It's been a couple of weeks since my last blog so I thought it would combine a couple of blogs for a bumper bonus edition!
Training Updates
One of the first things people ask about this challenge is the training and what level of fitness they will need to be able to attempt the challenge. The good news is that with Aspire Adventures, who is managing this trip for us, we have been given a dedicated training guide to follow so we are in the best possible position to reach the summit.
It goes without saying that this is no ordinary hike and that both fitness and stamina are required to be able to climb up to and back down from the summit. Therefore, I will be following this guide, building my endurance levels, my overall cardio, and my experience of hiking of smaller hikes, breaking in my new hiking boots. Like barrister's wigs, I'm guessing you can tell first-time hikers with their brand-new boots.
As a result, I have been making the most of the somewhat summery weather we have been having, walking most evenings through Cassiobury Park, along the towpath or nature reserve. I'm finding this a great way to clear my mind after a day's work and without a commute when working from home, its a great chance to catch up with a podcast or two, including 'The Adventure of Buisness' hosted by Jason Rawles who is organising the trip for us through his company, Aspire Adventures. Each episode so far has been brilliant and I look forward to listening to them over the next few months and then implementing what I have learned from them when we get to Mount Kilimanjaro. The podcast can be found through Spotify, by clicking here.
Fantasy Hike Team
Have you ever been asked the question about who you would invite to your dream dinner party? If the answer is yes, it's likely because I have asked you the question. However, who would you pick if I asked who you would invite if you could pick a fantasy Mount Kilimanjaro Hike Team? On the assumption, you have guides, porters, and chefs provided, which three people would you pick to join you on this fantasy expedition. I think I will look for a combination of skills for each of the different challenges that I will face on this hike.
Firstly, I am looking for someone to tell stories of their lives so that time passes, whether climbing the summit in pitch darkness or during the downtime to escape any altitude sickness. Therefore, I'm picking Cesar Luis Menotti, the former Argentina manager who managed Argentina during the 1970s with vocal left with political views during which time Argentina was controlled by the Military Junta. I'll ignore the fact he's now 84 and used to smoke, it's a fantasy Hike Team after all.
Next up, someone to make us laugh when times are tough. For this, I'm picking Dara O'Briain, who I was lucky enough to see in Watford a few months ago and I am sure that he will keep us laughing during the tough times.
Lastly, I want someone I can rely on in those tougher times when all I want to do is to give up, someone to provide the inspiration and motivation to allow me to continue. For this, I am picking journalist, TV presenter, and author Jay Glazer. Many of you might not have heard of him but last year, I read his book Unbreakable in about 24 hours and have reconnected with his mental health podcast a few weeks ago. I think his unbreakable mindset will be needed on those difficult days and between Jay, Dara, and Cesar, I think I have the ideal team to get me up and down the mountain!
Right, that's enough from me, next time more on my training and my quest to find somewhere to hike. Let me know who you would pick to join you on your hike up Mount Kilimanjaro in the comments below
See you along the trail!
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