My excitement is building now as I count down to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro this October with Earth’s Edge. With just eight weeks to go, it’s all starting to feel very real … and yes, I seriously need to start shopping for gear (and packing)!
Hiking Along the Sussex Coast
One of the preparation highlights from the past few weeks was a gorgeous hike along the Sussex coast while visiting a friend in the UK. The weather was amazing – blue skies, warm sun, and just enough of a sea breeze to keep things cool.
We tackled a long coastal route that offered rolling hills, panoramic views over the cliffs, and endless sea air. It reminded me why I love hiking so much – not just for the fitness, but for the space it creates to reconnect, reflect, and enjoy the moment. Walking and talking in the sun with a good friend – what a way to spend a Saturday!
It reminded me why I love hiking: the opportunity to just enjoy the moment and spend time with the people close to you.
Setbacks and Comebacks
But it hasn’t all been sunshine lately. I also came down with a mystery illness that meant I had to miss my Earth’s Edge Training Weekend – something I’d really been looking forward to, as I’ve heard directly from our clients how valuable and fun it is! While I was disappointed, I tried to make up for it recently with a hike up Lugnaquilla in Co. Wicklow, the highest peak in Leinster.
I saw this as a real test to check how my body would handle the climb … and I left the mountain feeling strong, both physically and mentally. Lugnaquilla threw a bit of everything at us – wind, rain, sunshine – but the experience was empowering. It was exactly the kind of challenge I needed to remind myself that I can do this!
My Strength and Cardio Training Routine for Climbing Kilimanjaro
Back at home, my routine is still going strong. I’m in the gym at Peak Fitness twice a week with my PT – strength on Mondays, cardio on Fridays – and squeezing in whatever else I can in between. Each week I’m lifting heavier weights and pushing harder. Some days that means I can’t move properly for 48 hours afterwards – but the progress is real, and I honestly feel amazing. I’m so grateful to be on this journey and feeling my body growing stronger every week.
Kilimanjaro Preparation and Nutrition
I’ve also been getting through the admin side of things: applying for my e-visa and getting my travel vaccinations sorted. It’s all feeling more official now, and every step like this makes the trip feel more tangible – it’s hitting me that it’s more than just a date circled on my calendar!
My focus on nutrition hasn’t changed – I’m still prioritising protein, keeping carbs in the mix, and cutting back on mindless snacking. I’ve stayed consistent with my goal of 120g of protein a day, and honestly, it’s made a massive difference in recovery and energy levels. This mindful eating with the goal of fuelling my body will be vital on the mountain, so I’m glad that I’ve been able to adopt this well in advance of the climb.
The Final Push to Kilimanjaro
Over the next few weeks, it will be more of the same – consistency in the gym, dialling in my nutrition, and hopefully fitting in a few more hikes before the big one. Much like the process of climbing – one foot in front of the other – the preparation is repetitive, but it guarantees results!
The countdown is officially on, and I honestly can’t wait to get to Tanzania. Every step I take now – whether it’s on a cliffside trail, up a rainy Wicklow peak, or on the gym floor – is one step closer to Kilimanjaro.
