Monday, February 15, 2016

Some Ways Of Training For Kilimanjaro

By Scott Morgan


Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters above sea level) is one of the tallest in the world. The mountain, which is found in northern Tanzania, has continued to be a popular tourist destination over the years. The mountain is a major challenge to conquer and requires adequate mental and physical preparation. To increase the chances of succeeding, you need to start training for Kilimanjaro early (at least two months before the hike).

The duration and intensity of training tends to vary depending on the fitness levels of the individual. Persons that hike regularly or engage in other physical activity are likely to require a shorter period of time to reach the required fitness targets as compared to those that are largely inactive. If you are a beginner, you should ideally start by walking outdoors for say, a mile and increase this gradually to five miles or more.

The main focus of the training should be building cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. Develop a weight training routine that will help you improve your performance while protecting your joints such as the spine, the knees and the ankles which are at a great risk of injury during hiking. If you can carry a 20 pound backpack up a flight of stairs and climb 30 steps a minute, you are ready for the woods.

Make sure that you are in constant communication with your doctor even as you continue with your preparation. You should undergo a full medical checkup to screen for any chronic conditions that may be worsened by the challenge. Examples of such conditions include asthma (and other chronic respiratory conditions), metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions (such as heart failure) among others.

High altitudes subject the body to a huge stress especially with regard to oxygen requirements. You need to be involved in high altitude training to ensure that you pre-acclimatize to such conditions. The surest way of achieving this is taking part in hiking activities in smaller hills and mountains. If you arrive in Tanzania in good time, you get an opportunity to train on the smaller mountains found in the vicinity of the Kilimanjaro.

Regardless of the level of your hiking experience it is advisable that you arrive a few days early. This will give your body a chance to rest as you prepare to take on the mountain. At the same time, you will get a chance to get used to the new climate, food and culture. Persons that arrive early have a higher chance of reaching the summit than those who arrive just before the event.

You need to carry with you a number of essential items. The technical clothing will typically include hiking pants, a long sleeved shirt, a waterproof jacket (with a hood), a pair of gloves and sports bra (for women). Important equipment specific to the exercise include a map, a compass (or GPS), sleeping bags and headlamps among others. Other accessories include a towel, toilet paper, soap and so on.

If you are a tourist to Tanzania then travel arrangements should feature prominently during the preparations. Ensure that your passport and visa are valid and that you have any other documents that may be required. The closest airport is the Kilimanjaro International Airport in northern Tanzania from where the mountain is easily accessible.




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