I need support planing Kilamanjaro

[cris r]

Hi Im looking for help and support from anyone who has climbed kilamanjaro. I have been looking at doing some kind of walk for a long time. My husband bless him has no interest. My sons have said they would accompany me they are both extremely fit being in the RAF. And this is my problem I am 53 and although I walk anything from three to seven miles a day in the snownonia mountains I worry that i will be taking on more that i can handle. I would not want to spoil it for my lads the youngest did everest base camp last year and he said in his opinion I could do that. They both think I am fit enough but I was wondering if anyone has any experience themselves and can pass on advice.

[237SJ]

I climbed Kilimanjaro 15 years ago. If you walk regularly in snowdonia you`ll be fine as far as the walking`s concerned. It`s more of a plod uphill than a climb. The altitude is what is taxing and it doesn`t discriminate between who is fit and who is not. Anyone can be affected. The smoker in our party was the first one to the top! You`ll hear the guides say "pole pole" (pronounced poley poley) which means slowly, slowly and that`s the secret.

[cris r]

Thanks fo that, Yes my son did say you have to really pace yourself ( I am a fast walker ) and I realise that it is more of an uphill trek I was going to train on mount snowdon thats a good uphill trek. I think I was more worried that I would be climbing a sheer rock face at some point. I dont smoke and I dont carry any excess weight so I feel a bit better after your comments thanks again x

[boxtops]

Cris have you thought about joining one of the charity climbs? My boss climbed in Nepal and although she had to raise a certain amount of money to take part, she said it was great being in supported group (and raising money at the same time!)