- Lowri spoke to Dr Siwan Davies - to learn more about the challenge.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- She's a Senior Lecturer - in Geography at Swansea University.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- Her expertise lies in the Yukon, - and she's studied in the area.
0:04:32 > 0:04:38- It's an Arctic climate - with very long, cold winters.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- The Yukon is dry.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- Very little rain and snow - falls in the area...
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- ..since the Yukon is sheltered - by the western mountains.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- Did you visit the Dempster Highway?
0:04:52 > 0:04:54- I didn't follow - the Dempster Highway...
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- ..but I've visited Dawson City - and heard about the highway.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- One section - is nicknamed Hurricane Alley...
0:05:01 > 0:05:05- ..because it experiences - extremely strong winds.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- They often close the highway...
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- ..since it's too dangerous - for cars and lorries to cross.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- How much daylight will there be?
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- In March, there are - about twelve hours of daylight.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- I hope you get to witness - the Aurora Borealis.
0:05:22 > 0:05:28- These amazing lights in the sky - are only seen in polar regions.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33- I can't wait for that as - they are sure to boost my spirits.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- Good luck to you.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- If Lowri wants to see this amazing - natural phenomenon in Canada...
0:05:41 > 0:05:43- ..she has less than - a year to prepare.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48- She has no option but to resume - a strict training regime.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54- It's an amazing buzz, and I didn't - expect to be able to run 30 miles.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- My mouth is dry, - and my face is full of salt...
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- ..but it's a start.
0:06:02 > 0:06:03- I did 30 miles.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08- I ran to the beautiful Rhossili - and back again...
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- ..and just kept my head down.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16- I couldn't appreciate the scenery of - the Gower on the return journey...
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- ..but at least I did it.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- I'll be stiff tomorrow, - but I'm happy.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28- I was slow since it took me six - and half hours, but it's a start.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- To break the monotony - of training...
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- ..Lowri returns to her - former school of Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr...
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- ..to speak to the pupils.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46- The pupils challenged her to run - the Jungle Marathon three years ago.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- They are eager to hear about - her latest challenge.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- During my last visit...
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- ..you told me about your expedition - to the Arctic Circle.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- This inspired me - for my next challenge.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- I've found a race - in the Arctic Circle...
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- ..that covers 350 miles - in eight days.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- Everyone is totally self-sufficient. - I'll be pulling a sledge.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- The temperature drops - to -98 degrees Celsius.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- It'll be a real challenge. Only - seven people have finished the race.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- I've got a year to prepare for - the race, and I'm already nervous.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- Why are you doing it?
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- Complete stupidity - that's why. - No, it's about the challenge.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40- I'm one of those people who likes - to go out and test myself.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- If I fail, - at least I know that I tried.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- How long does the race last, - and how much will you do in a day?
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- I hope to cover 50 miles - over a 20-hour period.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- I'll sleep for three hours, - eat in the remaining hour...
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- ..and prepare myself mentally - for the next 24 hours.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- How will you prepare - for the change in temperature?
0:08:05 > 0:08:11- That will be my biggest challenge as - I can't recreate Arctic conditions.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16- I'll have to go into a freezer - and a refrigeration chamber...
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- ..where the temperature - will be dropped.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- I'll do a lot of training - in very cold locations.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29- Thank you for this idea, but I don't - know if I should be thanking you!
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- Good luck, and I'll be - thinking of you during the year.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- ALL: Good luck to you too.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- Lowri needs more than luck.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- A strict training regime - is her only option.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- I'm back into the swing of it, - and enjoying myself.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- My fitness levels haven't dropped - dramatically since the Amazon.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- I'm back to running 60 miles a week.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- When you spend so much time alone, - you find yourself.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- There's something special - about running.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- It's a great opportunity to be alone - with your thoughts...
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- ..and to be at one with nature.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- Whilst training for the Amazon, - I discovered a heart defect.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- This year, I've had further tests...
0:09:23 > 0:09:29- ..to ensure that I'm well enough to - face the extreme Arctic conditions.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- The doctors are happy - with the results...
0:09:33 > 0:09:38- ..but they have suggested - that I undergo a mannitol test...
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- ..a test that athletes undergo - to check for asthma.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- At the Elite Performance Unit of - the Sport Wales National Centre...
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- ..physiologist, Vanessa Davies and - Dr Rhodri Martin oversee the tests.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Lowri inhales the drug mannitol...
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- ..that induces - the symptoms of asthma.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- It's a worrying - and uncomfortable experience.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- After a tense few moments...
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- ..they reveal - that Lowri does not have asthma.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- The result means - that training can continue.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- Lowri is one step closer - to the race.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- There are more tests to come.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- Lowri will go into - the refrigeration chamber.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- I feel as if I've hit a wall!
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- How will she cope?
0:10:39 > 0:10:40- .
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0:10:44 > 0:10:46- 888- - 888
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- Lowri Morgan - faces a massive challenge.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- It's an extreme 350-mile race - in the Arctic Circle...
0:10:56 > 0:11:01- ..in strong winds and - temperatures of -98 degrees Celsius.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- Over the past seven years...
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- ..hundreds of elite athletes have - come to this unforgiving place...
0:11:10 > 0:11:15- ..to battle against each other, the - elements and, above all, themselves.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- Only seven people have ever crossed - the finish line of this race.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- I'm lying in bed...
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- ..and I've been thinking a lot - about this challenge.
0:11:30 > 0:11:36- Some people decide - to take the easy path in life...
0:11:36 > 0:11:42- ..whilst others - are more willing to take risks.
0:11:44 > 0:11:50- They are willing to push themselves - both physically and mentally...
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- ..to the very limit.
0:11:53 > 0:11:59- I think it's important - to take risks in life.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- Without taking risks...
0:12:02 > 0:12:07- ..we'll never know - what we can achieve...
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- ..or how far we can push ourselves.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- There's a positive aspect - to all of this.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- It still surprises me...
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- ..as to how much - I can push my body and my mind.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- I'm reaching new heights.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- However, on the negative side...
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- ..I'm pushing my body - to such an extreme...
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- ..that I've put myself at risk...
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- ..of developing - serious health problems.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- This adventure is already - preying on Lowri's mind...
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- ..but the training must continue.
0:12:57 > 0:13:03- I've had an amazing day, - running along the Slate Trails.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- It's been totally exhilarating...
0:13:08 > 0:13:13- ..to look down on Llanberis - in the shadows of Snowdonia.
0:13:14 > 0:13:19- When you've been running - for hours on your own...
0:13:19 > 0:13:25- ..you become very introverted and - start thinking about your life...
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- ..of friends and family...
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- ..as well as the important - and irrelevant things in life.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40- Sometimes, you can end a session - and feel quite emotional...
0:13:41 > 0:13:46- ..but today, I felt very happy, - and I could have gone on forever.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- Today has been a great day.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- From the peak to the valley.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- From the euphoria of training - to more tests in the laboratory.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- Lowri is still worried - about her health.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- Ten months before she leaves Wales, - she visits Bangor University...
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- ..and one of the best - sports science units in Britain.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- Dr Stewart Laing - and his team are ready for her.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- Dr Laing - has worked with the best...
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- ..such as Paula Radcliffe - and the British Olympic team.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- The aim is to see how Lowri's body - reacts in cold racing conditions.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- First, the necessary measurements.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- Height, weight - and body fat percentage.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- The fat will insulate Lowri's body - in the Arctic...
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- ..so it's important to know - how much she needs.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57- They will also discover how Arctic - temperatures affect her breathing...
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- ..so she has more breathing tests.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07- There's only one test - to assess a person's fitness levels.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- The V02 Max Test.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14- It measures the amount of oxygen - an athlete can inhale per minute.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- It starts at level one - and reaches level 20.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- OK, that's it.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- Lowri pushes herself to the limit.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- After 30 minutes, - she's totally exhausted.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- As long as you can go for. - That's it, push it now. All the way.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- That's it, drive forwards. - Use the legs. Come forwards.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- When you can't go any more, - jump to the side.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- OK, well done.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- Oh, dear.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- I'm a bit disappointed with that.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- I'd reached level 17...
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- ..then I suddenly hit level 20.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- I think I could have - gone on for longer...
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- ..and yet - my body couldn't continue...
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- ..so we'll have to wait - for the results.
0:16:21 > 0:16:22- Lowri is shocked and disappointed.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- Her fitness level has dropped - since the Amazon.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- There are more tests. - The refrigeration chamber is next.
0:16:31 > 0:16:37- The cables enable the scientists - to monitor Lowri's body temperature.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- It's essential for Lowri - to maintain her core temperature...
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- ..at 37 degrees Celsius - when she's in the Arctic.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- If her temperature drops by a few - degrees, it could cause hypothermia.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- If her temperature rises - and Lowri begins to sweat...
0:16:56 > 0:17:01- ..she could develop frostbite - as the sweat freezes on her skin.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- This is one of the biggest dangers - of the race.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10- I'm wearing my Arctic kit for - the first time. I'm very nervous.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15- I've never experienced temperatures - this low before.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- It's -20 degrees Celsius.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22- It'll be very cold, but - it's an important exercise for me.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- Julian Owen and Lowri will be - in the chamber for 90 minutes...
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- ..in a temperature - of -20.4 degrees Celsius.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- I'm amazed that I got so cold - this quickly.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- The fans add a chill factor.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- It's gone up my nose - and through my eyes...
0:17:47 > 0:17:52- ..but I feel like I've hit a wall of - coldness, and it's reached my bones.
0:17:55 > 0:18:01- I don't feel very comfortable at all - but that's all psychological...
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- ..because this is the first time - that I've ever been this cold.
0:18:09 > 0:18:15- The crew brought this into - the chamber five minutes ago.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- Look at it now.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- It's frozen... solid.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- The water has frozen - within five minutes.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32- After 90 minutes, Dr Laing's team - have gathered enough information...
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- ..but the experience - has shocked Lowri.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- I can't believe - that I've agreed to do this.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- I was in there for an hour...
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- ..but I'll face eight days of it - in the Arctic.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- And walk over 350 miles.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59- It's all starting to sink in now...
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- ..and I'm not very happy - at the moment.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- Lowri is disheartened - after the exercise.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- But are the results - as bad as she suspects?
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- It was a long day, - but how are the results?
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- They are very good, and - the body composition test was fine.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26- There's no reason to lose - or gain weight to go to the Arctic.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- The V02 Max aerobic test - was very good.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- I think you could have - pushed yourself harder.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- I never push myself to the limit, - so that was an important lesson.
0:19:38 > 0:19:44- The results from the chamber suggest - you should only take short rests.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- Ten to fifteen minutes - is long enough.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- OK, it's a lot of information - to absorb...
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- ..but it will certainly help me.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57- Thank you.
0:19:59 > 0:20:05- I've just returned from - Bangor University, and I'm in shock.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- I learnt a lot from - Dr Stewart Laing and his team...
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- ..but I'm disappointed - with the results of my fitness test.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- My fitness levels have fallen a lot - since the Amazon.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- I'm very sad about that.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- I'm also annoyed with myself - as I could've pushed myself harder.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- I should have been able to push - myself harder on the treadmill...
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- ..but the mind told the body - to give up...
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- ..and that's why I'm annoyed.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Despite her disappointment...
0:20:46 > 0:20:52- ..Lowri knows that she must - train harder to regain her fitness.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57- She increases her mileage and hours - of training to 20 hours a week...
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- ..and sets herself a challenge - on the slopes of Snowdonia.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- For the first time in ages, - I can say I've had a good week.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- I've ran 75 miles in five days.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- Today, I'll end my week...
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- ..with a trek - to the summit of Snowdon... twice!
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- Yes, you heard correctly.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- Nine months before the race...
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- ..and Lowri will scale Snowdon - twice in one day!
0:21:29 > 0:21:35- It's a 20-mile journey, and - she'll climb over 3,500 feet twice.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- I've already reached the top - of Snowdon today.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- I've been running - for about four hours.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- I can see the car in front of me.
0:21:57 > 0:22:03- The question is, do I have the - energy to run to the top again?
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- I don't know how I'm going - to drag myself out of the car...
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- ..into the rain and the cold.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- It was cold at the summit - of Snowdon today.
0:22:18 > 0:22:19- I was freezing.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- As the saying goes...
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- .."there's no glory in practice but - without practice there is no glory."
0:22:29 > 0:22:34- There's no glory - to be found in the rain today.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- Here I am...
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- ..reaching the top of Snowdon - for the second time today...
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- ..and the weather - has changed totally.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- My legs are tired. - They're really tired.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- Next time on Ras Yn Erbyn Amser...
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- ..Lowri experiences extreme - temperatures in the heart of Sweden.
0:23:02 > 0:23:03- I'm shivering. It's so cold.
0:23:04 > 0:23:10- How will Lowri cope with the - temperatures of -60 degrees Celsius?
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- I don't know how I'm going to do it.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- S4C subtitles by Tinopolis