The arctic clothing is something else.
I went for the fitting on Monday at a restaurant in Knightsbridge managed by someone else on the trek.
First off there is the thermal underlayer: longjohns and T-shirt. Then there is the outer thermal layer and then a fleece layer. Sweating like a fiend, I then had to don the windproof boiler suit thingy and then a duck down jacket on top of that. Feeling a bit like the Michelin man after Christmas dinner, I then had to put on the balaclava, wooly hat, inner thermal gloves, huge mittens, two pairs of thermal socks and giant ice boots.
I looked like a cross between a yeti and a bouncy castle.
I am sure it does a marvelous drop at keeping out the cold, but wearing the full garb in a warm restaurant was not a pleasent experience. However I don't have to worry about ponging after my 10 days trapsing about an icesheet, because apparently at those extreme low temperatures, wiffs do not bother the nostrils. Thinking about this, it may be because the nostrils are not working.
What happens when we warm up upon finally return to our hotel rooms after 144 miles is beyond contemplation.
Here is a link to the eBay auction for the last place on the expedition. Anyone who feels flush can bid.

Now an apology: I may have given the impression in an earlier post that somebody who had read this blog was so inspired that she was contemplating running the next London marathon.
I have since met the person in question and she informs me that she was playing with the idea of running "a London marathon" but not necersarily the next one. I am happy to put the record straight. Anyway, anyone who wants to encourage her, can reach her at... on second thoughts maybe not.

My new lush gym has underfloor heating in the changing rooms. Perfect!!