Eric Larsen shares the importance of pre-expedition fitness training. He describes his routine, what it takes physically to endure polar expeditions, and how he prepared for climbing Mt. Everest. Also, Larsen explains how proper physical training beforehand helps to avoid problems during the expedition. Learn more about how Eric Larsen stays in shape after the jump.
Contributions by Eric Larsen
Expedition Fitness Training
Eric Larsen shares the importance of pre-expedition fitness training. He describes his routine, what it takes physically to endure polar expeditions, and how he prepared for climbing Mt. Everest. Also, Larsen explains how proper physical training beforehand helps to avoid problems during the expedition. Learn more about how Eric Larsen stays in shape after the jump.
Mt. Rainier Summit
Just back after a pretty tough couple of days. We managed to summit Rainier via the Emmons Glacier but just barely. My friend Paul Nanawa and I hiked in through White River on Thursday morning. We had a fairly casual walk up through an incredible stand of firs and pine eventually making our way onto the inter glacier. As a precaution, we roped up and continued to ascend. We had gotten a slightly later start than we had hoped and the snow in the late afternoon sun became soft. Post holing our way up the incline, we struggled under our[...]
Surviving the Antarctic Chill
I awoke to discover that blowing snow had drifted violently against the tent’s vestibule during the night, nearly smashing our pot and stove. I had to repeatedly punch the hard-packed drift loose just to open the flap. I was groggy from a fitful night’s sleep, during which I had been haunted by strange dreams. The loud train I imagined must have been a subconscious interpretation of the wind pounding against the thin nylon. It’s the first morning of my 2009 South Pole expedition in Antarctica, the beginning of my Save the Poles Expedition—a first-ever journey to the South Pole, North[...]
Light & Rugged Gear is Key to Expedition Success