Ultramarathoner's Antarctic adventure during three months with British research team

IT seems Antarctica is becoming a popular destination with intrepid CurraNZ customers.

This month’s prize winner, Sue Harding, is coming to the end of a three-month adventure on the world’s windiest, driest continent working on a remote British Research Station.

Sue, from Ireland, has been with the British team on the Brunt Ice shelf, working as chef for the scientists undertaking important environmental work during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer season.

The keen ultra-runner is prepping for a big Australian race in a few months and needed to keep her training going in one of the harshest environments on earth.

'CurraNZ has helped keep me healthy in the absence of fresh food'

Sue stocked up on CurraNZ before her departure in November to support her training for the Margaret River Ultra - a 80km marathon in Perth, Australia in May.

Having emigrated to Brisbane, Australia, from the UK a few years ago, Sue says: “I used CurraNZ for the UTA 100km in the Blue Mountains in May and they were awesome, so I wanted to see how I got on with them in the Antarctic.

"We haven't had a fresh food delivery for over a year, so it's safe to say I've been lacking in parts of my diet but taking CurraNZ has really helped. 

"I'm surprised at how healthy I've felt for these few months as the food, no matter how well cooked, does lack important nutrients and vitamins. 

"I've managed to keep the training going for most of my time here and I'm sure they've allowed me to do a few long back-to-back runs without too much fatigue."

'Snow drifts make running problematic, but it's so inspirational being out here on a clear day'

Sue has had to contend with extreme conditions while out training.

"We’ve had 24 hours of sunshine for all my time here and I’m lucky I haven’t suffered from it. I’ve been sleeping well which is lucky as I know some of the team have really struggled with getting to sleep.

"Running on the snow and in whiteouts have been painful at times purely because you can’t get a rhythm going, it’s like running in sand but you can’t see where you are going and then you hit a snow drift and stack it!

"But when you get a clear day it’s amazing, the sky is so blue and it’s inspirational to keep moving."

Last month, Neil Hunter became the first Type 2 Diabetic to ski to the South Pole using CurraNZ, something that wasn’t lost on Sue.

“I’ve had an absolute blast being here – it was great seeing fellow CurraNZ athlete Neil Hunter reaching the South Pole too, an amazing achievement.

“It’s fairly epic being out here and Neil would’ve seen all extremities.

“I leave shortly which is sad, but I’m really looking forward to some fresh food!”