Genny is aiming to be the first Aruban to ski to the North and South Poles to raise awareness on the devastating effects of Lyme Disease.
Genny was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in the summer of 2016 after suffering from its debilitating effects and misdiagnosis for three harrowing years. She went from being a fit and active person to being so fatigued that she was bed bound for months.
A few years on from diagnosis, Genny has recovered and become passionate about making diagnosis affordable, available and prompt in the UK, where she now lives. She is determined that no one else should suffer as she did.
Genny is excited and a little bit nervous about the challenge of skiing to the South Pole. She hopes to inspire others to aim high, dream big, work hard, and never settle for someone else’s interpretation of what they can achieve.
As the first Aruban woman to attempt such a feat, Genny sees it as an honour to represent her home country and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
We first spoke with Genny on - 26th January 2021. You can listen here
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Show notes
Who is Genny
Moving to the UK, 15 years ago
Her training to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in late 2024/25
Speaking to Genny on the TGP in January 26th 2021
What’s been going on since we last spoke
Coming to realise how much there is still to learn
The beginning of 2021
Starting to make plans for 2022 with regards to training
Needing to get more on ice experience
Heading to Norway for training
Working with Helen Turton from Newland Expeditions
Getting physical fit by pulling tyres in the UK
Knowing her tent mate - Ellen aka @randogirl42
Wanting to dedicate her life to polar pursuits
Needing to get her act together and getting more sponsors
Developing uterine fibroids and how they impacted on her quality of life
Needing to have surgery to remove the uterine fibroids.
The recovery period after her surgery
Putting a plan in place with help from Helen
Needing to do more bespoke training and doing a mini solo expedition on her own
Needing to test new equipment out in the cold
Cold weather management
Getting back into the gym and building back her strength again
Underestimating how long it took to recover
Building back up her confidence
The start of 2023
Doing her basic polar training course in Norway
Having to face her fears and overcome them
Needing to work on her mindset
Continuing to show up for herself and doing all the right things
Making the best of the situation and focusing on her camp craft
Putting a lot of pressure on herself to be perfect
Woking with a therapist to identify the reasons why her fear had occurred
The challenges of solo expeditions
Dealing with the negative thoughts and learning to enjoy the journey
Taking the time to unplug
Being by yourself and spending time with your own thoughts
Plans for the rest of 2023
Focusing on sponsorship
Making progress over the past few years
Wanting to learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations
Wanting to develop her mountaineering skills
Planning for 2024 and what needs to be done to achieve her polar goal
How to connect with Genny
Final words of advice for other women who want to pursue their big dream
Stop holding yourself back
Needing to factor in rest and recovery
Social Media
Website: www.antarcticaruban.com
Instagram: @antarcticaruban
Facebook: @antarcticaruban
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