My first blog associated with Kilimanjaro challenge



This photo was actually taken on Feb 2nd 2013 after our group returned from Kilimanjaro

This is my first blog about the next challenge I propose to undertake. I’ve signed up with the Kilimanjaro Achievers, led by Ian McKeever, to prepare for our ascent commencing December 29^th. 2012.  Have a look at their site www.kilimanjaroachievers.com

Over the coming months I hope to include some information about the rest of the December Team i.e. subject to getting their consent.

So, what about today (October 28^th 2012). We met at the Upper Car Park in Glendalough for the first meeting of the December Team. The weather was miserable but if that’s a problem well then I suppose we should not be attempting this challenge. The group is made up of both males and females and the age range is significant. There are some who are very fit, mostly the younger members while others, like myself, have a lot of work to do.

After some stretching we took off at a slow jog (thank God) around the lake. I kept up for most of the circuit, trailing off towards the end. We then continued up the steps to the Poulanass Waterfall returning immediately to the base. After pairing off we had to run up five steps, back down, up 10 steps, back down, up 15 steps and back down, then up to the first bend and back down. We were given 30 seconds to recover before repeating the exercise. Then just 15 second t recover before the final set.

At this stage I thought we were finished, but no. We were taken over to Camaderry Mountain. This is a steep climb. The very wet condition did not help. We climber to the summit and then back down the same route. The reason this particular slope was chosen is that the incline is very similar to the final ascent on Kilimanjaro. However the final section on Kilimanjaro is many time higher than Camaderry. For that reason we will return here in December and make eight consecutive climbs, hopefully in four to six hours to determine our readiness for Kilimanjaro. I have a lot of gym work to do if I'm to have any chance of success on this exercise session. 

At the end of this first day I am pleased to have completed all the exercises albeit somewhat slower than the younger team members.

Finally we all went to Lynhams in Laragh for a short discussion with Ian. He covered bloods, gear, training and others matters.

Feeling some aches in the old knees and hips tonight. Must get back to the gym tomorrow and get in better shape for our next outing on November 11^th.