Kilimanjaro Training Plan: Honest Progress Report
In less than one week, I’ll be swapping my home comforts for one of the most exciting challenges on my bucket list—climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! While I’m absolutely buzzing with excitement, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous. And if I’m being honest, my Kilimanjaro training plan hasn’t exactly gone to plan. That’s why I’m writing this post: to share my honest experiences, my hits (and misses) during training, and my hopes as I get ready to take on this epic adventure.
About six months ago, I ambitiously dove into researching the perfect Kilimanjaro training plans. My goal was to become as fit as possible for the climb. Spoiler alert: that dream fizzled out faster than you can say “Uhuru Peak.” At the time, it felt like I had endless weeks to prepare, but somehow, the months have raced by, and now here I am—one week out, slightly under-prepared, and feeling all the emotions🫣.
So, grab a cuppa and let’s dive into my Kilimanjaro training journey. Whether you’re planning your own climb or just curious about what not to do, I’m laying it all out here.
My Kilimanjaro Preparation
Let’s just say my preparation started with the best intentions but didn’t exactly hit the mark. I poured so much energy into researching the right equipment that I neglected the actual training part. (I know, I know… rookie mistake!)
Here’s my advice: set aside specific time slots for both equipment research and training. If you’re prepping during the winter months, brace yourself mentally and physically; Nobody enjoys early morning runs in freezing temperatures, but consistency is key. I fell into the trap of procrastinating because of the cold, and it’s definitely something I’d change if I could.
Did I follow a training plan?
Not exactly. I’ve skimmed through a few Kilimanjaro training plans and tried to incorporate their basics, like cardio, strength training, and hiking. But life’s thrown a few curveballs my way—I’ve been ill more times than I care to count, which really dented my motivation. In hindsight, sticking to a structured plan would’ve been a game-changer.
My Recommended Kilimanjaro Training Plans
If you’re looking for solid Kilimanjaro training plans, I recommend checking out these:
8-Week Gym Programme from Climbing Kilimanjaro
Team Kilimanjaro’s Training Programme
Am I feeling Prepared?
Yes and no. I genuinely don’t think you can ever feel 100% ready for a challenge like this. The beauty of endurance and hiking adventures is that they’re unpredictable. You’ve got to roll with the punches (and altitude headaches) and take each day as it comes. My mindset is to embrace the journey, soak up every moment, and focus on the incredible experience ahead. After all, how often do you get the chance to climb Africa’s highest peak?!
What would I have done differently?
If I could turn back time, I’d have been more active on forums and connected with people who’ve climbed Kilimanjaro before. Their firsthand insights would’ve been invaluable for both training tips and mental preparation. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there from seasoned climbers, and I definitely missed a trick by not tapping into it earlier.
Equipment Report
When it comes to gear, I’m feeling pretty confident. I’ve carefully chosen every item on my packing list, from base layers and hiking boots to sleeping bags and balaclavas! The key to gear success is testing it all beforehand. I’ve spent a lot of time breaking in my boots on local trails and adjusting my backpack to ensure it’s comfortable for long hikes. One tip that I can’t stress enough: if you buy your equipment early, regularly test it out. Make sure it still fits comfortably and works for you. Comfort can be the difference between reaching the summit or calling it quits.
One thing I’ve learned is that layering is crucial. Kilimanjaro’s climate varies wildly, so having the right mix of moisture-wicking, insulating, and weatherproof layers is essential. I’ve also invested in high-quality gloves, a warm hat, and a buff to protect my face from the wind and cold at higher altitudes.
Another tip? Don’t skimp on socks. I couldn’t quite believe how expensive hiking socks are but remember that blisters can ruin your climb! Make sure to pack a mix of thin liners and thicker wool socks for elite comfort.
An overview of my packing progress
Packing has been a workout in itself! The porters will be carrying 15kg of gear, while I’ll have a day pack weighing up to 10kg. I’m doing everything I can to keep it as light as possible, but I won’t lie, the thought of lugging that up steep inclines is a bit daunting. This is where training my back and shoulders would’ve come in handy (another lesson learnt!).
My Top Tips for Upcoming Hikers
- Train, Train, Train: Build up your endurance with long hikes, ideally on hilly or mountainous terrain. Incorporate strength training to support your legs, back, and core. Carry a weighted backpack on your training hikes to simulate the conditions you’ll face on Kilimanjaro. Trust me, your body will thank you when the going gets tough.
- Prepare Mentally: Kilimanjaro isn’t just a physical challenge, it’s a mental one too. Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises to help you stay calm when the climb feels overwhelming. Visualise yourself reaching the summit and focus on the sense of achievement waiting for you at the top. A positive mindset can make all the difference.
- Test Your Gear: Don’t let summit night be the first time you wear your boots or try out your jacket. Break in all your gear beforehand on local hikes. Practice layering your clothes to get a feel for how to adjust to temperature changes. Familiarity with your equipment will give you one less thing to worry about on the mountain.
- Stay Motivated: Keep reminding yourself of why you’re doing this. For me, it’s raising funds for Fowler’s Syndrome UK and ticking off a major bucket list goal. I genuinely believe that if you have a solid reason for attempting any challenge, that thought can often be enough to see you through to the end of the challenge. So always ensure to check in with yourself and your emotions.
- HAVE FUN! This is the most important tip of all. It’s very easy for us to get caught up in the nervousness of certain challenges but we have to remember that there’s also a fun element to it too! I personally cannot wait for the peacefulness that is sure to come with waking up above the clouds. Remember to try and find the positives along the way✨
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, an honest look at my Kilimanjaro training plan (or lack thereof!). Climbing this mountain will be one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced, but I’m ready to give it my all. Wish me luck, and I’ll see you on the other side!
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