Icebreaker - Pure Merino

Sometimes people just do the most amazing things. On February 4th 2012, Justin Wallace began running the Yukon Arctic Ultra, pulling a 50lb sled across the frozen Yukon river and over the wooded hills that surround it as well. 100 miles (160km) and in a time of 21 hours and 41 minutes later he was the first competitor to arrive in Braeburn, getting there before the finish line had even been set up and establishing a new course record!

“The race started out too warm for my 200 weight GT top from Icebreaker, but as temperatures dropped to below -30ºC during the night, the base layer really shone. With only a light jacket over top and a well covered head, I ran through the darkness warm and dry. My physical comfort allowed me to enjoy the race, marvelling at how the snow crystals in the trees twinkled in the moonlight and watching the faint northern lights dance in green waves overhead.”

Here’s an excerpt from the February 5 Yukon Arctic Ultra News:
“Justin Wallace from Whitehorse sets new record and wins 100 mile race. We knew yesterday morning that Justin would be fast. I do admit that I did not expect it. Simply because I did not know him. Friends of his were not as surprised. I am told he trained very hard and used any excuse to go to places pulling his sled rather than taking a car. Not just once he showed up with an iced up face mask at friend’s places after a long run. And it paid off. Justin reached the finish line in Braeburn at 08:13 this morning, 21 hours and 41 minutes after race start and won the 100 miles. And not only did he win. He also broke the existing record by more than 2 hours!”

I had the undeniable pleasure of being part of the Icebreaker retail crew at this year’s Speight’s Coast to Coast. It was the 30^th anniversary of this iconic adventure race, which starts on Kumara Beach on the West coast of New Zealand’s South Island and finishes on Sumner Beach on the East coast.

This was Icebreaker’s third year as the exclusive clothing sponsor, and we also entered a HOT Icebreaker team (yes, including you, Craig!).

One of the most grueling races around, Speight’s Coast to Coast is heralded as the World Multisport Championships. Over either two days, or one day for the truly insane, competitors (as individuals or in teams of two) cycle 140 kms, run 36 km over mountains and kayak 67kms down the rapids on the Waimakariri River.

Team Icebreaker consisted of Casey and her partner, Dave, who’d both flown from Australia to join a long list of international athletes for the event. Fleur Pawsey and Simone Maier, alongside Ginny Bush, were three of our team best placed for podium finishes. Craig, Blake, Lisa, Dana, Jacqui and Hamish made up the rest of the team.

What did I take from the event?

• You’ve got to put in a helluva lot of training just to survive – it makes me tired just thinking about it
• Anyone who attempts the race is amazing – hats off to every member of Team Icebreaker
• The sense of achievement on completion is massive – big grins and tired bodies all round
• People get addicted and come back time and time again – they must be mad
• Support crews are vital and form a big part of the vibe – thank goodness they’re there to drink all the Speights (honestly, no one from Icebreaker touched a drop!)
• Viewing the run section from a helicopter is much easier than running it – thanks to Double Hill Station Heli Flights for the ride
• Icebreaker clothing rocks in multisport – it was everywhere!

And, to share Casey’s thoughts on completing the event, “The sense of achievement is awesome, the run kicks arse, and the atmosphere of the whole event is super fun. I urge anyone tempted to sign up, it’s very achievable with a bit of training…I had only been on my bike 5 times!” So maybe, just maybe, I could do it – one day (in the far off future)…

And the winners? Everyone, for their huge achievements, with a special big ups to Fleur Pawsey for placing second in the women’s one-day race.

- Jo Miller, Icebreaker PR

It’s friday and we love it when our staff turn up to work showing us just how versatile some of our garments can be. Today proved to be that day, with 3 girls wearing our Breeze Skirt in 3 different ways…

1. Skirt folded long with Icebreaker tee tucked in
2. Skirt unfolded and worn high with tee tucked in
3. Skirt folded short with relaxed tee over the top

Thanks to Manna, Maya and Gina for letting us share their outfits. Note the footwear differences as well – barefoot, boots or sneakers all look great with the Breeze Skirt!

For those of you in the Northern Hemisphere the Breeze Skirt will be with you soon.