Hiking
Mount Kilimanjaro Reflection
July 2014, my training regime is
continuing. I go to the gym Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. I start off with 20
minutes on the stair stepper set at level 9, 20 minutes on the treadmill at a
gradient of 9 and a speed of 6, 10 minutes on the rowing machine, 120 abdominal
exercises, and various weigh lifting machines. Incorporated with the exercise
my goal is to drink at least 4 liters of water per day.
My family and I also attempted to train
on the West Cliff steps in Johannesburg, South Africa. However, we found this
exercise very interruptive and short. So, we are back hiking in Groenkloof and
Klipriviersberg every Saturday and Sunday.
I know I have mentioned the
altitude-training mask in my previous reflection. I would like to reiterate on
its function and purpose; the mask simulates high altitude levels in 20 minute
intervals. I will train every week at least 20 minutes on every hike to
increase my lung capacity and allow me to acclimate according to the training mask.
Part of the exciting journey to make it
to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is having the proper gear. Throughout the
weeks my family and I have been regular customers at Drifters, Due South, and
Cape Union Mart. We were invited to attend a Kilimanjaro orientation at
Drifters through the company Adventure Dynamix International with Sean Disney.
This was a very informative orientation that lasted about 2 hours. He basically
briefed us on what to expect, how much training to put in, what to wear, etc.
My commitment and perseverance into the
second month of training is solidifying my desire to make it to the summit of
Mount Kilimanjaro. Although, I know I still have weaknesses because training is
only a fraction of what it takes to make it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mental strength and concentration is the other part of the equation. Sleep and
lots of water are essential, but can also be a challenge.
Into the second month of training, one of
my learning moments was that I preferred to use one pole versus the two. This
is just a personal preference, because I felt more comfortable and was able to
hike with more ease. Another learning moment that came to me in the tranquility
of hiking the trails was to enjoy the moment now, because it’s not all about making
it to the summit. So enjoy the fauna and foliage, the smells and the sounds of
the earth.
I’m always going to keep in mind that my
health and my safety will take priority over negative implications that could
affect me if I pushed myself too far. The altitude affects on the human body
can be mild or can be deadly. Thus, use wise judgment when you are challenging
yourself.
The only changes that my family and I
made in the month of July in our training regime was that we allowed our body
to dictate how long we were going to be training for. We did not set a certain
time limit. The wonderful part of that is the more you train the more your body
will be able to accept.
I wear glasses and they pose a problem
with conflict of interest. During my Kilimanjaro orientation at Drifters they
forbid the use of glass lenses and recommended polarized plastic sunglasses due
to strong ultraviolet rays at high altitudes.
Our action plan is to hike all the way up
until the last week of July. Our flight will be departing for Kilimanjaro,
Tanzania on August 1st. We will use our last week for rest and
recuperation.
If I reach my goal of reaching the summit
of Mount Kilimanjaro, I feel that this experience will be a great tool for me
to use on my resumes showing commitment, perseverance, and accepting a
challenge.
No comments:
Post a Comment