Hi, I’m Ciara from the Earth’s Edge team! I work in Customer Support and Operations, helping our amazing clients get expedition-ready – whether that means helping them pick the right gear, preparing for altitude, or just calming pre-trip nerves.
Since joining Earth’s Edge in 2022, I’ve cheered on countless trekkers as they’ve taken on their incredible challenges. Now it’s my turn! Later this year, I’ll be climbing Kilimanjaro – my first expedition with the company, and my first big adventure since returning from maternity leave.
This blog series is my way of sharing that journey with you. I hope it’ll resonate with others who are also juggling busy lives, family responsibilities, and a dream to take on an experience as epic and special as this.
The Honest Starting Point
As I kick off this journey, let’s just say – I’ve got a few speed bumps to tackle! I’m currently rocking some extra “emergency snacks” (a.k.a. body fat), and my fitness isn’t quite the standard required for Kilimanjaro. Building up my cardio will be key, especially as someone with asthma – that’ll come with its own challenges. I’ll also need to rebuild my strength and get back into the rhythm of hiking with a pack. But I’m 100% committed to making the changes I need to give myself the best chance of reaching the summit of Africa’s tallest free-standing mountain!
Due to various life circumstances, I haven’t been able to join an expedition until now. After a year away on maternity leave, I’m back with a fresh perspective, a fierce determination, and a real drive to make this climb a reality!
My 4-week Kilimanjaro Training plan
There are a few simple steps I know I can start taking now to help me on this journey:
- Walking: It might seem basic, but with a busy schedule, I don’t always manage to squeeze in a daily walk. Over the next few months, I’m making it a priority – even if it’s just 30 minutes a day. As we tell all our clients, walking is the best way to train for … well, more walking!
- Diet: My goal is to cook at home as much as possible. I do love eating out, and I’m definitely not giving up the occasional takeaway, but I’m aiming for a bit more balance and a little more discipline when it comes to food.
- Gym: I’m not currently a gym-goer, so… step one: actually join a gym! It’ll be a great place to start building strength and getting into a routine.
- Hiking: Our son’s hiking backpack just arrived and I’m genuinely so excited for summer adventures in the hills. I’m also hoping to get out on the trails with some friends to enjoy a bit of breathing space and an opportunity to clear my head, surrounded by beautiful nature.
What’s Next?
The above is the plan for the next four weeks (including two weeks away on holiday!) – so it’ll be a bit of a balancing act. I’ll gradually ramp up the intensity as I go, and I’m really looking forward to sharing my progress (and the inevitable ups and downs) with you all each month!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read about my upcoming adventure! If you want to track my progress, follow us on Instagram and Facebook and keep an eye out for my future blog posts and video updates!
