speaker-0: This is a bit different. Today I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Greg Wells. Now, folks who are a fan of the show, they know that Dr. Greg is one of my work besties, amazing sports physiologists. He works in keynotes all around the world. He is an amazing human being. Now, Dr. Greg is pretty awesome, but do you know what's even more awesome? Is his daughter Ingrid Wells. And she is on the show today to tell us all about. An an update that she has in terms of something that she's doing with her dad this fall. It will blow your mind. She is a grade 10 high school student who is literally going to change the world. Stay tuned to this special episode with Ingrid Wells and the one and only Dr. Greg Wells when we hear all about their next big adventure. Welcome to this episode. I'm very excited to have a special guest with us today. So we have Ingrid Wells. And you might be wondering, that name feels familiar. Where do I know her from? Well, she just happens to be one of the one and only Dr. Greg Wells' daughters. So, Ingrid, welcome to the podcast. I am so excited to have you and your dad here today because you got some big things cooking this fall that I'm excited to talk with you about.
speaker-1: We do. Thank you for having me.
speaker-0: Yeah, this is great. Okay. So, Angret, tell us about who you are, how old you are, what you're doing, and then we're gonna get into this big update that you have for all of us. And again, I am just so excited that you're here for this.
speaker-1: Here too, just for the record, but I was gonna sit here and look for you as you asking your lots of questions. Here we go.
speaker-0: I love this. Okay, tell us about yourself.
speaker-1: Well, for the viewers, my name's Ingrid. I'm sixteen years old. I currently live in Toronto with my dad, my little brother, and my mom, and our lovely dog named Luna. I'm a competitive swimmer. I just finished exams, so I'm about to go into grade eleven. And this November I will be empt attempting to complete the great world race.
speaker-0: my goodness. Okay. First of all, I would just like to hold space for people to recognize, yes, she did just say she is going to be competing in the great world race, but also that this is a student, grade 11, who is this articulate and well spoken. it gives us hope for the future, Ingrid, that these teenagers are doing good work. So again, thank you for introducing us. okay, Dr. Greg, I'm gonna ask you a question. So your 16-year-old daughter says, Dad, I wanna do The Great World Race and tell us about that. Cause I have a feeling there might be some of your circles that could have brought this into her ecosystem.
speaker-1: Well, that's so funny. So we've been ideating on something to do. I love doing expeditions. We travel the world as a family. And Ingrid and I were sort of noodling on the idea of skiing to the South Pole in Antarctica, because a bunch of my friends have done that. They've sent world records. I have weird friends. We like to do these sorts of things. So I was like, well, I mean, know Hannah did it five times. She can show us how to do it. and but the logistics weren't working out. it's you you're away for two months and all those sorts of things. And she hypothetically used to go to school. And then literally a week later, a buddy of mine from Ireland messages me and he said, Hey, there's this thing, it's a great world race, and it starts in Antarctica. And that was actually the headline. So we just launched right into the possibility of doing this event. And again, I was like, maybe could be cool, maybe not. And then one day we were chatting downstairs. And Ingrid said, I'm gonna pull up the quote because I want to make sure that I can do you know what, Ingrid Wells? Do know what you said? Okay, you what did you say? I said, I want to do something that when I complete it, I know I can do anything. and she said that and I walked upstairs and I I I emailed Doctor David and I was like, We're coming. I didn't tell her at the time, but I was like, Here, take all it, we're in. So I fired up. So yeah, that's the or that's the genesis. That's the origin story.
speaker-0: What an amazing story. And Ingrid, I just those words are powerful. Those are very, very powerful words. Okay, Ingrid, for those of us who are listening who don't know about the great world race, can you let's hear it. What are the what are the conditions? What's gonna happen for this experience?
speaker-1: So the Great World Race is an internationally acclaimed marathon challenge that takes place every year. This year it is between November 15th to 21st. The concept of the Great World Race is that participants complete seven marathons on seven continents in all seven days of the week. So one marathon a day, one continent a day. It's ridiculous. Yeah.
speaker-0: That's wild. Yeah.
speaker-1: It's kind of crazy.
speaker-0: That is so crazy. It's possible. Like we know. So people have done this. So this has been around for a wee while, right? Like this is something, as you said, it's a it's a credited experience. It's been around. And where do you okay? I want to hear these seven continents, how you're doing this. Where do you start?
speaker-1: So a few days before the race begins, everyone meets in Cape Town, South Africa. Okay. The first marathon happens in Wolfsfang, Antarctica. Okay. So that's day one. Day two, everyone flies back to Cape Town for the second marathon. The third one is on the western coast of Australia in Perth.
speaker-0: Okay.
speaker-1: The fourth fourth one? Yeah. Fourth one is in Singapore. Okay. The fifth one is in Algarve, Portugal. Okay. The sixth one is Cartagena, Columbia, and then the finale is in Miami.
speaker-0: My goodness. So not only are you like running seven marathons, like one a day for seven consecutive days, you literally are traveling to seven different continents, like in your recovery window. And how much time is allotted per marathon before it's like planes wheels up? We gotta go to the next location.
speaker-1: So everyone has eight hours to complete the marathons and the rest that you get between the marathons is any extra time you have in those eight hours and the flight it takes you to get to the next place.
speaker-0: And do you have to go through a regular airport? I imagine there must be some type of accommodation to make sure that you can get from continent to continent and city and city in time.
speaker-1: So yeah, there's sixty people that are participating plus the the team that's leading it. And they've got a a a a jet. And so we will fly in between, offload, do the event. I mean, Wolffang is at a you know an airbase. You literally like do the marathon on the landing area. and hopefully that there will probably be some arrangements for like a a rapid movement through customs in each location. Yes. And they've done this. I think this is their fourth time doing it. So they've done this before. The the the teens know how this works and hopefully it'll be not too much of a of a process to get through all of the admin in each country.
speaker-0: Which is amazing. And do you do you r have to have travel visas to be able to go to these countries or is that one of the things that the logistics team helps you guys stick handle?
speaker-1: Yeah, we're very fortunate that we're Canadian, therefore, most countries still like us at the moment. So it's relatively easy as for us to get into South Africa, for example. We do get passes to Australia. It does require special permits to go to Antarctica. So we will have have those. in Australia, Singapore, Portugal, Cartagena, and OECD US are relatively easy for us. But there's people from all over the world doing this. And so yes, everyone has to get their their visas and permission and all those sorts of things. And it's definitely an administrative Challenge I think to get it all organized.
speaker-0: I can only imagine. Okay. I like I am like I have so many curiosities on so many different fronts on this. So bear with me if I'm just like literally rapid firing questions at you. So there's the logistics side, but then I'm also wondering like, how do you pack for seven different marathons? Like okay, that's Ingrid's job. Tell
speaker-1: That's my job. In charge of the packing list.
speaker-0: me more, Ingrid.
speaker-1: So, for most of the marathons, like everyone except Antarctica, it's pretty standard running gear, you know, t shirts, shorts, probably some pretty comfortable running shoes 'cause you're gonna be on your feet for quite a long time. And Antarctica it's a completely different story. Right. Because Antarctica is so cold and so dry, if you sweat there, your layers are gonna freeze and you're gonna get hypothermia. So one of the biggest challenges with Antarctica is finding a tempo or a running pace that you can stay, that you're not sweating so that you won't freeze and not going too slow, that your heart won't be pumping enough and then you'll also freeze. So it's really that middle ground. So you're going need to have wool-based layers, fleeces. And then because Antarctica is such a windy continent in general with such unpredictable weather, waterproof, windproof. Shells are also gonna be really important. And glacier glasses. Yes. Cause I forgot about that part, but it's all white there. And this there's like constant sun. So the sun going on the snow. If you don't wear these specific glasses, you can actually experience like snow blindness. Yes.
speaker-0: Which is a real thing. Which is a real thing. Yeah. I have to look it up. I was just gonna say, like, you must be learning so many different things about so many different things, even just like imagining and putting these kind of plans in place, which is just so extraordinary. Okay, so logistics, Ingrid's got that. Pa dad, you got that in terms of the getting her signed up. You're in this. Now you said that there are 60 people. How are these sixty people selected? Or how do you actually get Part of this group.
speaker-1: so Dr. David, the organizer, literally pulls from around the world, gets elite marathoners, gets like the top exp the ultra runners. Like this is a pretty elite group of people. you know, and then there's Ingrid, super elite. And I'm just gonna walk at the back and attempt to try to finish each day. I've done expeditions in the past, and so I'm familiar with it, what it feels like to do ultra, ultra endurance type. Yes. Activities. But the last one I did was 10 years ago. So this is literally at 55 years old, getting myself back in the game. you know, in grid training, obviously to be able to make sure that she can do it safely and without injury and all those sorts of things. That's huge. and then also trying to use my experience as a physiologist to get through the icy cold in Antarctica, the massive jet lag. It's 11 time zones that we will cross over 168 hours, in addition to doing Ninety percent humidity. Yeah, yeah. And then it's the Cartagena, which is ninety percent humidity in Columb in Columbia, right on the coast. So you're going from the coldest place on earth to the hottest, most humid place at that time of year. So it's just gonna be really physiologically demanding, which like as a scientist is gonna be fascinating. I'm not sure if I'm gonna love going through it as a human. but my brain will be like, Wow, Greg, you're really suffering. That looks interesting, right? So yeah, it'll be fun.
speaker-0: Amazing. Okay. So again, the logistics, all of that pieces. Now, Ingrid, what is your strategy or approach between this runway leading up to it in terms of what does your training camp look like to be able to complete seven marathons in seven days in a pretty tight timeline?
speaker-1: Yeah. So the past few months, I obviously I still go to school. So the past few months when we have been toying with this idea, we've had to complete our training in regards to before or after school. Right. Now that I'm officially done exams, we're about to head out to British Columbia in our favorite little tiny town there that we love going to. And our goal is to be able to train between six and eight hours a day. And it's gonna be a combination of swimming, long distance walking, strength. core Ploddies and our physical conditioning and rehab that we do.
speaker-0: my goodness. So so you have some plans, Greg, this summer. you are you got some plans.
speaker-1: One plan trying to keep up with this. Apparently I'm supposed to write a book at the same time. So when I'm lying on the couch in between training with Ingrid, that's what we will be doing. But it's been really interesting actually because we we actually started training for this back in December and it's now June. So we're six months into the journey. We wanted to make sure that we were making progress, that we were feeling good and feeling confident. So it's almost like we did the training to be able to even make the commitment, which is kind of weird. Like normally you would make the commitment and then start training. We actually started training and then Made the commitment. And it's been, it's been a completely different approach for me. I'm someone who loves swimming, cycling, running, all paddling, all those sorts of rhythmic, repetitive endurance sports. We've been doing yoga, strength, core, Pilates, ankle rehab, lower leg rehab. And it's amazing how great I feel. I think it's you're pretty amazed with how strong you've gotten. And I think now we're at the point where we can start to do some of the more like race specific type stuff, like the longer distance runs. We're definitely gonna do some vertical hiking and all those sorts of all those sorts of things too. But yeah, the the preparation has been not insignificant and we've really felt good about about all of it. So yeah, it's been fun trying to get ready to get ready.
speaker-0: Yeah, get ready to get ready. I love that. Okay. So what is okay, you as you said, you have you live with your little brother and your mom. So Adam and Mom, how are they what are their thoughts about this experience that you two are undertaking?
speaker-1: I think the only thing my brother said when I told when we told him was, wow. Yeah. And that was a pretty big reaction from an 11-year-old. Yeah.
speaker-0: Yes, it is.
speaker-1: And my mom is fully on board. She's a chiropractor, so she's good with all the treatment that you need to do in between all of this training. Of course. And yeah. Yeah. their plan is to be on the beach while we are doing this, drinking cocktails. They both love the heat. They love the sun. They love that type of thing. They're Judith, my wife, has no interest in Antarctica. Like never, not on not any chance whatsoever. but it's it's the only way that we're able to do this is because, like, as a family, we have decided that this is something that we are all going to do. Like, I'm super grateful that, you know, this is a huge sacrifice for Judith. This is a a big thing for Adam to support, like he loves the attention to. Yes. Actually, his goal is to break Ingrid's record right when he turned six as well. So we'll see what happens with that in five years. so but but it's fun to be a part of like this thing that kind of feels like it's pulling our family together after five years of craziness with COVID and travel and ups and downs and you know, illness and injury and all the other stuff. So like it's pretty cool for it all to be coming together in this in this rather massive project. Yeah.
speaker-0: What an amazing life resume component that your whole family is is a part of, which is just absolutely remarkable. now interesting. Yesterday, Ingrid, I just happened to be interviewing a gentleman, Matt. He is a former Premier League football player. Like he had an amazing career as a professional soccer player in the UK. And now he does ultramarathons and he's done all these ultramarathons. And I did actually ask him. I said, Okay, so you're already a natural athlete, clearly. you're playing in the Premier League in England for England. you're a big deal. Now you move over to ultra sport. What, how do you get through something like this? Like something hard. Like how in this particular case, it was this massive ultra marathon where he said, you know, he'd be awake for 42 hours running concurrently, like consecutively, no breaks, like obviously rest breaks, but not sleep. And I'm like, how do you do it? And he said, you chunk it. you literally do it step by step, piece by piece. He said, if I was standing there at the beginning of the race and knew that I had to keep running for another 41 hours, I wouldn't be able to do it. So you create these milestones along the way. So when you're taking that, the psychology behind your preparation, what are some of the ways that you are thinking about how you will approach each one of those runs?
speaker-1: I think the fact that the marathons are laps is gonna be very helpful. So when he said like chunking it up, I think that'll be very good. As a swimmer, my natural instinct when I'm doing anything is to make it fractions. Yes. I don't know if other people relate to that, but anytime I'm doing like 10 100s, I'll be like one tenth of the way there, two fifths of the way there, one half. I'll always do stuff like that. And then I think another thing is your purpose for why you're doing something hard has to be bigger than the pain you're gonna go through to do it.
speaker-0: 100%. Yeah. Yeah. That's a remarkable insight. And and again, look how well that will serve you in so many different life areas beyond these seven days. this is just so w amazing to witness, even just thinking about how this will set you up for success in so many different places and spaces. Now, Greg, as somebody who has done those ultra races, those expeditions before. Where it's gonna be hard. You absolutely know it's gonna be hard. And what are some of the things physiologically and psychologically that people as Ingrid said, she's using fractions and this idea about chunking? Like, where are some of the other places we can tap into to be able to finish these tasks?
speaker-1: Yeah. I in two thousand three I rode my bike from Cairo to Cape Town, eleven thousand K through Africa. And a while ago we did an expedition with some youth ambassadors to India. They ran five marathons in five consecutive days through the Dar Desert in the northwest corner of India. And we climbed Shimbarazo volcano back in a while ago. And so whenever you're doing these really, really, really hard things, one of the in the moment when you're and there will be moments where you're like, I'm done. I'm out. It's not worth it. Stop it. It is ridiculous. I'm out. Look at that beautiful, coffee cup sitting over there that I could just go lie and lie down on the floor even before the ice. so in those moments you have to do a couple things. As Ingrid said, you have to think about what's bigger than you. Yes. In order to get yourself to keep going. And it also living in the moment is super powerful. Like I remember when I did Iron Man thinking to myself, I'm gonna run to the next flagpole or the next a power pole like on the side of the road like which is a hundred yards away. Then I would run to that one and look to the next one. I'm like I can next make to the next one. But if I thought I've got twenty six miles to go, I'd stop. But if I was thinking I could go to the next 200 meters, that's cool. I can make it up this one hill, great. I can make it to the next eight stop. Okay. And you literally just live your life in the instant, thinking two feet in front of you and a couple of feet behind you, which is really hard because your body's screaming at you to stop as you're doing this. But I think the fact that I'm gonna be hanging out with Ingrid is is a powerful why for me to be able to keep going. And my goal is to get. fit enough before the event, fit and strong enough, so that I know that I can complete this as easily as possible. Like I wanna be I want to enjoy my experience. Like I want to be able to be in Antarctica, look around, be like, this is really incredible. Or just be in Cartagena and see the sun come up over the ocean and actually enjoy myself. And I guess our why, what we both love is the world. Like we've been to many countries and like I've been I'm fifty five. I've been to fifty six countries. We like to try to be more countries than years alive. And she's on on that that path. And if we can share the experience with people and show people how amazing the world is, in my perspective, maybe that decreases a little bit of the polarization that happens, right? Like maybe we all as humans understand each other a little bit better. Maybe we all are able to be amazed at the incredible are of this incredible world that we live in and our lives get slightly better as a result. So that's what that's what I'm hoping for as part of all of this. And I know you've got some a big why too. Yep.
speaker-0: Ingrid, let's hear about that big why for you, sister.
speaker-1: So one passion I have outside of athleticism, outside of school is climate change and the importance of ocean conservation. As we are doing these marathons, I want to use my experience, my voice, my content, my photos, my videos to show people these places in the world that maybe they live in or they live close to or that they've been to and show people the beauty of these unique places like Antarctica. So many people have never been to Antarctica. And show people the beauty and the unique interdependence of the ecosystem and give people a reason to love and care about these places, and in turn, a reason to care about climate change.
speaker-0: Okay, full stop. Okay, Greg, how do you how do you and I think Judith is also in this conversation in terms of how do you raise a child who thinks like this and speaks this way? Like Greg, what is living
speaker-1: Remote text.
speaker-0: Yeah, like literally how how how did we how did Ingrid how is Ingrid Ingrid right now? 'Cause this is mind blowing that this pretty funny young woman is talking and imagining and exploring and challenging like most parents I know I'm speaking to are trying to get their kids off devices and out of their bedrooms and your daughter wants to go to Antarctica to raise the awareness of the well being of the world. So Greg, what's up with that?
speaker-1: Yeah, it's all Judith. let's be honest. This is happening just despite being not as a result of me in any way, shape, or form. we did used to do this thing, as Ingrid mentioned, called the Living Room Olympics, which will give you like a little bit of an insight. So yeah, why don't tell The Living Room Olympics was me, my dad, and between six to ten of my imaginary friends. This happened for a solid eight or nine years of Us in our living room running back and forth to the kitchen or galloping or skipping and I would win every single race that we did. Nice. And I think that just kind of made a mentality for me of like, I am very strong. I can do anything that I set my mind to, and that I am very powerful if I want to be.
speaker-0: Wow.
speaker-1: I beat her once. I'm still mad about that. Never again.
speaker-0: This. I love this. And sister, let me tell you that competitive spirit, it literally, it just I'm so awe-inspired by seeing it in you. And you have it in like you have the biggest dose of it. I have like a little dose of it. And I can share with you just anecdotally. The other morning I was traveling across Canada, super jet legged, super exhausted. Went down to the gym because it was super early and I wasn't safe to go outside. So I went down to the gym and I'm like, okay, I'm literally just gonna move my body for like 10 minutes. Like I would An hour sleep, two hours sleep. It was not in my best. And I got on the treadmill and literally was just 10 minutes. And then I get coffee. Okay. That's Ingrid. That's what I'm doing. I get on the treadmill. I kid you not, a minute later, this little ALO influencer probably gets on the treadmill beside me and literally I'm like, damn. And sure enough, I ran the fastest 5K that I have in the last 10 years. And she didn't even know we were racing. She had no idea. She had no idea. And so there's something so powerful. And again, I don't know who she was. And I don't look at that as it's like, I have to be better than you. It's not a matter of being better than you. It's just like I love being challenged. And as soon as there is a challenge in front of me, it's like the tire dissipates, right? It's like that like wee bit of spite, little bit of stubbornness. It has served me so well in my life. And as I said, I have a drop of it and you are an ocean full of it. So I can't even imagine all the big bright places in the lives that you are going to influence for good.
speaker-1: Thank you. And honest honestly, Robyne, just to pull on that thread a tiny bit, we're if you think why I don't know, why is this like this? I think a lot of it has to do with Ingrid's always been surrounded by strong, powerful, motivated, successful. And successful doesn't mean like financial in any way, shape, or form, just like women doing cool things in the world. Yes. And I'm very, very fortunate that in my life I've been, you know, able to introduce Ingrid to like Lisa Bentley, who won 11 Ironmans, Hannah McKeon, who skied to the South Pole five times. My friend Leela Monar is like the first certified female mountain guide in the world. just over and over and over again, she's been exposed to these people, along with the incredible women in our family, like Judith and her sister Margaret. Like this, there have always been strong, powerful women surrounding her that have shown her a path, path forwards that literally anything is possible. And and I think your school has also played a huge role in that as well. Absolutely.
speaker-0: Amazing. So, Ingrid, again, you give me so much hope just for future generations seeing what's possible. I want to know how do we best support this amazing expedition that you are embarking on? What is the best way if somebody listening right now and their heart is filled and they are cheering you on and want to know how can we support this amazing dad and daughter who are taking on the world? what's the best way that we can support you?
speaker-1: Well, come September, my dad and I will be starting a multimedia campaign on most social network platforms. So anyone who wants to listen and follow along would be greatly appreciated. if anyone would like to contribute to carbon credits to get carbon credits in my name or fundraise for them, that would be amazing because it's something that I also want to do as well. And I think little things that you can do to help the planet a little bit more. Turn off your lights when you leave the rooms, something super simple every day. Just try and make the world a little bit better each day.
speaker-0: Anger, that's beautiful. And listeners, we will have all of the links, all of the things. And something that I know is that when people are doing hard things and they know that they have more than a village, but they have like a country behind you, it helps in those dark moments when you will be running through the jungle in the middle of the night to hopefully to manage the temperature and all the things that you're gonna embarking, knowing that there is this army of people behind you who you have inspired. who are cheering you on. So folks, we will make sure to link all of those things that Ingrid just said so that way we can send her lots of love. We can follow the journey as well, which I think is so special to be able to follow your journey and hoping that at the in those some of those recovery windows, you'll be able to send some updates out on those social channels. So we can be apart, though afar we can be cheering you on, Ingrid. And Greg to you and Judith for raising such a remarkable Young woman, Ingrid, what you're about to do is so special. And again, we are cheering you on. I am so excited for you and I'm excited for the example you're setting for girls and young women and boys and men all around the world. So sister, congratulations. This is huge. And we will do everything we can to cheer you on because this is a really, really big deal. Thanks, Ingrid.
speaker-1: Thank you so much. Thanks, Dr. Robyne. Thanks for what you're doing in the world too. obviously people like you give us the opportunity to think like this and to do projects like this. So you're incredible and you're a huge part of the team too. So thanks for being on the journey with us.
speaker-0: Thank you, Greg. Okay. we're we're excited. Go, Ingrid, go. And also, we can't forget, you are going to be breaking a Guinness world record as the youngest.
speaker-1: But
speaker-0: yeah. That's just an afterthought. yes, the youngest woman, youngest person to ever be able to complete the great world race, Ingrid. I think that is so cool that your name will be in the history books. And that is also a really big deal to continue to tell your story and the legacy that you are setting.
speaker-1: Yeah, thank you. I think it's pretty cool too.
speaker-0: Dude, it's so cool. It's so cool. This is gonna be great. And of course, I'm so excited for part two that we will be able to sit down after your adventure and you can t give us all the insights, the takeaways, and the experiences because this is like the pre-expedition. And I'm so excited to have you back on the podcast for the post expedition because that's gonna be one heck of a story to tell, sister. So thanks for being here.
speaker-1: Thank you.
speaker-0: Thank you. For listening to this episode of Perspective. It means the world to me that you spent time listening to this idea, these conversations. Now, if you have found something useful or helpful, please share it with someone else. Something that I know it means the world to me to know when something has landed and then you pay it forward. Another way you can support the podcast is to rate and review this podcast wherever you listen. podcast. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day. Thank you for listening. I appreciate you and I look forward to connecting again very soon.
speaker-1: We do. Thank you for having me.
speaker-0: Yeah, this is great. Okay. So, Angret, tell us about who you are, how old you are, what you're doing, and then we're gonna get into this big update that you have for all of us. And again, I am just so excited that you're here for this.
speaker-1: Here too, just for the record, but I was gonna sit here and look for you as you asking your lots of questions. Here we go.
speaker-0: I love this. Okay, tell us about yourself.
speaker-1: Well, for the viewers, my name's Ingrid. I'm sixteen years old. I currently live in Toronto with my dad, my little brother, and my mom, and our lovely dog named Luna. I'm a competitive swimmer. I just finished exams, so I'm about to go into grade eleven. And this November I will be empt attempting to complete the great world race.
speaker-0: my goodness. Okay. First of all, I would just like to hold space for people to recognize, yes, she did just say she is going to be competing in the great world race, but also that this is a student, grade 11, who is this articulate and well spoken. it gives us hope for the future, Ingrid, that these teenagers are doing good work. So again, thank you for introducing us. okay, Dr. Greg, I'm gonna ask you a question. So your 16-year-old daughter says, Dad, I wanna do The Great World Race and tell us about that. Cause I have a feeling there might be some of your circles that could have brought this into her ecosystem.
speaker-1: Well, that's so funny. So we've been ideating on something to do. I love doing expeditions. We travel the world as a family. And Ingrid and I were sort of noodling on the idea of skiing to the South Pole in Antarctica, because a bunch of my friends have done that. They've sent world records. I have weird friends. We like to do these sorts of things. So I was like, well, I mean, know Hannah did it five times. She can show us how to do it. and but the logistics weren't working out. it's you you're away for two months and all those sorts of things. And she hypothetically used to go to school. And then literally a week later, a buddy of mine from Ireland messages me and he said, Hey, there's this thing, it's a great world race, and it starts in Antarctica. And that was actually the headline. So we just launched right into the possibility of doing this event. And again, I was like, maybe could be cool, maybe not. And then one day we were chatting downstairs. And Ingrid said, I'm gonna pull up the quote because I want to make sure that I can do you know what, Ingrid Wells? Do know what you said? Okay, you what did you say? I said, I want to do something that when I complete it, I know I can do anything. and she said that and I walked upstairs and I I I emailed Doctor David and I was like, We're coming. I didn't tell her at the time, but I was like, Here, take all it, we're in. So I fired up. So yeah, that's the or that's the genesis. That's the origin story.
speaker-0: What an amazing story. And Ingrid, I just those words are powerful. Those are very, very powerful words. Okay, Ingrid, for those of us who are listening who don't know about the great world race, can you let's hear it. What are the what are the conditions? What's gonna happen for this experience?
speaker-1: So the Great World Race is an internationally acclaimed marathon challenge that takes place every year. This year it is between November 15th to 21st. The concept of the Great World Race is that participants complete seven marathons on seven continents in all seven days of the week. So one marathon a day, one continent a day. It's ridiculous. Yeah.
speaker-0: That's wild. Yeah.
speaker-1: It's kind of crazy.
speaker-0: That is so crazy. It's possible. Like we know. So people have done this. So this has been around for a wee while, right? Like this is something, as you said, it's a it's a credited experience. It's been around. And where do you okay? I want to hear these seven continents, how you're doing this. Where do you start?
speaker-1: So a few days before the race begins, everyone meets in Cape Town, South Africa. Okay. The first marathon happens in Wolfsfang, Antarctica. Okay. So that's day one. Day two, everyone flies back to Cape Town for the second marathon. The third one is on the western coast of Australia in Perth.
speaker-0: Okay.
speaker-1: The fourth fourth one? Yeah. Fourth one is in Singapore. Okay. The fifth one is in Algarve, Portugal. Okay. The sixth one is Cartagena, Columbia, and then the finale is in Miami.
speaker-0: My goodness. So not only are you like running seven marathons, like one a day for seven consecutive days, you literally are traveling to seven different continents, like in your recovery window. And how much time is allotted per marathon before it's like planes wheels up? We gotta go to the next location.
speaker-1: So everyone has eight hours to complete the marathons and the rest that you get between the marathons is any extra time you have in those eight hours and the flight it takes you to get to the next place.
speaker-0: And do you have to go through a regular airport? I imagine there must be some type of accommodation to make sure that you can get from continent to continent and city and city in time.
speaker-1: So yeah, there's sixty people that are participating plus the the team that's leading it. And they've got a a a a jet. And so we will fly in between, offload, do the event. I mean, Wolffang is at a you know an airbase. You literally like do the marathon on the landing area. and hopefully that there will probably be some arrangements for like a a rapid movement through customs in each location. Yes. And they've done this. I think this is their fourth time doing it. So they've done this before. The the the teens know how this works and hopefully it'll be not too much of a of a process to get through all of the admin in each country.
speaker-0: Which is amazing. And do you do you r have to have travel visas to be able to go to these countries or is that one of the things that the logistics team helps you guys stick handle?
speaker-1: Yeah, we're very fortunate that we're Canadian, therefore, most countries still like us at the moment. So it's relatively easy as for us to get into South Africa, for example. We do get passes to Australia. It does require special permits to go to Antarctica. So we will have have those. in Australia, Singapore, Portugal, Cartagena, and OECD US are relatively easy for us. But there's people from all over the world doing this. And so yes, everyone has to get their their visas and permission and all those sorts of things. And it's definitely an administrative Challenge I think to get it all organized.
speaker-0: I can only imagine. Okay. I like I am like I have so many curiosities on so many different fronts on this. So bear with me if I'm just like literally rapid firing questions at you. So there's the logistics side, but then I'm also wondering like, how do you pack for seven different marathons? Like okay, that's Ingrid's job. Tell
speaker-1: That's my job. In charge of the packing list.
speaker-0: me more, Ingrid.
speaker-1: So, for most of the marathons, like everyone except Antarctica, it's pretty standard running gear, you know, t shirts, shorts, probably some pretty comfortable running shoes 'cause you're gonna be on your feet for quite a long time. And Antarctica it's a completely different story. Right. Because Antarctica is so cold and so dry, if you sweat there, your layers are gonna freeze and you're gonna get hypothermia. So one of the biggest challenges with Antarctica is finding a tempo or a running pace that you can stay, that you're not sweating so that you won't freeze and not going too slow, that your heart won't be pumping enough and then you'll also freeze. So it's really that middle ground. So you're going need to have wool-based layers, fleeces. And then because Antarctica is such a windy continent in general with such unpredictable weather, waterproof, windproof. Shells are also gonna be really important. And glacier glasses. Yes. Cause I forgot about that part, but it's all white there. And this there's like constant sun. So the sun going on the snow. If you don't wear these specific glasses, you can actually experience like snow blindness. Yes.
speaker-0: Which is a real thing. Which is a real thing. Yeah. I have to look it up. I was just gonna say, like, you must be learning so many different things about so many different things, even just like imagining and putting these kind of plans in place, which is just so extraordinary. Okay, so logistics, Ingrid's got that. Pa dad, you got that in terms of the getting her signed up. You're in this. Now you said that there are 60 people. How are these sixty people selected? Or how do you actually get Part of this group.
speaker-1: so Dr. David, the organizer, literally pulls from around the world, gets elite marathoners, gets like the top exp the ultra runners. Like this is a pretty elite group of people. you know, and then there's Ingrid, super elite. And I'm just gonna walk at the back and attempt to try to finish each day. I've done expeditions in the past, and so I'm familiar with it, what it feels like to do ultra, ultra endurance type. Yes. Activities. But the last one I did was 10 years ago. So this is literally at 55 years old, getting myself back in the game. you know, in grid training, obviously to be able to make sure that she can do it safely and without injury and all those sorts of things. That's huge. and then also trying to use my experience as a physiologist to get through the icy cold in Antarctica, the massive jet lag. It's 11 time zones that we will cross over 168 hours, in addition to doing Ninety percent humidity. Yeah, yeah. And then it's the Cartagena, which is ninety percent humidity in Columb in Columbia, right on the coast. So you're going from the coldest place on earth to the hottest, most humid place at that time of year. So it's just gonna be really physiologically demanding, which like as a scientist is gonna be fascinating. I'm not sure if I'm gonna love going through it as a human. but my brain will be like, Wow, Greg, you're really suffering. That looks interesting, right? So yeah, it'll be fun.
speaker-0: Amazing. Okay. So again, the logistics, all of that pieces. Now, Ingrid, what is your strategy or approach between this runway leading up to it in terms of what does your training camp look like to be able to complete seven marathons in seven days in a pretty tight timeline?
speaker-1: Yeah. So the past few months, I obviously I still go to school. So the past few months when we have been toying with this idea, we've had to complete our training in regards to before or after school. Right. Now that I'm officially done exams, we're about to head out to British Columbia in our favorite little tiny town there that we love going to. And our goal is to be able to train between six and eight hours a day. And it's gonna be a combination of swimming, long distance walking, strength. core Ploddies and our physical conditioning and rehab that we do.
speaker-0: my goodness. So so you have some plans, Greg, this summer. you are you got some plans.
speaker-1: One plan trying to keep up with this. Apparently I'm supposed to write a book at the same time. So when I'm lying on the couch in between training with Ingrid, that's what we will be doing. But it's been really interesting actually because we we actually started training for this back in December and it's now June. So we're six months into the journey. We wanted to make sure that we were making progress, that we were feeling good and feeling confident. So it's almost like we did the training to be able to even make the commitment, which is kind of weird. Like normally you would make the commitment and then start training. We actually started training and then Made the commitment. And it's been, it's been a completely different approach for me. I'm someone who loves swimming, cycling, running, all paddling, all those sorts of rhythmic, repetitive endurance sports. We've been doing yoga, strength, core, Pilates, ankle rehab, lower leg rehab. And it's amazing how great I feel. I think it's you're pretty amazed with how strong you've gotten. And I think now we're at the point where we can start to do some of the more like race specific type stuff, like the longer distance runs. We're definitely gonna do some vertical hiking and all those sorts of all those sorts of things too. But yeah, the the preparation has been not insignificant and we've really felt good about about all of it. So yeah, it's been fun trying to get ready to get ready.
speaker-0: Yeah, get ready to get ready. I love that. Okay. So what is okay, you as you said, you have you live with your little brother and your mom. So Adam and Mom, how are they what are their thoughts about this experience that you two are undertaking?
speaker-1: I think the only thing my brother said when I told when we told him was, wow. Yeah. And that was a pretty big reaction from an 11-year-old. Yeah.
speaker-0: Yes, it is.
speaker-1: And my mom is fully on board. She's a chiropractor, so she's good with all the treatment that you need to do in between all of this training. Of course. And yeah. Yeah. their plan is to be on the beach while we are doing this, drinking cocktails. They both love the heat. They love the sun. They love that type of thing. They're Judith, my wife, has no interest in Antarctica. Like never, not on not any chance whatsoever. but it's it's the only way that we're able to do this is because, like, as a family, we have decided that this is something that we are all going to do. Like, I'm super grateful that, you know, this is a huge sacrifice for Judith. This is a a big thing for Adam to support, like he loves the attention to. Yes. Actually, his goal is to break Ingrid's record right when he turned six as well. So we'll see what happens with that in five years. so but but it's fun to be a part of like this thing that kind of feels like it's pulling our family together after five years of craziness with COVID and travel and ups and downs and you know, illness and injury and all the other stuff. So like it's pretty cool for it all to be coming together in this in this rather massive project. Yeah.
speaker-0: What an amazing life resume component that your whole family is is a part of, which is just absolutely remarkable. now interesting. Yesterday, Ingrid, I just happened to be interviewing a gentleman, Matt. He is a former Premier League football player. Like he had an amazing career as a professional soccer player in the UK. And now he does ultramarathons and he's done all these ultramarathons. And I did actually ask him. I said, Okay, so you're already a natural athlete, clearly. you're playing in the Premier League in England for England. you're a big deal. Now you move over to ultra sport. What, how do you get through something like this? Like something hard. Like how in this particular case, it was this massive ultra marathon where he said, you know, he'd be awake for 42 hours running concurrently, like consecutively, no breaks, like obviously rest breaks, but not sleep. And I'm like, how do you do it? And he said, you chunk it. you literally do it step by step, piece by piece. He said, if I was standing there at the beginning of the race and knew that I had to keep running for another 41 hours, I wouldn't be able to do it. So you create these milestones along the way. So when you're taking that, the psychology behind your preparation, what are some of the ways that you are thinking about how you will approach each one of those runs?
speaker-1: I think the fact that the marathons are laps is gonna be very helpful. So when he said like chunking it up, I think that'll be very good. As a swimmer, my natural instinct when I'm doing anything is to make it fractions. Yes. I don't know if other people relate to that, but anytime I'm doing like 10 100s, I'll be like one tenth of the way there, two fifths of the way there, one half. I'll always do stuff like that. And then I think another thing is your purpose for why you're doing something hard has to be bigger than the pain you're gonna go through to do it.
speaker-0: 100%. Yeah. Yeah. That's a remarkable insight. And and again, look how well that will serve you in so many different life areas beyond these seven days. this is just so w amazing to witness, even just thinking about how this will set you up for success in so many different places and spaces. Now, Greg, as somebody who has done those ultra races, those expeditions before. Where it's gonna be hard. You absolutely know it's gonna be hard. And what are some of the things physiologically and psychologically that people as Ingrid said, she's using fractions and this idea about chunking? Like, where are some of the other places we can tap into to be able to finish these tasks?
speaker-1: Yeah. I in two thousand three I rode my bike from Cairo to Cape Town, eleven thousand K through Africa. And a while ago we did an expedition with some youth ambassadors to India. They ran five marathons in five consecutive days through the Dar Desert in the northwest corner of India. And we climbed Shimbarazo volcano back in a while ago. And so whenever you're doing these really, really, really hard things, one of the in the moment when you're and there will be moments where you're like, I'm done. I'm out. It's not worth it. Stop it. It is ridiculous. I'm out. Look at that beautiful, coffee cup sitting over there that I could just go lie and lie down on the floor even before the ice. so in those moments you have to do a couple things. As Ingrid said, you have to think about what's bigger than you. Yes. In order to get yourself to keep going. And it also living in the moment is super powerful. Like I remember when I did Iron Man thinking to myself, I'm gonna run to the next flagpole or the next a power pole like on the side of the road like which is a hundred yards away. Then I would run to that one and look to the next one. I'm like I can next make to the next one. But if I thought I've got twenty six miles to go, I'd stop. But if I was thinking I could go to the next 200 meters, that's cool. I can make it up this one hill, great. I can make it to the next eight stop. Okay. And you literally just live your life in the instant, thinking two feet in front of you and a couple of feet behind you, which is really hard because your body's screaming at you to stop as you're doing this. But I think the fact that I'm gonna be hanging out with Ingrid is is a powerful why for me to be able to keep going. And my goal is to get. fit enough before the event, fit and strong enough, so that I know that I can complete this as easily as possible. Like I wanna be I want to enjoy my experience. Like I want to be able to be in Antarctica, look around, be like, this is really incredible. Or just be in Cartagena and see the sun come up over the ocean and actually enjoy myself. And I guess our why, what we both love is the world. Like we've been to many countries and like I've been I'm fifty five. I've been to fifty six countries. We like to try to be more countries than years alive. And she's on on that that path. And if we can share the experience with people and show people how amazing the world is, in my perspective, maybe that decreases a little bit of the polarization that happens, right? Like maybe we all as humans understand each other a little bit better. Maybe we all are able to be amazed at the incredible are of this incredible world that we live in and our lives get slightly better as a result. So that's what that's what I'm hoping for as part of all of this. And I know you've got some a big why too. Yep.
speaker-0: Ingrid, let's hear about that big why for you, sister.
speaker-1: So one passion I have outside of athleticism, outside of school is climate change and the importance of ocean conservation. As we are doing these marathons, I want to use my experience, my voice, my content, my photos, my videos to show people these places in the world that maybe they live in or they live close to or that they've been to and show people the beauty of these unique places like Antarctica. So many people have never been to Antarctica. And show people the beauty and the unique interdependence of the ecosystem and give people a reason to love and care about these places, and in turn, a reason to care about climate change.
speaker-0: Okay, full stop. Okay, Greg, how do you how do you and I think Judith is also in this conversation in terms of how do you raise a child who thinks like this and speaks this way? Like Greg, what is living
speaker-1: Remote text.
speaker-0: Yeah, like literally how how how did we how did Ingrid how is Ingrid Ingrid right now? 'Cause this is mind blowing that this pretty funny young woman is talking and imagining and exploring and challenging like most parents I know I'm speaking to are trying to get their kids off devices and out of their bedrooms and your daughter wants to go to Antarctica to raise the awareness of the well being of the world. So Greg, what's up with that?
speaker-1: Yeah, it's all Judith. let's be honest. This is happening just despite being not as a result of me in any way, shape, or form. we did used to do this thing, as Ingrid mentioned, called the Living Room Olympics, which will give you like a little bit of an insight. So yeah, why don't tell The Living Room Olympics was me, my dad, and between six to ten of my imaginary friends. This happened for a solid eight or nine years of Us in our living room running back and forth to the kitchen or galloping or skipping and I would win every single race that we did. Nice. And I think that just kind of made a mentality for me of like, I am very strong. I can do anything that I set my mind to, and that I am very powerful if I want to be.
speaker-0: Wow.
speaker-1: I beat her once. I'm still mad about that. Never again.
speaker-0: This. I love this. And sister, let me tell you that competitive spirit, it literally, it just I'm so awe-inspired by seeing it in you. And you have it in like you have the biggest dose of it. I have like a little dose of it. And I can share with you just anecdotally. The other morning I was traveling across Canada, super jet legged, super exhausted. Went down to the gym because it was super early and I wasn't safe to go outside. So I went down to the gym and I'm like, okay, I'm literally just gonna move my body for like 10 minutes. Like I would An hour sleep, two hours sleep. It was not in my best. And I got on the treadmill and literally was just 10 minutes. And then I get coffee. Okay. That's Ingrid. That's what I'm doing. I get on the treadmill. I kid you not, a minute later, this little ALO influencer probably gets on the treadmill beside me and literally I'm like, damn. And sure enough, I ran the fastest 5K that I have in the last 10 years. And she didn't even know we were racing. She had no idea. She had no idea. And so there's something so powerful. And again, I don't know who she was. And I don't look at that as it's like, I have to be better than you. It's not a matter of being better than you. It's just like I love being challenged. And as soon as there is a challenge in front of me, it's like the tire dissipates, right? It's like that like wee bit of spite, little bit of stubbornness. It has served me so well in my life. And as I said, I have a drop of it and you are an ocean full of it. So I can't even imagine all the big bright places in the lives that you are going to influence for good.
speaker-1: Thank you. And honest honestly, Robyne, just to pull on that thread a tiny bit, we're if you think why I don't know, why is this like this? I think a lot of it has to do with Ingrid's always been surrounded by strong, powerful, motivated, successful. And successful doesn't mean like financial in any way, shape, or form, just like women doing cool things in the world. Yes. And I'm very, very fortunate that in my life I've been, you know, able to introduce Ingrid to like Lisa Bentley, who won 11 Ironmans, Hannah McKeon, who skied to the South Pole five times. My friend Leela Monar is like the first certified female mountain guide in the world. just over and over and over again, she's been exposed to these people, along with the incredible women in our family, like Judith and her sister Margaret. Like this, there have always been strong, powerful women surrounding her that have shown her a path, path forwards that literally anything is possible. And and I think your school has also played a huge role in that as well. Absolutely.
speaker-0: Amazing. So, Ingrid, again, you give me so much hope just for future generations seeing what's possible. I want to know how do we best support this amazing expedition that you are embarking on? What is the best way if somebody listening right now and their heart is filled and they are cheering you on and want to know how can we support this amazing dad and daughter who are taking on the world? what's the best way that we can support you?
speaker-1: Well, come September, my dad and I will be starting a multimedia campaign on most social network platforms. So anyone who wants to listen and follow along would be greatly appreciated. if anyone would like to contribute to carbon credits to get carbon credits in my name or fundraise for them, that would be amazing because it's something that I also want to do as well. And I think little things that you can do to help the planet a little bit more. Turn off your lights when you leave the rooms, something super simple every day. Just try and make the world a little bit better each day.
speaker-0: Anger, that's beautiful. And listeners, we will have all of the links, all of the things. And something that I know is that when people are doing hard things and they know that they have more than a village, but they have like a country behind you, it helps in those dark moments when you will be running through the jungle in the middle of the night to hopefully to manage the temperature and all the things that you're gonna embarking, knowing that there is this army of people behind you who you have inspired. who are cheering you on. So folks, we will make sure to link all of those things that Ingrid just said so that way we can send her lots of love. We can follow the journey as well, which I think is so special to be able to follow your journey and hoping that at the in those some of those recovery windows, you'll be able to send some updates out on those social channels. So we can be apart, though afar we can be cheering you on, Ingrid. And Greg to you and Judith for raising such a remarkable Young woman, Ingrid, what you're about to do is so special. And again, we are cheering you on. I am so excited for you and I'm excited for the example you're setting for girls and young women and boys and men all around the world. So sister, congratulations. This is huge. And we will do everything we can to cheer you on because this is a really, really big deal. Thanks, Ingrid.
speaker-1: Thank you so much. Thanks, Dr. Robyne. Thanks for what you're doing in the world too. obviously people like you give us the opportunity to think like this and to do projects like this. So you're incredible and you're a huge part of the team too. So thanks for being on the journey with us.
speaker-0: Thank you, Greg. Okay. we're we're excited. Go, Ingrid, go. And also, we can't forget, you are going to be breaking a Guinness world record as the youngest.
speaker-1: But
speaker-0: yeah. That's just an afterthought. yes, the youngest woman, youngest person to ever be able to complete the great world race, Ingrid. I think that is so cool that your name will be in the history books. And that is also a really big deal to continue to tell your story and the legacy that you are setting.
speaker-1: Yeah, thank you. I think it's pretty cool too.
speaker-0: Dude, it's so cool. It's so cool. This is gonna be great. And of course, I'm so excited for part two that we will be able to sit down after your adventure and you can t give us all the insights, the takeaways, and the experiences because this is like the pre-expedition. And I'm so excited to have you back on the podcast for the post expedition because that's gonna be one heck of a story to tell, sister. So thanks for being here.
speaker-1: Thank you.
speaker-0: Thank you. For listening to this episode of Perspective. It means the world to me that you spent time listening to this idea, these conversations. Now, if you have found something useful or helpful, please share it with someone else. Something that I know it means the world to me to know when something has landed and then you pay it forward. Another way you can support the podcast is to rate and review this podcast wherever you listen. podcast. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day. Thank you for listening. I appreciate you and I look forward to connecting again very soon.
