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This article has been adapted from those featured in The Times (13/03/00) and Ran's book 'Beyond the Limits'. It has been published with the kind permission of Ranulph Fiennes, 'The Times' and Ran's publisher 'Little, Brown and Company'.

Training in the alps

Early in 1999 I began training for another Arctic journey. The idea was simple; an attempt to reach the North Pole solo and unsupported, one of the few polar challenges still to be achieved. Only one man, a Norwegian, had done so before, but he used the drift route from Russia. Nobody had ever succeeded via the more difficult direct route - the Arctic coastline of North America.

EXEL Logistics were the sponsors, the Cancer Research Campaign our charity and the Prince of Wales our Patron. Dr Mike Stroud, helped to organise the vital calorific planning and medical gear. Mac Mackenney, an experienced Base Leader, took over most of the organisation and Laurence 'Flo' Howell, dealt with our communication plans.

Ran discusses expedition logistics with Mac Mackenney

For high calorie, low-weight rations I had the backing and experience of Brian Welsby of Be-Well nutritional products. The amphibious sledges were made by Europe's top sledge maker, Roger Daynes of Snowsled in Malmesbury.

Training in the alps

Physical fitness was obviously important when you have to trek over 700 miles hauling a 500lb sledge, which resembles an outsize bathtub. Training consisted of a 2-hour run every other day, with an hour in the gym on alternate days. I completed the London Marathon in just over 3hr 30min and the 125-mile Devizes to Westminster canoe race in 26 hours. Mac and I spent a week in the Italian Alps on the Mont Blanc Glacier, testing equipment and training at altitude. In December 1999, I joined a 4-strong team and entered the Patagonia Eco-Challenge - one of the world's toughest endurance races. At 56, I was the oldest competitor and this helped me keep at bay any qualms about being too old for the polar challenge, having kept up with world-class athletes for 8 days and nights.