I hate the cold, so I can’t explain why I love Iceland so much. The never-ending geothermally heated water and the little horseeeees are pretty groovy. But still, cold. Very, very cold.

It was pleasant enough the winter we were there, but it was only the last week in November, which is sort of Winter Lite. I suspect things take a turn for the cold from there. Send me there to live and I’ll report back. But I digress…

So I hate the cold but I want to live in Iceland. That’s weird, but not nearly as weird as my desire to complete the North Pole Marathon.

Certified 26.2 mile marathon course (Association of International Marathons and Road Races) — Only certified marathon distance that is run entirely on water, the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean — Recognised by Guinness World Records as northernmost marathon on earth — Listed in all the major international calendars — Large international field in the event — The world’s leading athletics, adventure and military magazines feature articles on the race — Participants are eligible to join the exclusive North Pole Marathonâ„¢ Grand Slam Club by finishing a marathon on each of the seven continents and this race on the Arctic Ocean. “Nothing quite compares to the surreal experience of the North Pole Marathon. It’s a priceless adventure.” Steven Seaton, Runner’s World UK, July 2004. “The world’s coolest marathon? No contest: it’s the North Pole Marathon…” Sunday Telegraph, October 2005.

Of course, if one is going to do the North Pole Marathon, one might as well do the Antarctic Marathon, as well. Hell, why stop there? You might as well do the Grand Slam.

I don’t even marathon, so I have no explanation for the appeal. Maybe all the Galactica 1980 has well and truly finally broken me?