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0:00:03 > 0:00:09- Television presenter, Lowri Morgan, - is facing another massive challenge.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14- Following her success - in the 2009 Jungle Marathon...
0:00:15 > 0:00:18- ..she'll replace - the humidity of the Amazon...
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- ..with the freezing extremities - of the Arctic.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54- Lowri will travel to the Yukon, the - westernmost territory of Canada...
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- ..to compete - in the 6633 Ultra race.
0:00:59 > 0:01:05- 6633 signifies the latitude - of the Arctic Circle.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- It's the only race that takes - competitors across that line.
0:01:09 > 0:01:14- It's a non-stop, 350-mile race - over eight days...
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- ..and the competitors - must be self-sufficient.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- The race has only - been completed seven times.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- Temperatures can drop - to -93 degrees Celsius...
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- ..with strong 70mph winds.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34- Only those with mental - and physical strength...
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- ..who have prepared thoroughly - will succeed.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43- This is the windiest, coldest and - most extreme marathon in the world.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- It's eight months until the race. - Training has become a way of life.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- My life currently - resembles Groundhog Day!
0:01:58 > 0:02:00- I get up in the morning - and go running.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- I go to work, go home - and go running again.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- I eat a lot and go to bed.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- I get up in the morning - and go running.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- I go to work, then run, - eat, eat a lot and go to bed.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- Even at weekends, - I get up and go running.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- I have lunch and go running.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- My life is so rock 'n' roll!
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- She's currently running - 110 miles a week...
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- ..but this race requires - more than just fitness.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41- All the equipment has arrived, - including this huge coat.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- Look at all this stuff.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- First, this is the pulk - - or the sledge.
0:02:46 > 0:02:52- I'll be pulling about - 20 kilos a day on that.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- Then, there's the dry food.
0:02:55 > 0:03:01- I'll need 5,000 calories per day - to maintain my energy levels.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- I've got walking sticks to help me - when times get tough.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- I've also created - my own cooking system.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- These are the things I like...
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- ..the spikes that go on the base - of my running shoes.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- Then, I've got water flasks - which I've covered in Sellotape...
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- ..to stop my fingers - from sticking to the metal.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- There's a rucksack - with a pouch on the front.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- I'll need to learn about - the various pockets.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- Then, clothing - and sleeping equipment.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- The sleeping bag can be used - in -60 degrees Celsius.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- The bivvy protects you from - the strong winds and cold weather.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- Another mattress underneath.
0:03:42 > 0:03:48- I've also got a bothy bag which is - a tent that's used in an emergency.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- I'll go in here, sit down...
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- ..and pull it closed.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- Hopefully, this will protect me...
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- ..and enable me to rejuvenate myself - for the next section of the race.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- That's all of the equipment.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- I've got a few months to learn - how to use all these kit items...
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- ..whilst wearing - these massive gloves.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- I have to respect - every single piece of equipment...
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- ..because these will save my life - when I'm out in the Arctic.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- I've just run 40 miles... - 40 miles, yeah!
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- I've never done that before.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- People ask why I put myself - through all of this pain.
0:04:48 > 0:04:54- It's all about - my current feeling of euphoria.
0:04:54 > 0:04:59- I've done something that I didn't - think was possible this morning.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- Despite the joy - of reaching another milestone...
0:05:06 > 0:05:11- ..Lowri's anxious about the serious - dangers she'll face in the Arctic.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- She must learn to survive - in extreme weather conditions.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- After all, the Arctic - has claimed many lives.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- Lowri survived the - sweltering heat of the Amazon...
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- ..but competing in the freezing - Arctic is totally different...
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- ..and far more dangerous.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- She seeks advice from Eurwyn Davies, - former royal marine and paramedic...
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- ..who cared for her in the jungle.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- Seven months before the race...
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- ..Eurwyn teaches her - some survival skills for the Arctic.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- At an industrial freezer - in Carmarthenshire...
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- ..in temperatures - of -21 degrees Celsius...
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- ..Lowri spends two hours - on the bike.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- It will be much colder - in the Yukon...
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- ..so it's important to wear - the correct clothing.
0:06:07 > 0:06:13- You're more likely to get frostbite - if your skin is wet.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- You must check to see you can still - feel your nose, ears and fingers.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- If not, do something about it. - Don't keep going.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- I know what you're like. You don't - need to do an extra mile on day one.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- After all, you're competing - against the environment...
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- ..not against the other competitors.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39- Eurwyn helps Lowri to identify - the symptoms of frostbite.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- This compass also has a mirror.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48- Use it to monitor yourself and check - your face when you're competing.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- We must also consider hypothermia, - that is, exposure.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- If you don't listen to your body, - then it can take hold in minutes.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- The body needs to be at 37 degrees - Celsius to function properly.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- There are several different levels - of hypothermia.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- In the freezer, you were shivering.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- Your hands were shaking. - You couldn't write.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- Your legs were shaking.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- You'd overdone it. - You were sweating.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- The clothing wasn't working.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- This would make you short-tempered, - and your muscles would fail.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- Drop below 32 degrees, - and you'll struggle to walk...
0:07:28 > 0:07:33- ..you'll have uncontrollable shivers - and you'll want to lie in the snow.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- Death is just around the corner.
0:07:35 > 0:07:41- Eurwyn's strong words emphasize - the severity of this race.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- How will Lowri cope - with the cold weather?
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- She'll spend a weekend - in the Arctic Circle in Sweden.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- I'm shivering. I'm so cold.
0:07:54 > 0:08:00- It's a baptism of fire as she faces - temperatures of -60 degrees Celsius.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- I don't know how I'll do it.
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0:08:08 > 0:08:08- 888
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0:08:13 > 0:08:17- Lowri Morgan has accepted - another challenge...
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- ..the world's coldest - and most extreme race...
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- ..only ever completed seven times.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- Six months before the race, Lowri - wants to learn about her kit...
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- ..and become accustomed - to extreme weather conditions.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- She leaves Wales - for a weekend of training...
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- ..in the Arctic Circle - in northern Sweden.
0:08:44 > 0:08:45- Over the next few days...
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- ..the aim is to learn to cope and - survive in such extreme conditions.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57- This race isn't just about fitness. - Equipment is also important.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- I need to learn how to survive - in these conditions.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- I'll try and stay strong...
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- ..but we'll have to wait and see - because it'll be a real test.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- Lowri is met in Kiruna, home - to the indigenous Sami people...
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- ..by Nigel Thomas, - the former elite soldier.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- What surprise have you got - in store for me?
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- I'm waiting patiently for it.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- We've got a 60km journey - ahead of us.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- Someone has to drive the van, - so I'll do that.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- You've got the pulk, - so you can start from here.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- We'll load your pulk - and fix the harness now.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40- Forty miles?
0:09:40 > 0:09:41- Forty miles?- - Forty miles.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- If you can't do that, - you'll stand no chance in the race.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- Straight into the deep end.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- Who said that working - in television is glamorous?!
0:09:57 > 0:10:02- She starts - her 40-mile journey at 2.00pm.
0:10:02 > 0:10:08- It's a lonely journey for Lowri, - despite Nigel's assistance.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- She looks comfortable - after the first hour...
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- ..and as the temperature drops, - she increases her pace.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- But suddenly, there's a problem.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- Stop, stop, stop, stop!
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- I had to stop as I was getting hot - and starting to sweat.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- That's the last thing - I want to happen.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- I don't want to sweat - in these conditions...
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- ..because when you stop, - the sweat freezes...
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- ..and the frostbite kicks in.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- I was panicking a little.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- I've never experienced - these conditions before.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- This experience is a learning curve.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- As she experiments with - the layers of clothing...
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- ..she realizes that controlling - her body isn't her only fear...
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- ..as cars whizz past within feet.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15- Her body temperature must remain - comfortably cool whilst running...
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- ..but when she stops, Lowri is - freezing, and hypothermia sets in.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- I'm shivering. I'm so cold.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- My feet are cold. - Everything is cold.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- Lowri is given the option - of warming up in the car...
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- ..but she's determined to continue - and face her fears.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- Thirty miles remain...
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- ..and the temperature drops - to -40 degrees Celsius.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- After eight hours, she's emotional.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Pulling the pulk is - at the root of the problem.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- I'm so frustrated.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- Running 40 miles at home is nothing - compared to running in this country.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- It's so cold and the pulk - is pulling me back.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- I literally can't run, - and I'm struggling.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- I don't know how I'll do it.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- Despite the perilous conditions, - Lowri battles through the night...
0:12:31 > 0:12:37- ..and completes the 40 miles - in a very long 14 hours.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- Lowri's done well tonight.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47- She's walked 40 miles whilst - pulling the pulk for the first time.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- She's done well, - but she's had a shock.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Her feet hurt, - but she doesn't have blisters.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- Since she's pulling weight, - other muscles are working.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- Her legs are tired too.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- There's a saying - in the sporting world...
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- ..that pain is - weakness leaving the body.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- If that's the case...
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- ..then I have a lot of weaknesses - because I'm suffering.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- It's been a very difficult 40 miles.
0:13:17 > 0:13:23- For the first 20 miles, - I used my legs...
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- ..and used my head - for the last 20 miles.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- It was a real test.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- Sleep is now her main priority.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- To recreate racing conditions...
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- ..she sleeps in her sleeping bag - and bivvy.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- Have you got a pillow?
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- Have you got a pillow?- - I'll get one for you now!
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- There you go. See you later.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- Sleep well.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- Goodnight!
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- Goodnight.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18- Are you awake?
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- Are you awake?- - Yes, I've been awake for a while.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- Are you cold?
0:14:22 > 0:14:23- Are you cold?- - Yes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24- Have you slept at all?
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- Have you slept at all?- - Yes, I slept well at the start.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- I don't know - how long I've slept for.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37- You went to bed after 5.00am, - and it's 9.00am now.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- I think I've had about three hours.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- I think I've had about three hours.- - Yes, it took time for you to settle.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- Lowri must acclimatize - to Arctic conditions...
0:14:48 > 0:14:54- ..and learn to dress, pack, drink - and eat from her sleeping bag...
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- ..before starting a new day.
0:15:01 > 0:15:07- Resting in these conditions leads to - a dramatic drop in body temperature.
0:15:08 > 0:15:14- Lowri warms up with some singing - exercises she learnt at university.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19- A - E - I - O - U. - My jaw feels as if it's frozen.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- We noticed that during breakfast.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- We noticed that during breakfast.- - It's difficult to speak.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- Next, it's a trip on a Skidoo - into the depths of Sami country.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36- Nigel and his elite soldiers are - eager for her to walk on tired legs.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- The race requires her to complete - an average of 44 miles a day...
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- ..over eight consecutive days.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- Lowri has no time to appreciate - the stunning scenery of Kebnekaise.
0:15:51 > 0:15:57- She must listen to her mind and body - and get used to her survival diet.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- It's -60 degrees Celsius...
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- ..and she must complete a marathon - in six hours over an icy lake.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- She completes the task, - but faces another lesson.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39- Goran, a soldier, drives the Skidoo - for five minutes without a mask...
0:16:40 > 0:16:45- ..to show the effect - of the extreme weather on his skin.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- Come here. Can you see it?
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- Look at the white patch.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- Can you see that? It's frostnip - which leads to frostbite.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- After frostbite, it turns black, - and it's dead skin.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- You need to place a warm hand on it - to warm the area.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- When you're alone, keep a mirror at - hand and check yourself every hour.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- There isn't room for any mistakes.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16- It's very serious, and - I'm glad you've witnessed this...
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- ..because without warmth, - it develops into frostbite.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- That's what I'm most scared about.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- Nigel wants to prove that her face - won't be the only thing to suffer.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- It's getting cold now.
0:17:29 > 0:17:35- Frostnip develops after dancing - barefoot in the snow for a minute.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- I was only in the snow - for 30 seconds.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- That's painful.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47- I've got to place my feet - under his arms.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- Oh... that's lovely.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- Lowri is given another test - whilst Nigel's feet thaw.
0:17:55 > 0:18:01- Nigel has given me a task - to light a fire with my eyes closed.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- In the race, it'll be dark, - I'll be tired...
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- ..so I need to learn how to do this.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- The aim is to practice preparing - the equipment repeatedly...
0:18:20 > 0:18:26- ..so that it becomes an automatic - process, like tying a shoe lace.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- And her reward? A dehydrated supper!
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- It isn't as good as what I get - at home, but it'll do!
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- It'll give me energy, - keep me warm, and that's important.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- It's the final morning of training, - and Lowri is learning the routine.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- The aim is to stay in the sleeping - bag for as long as possible.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- Yes.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03- It's been a unique experience - in a beautiful country.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- It's easy to run over 100 miles - a week at home...
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- ..in chambers, the Beacons, - Snowdonia and the freezers...
0:20:13 > 0:20:19- ..but nothing prepares you - for these extreme conditions.
0:20:22 > 0:20:23- The cold.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- We've faced temperatures - of -60 degrees Celsius...
0:20:28 > 0:20:29- ..in strong winds.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- It's been a real shock - to the system.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- Despite wearing all these clothes, - day and night...
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- ..nothing prepares you.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- I've been cold, - and I've been emotional.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- The thing that terrifies me most...
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- ..is that it's impossible to survive - without the correct equipment.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- I'm not very confident, - but it's been a real eye-opener...
0:20:57 > 0:21:02- ..and an important, - essential lesson.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- But if I'm totally honest - with myself...
0:21:06 > 0:21:11- ..I'm leaving Sweden having lost - some of my self-confidence.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- I think that this race...
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- ..is going to be - very difficult to complete.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- I'm shaking just thinking about it.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- It's going to be a real challenge, - and I don't know if I can do it.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- I've had an emotional day.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- I don't normally cry, - but I haven't stopped today.
0:21:39 > 0:21:44- It's been three days - since I've returned from Sweden.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49- The fear has taken hold today.
0:21:51 > 0:21:57- I've struggled with my breathing, - and I've been panicking.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- I don't want to do it any more.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- And yet, I've spoken - on the telephone...
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- ..with Eurwyn... Nigel...
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- ..and they're all very supportive.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- They are so supportive.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- They're helping me, phoning me - and texting me.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- I'm really struggling now.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- It's mentally difficult...
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- ..and I'm struggling - to drag myself outside.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- I've had such a shock - after being in Sweden.
0:22:44 > 0:22:50- I'm really trying to stay strong...
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- ..but inside, - I'm shaking like a leaf!
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- When I come home, I'm struggling.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- The magnitude of this race - has struck me.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- I don't think I'm ready - for this challenge.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- I don't feel strong.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15- The emotional battle continues - next time on Ras Yn Erbyn Amser.
0:23:15 > 0:23:21- Lowri tries to face her fears - by running 100 miles non-stop.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- I'm too tired to think.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- Is this one step too far?
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- S4C subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:47 > 0:23:48- .