"We're heading for Venus". Well ok, Tanzania...
It's the final week and it's all horribly real. I'm thinking about it every minute I'm not doing something that completely absorbs me, such as baking. The office will be getting another cake tomorrow... I've had good luck cards from my family and a fabulous poem from my Aunt which I laughed at so much I almost cried. Thank you so much, you have shown me such support and I really wouldn't be where I am without you. Extra special thanks as follows...
Thank you to my Aunt for the poem and for trapsing around the village collecting on my behalf, it means so much to me. Thank you to Richard for climbing Ben Nevis with me. I'm glad we were able to share the experience. To my grandparents for their generous donations and to their circle of friends. Thank you to Anita and Gordon for your kind words and sponsorship. To Jo and Brendon for offering refuge and sensible words. To Shruti for making me do this in the first place and for being so encouraging and a great friend. To Dave for keeping me smiling. To everyone who's sponsored me, wished me luck and offered advice. And biggest thanks of all go to my parents who have given me more support in more ways than anyone else, despite their fears for my well being, safety and probably sanity. I can't begin to thank you enough but I will try. I hope I do everyone proud.
I've raised a total of £4,344 but this isn't all with the Charity yet. Some people wanted to wait until I actually got back before giving me the money... I guess that's ok. I tried to arrange something last minute for this weekend but the store was rather uncharitable. I'm not giving up on that £4,500 target though. I'll get there by hook or by crook, even if it's a little bit after the event.
There's really not a lot left to do now. I'm packed, all but the last minute things. I've got Friday off work and I'm coming home Thursday lunchtime to work from home so that I can get a last minute B12 jab. I have a deficiency that can make me tired and lethargic which is the last thing I need. I've done only minor exercise the past week or so but I intend to do a lot of stretching out so that my muscles don't start off really tight.
I realised I've not done much in the way of video diaries or photos of late so I'll be doing one before I go and do some more while I'm away ready for posting when I get back. I don't intend to stop writing this blog after Kili. I'm going to use it to document all my other adventures and efforts. There's plenty more where this came from!
Monday, 22 February 2010
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Can I stand the heat?
I realised that although I've got together all my trekking clothing, I've not thought much about what I'll wear at the hotel. This led me to wonder what the weather was doing out there so I looked up the weather report for Kilimanjaro. Looks pretty rubbish right now, 22 and rainy but last week it was a balmy 33 degrees and sunny. Scorchio!
And then I thought it might be nice to share with you my itinerary. But I haven't got webspace to upload it and it looks rubbish as a picture so you'll just have to go without... for now at least.
Just over a week to go now. I'm pretty much packed and I've not done much in the way of exercising in the last week or so. Partly because I've been on a course with work and partly because I'm now terrified of getting an injury. Let's save those for the a more impressive situation ;)
And then I thought it might be nice to share with you my itinerary. But I haven't got webspace to upload it and it looks rubbish as a picture so you'll just have to go without... for now at least.
Just over a week to go now. I'm pretty much packed and I've not done much in the way of exercising in the last week or so. Partly because I've been on a course with work and partly because I'm now terrified of getting an injury. Let's save those for the a more impressive situation ;)
Monday, 8 February 2010
Last legs
The weekend was very productive. I went out for a 9 mile walk in Swinley Forest on Saturday with my very lovely friend Dave after a suitably stodgy lunch, followed by a suitably stodgy dinner. It was the first time I got to use my Garmin properly so that was fun. It was a pleasant day, we didn't get mown down by any mountain bikers and narrowly missed getting splattered by film crew lorries. I fell asleep in front of the rugby afterwards but woke up in time to see England thrash Wales so that was nice.
Sunday was a 9 mile run. If only my legs were involved I feel as though I could run almost indefinitely but shoulders, lungs and other vital parts come into play too and so it wasn't easy but I did it. I didn't eat properly afterwards so effectively wiped myself out for the rest of the day. I was forced, yes, *forced* to lie on the sofa watching back-to-back QI all afternoon. Shame.
Sunday was a 9 mile run. If only my legs were involved I feel as though I could run almost indefinitely but shoulders, lungs and other vital parts come into play too and so it wasn't easy but I did it. I didn't eat properly afterwards so effectively wiped myself out for the rest of the day. I was forced, yes, *forced* to lie on the sofa watching back-to-back QI all afternoon. Shame.
Getting out of bed on Monday morning was fun, as my legs gave out and I almost toppled head first into the wardrobe. If that's after two days of "stuff" what's it going to be like after 6?! I think I shall try and do something similar this coming weekend. I'll have to do lots more stretching too before I ramp down the training.
All medications and snacks are now bought. Just need to pack it all. Oh and in related news Shruti will now be doing her trek in June. She's climbing Snowdon this coming weekend so I'll be thinking of her, not least because I'd rather like to be doing it with her :)
Monday, 1 February 2010
All by myself
25 days to go! Back into the gym tonight and a long walk planned for the weekend (route and destination unknown as yet). I'm really looking forward to a run later.
Was chatting to a friend of mine at the weekend who has signed up to do the Reading half marathon with his brother and sister. Just so happens I'm signed up too so I'll know a couple of people running which will be great... more people to get competative with provided I don't get injured on the mountain. Definitely want to get some longer runs in now. I'm hoping to get a time of sub 2 hours. If I can get 1:45 that'd be totally brilliant.
And now the reason for the title of this post. Unfortunately Shruti will not be joining me in Tanzania. There's been some fundraising issues and so she's been told she won't be able to participate. It's not completely unexpected but it's still a real shame, especially as all this was her idea to start with! Don't get me wrong, I in no way shape or form wish that I hadn't signed up to this, it's going to be a crazy and wonderful thing. I was just looking forward to sharing the experience with her and having her enthusiasm to help get me up there. I sort of know a couple of other girls but it won't be quite the same.
So I'll need even more encouragement and cheering on now!
Was chatting to a friend of mine at the weekend who has signed up to do the Reading half marathon with his brother and sister. Just so happens I'm signed up too so I'll know a couple of people running which will be great... more people to get competative with provided I don't get injured on the mountain. Definitely want to get some longer runs in now. I'm hoping to get a time of sub 2 hours. If I can get 1:45 that'd be totally brilliant.
And now the reason for the title of this post. Unfortunately Shruti will not be joining me in Tanzania. There's been some fundraising issues and so she's been told she won't be able to participate. It's not completely unexpected but it's still a real shame, especially as all this was her idea to start with! Don't get me wrong, I in no way shape or form wish that I hadn't signed up to this, it's going to be a crazy and wonderful thing. I was just looking forward to sharing the experience with her and having her enthusiasm to help get me up there. I sort of know a couple of other girls but it won't be quite the same.
So I'll need even more encouragement and cheering on now!
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Scaling the heights
It's now just under a month until I jet off. This week hasn't been the best in terms of training for a variety of reasons with only 3 instances of exercise possible, but next week promises to be much better. I suppose you can have too much of a good thing.
I did go climbing this week. The vertical sort of climbing, albeit indoors. I've tried it once before and really enjoyed it and it seems it doesn't take much to get hooked. I had one of the best nights, climbed my first overhang and got scuffed knees to show for it. I only did up to level 5 routes but was happy enough with that. Can't wait for an excuse to go back. Quite fancy doing the beginners course but I really should try and wait until I get back from The Mountain. It'll get added to the List of Things I Enjoy Scaring Mum With.
I did go climbing this week. The vertical sort of climbing, albeit indoors. I've tried it once before and really enjoyed it and it seems it doesn't take much to get hooked. I had one of the best nights, climbed my first overhang and got scuffed knees to show for it. I only did up to level 5 routes but was happy enough with that. Can't wait for an excuse to go back. Quite fancy doing the beginners course but I really should try and wait until I get back from The Mountain. It'll get added to the List of Things I Enjoy Scaring Mum With.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Fueled by Audio
Some time ago The Times did an offer where by you could download two music tracks from a company called AudioFuel for free. These tracks are designed to help you in your running, whether outside or on the treadmill in the gym. They come in two main flavours, pure - just music, and coaching - with some added spoken instructions to help you find the pace and to motivate you. I think the free ones were one of each. I downloaded them and promptly forgot about them.
The other day I got an email from one of the many newsletters I'm signed up to. Can't remember if it was the London Marathon one, Reading Half, or even the AudioFuel one itself. Anyway it mentioned the addition of some new tracks and a survey, which if completed would give me £20 to spend on music. Always keen to take advantage of a useful bargain or freebie I completed the survey and have downloaded my £20 of music. For me this meant one 60min Pure compilation and one 40min Coaching compilation. I've listened to both and they are awesome. I used the free tracks in the gym last night and really enjoyed working out to them. The music is original, the coaching subtle and finally I have a solid block of music that's the right tempo.
They have quite a lot of different compilations, in different intensities and lengths and you can make up your own if you like. Yes you could get some gadget to analyse your own music for BPM but I've not found anything that does it well yet. In the mean time this is a great quick fix. I've been listening to the tracks at work which is making me want to go to the gym so much. This might be the motivation I need to get that intensity up. As most people know, music is very important to me.
I've managed to get to the gym every day bar one for the last 8 days. I'm very happy with that. This has had the effect of making me want to eat all the time. Still need to get more outdoor walking miles under my belt but an hour of fast-paced CV every day has got to be good right? Also, doing weights every day has resulted in me getting some of the definition back in my arms. Haven't had that since I did Body Pump!
The other day I got an email from one of the many newsletters I'm signed up to. Can't remember if it was the London Marathon one, Reading Half, or even the AudioFuel one itself. Anyway it mentioned the addition of some new tracks and a survey, which if completed would give me £20 to spend on music. Always keen to take advantage of a useful bargain or freebie I completed the survey and have downloaded my £20 of music. For me this meant one 60min Pure compilation and one 40min Coaching compilation. I've listened to both and they are awesome. I used the free tracks in the gym last night and really enjoyed working out to them. The music is original, the coaching subtle and finally I have a solid block of music that's the right tempo.
They have quite a lot of different compilations, in different intensities and lengths and you can make up your own if you like. Yes you could get some gadget to analyse your own music for BPM but I've not found anything that does it well yet. In the mean time this is a great quick fix. I've been listening to the tracks at work which is making me want to go to the gym so much. This might be the motivation I need to get that intensity up. As most people know, music is very important to me.
I've managed to get to the gym every day bar one for the last 8 days. I'm very happy with that. This has had the effect of making me want to eat all the time. Still need to get more outdoor walking miles under my belt but an hour of fast-paced CV every day has got to be good right? Also, doing weights every day has resulted in me getting some of the definition back in my arms. Haven't had that since I did Body Pump!
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Keep on keeping on
As Donna, another girl tackling Kili, has mentioned, there's only 45 days to go! The briefing is tonight in London but I can't make it so Donna's kindly going to report back on anything I need to know. We've started talking about what we're going to wear for the gala dinner after the climb. Girly, yes, but exciting too.
Did a couple of hour/two hour walks in the snow on the weekend and so far this week have managed a weights session and two proper gym sessions. The gym is filled with people trying to keep their new years resolutions... very frustrating for those of us who are just trying to keep going. Might have to try going later in the evening to see if it's any quieter. I've still not managed to give my Garmin Forerunner a proper try due to the continuing snow and slush.
I almost incurred injury the other day too. Walking out of my apartment complex I slipped, stacked it and now have several bruises in inconvenient places and a very sore, raw patch on my ankle where I took the skin off. I'm hoping to go for a long walk with Shruti at the weekend so it's on with the compeed to protect the wound.
I'm really looking forward to the walk with Shruti. I'm not bad at self-motivation but this month has been especially tough so far; it's the time when I most need to keep going though. I would still really like a personal trainer to help push me or a training partner to help with motivation. I'm not sure if I am actually any fitter, how much or if I've improved my strength or endurance. I am thinking that when I'm back home properly that I'd like to join the local running club. It's something I enjoy doing (with hiking, biking and swimming) and I've got some events in mind or already booked that it would help me to train for. I'd like to experience the social side of sport and see some improvement. A friend of mine plays football several times a week and always has stories about how they beat this team that they didn't last year or how he's improved; I'd like to experience that and running's pretty accessible. I've signed up for the Sherunsheruns/Sweatshop 10K in Bluewater again this year... want to get a new PB on the course :)
Did a couple of hour/two hour walks in the snow on the weekend and so far this week have managed a weights session and two proper gym sessions. The gym is filled with people trying to keep their new years resolutions... very frustrating for those of us who are just trying to keep going. Might have to try going later in the evening to see if it's any quieter. I've still not managed to give my Garmin Forerunner a proper try due to the continuing snow and slush.
I almost incurred injury the other day too. Walking out of my apartment complex I slipped, stacked it and now have several bruises in inconvenient places and a very sore, raw patch on my ankle where I took the skin off. I'm hoping to go for a long walk with Shruti at the weekend so it's on with the compeed to protect the wound.
I'm really looking forward to the walk with Shruti. I'm not bad at self-motivation but this month has been especially tough so far; it's the time when I most need to keep going though. I would still really like a personal trainer to help push me or a training partner to help with motivation. I'm not sure if I am actually any fitter, how much or if I've improved my strength or endurance. I am thinking that when I'm back home properly that I'd like to join the local running club. It's something I enjoy doing (with hiking, biking and swimming) and I've got some events in mind or already booked that it would help me to train for. I'd like to experience the social side of sport and see some improvement. A friend of mine plays football several times a week and always has stories about how they beat this team that they didn't last year or how he's improved; I'd like to experience that and running's pretty accessible. I've signed up for the Sherunsheruns/Sweatshop 10K in Bluewater again this year... want to get a new PB on the course :)
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