Training Has Started

The heart is the most vital muscle to train in preparation for Kili so that it can pump blood more efficiently and deliver more oxygen. The cardiovascular system, your heart and lungs working together, is severely tested by climbing at altitude.

I am absolutely certain that my cardiovascular fitness from a few years of running challenges helped me during my last climb of Kili. I had lost loads of weight due to a chest infection which threatened the trip but three weeks prior to going in 2009 I managed to get my running distance back up to a 10k and I am sure this gave me the edge when I needed it most.

CV fitness improves if you exercise 3-6 times per week for at least half an hour with heart rate in your target zone, which is 70-85% of maximum heart rate. (Your maximum heart rate is worked our by deducting your age from 220). As your fitness improves, you have to work harder to push your heart to its target zone. Establishing your target zone and exercising within it is much easier if you use a heart rate monitor.... I need a new one so off to the shops for me. !

I have to confess that I have lulled myself into a false sense of security here. I can run a 10k at the moment and happily walk at a good pace for an hour. I think its time to start pushing the boundaries again. This can only be achieved by close attention to my training plan.... some dedicated gym work, walking and running with Climb Your Mountain, and some bootcamp sessions with FitMK, come rain or shine ! all perfect prep for Kilimanjaro.

Two weeks ago I took my son Ben on a trip to Snowdon with CYM... we all enjoyed a good climb in good conditions, ascent up Clamberis route and back down the miners track. The uneven rocky pathway and the more challenging walk down the steeper miners track resembled a typical day on Kilimanjaro... x that by six and you have an indication of what you are dealing with. Remembering of course that the higher you go on Kili the less oxygen there is so your heart is working harder and pumping faster.

Last Saturday a three hour hike to the Chiltern Hills was enjoyed by the CYM group... and later that day.... well midnight actually, I went to CMK and helped to lead the Moo Walk event for Willen Hospice, 10 miles through the night at a quick pace.... we didn't plan to race it but managed it in 2.40mins.... a great evening but boy has my backside felt the effects this week.

So 18 miles done at the weekend (that is and will be over and above the norm !) and 1 gym session and walk done so far this week. I have my gym session worked out thanks to help from Matt at David Lloyd so I will tell more about that in my next post..... looking forward to the weekend :-)