From time to time, we will have folks that are heading up Mt Rainier or other mountains blog about their experiences leading up to their climb, and hopefully a recap after.
If you are interested in sharing your story, drop us an email at jeremy@whittakermountaineering.com
Our first brave sole is Jenny. Thanks Jenny, we look forward to your blogs in the future.
Last year I would have considered myself reasonably fit. Then came winter in New York and since having grounded my bike I have been relegated to the indoors. My desk job and general aversion to the gym has, needless to say, set me quite the challenge for the May 27-31 Mt Rainier Summit climb. Good, I do like a challenge! And just as well as a recent jog around the block with the first sign of warmer weather definitely highlighted that I have my work cut out for me. Having initially read through the RMI website, several climbing blog sites and a few autobiographical accounts of world class mountaineers (from the comfort of my lounge chair of course) I am aiming to be as fit as possible so as to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
I know myself well enough to recognize a few key things in my preparation. Firstly, I am pretty time poor so if I can’t slot training and preparation into my everyday lifestyle I won’t maintain consistency with it. Secondly, exercising with people is a lot more motivating and fun; and thirdly, I can get bored of repetitive routines so I need to chop and change my schedule enough to keep me interested.
My semi head start- I took the opportunity during the winter to get some successful physical therapy on a repetitive problem with my back – the result of a small sporting incident many years ago and sitting at a desk all day. This included some stretching and core and upper body strength training tailored into a short 45 minute program that I can keep up myself at home at least 3 days a week. Once the ice on the road is gone for good, I am going to try mix this in with some running and cycling, and try to actually get out of town into some real up and downhill outdoor hiking action.
Now, I have just returned from a short vacation to Puerto Rico where the sunshine, blue skies and Pina Coladas have awoken me from my winter slumber so it is time to put together a workable program, enlist my training buddies and get started …… let’s see how I go……..
cheers,
Jenny Dudgeon
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