"I crave adventure like most people crave chocolate," Marianne Jennings said in her video application to join Fjallraven Polar, a 186-mile long winter adventure across the Arctic tundra. That's right. Jennings is currently vying to be one of only two US participants allowed to compete in an arduous dogsled expedition across some of the most hostile climates Norway has to offer.
The race begins on April 5, 2016, and ends on April 10, beginning at Signaldalen in the northern part of Norway and threading through forests and icy terrain to Jukkasjärvi in Sweden.
In order to secure a spot in the race, 35-year-old Jennings is currently going up against 39 other US applicants who compete for votes on Fjallravenpolar.us. Those who receive the most votes are selected to take part in the journey, and voting ends on December 10th.
On the site, Jennings explains that one of her greatest goals in life is to be "the favorite aunt." She works for a nonprofit, but she says, "I’m happiest when I’m outside, hiking, traveling, and conquering life’s challenges. I recently learned about 'Friluftsliv,' an ancient Nordic philosophy that means returning to nature is returning home. I've always loved nature and the outdoors and now I know why."
Jennings applied to be a part of the race last year, but didn't make the final cut. However, that hasn't kept Jennings from continuing to chase her dream. This year, she is more determined than ever before to take part in this adventure
And, while she waits to find out the results, she isn't kicking back or staying still. She is currently training for a mountaineering trip to Mexico where she hopes to climb the country's highest peak. Learn more about Jennings in the video below: