Angriest Trainer 279: One-On-One with Robert "Bertie" Portal

Robert "Bertie" Portal is a British actor and ultra-athlete. He is known for his work in movies, television, theater and radio. He can be seen in "The King's Speech" and "Iron Lady" and is in the soon to be released movie "Mr. Turner". Vinnie and Bertie Portal discuss his endurance event of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. How it Started Bertie bought an ocean endurance boat that is self-righting Doing it for the charity Facing the World, which helps children with facial deformities in third world countries Wanted to conquer his fear of open water Had no rowing experience Wanted to see how he handled potentially lethal situation Training Trained in small cellar with rowing machine in pitch dark for 12 hours Wanted to make himself physically and mentally stronger Only had banana and a bottle of water during training Also trained at a gym on a rowing maching at level 12 for 2 hours So much of endurance is mental Rowed with partner James Cash for 24 hrs as part of training What Bertie is Doing Now Still working for "Facing the World" Charity Just came back from Marathon des Sables It is a 6 day event where you do a marathon everyday In the middle of the week you do 2 marathons in a row No crew. Carry own water Bertie tells Vinnie he is not a natural athlete Next Bertie is working on swimming the English Channel