Its starting to get real now!

The flights are booked, the balance is paid and the details are finalised.  It's starting to feel very real now.

Since my last post I've had a birthday.  This years generous gifts were money, money and money.  Those who know me well will know that I have spent it all already! Waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, lightweight fleece, 2x buffs, first aid kit, water purifiers, mozzie spray, whistle, t-shirts....I even got a bumbag!!!  Goodness only knows how I'm going to fit it all in my bag - I haven't even got half of what I need yet....the Christmas gift list is already sorted. 😉

I also got an apple watch (other watch brands are available) and have become slightly obsessed with tracking my steps, calories burned and heart rate.  I went for a 10k walk yesterday, the training never ends but its nice to have some variety and do something outdoors while the weather is kind to us.  This gave me a great opportunity to track my walk, it is quite weird as I know how slowly we walk up the mountain so I need to keep reminding myself its not about how quick I do things.  The walk was actually a nice stroll along the Thames so I wasn't on a mission to get back home as soon as I could.  Its about stamina not speed.  I've added some photos below.

I thought I'd used my water bladder system, to get used to using it as well as carrying the weight of the water on my back whilst walking.  This didn't quite go to plan - I got as far as 5 houses down the road before I felt a cold sensation on my hips.  The valve wasn't in far enough and the whole lot was pouring down my legs.  Anyone watching must have thought I'd wet myself!!

The false start didn't put me off though.  Back home for a quick change, a dry bag and a new water bottle and we were on our way.  (Needless to say "getting the valve in properly" has been well practiced since!!).

As you can see below I didn't race it at all - 10k is actually more than I walk any day on the climb, and I'll be walking much slower.... just up a very steep hill.

In a couple of weeks time we are doing the Thames Bridge Challenge.  A 25k walk along the Thames, crossing 16 bridges.  I'm hoping the scenery, crowds and atmosphere will distract me from the task in hand, 25k sounds like such a long walk.  I'm just going to have to break it down into chunks, 5k at a time to get through.  Two weeks after that its Snowdon, the more regular exercises are starting to take a back seat now as I start the final countdown.

Clear, still waters.

Dragon spotting

Now that the booking is all confirmed I have the full details of my trip.  A seven day climb, a days safari and a day volunteering at the Ikirwa School.  The school was founded by one of the Safari coordinators working for the trekking company we are going with - Team Kilimanjaro.

I love their strapline - something I believe in, the law of attraction.  What you imagine you become.  I often visualise myself standing at the summit of Kilimanjaro.  That's the goal so that's what I imagine. Positive thinking and a positive attitude, no matter how scared I can get at times.

We will be sending over a donation of stationery, clothes, toys etc from our Company as well as donations from anyone that wants to give - I'm sure we'll get to sit in on a few lessons to, to share some words of wisdom, I'm so hoping I get the Music class rather than the Maths class!!!

I'm starting to learn a bit of Swahili so I can communicate a bit with the children.  I also figured that I'm relying on a small group of locals to get me up the mountain safely so the least I can do is learn the basics.  "Hello", "Thank you", "Goodnight" and "what the hell am I doing!?*!" should cover it.

Pit stop at the Sonning Tea Rooms, on the Thames.

As you know, preparing for this isn't all about exercise.  What you eat is important to.  I didn't start off great and learned the hard way that you don't lose weight by simply eating less.  All this training has meant that I've had to fuel my body so actually I've had to eat more - just more of the good stuff.

My personal trainer has been a great help in getting my mindset about food right.  I need to eat a lot more than salad and herbal tea if Im going to give my muscles what they need to get stronger.  I've now got to a place where I know what I need, I understand good carbs and good fats and thanks to a few handy apps am tracking my calories in and calories out daily.

As someone with a sweet tooth, it can be a struggle sometimes to resist the occasion treat so I'm taking the time to make some treats that tick the 'sweet' box but a the same time aren't full of the bad stuff.  Today I made a polenta cake, something that is severely tasty, lasts a while and is very easy to make.  I also tried my hand at some sweet potato brownies - again these are wheat free and only have natural sugars in them - and now I know sweet potatoes are a "good carb" I can eat as many as I can, as they are one of my favourite vegetables!

When I started this blog post I wasn't quite sure what I was going to write about.  To be honest its a little slow at the moment with training, training and more training so I'm sorry its slightly dull and rather random.....

As we get nearer the climb things will pick up and I'm sure I'll be updating you daily.

I thought I'd close with something else rather random,  I've had this song going round and round my head for over a week now - Its only right that I share it, as at the moment I just can't get enough of Rag'n'Bone Man.....click the link below and enjoy.

Rag'n'Bone Man - As You Are

Finally - It goes without saying that you can still sponsor me!  Just click the button below!!