I’ve had a few knocks here and there, and my bones/muscles are feeling a little sore. I have had to book in some physio sessions for the various niggles, just so they don’t get any worse before I set off to Africa. Nathan has said that it’s all pretty expected when training hard like that.
We had a nice sunny day walking in the Peak District last weekend, didn’t quite make the full length of the walk before it started getting dark as we had some early setbacks, and several detours (I wouldn’t say we were necessarily lost, but we did seem to be going round in circles at times – I blame the boys, no sense of direction!).
This weekend we are exploring the Malvern Ranges. Another set of fairly minor peaks but it should be good fun. These weekend trips are taking it out of me but it is exhilarating see other parts of the UK from the top of mountains. I think I carried a bit too much weight in my pack on my last walk as my calves are still recovering. I am supposed to be carrying weights and I have noticed the days which I don’t are so much easier, glad my bag won’t be particularly heavy on Kili.
I am being a bit of a sook about getting cold up Kili, I was offered loan of a sleeping bag that went down to -10 but I’m thinking I may need something even warmer. I’ve been looking in the shops and a goose down bag that goes to -20 degrees seems far cosier. So will just check in with my new buddies at Ellis Brigham outdoors store for some further advice before proceeding. In the last week I have bought waterproofing, insulated bottles, water purification tablets, inner thermal socks and earplugs; all essential items for the big climb. I think my Ugg boots are going to take pride of place in my bag as well, can’t have my toes freezing off!
