A number of people have asked how we are getting ready for the Kilimanjaro climb. There are two things to think about. The first is altitude and the second is conditioning. There is not much we can do about the first except to go really slowly on the mountain, which our porters will ensure we do. As far as conditioning is concerned, we are both doing everything we can.

 

Barry – My training actually started before the thought of climbing Kilimanjaro ever crossed my mind. I hired a personal trainer a couple of years ago who not only whipped me into shape but also taught me two things. The first was that when your mind says, “Enough!” your body still has lots left in the reserve tank. The second was how to use the equipment at the gym for maximum results without injury. Both have come in handy. My training has consisted of a lot of hiking in the Gatineaus with my climbing boots and backpack, biking and strength and core training at the gym. As we get closer to the climb, I am focusing on leg strengthening by climbing stairs at the office and using the stair climber at the gym. My goal is to climb up and down 50 flights of stairs non-stop by mid December. The last two or three weeks will be light training, stretching and trying to pace myself at Christmas functions.

 

Chris – I have been going to the gym passively for several years, and like to think I stay in pretty good shape. Then I got my hands on a copy of Wii Fit and proceeded to prove myself wrong-ish. Now I realize that body composition is not necessarily an indication of fitness level and being “overweight” is not always a bad thing, but it still gave me a different perspective to consider. I love the balance games that it comes with and spend a fair amount of time with the strength and yoga training as well. When I get out into the “real world” I try to hit the gym five days a week for leg exercises on two days and heavy cardio the other three, with upper body thrown in on an ad hoc basis. On weekends I try to get a solid 2-3 hours of walking in as well. I have spent a great deal of time strengthening my legs as well to deal with a severe knee problem that crept up years ago and likes to attack when I get active. I also spend a great deal of time chasing my 1 year old daughter around, and can’t think of a better way to stay active