Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Depart 30 September 2011
I have done hight altitude three times now, got altitude sickness on my first one and not recommended.
Kili will be the hardest of them all, have you done anything like this before?
Hi, This is my first big climb as well.. Just been up Snowdon for a bit of training and am still aching after 2 days!
Any advice around avoiding altitude sickness?? I've been advised to take one of the preventative medicines
Just off to Knoydart in Scotland for 4 days training - that should sort me out and then on to daily training from now on.
Altitude - I have used Diamox tablets - you need to ask your GP about this as he needs to prescribe this. You take it the day before and after altitude. It helped me on my last two altitude walks. At the end of he day the sickness can hit anyone, there is no guarantee. You just need to drink and take it easy - slow is best and being focussed. Don't drink any alcohol a week before, supplement you food with vitamin pills 2 weeks before. Having been there, I would do everything you can to avoid! If it happens 'it happens" your health is more important - and give it a go another time.
Keep training....................
Will note the top tips, I see the guides now carry oxygen so hopefully we will be ok!! Training went well over the weekend in Dorset 13.5miles in seven hours. Still a lot more to do yet.. Planning for Brecons in August..
Last week did the black mountains and this weekend did Snowdon, so training going well.
Does anyone know if the Diamox tablets are ok to buy on the internet or private perscription???
Just too busy to get round to it. Doing Kili for the 4th time - 1993 - 1999 - 2005 - 2011 -notice a pattern? Afraid it's like a drug but as I shall be 60 a few weeks after we get back this may be the last trip.
Diamox - don't know of many that have taken it on previous trips. Those that have report strange tinglings in certain extremeties!!! Can be embarrasing! Having seen someone carried out of Kibo Hut dead on my last trip the best advice I can give is don't attack the mountain - relax into it. Easier said than done for a first trip but it does get easier..........
Finally please stop frightening me with all this training talk. I'm seriously underprepared this time and already thinking "back marker - Kibo and no further". Still one thing about low expectations......
See you all on Saturday if not on the flight before.
PS If you can get a seat on the left of the plane and the flight follows the usual flightpath there is often a fabulous (if somewhat daunting) view to be had
Counting the days down and training going to plan so far!!! Pleased to hear from anyone who may be joining the trip...