Kath climbs Kilimanjaro

It was a gruelling day scaling the highest mountain in the UK. It is in the north of Scotland in amongst some beautiful scenery with lochs and mountains all around. Apparently Loch Ness isn’t far from there and they filmed Braveheart just down the road.

The day was rainy with gale force winds and low cloud cover, the temperature starting at about 3 degrees at the base then going to -8 degrees in the wind chill at the summit. Considering it’s the height of summer at the moment this sort of weather was bizarre.

So sweating our way up this crazy mountain alongside seemingly hundreds of Scots (who kept saying ‘ai’ instead of ‘yes’)), we actually made it to the top despite sometimes feeling like we wouldn’t. It was so cloudy and freezing when we got there we had to ask around to see if it actually was the summit. Everyone confirmed it was the top so we did a quick 180 spin and got the heck out of there. My fingers were about to fall off and I was cold to the bone, so we virtually ran for the next hour down the rocky slopes trying to warm up. And down the lower levels unfortunately I sprained my ankle and fell and Karen munted her knee so it was slow going, but at least the weather wasn’t as chilly on the lower parts. It took all up about 6 and a half to 7 hours. Then off to the pub it was for some hearty good food to warm our bellies.

The next day we did a waterfalls walk that took roughly 5 hours, it was cute and far less strenuous – reminded me of home. Legs hurt for a bit but I feel fine now so hopefully the ankle thing was just a minor twist and won’t cause me anymore grief.

Back to the training schedule I go, am thinking maybe an increase in cardio is needed as man I was out of breath on that mountain. Will keep you posted.

Well it’s been a tough few weeks I have to say. I have had various health problems that have affected my training. I ended up with severe fatigue which made it difficult to even get out of bed let along make it to the gym. But my Dr has advised that my iron levels have been extremely low so now I’m taking some supplements and am back on track.

Nathan changed my training regime to the Hypertrophy phase. Dunno what that means but now with the weights I do 5 sets on each exercise using heavier weights and doing less reps. There is a 90 second rest between each set which gives me a nice breather but it’s still extra hard work. Then I have to do 10 lots of crazy sprints on the treadmill, that almost kills. And I have to do uphill treadmill runs, which go up to an incline of 10 (which I didn’t even know the treadmill went that steep!). Then I use the step up bench while carrying weights…so much to do. But I’m feeling good and hoping all this nonsense will make a difference in the end.

I went for a short walk last weekend, 10.6 miles out in Sussex or maybe it was Surrey, I can’t remember the place names. It was a lovely walk too. I carried 5 litres of water and heaps of other rubbish to load down my pack and make it harder for me. Whilst crawling up a hill off-trail I definitely noticed Cherie spurring ahead with her light mini-pack.

In 2 weeks time the plan is to climb the highest mountain in the British Isles, it’s probably not actually that high but it will be good training. Ben Nevis is one of the 3 peaks in the 3 peaks challenge. It is located in Scotland and is a long and difficult day walk apparently. I will let you know how it goes!!

You will see me cycling down the highways and byways on Londontown on my new cycle. It is so much fun, but also a tad dangerous!! I figure that aggressive riding is the key – as its mostly woman that get into accidents as they are not running reds and going fast – well thats my opinion anyway. So I’m trying to avoid lorries and I wear my stunning fluoro jacket..watch out Vogue. Its quite thrilling really, I live a fair distance away from work now, about 10km so its adding to the ole training regime.  Downhill to work mainly and uphill on the way home. I’m usually knackered by the time I hit West Hampstead, after doing the evening gym workouts too. It may be a bit much but I’m giving it a taste in the meantime, if I need to cut back I will, but for now its good fun. Being out in the fresh air and not on the crammed smelly tube is such a massive relief! Although I do get lost frequently, and I did accidentally end up on a motorway at one point, but managed to scuttle off onto the footpath as the approaching tunnel loomed…good for the heart rate I say.

Over the weekend there was a meeting with all my fellow comrades who are climbing the crazy mountain. We got a lot explained to us about a-day-in-the-life-on-kilimanjaro including washing with wet wipes, ablutions, the cuisine and more. It was exciting to talk to the guides who have climbed the mountain several times. The people on my team were great, there were some Starbucks crew, a soon to be writer, another kiwi, some long time trekkers and others. It is all becoming very much more real.

Despite all the inspiration my training has been less than inspirational to say the least. Although I have recently got myself a new bike – today was my first riding to work in the London traffic – I seem to be constantly fatigued and not feeling like doing anything. This is partly due to the hot weather we are experiencing (although Kili will be a whole lot hotter on the lower levels) and also that training has been going on for awhile and I think I’m slightly bored. I’ve had a couple of days off so will be right back on the horse today hoping to conjure up some inspiration. One foot in front of the other.

They told us that on summit day we are each assigned a porter to help us get to the top, and they say “pole pole” pronounced like ‘poli poli’ which means slowly slowly as we go higher and higher to make it to the top. I think I will take some of that advice onboard now, as my resolve weakens. But I think there are phases of summer and winter in amoungst getting fit, just to hang in there until it gets a bit easier.

It was a tough week last week, adjusting to my new training regime. I came down with a cold which seemed to wipe me out. But I pressed on. I find it really hard using the free weights and maintaining correct posture. And it seems at the gyms I go to, there are only guys using the free weights, likes it’s a guys only area. And then they all stare at you when you come into the room. Totally weird. A lot of my training now is using free weights, whereas before I was on the machines.

I am finding the flatness of London not very helpful for my running either, its like you can run for miles on the flat but the minute you hit a hill it is so full on.

On the weekend I went walking in the south of Wales, at a place called the Brecon Beacons. This was hillier than the Southdowns walk so better practice for Kili. We did the waterfalls walk and splashed around behind the big waterfall – it was freezing – much colder than any NZ fresh water. Then the next day we did the highest mountain there called Pen Y Fan. This was a reasonably tough hike, with amazing views, climbing between small peaks and then along the ridge. The track was quite rocky a lot of the way, and my new boots got a hard workout, as did my legs. But it was good fun. Some of our group ended up mud-sliding most of the way down the last slope and then we dived into the icy reservoir to clean off. Although we did note that swimming is forbidden there, we couldn’t understand why so leapt in anyway. I don’t seem to have come down with any rare diseases thus far so it was probably ok to go in.

Just so you get a feel for what I’m actually doing, so you can come along for part of the ride!!

CLOTHING &GENERAL TREKKING/CAMPING EQUIPMENT

• WALKING BOOTS – well worn in & waterproofed!
• Walking socks x 4 pairs
• Several T-shirts / wicking trekking tops
• Shorts x 2
• Trekking Trousers x 1 (zip-off trousers ideal)
• Loose long-sleeved shirt x 1
• Warm jumper / good quality fleece
• Waterproof trousers
• Gaiters
• Waterproof windproof jacket – Gore-tex or equivalent standard
• Tracksuit bottoms – good for sleeping in or as spares to trek in
• Thermals or something warm to sleep in
• Thermal or down jacket for cold evenings
• Warm hat & gloves (hand-warmers also useful)
• Sun block (min factor 30) & lipsalve (total sun-block)
• Aftersun / skin moisturiser
• Hat / cap for sun protection
• Sunglasses
• Small towel
• Swimming costume – optional
• Underwear and socks
• Spare set of clothes for Moshi
• Trainers / spare footwear (for the evenings)
• water bottle – 1–2 litres (if you prefer to use a platypus insulate the tube as it will freeze)
• Sleeping bag (4 season minimum – warm enough to sleep in at -10°C)
• Light sleeping mat (Therm-a-rest style ideal)
• Rubber-tipped trekking poles – optional; useful if you are unsteady on uneven ground
• Sleeping bag liner – for extra warmth (silk best for warmth and weight)
• Comfortable 35+ litre daypack – to carry your waterproofs/water bottle/fleece/camera/first aid kit etc. as you will not be able to access your main pack until camp each day

Although warm by day, and hot on the valley floor, altitude has a great effect on temperatures and it will get cooler as you climb higher. It will also be cold at night, sometimes below freezing, especially near the summit. The evenings will be cold; our highest camp is at 4600m. There will be frost on the tents in the morning. One pair of thermals would be a good idea as well as lots of layers to wear in camp.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

• Whistle
• Water purification tablets (small pack for back-up only)
• torch & spare battery (head torch recommended)
• 1 roll of toilet paper & small plastic bags (fragranced nappy bags are best)
• Snacks/energy bars/dextrose tablets
• Ear-plugs (if you are a light sleeper)
• wash kit, including wet-wipes
• large plastic bags to keep things dry inside your rucksack
• Camera & film / spare batteries / memory cards etc. (little opportunity to recharge)
• alarm clock
• Insect repellent
• Liquid handwash (waterless type)

PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT

to be carried in your day-pack

• Imodium / Arret (diarrhoea tablets)
• Antihistamines
• Dioralyte (rehydration sachets)
• Nurofen / Paracetamol
• Plasters and blister dressings (such as Compeed)
• Any medication you regularly take or that you take while exercising

ADDITIONAL PACKING ADVICE

It is best to wear your walking boots on the flight.
Remember not to pack any penknives, scissors, tweezers etc in your hand luggage.
Trekking poles should also not be carried on as hand-luggage. They should be packed into your main bag – dismantling them makes them smaller but if they don’t fit, the best option is to secure them well and label them separately in case they become detached.
It is best not to pack anything valuable into the side pockets of the bag you check in – items have been known to go missing.

There is this horrible, evil little thing in the UK that no one ever told me about, that attacks you when you’re least expecting it, attaching itself to you with piercing stings, and leaves you developing white lumps all over your body, coming up in a rash and itching like heck. STINGING NETTLE. Why did no one inform me of this icky plant species??

We were out hiking, taking a detour that lasted at least an hour and ended up with us getting lost, stung and nowhere in the direction we were supposed to be going.

Other than those and a few other minor setbacks, our hiking trip in the Southdowns was amazing. Walking along ridges, through fields, across the Seven Sisters and generally breathing some nice fresh sea air. Sore legs/muscles, sore all over. Great experience though. There is more where that came from, so keep posted.

New Training Phase

I have moved into the Toning Phase of my training now. It is more intense and more complicated. I am also upping the cardio as I have not been doing enough. Lots of gym time working muscles, doing 4 reps on each machine with 1 minute breaks. Hopefully this is all doing something good!

British Military Fitness was on today, so off I trotted with Charlotte and Sharon for a Nazi style workout. Boot Camp mania. Sprints, sit-ups, press-ups, squats and more, it never ended and there was no way you were allowed to stop. Unsure if I will keep up with that one but shall see what happens.

Onwards and upwards I go, Kilimanjaro here we come!!

Chalk Cliffs

The Downs Way

Next stop is hiking in the South Downs this weekend. I’ve got to get used to this whole walking thing, and it seemed like an easy place to start. This is scenic and apparently quite flat, not far from London, it should be a nice escape from the city.

I haven’t found the perfect hiking boot yet but am getting there.

We have to carry all our stuff - which sounds tiring if you ask me but it should be fun - unless its pouring with rain of course!

10 days/ 9 nights

Introduction

The highest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro is also the highest mountain on the African continent at 5896m. Its snow-capped summit rises high above the dusty African plains; huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, spectacular views and beautiful ice formations are the reward for pushing your limits both physically and mentally. Our trek takes the less-trodden Machame route, allowing us to camp and fully appreciate the splendour of our surroundings and the clear night skies. The terrain changes as you ascend the mountain, passing through thick forest, moorland and scree en route to the highest point of the crater, Uhuru Peak. This is a challenging trek at altitude, climbing one of the most impressive and well-known mountains in the world.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Leave London Heathrow for Kilimanjaro International airport.

Day 2:

Arrive Kilimanjaro International and transfer to Moshi town, where you can admire the views of Kibo, the youngest of Kilimanjaro’s cones. Time to sort out our kit for tomorrow.
Night in hotel.

Day 3:

A one-hour drive from Moshi lies the gate to the Machame route, where we complete park formalities, meet our crew of porters and start to climb! The first section of the route climbs steadily and involves real jungle bashing through magnificent forest. This path is less well trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot. We camp at Machame camp, 3100m
Walk 5-7 hours, approx 18km.

Day 4:

The route continues on up through the forest until we are at the steep ascent on to the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha town. We camp at Shira caves, 3840m.
Walk 4-6 hours, approx 9 km.

Day 5:

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp at the Barranco Hut (3900m), a tin shack where we pitch our tents. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to avoid altitude sickness by aiding our bodies acclimatisation.
Walk 6-7 hours, approx 15km.

Day 6:

We start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last water stop before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp (4600m).
Walk 7-9 hours, approx 18km.

Day 7:

We avoid walking too long in the heat of the sun today by starting early, and walk steeply upwards to the Summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but you gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5750m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to Mawenzi and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit Uhuru (5896m), the highest point; Uhuru means freedom in Swahili. We begin the descent by returning to Stella Point (5750m) and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast and a rest before finally heading down to Millenium Camp (3,000 metres) for a well earned rest. On our descent we have fabulous views of the plains and Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s secondary but more technical peak.
Walk 10 - 12 hours, approx 20km, 7km climb.

Day 8:

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates of ascent which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by the vehicles and we drive back to the hotel in Moshi where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!). Celebration meal.
Walk 5 hours, approx 10km.

Day 9: Free Day Moshi – Flight to Addis Ababa

Free day, allowing you to explore Moshi, where there are some good markets, and relax with your fellow achievers. We return to the hotel mid afternoon in time to transfer to the airport for our international flight home. Lunch and dinner not provided.

Day 10: Addis - London

Arrive UK