0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:03 > 0:00:07- Television presenter, Lowri Morgan - is facing another massive challenge.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14- Following her success - in the 2009 Jungle Marathon...
0:00:14 > 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 > 0:00:52- Lowri faces a colossal challenge.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- She'll travel from Wales to Canada - and the Arctic Circle...
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- ..to compete in the 6633 Ultra race.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- She'll run 350 miles - over eight days...
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- ..in this non-stop, - self-sufficient race.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13- Temperatures fall to -93 degrees - Celsius in the strong winds.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18- This race has only been - completed seven times.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25- Three months before the race...
0:01:25 > 0:01:30- ..Lowri trains - on all terrain in all weathers.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- She's currently running 125 miles...
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- ..and completing - 30 hours of training a week.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- Lowri recently visited Sweden...
0:01:45 > 0:01:50- ..to familiarize herself with the - conditions she'll face in the Yukon.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- She was shocked - that the bitterly cold weather...
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- ..affected her both physically - and psychologically.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- She received specialist training - in the snow from elite soldiers.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- The message is clear. - Fitness is not enough.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- She must practise using - the specialist gear repeatedly...
0:02:13 > 0:02:18- ..and know how to gain easy access - to it at all times.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- This spells the difference - between success and failure.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- I've had an emotional day.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- I don't usually cry, - but I haven't stopped today.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- It's been three days - since I returned from Sweden.
0:02:37 > 0:02:43- The fear has taken hold today.
0:02:44 > 0:02:50- I've struggled with my breathing - and I've been panicking.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- I don't want to do it anymore.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57- And yet, - I've spoken on the telephone...
0:02:58 > 0:03:00- ..to Eurwyn...
0:03:01 > 0:03:03- ..and Nigel.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05- They are all so supportive.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- The strain is starting to show.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- The months of endless training...
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- ..and the bitter shock in Sweden - has frightened her.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24- But, Lowri Morgan is very stubborn - and her perseverance is legendary!
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- After a short break, - and some snowfall in Wales...
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- ..she continues the exercises - she learnt in Sweden.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- It's a few days before Christmas.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- It's -6 degrees Celsius.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- Believe it or not, - I'm going to sleep outside...
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- ..in the bivvy bag - and sleeping bag.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- I can hear carol singers - in the next street.
0:03:53 > 0:03:54- It's lovely, isn't it?
0:03:55 > 0:03:56- Goodnight.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- I have to learn - to take my coat off.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- Oh, gosh!
0:04:09 > 0:04:15- It's the middle of the night - and I can't sleep.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- I'm not as cold as I was in Sweden.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27- I'm sleeping outdoors so that I can - practise using the gear.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- Oh, the light has gone out.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- Here I am.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- All alone.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47- In Sweden, the pulk - was assembled incorrectly...
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- ..so it has been sent back - to be repaired.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- Lowri cannot use this - as an excuse to relax.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- I'm running 100 miles tomorrow - and I'm sick with fear.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- I've never run - 100 miles non-stop before.
0:05:07 > 0:05:13- I don't know what to expect - and it's terrifying me.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- The location is Brecon.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- The challenge commences - at Talybont-on-Usk.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- She must complete - a 23-mile course twice...
0:05:26 > 0:05:31- ..before running the - 58-mile journey home to Gowerton.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- It's a total of 104 miles.
0:05:38 > 0:05:44- It's going to be a long, lonely, - difficult and painful weekend...
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- ..but it's very important.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- On paper, it was a great idea, - but I am questioning it now.
0:05:51 > 0:05:57- I'll try to run 100 miles today and - be on my feet as much as possible.
0:05:58 > 0:06:03- It sounds overwhelming but every - journey starts with the first step.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- We'll see how it goes.
0:06:12 > 0:06:18- Three... two... one... go! - Have a great race.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- I've been running for 30 minutes.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- I'm tired - and I don't want to run this race.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55- I don't know how I'll finish the - 45 miles, let alone the 100 miles!
0:06:55 > 0:07:00- At the moment, - I'm not in the right frame of mind.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- My thoughts are all over the place - and I want to be at home on my sofa.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- It doesn't look too promising.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- Oh, dear, dear, dear.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- I don't want to be here.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- There are only negative thoughts - in my head...
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- ..and that isn't good.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- I'm not even a quarter of the way - through this race.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- After three hours of running - and gathering her thoughts...
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- ..Lowri finally finds her rhythm.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- I feel so much better. - I'm in the zone now.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- 167.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- It's been a very emotional journey - so far.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24- I've run 33 miles and now the pain - is reaching my joints.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- I've got to keep plodding on.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- This is training for the Arctic and - I need to keep telling myself that.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- This is just training - for the Arctic.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- This result is not important...
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- ..as it's just another stage - in my preparations.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- Come on, Lowri!
0:08:58 > 0:09:03- The first stage is over and Lowri - is in 6th place in the women's race.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- Your time is 10:05:41. Well done!
0:09:07 > 0:09:08- Your time is 10:05:41. Well done!- - Thank you.
0:09:09 > 0:09:10- Yeah!
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- The only problem is - that I have to run home now.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23- First, a light snack and some - much-needed treatment for her feet.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- My nails are coming off. This one - is coming off and so is that one.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- And I've got a blister here.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- Oh dear, I'd never make it - as a foot model!
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- Despite her feet, - Lowri is back on the road.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- It's going to be long, - painful and difficult.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- I've run 53 miles - and I don't know how I feel.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- I think I'm in the zone.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07- I'm in a lot of pain - but need to keep going.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- One foot in front of the other.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- Mam says - that the tortoise always caught up!
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- I'm just...
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- ..trying to keep going.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- It's the middle of the night...
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- ..and this is when - the hard work begins...
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- ..because the body - just wants to sleep.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- However...
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- ..it's horrendous - to fight against the fatigue.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- I'm really struggling...
0:10:53 > 0:10:58- ..but am confident - that I can do this.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- I didn't feel confident earlier, - but I do now.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- I've been running for 75 miles - and it's getting very difficult.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- It's also emotional because - I'm passing my childhood haunts.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22- I've passed the Gwyn Arms...
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- ..where I would go swimming - in the river with Auntie Glenys.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- I pass there at 12.30am...
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- ..and recall the fond memories - of times spent in these places.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- During this journey, - I'm almost stepping back in time.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- I can't work it out - because I'm so tired.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- It's been 20 hours so far...
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- ..and there are four miles to go.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- My mind has slowed down. - I'm too tired to think.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- The bottom of my feet - are all bruised...
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- ..and it's difficult - to put weight on them.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- Every muscle - in my body is hurting...
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- ..and the next four miles - will feel like a marathon in itself.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46- Finally...
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- ..I'm home.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- I'm so tired.
0:12:53 > 0:12:59- I had a love-hate relationship - with this challenge.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- I have to admit - that I hated about 80% of it...
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- ..and loved only 20% of it.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- The final 20 miles were a nightmare.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- The thought of this experience - makes me shake all over...
0:13:15 > 0:13:21- ..but I've done it despite the fact - that my body is falling apart.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- I feel sick, I'm tired...
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- ..and every muscle - in my body is hurting.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- I don't know - how I'll cope in the Arctic...
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- ..but I've covered - just over 100 miles...
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- ..in 21 hours.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- It's time for bed. Goodnight!
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- Despite her success - in the Beacons...
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- ..Lowri is still concerned - about the race in the Arctic Circle.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- I've been very naive - agreeing to do this race.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- I'm not sleeping at night. - I'm so worried about it.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- Is this challenge - going to break her?
0:14:15 > 0:14:16- .
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- 888- - 888
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Lowri Morgan is training for - the greatest challenge of her life.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- It's an ultra race - in the Arctic Circle.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- There are only two months left.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- During her training - throughout the year...
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- ..Lowri has covered over 3,500 miles - on all terrain...
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- ..and her feet - are in a seriously bad way.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- It's come to the point...
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- ..where my toenails - have finally had enough of my body!
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- I've had enough of them too!
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- Just come off.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09- Oh, that's it.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- Oops!
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- With forty days left...
0:15:17 > 0:15:22- ..she visits Dyfri Owen, - the physiotherapist, for treatment.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- Hi, Dyfri. Thank you for seeing me.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- Hi, Dyfri. Thank you for seeing me.- - No problem at all. Take a seat.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- How was the 100-mile run?
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- How was the 100-mile run?- - Difficult and long.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- Unfortunately, I have a list - of complaints for you, Dyfri.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- I'm in a little bit of pain.
0:15:39 > 0:15:40- Let's hear this list.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- Let's hear this list.- - My ankles.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48- My knees are fine if you consider - all they have had to withstand.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- The base of my spine - and the nape of the neck.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- Anything else?
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- Let's take a look at you.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- Lift your foot and keep it raised.
0:16:09 > 0:16:10- Alright?
0:16:10 > 0:16:11- Was that it?
0:16:11 > 0:16:12- Was that it?- - No.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- I'll just lift this gently.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- I can't believe how quickly - it's healed. You're a star, Dyfri!
0:16:30 > 0:16:31- Thank you.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32- Thank you.- - No problem.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39- Her body is rejuvenated and - Lowri has returned to her training.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- The preparations must continue.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- Today has been a complete contrast - to yesterday.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- Yesterday, I loved running - and had a beaming smile on my face.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- Today, it's been painful.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- I've hated every second...
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- ..of the seven hours of running - I've done today.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- It's been murder...
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- ..both physically and mentally.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15- Dyfri worked her body, but it's - also important to care for her mind.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- She seeks advice from Ross Hall, - a sports psychologist...
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- ..who has assisted her - since the start of her journey.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- For Lowri, these events - are about pushing herself...
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- ..physically and mentally.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34- Putting herself in a position where - everybody thinks she's crazy...
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- ..and proving to herself - that it's why she does these events.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- It's about competing - against herself.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- She gets a feeling of self-worth - and success from her achievements.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50- For some it's about their house - or their expensive car.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- For Lowri, none of that matters.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- It's about herself - competing against herself...
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- ..to prove what she can do, - physically and mentally.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- With the race so close, it's - now about rehearsing strategies...
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- ..and practice, practice, practice.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- With only a week until she leaves - for the Yukon, she does just that.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- She completes 12-hour - training sessions...
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- ..and practises repeatedly - with her equipment.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- As the big day approaches...
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- ..she thinks of the support she has - received throughout this journey.
0:18:32 > 0:18:38- I've received tremendous support - from my husband and family.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- They are the only ones - who know what I've been through.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- They have been there - during the good and bad times.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- They were there - when I wanted to give up.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- I've learnt so much about myself - over the last year.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- I also know that this race...
0:19:02 > 0:19:08- ..will be the toughest and most - painful of my life experiences.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14- But, I'll learn - so much more about myself.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- I'm looking forward to that.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- After a year of preparation...
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- ..and with the best wishes - of her friends and family...
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- ..the adventure gets under way.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- Lowri leaves London - and travels for 36 hours...
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- ..to the capital - of the Yukon territory, Whitehorse.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- When gold was discovered - in Klondike in 1896...
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- ..thousands moved to the city - in search of their fortune.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- The competitors met at Whitehorse...
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- ..under the watchful eye - of the race director, Martin Like.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- Label your drop bags accordingly - for MacPherson.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- Before the world's - toughest race begins...
0:20:10 > 0:20:16- ..competitors must prove they are - confident with their equipment...
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- ..and that they can cope - in a crisis.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- It's such a faff!
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- You need patience for this.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- Don't panic.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Lowri and the others - pass the test...
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- ..then begin - their 500-mile journey...
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- ..to the start line at Eagle Plains, - stopping halfway at Dawson City...
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- ..the Wild West of the north!
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- After two days at Whitehorse...
0:20:49 > 0:20:55- ..it's psychologically liberating - to visit Dawson City.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- I can appreciate the area...
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- ..and think of those who came here - 100 years ago in search of wealth.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- Many of the immigrants - were from Wales.
0:21:06 > 0:21:12- Now, my heart is pounding as I think - of the journey to Eagle Plains.
0:21:12 > 0:21:18- First, I've got one thing - left to do - the Sourtoe Cocktail!
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- I don't want to do it - but it's a local custom...
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- ..and a tradition in this race.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- I don't have much choice.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Drink it fast or drink it slow.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- As the competitors - gather at Dawson City...
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- ..they must each drink - at least one Sourtoe Cocktail.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- Cheers!
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- Why is it called a Sourtoe?
0:21:45 > 0:21:50- The cocktail contains a toe - that was removed due to frostbite.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Like the Amazon, on the night - before the start of the race...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- ..I've been thinking - of the past year.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- We've driven along the Dempster - Highway to Eagle Plains today...
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- ..and the scenery - has been breathtaking.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14- This place is stunningly beautiful - and so quiet.
0:22:14 > 0:22:20- There's no room for complacency as - this area demands focused attention.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25- The Arctic may be beautiful - but it has a sting in its tail.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- With only twelve hours - before the race starts...
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- ..I know it'll be painful, - it's going to hurt...
0:22:35 > 0:22:41- ..and it will push my personal - boundaries, but I'll form new ones.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- If I can carry out this challenge...
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- ..regardless of whether or not - I cross the finish line...
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- ..knowing that I've given my all - in the struggle...
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- ..then I'll be happy and content - leaving Canada.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- I'm both excited - and terrified about this race...
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- ..but it's time to face my fears...
0:23:03 > 0:23:08- ..to look in the eye of this race - and step up to the challenge.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- Next time on Ras Yn Erbyn Amser, - it's a great start in the Yukon.
0:23:19 > 0:23:25- I'm in a brilliant position - and I'm loving the challenge so far.
0:23:25 > 0:23:26- Will Lowri succeed?
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- It's up to me. I feel so frustrated.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- Just, just...
0:23:33 > 0:23:34- ..carry on going!
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- S4C subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:54 > 0:23:55- .