Antarctic Adventure and Cold Weather Running
About Page: Ultracoolrunner
How I Got to Antarctica
Hey, I’m Ray, the guy behind Ultracoolrunner.com. If you’re here, you’re probably curious about Cold Weather Running, Antarctic Adventure or maybe both. Well, it all kicked off when I landed a gig as an electrician at Scott Base in Antarctica when I was 30 (that was a few years back). I ended up spending over a year down there, and honestly, it was one of the best-paid adventures I’ve ever had…. and I’ve had quite a few since then.
If you are interested in Antarctic Adventure, or how to run in mild or extreme cold weather then get in touch. I am thinking of starting a small community of people who want an adventure of their own but just need some help to get there.
Running in the Coldest Place on Earth
Let’s get this straight—running in -43°C isn’t something I’d recommend to most people. It was intense, and yeah, there were days when it was even colder than that (-50°C to be exact), but those were reserved for other adventures, not running.
Running was how I stayed fit and kept my mind in check. One day, Dave, a mate of mine, grabbed Jono and me and said, “Let’s go for a run.” The temp outside Scott Base was about -21°C, and honestly, I thought I might just drop dead from exhaustion. I hadn’t run since New Zealand, and here I was, jogging over ice and snow to the airfield—about 5km each way. Jono did great, but I think that was his first and last run in Antarctica (can’t say I blame him). As for me? Well, I was hooked. I could often be found running to the airfield or up around the hill behind Scott Base to McMurdo. A few of the realy good runners woudl go much further in the summer but I dont remember anyone running in the extreems that I did through the Antarctic winter.
From that point on, running in very sub-zero conditions became my thing. It wasn’t just about keeping fit—it was about figuring out what worked and what didn’t when the weather wanted to freeze your eyelashes off (nothing worse than when condensation and ice build up on your eyelashes that your eyes weld shut). That’s how Ultracoolrunner.com came to be—not just a cool name, but a testament to actually running in these brutal conditions.
But if you’re just looking to run in normal winter weather, don’t worry. I’ve got tips for running in the type of cold that does not involve the extremes of Antarctica. I love a bit of science, so I’ll explain how your body reacts to the cold, how to breathe properly, and why cold weather running can actually be good for you. Keep in mind that I still do not consider myself a runner. Although I love running I am intermittent at best. These days I am more into frosty morning combination sprinting/walking, breath work and heart rate management so I still feel great after a run … rather than bashing up my knees over a super long distance at a 100 % effort that will deplete muscle rather than build it.
Why Running in Cold Weather is a Good Idea
Running in cold weather might seem crazy, but trust me, once you’re prepared, it’s one of the best ways to stay fit. You’ll feel tougher, stronger, and the crisp air? Way more exhilarating than you’d expect. I’m no Iceman, but spending 12 months on ice teaches you a thing or two.
If you’re somewhere like Canada with winters that rival Antarctic temps, there are tricks you can learn to stay safe and keep your lungs happy. Don’t jump into running in -15°C or colder without knowing the basics—it can mess you up. But if you ease into it and follow some simple tricks, you’ll be fine. Check out the blogs I’m working on, and if you’ve got questions, just message me. I’m happy to share what I’ve learned from both experience and research.
What Life at Scott Base Was Like
Besides running, life at Scott Base was, well, pretty wild. No sun for months, but total darkness only sticks around for a week or two. You get used to it. If I’d known then what I know now, I would’ve been popping Vitamin D3 like candy.
My time was split between maintaining the machinery, fixing equipment, and working on random projects. One of those projects? Building a website during the long, dark winter of 1997/98. I had a choice: either learn to sew a polar fleece jacket (spoiler: didn’t happen) or make a website. I went with the website, thanks to some tech access from a host called “Page Planet” and approval from the Antarctica New Zealand management.
That website hung around for years. You can still find the old version at GeoCities, though it’s a bit broken these days. It was full of blogs and stories I’d write, often answering questions from kids back in New Zealand and the USA about what life was like in Antarctica. The new site builds on that original work, but since Google likes to make things difficult, I’ve had to shake up the content a bit.
Connecting with the World
One of the coolest parts of my time there was getting emails from kids in Chicago, aged 7 to 10. They’d ask about everything—from the wildlife to what I ate every day. I even got a care package once with some neat gifts, including a Chicago Bulls cap. Those kids are probably in their mid-30s now, and I can’t help but wonder if any of them made it to Antarctica after all the questions they asked about life on the ice.
I also got to know their teacher well, and her sister even helped me edit the website. I mean, I wrote the content, but she’s the one who made it readable!
Helping People Work in Antarctica
During my time at Scott Base, and even after I left, people kept asking me how to get a job down there. I’d share tips on how to prep for interviews and what to expect if they got the gig. If you’ve ever thought about working in Antarctica, it’s possible—you just need to know how to approach it. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned if you ask.
Sharing My Story and Tips
Now, I’m rebuilding Ultracoolrunner.com with more stories from Scott Base and tips on how to run in cold weather or survive an adventure in freezing conditions. Whether you’re thinking about running through a winter storm or just curious about visiting Antarctica, even if it’s by tourist ship, I’m here to help.
Pushing your limits in the cold isn’t something most people do—but it’s worth it. Whether you’re running at -5°C or -43°C, you’ll come out stronger. Trust me, I’ve been there.
If you want to know more about any of the gear I would use then I will try to add links to that stuff later, if I remember. If you are after something specific then email me by using the link form below and I will get back to you.
Want to Know More?
If you want more advice on cold weather running, getting to Antarctica (for work or as a tourist), or just surviving your own cold weather adventures, check out the rest of the site. It’s still a work in progress, but hey, I’m in no rush. Got questions? Drop me a message—I’m always happy to chat!
Ngā mihi nui
Ray
