The Countdown to Kilimanjaro!

With just over a week to go until I take on my next challenge I thought I'd let you guys know how my most recent training block has gone and my thoughts and feelings for what lays ahead. 

Up until a week or so ago I was feeling super strong and super motivated for Kilimanjaro: right now I'm feeling a little broken! 

​My training block has gone well but the accumulation of kilometres and height gain is beginning to take its toll on my body and mind.  Last week consisted of a 30Km run on Saturday which included the Vertical Kilometre on Puig Campana, 2 days of 50km bike rides, the Costa Blanca 3 peaks on Wednesday; which included the VK1 again and a 52km on the Friday.  

This week has been a little less intense with 3 half marathons and 2500m of elevation.  I have 2 runs left which will give me an additional 40Km and 2000m of elevation; then I rest until Kilimanjaro on the 17th of April 
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So how do I feel about Kilimanjaro? 

I'd be lying if I said that I was looking forward to it! but I guess that's a combination of nerves and perhaps a bit of tiredness.  I tend to get nervous before these challenges but find the closer I get to the day the more settled I feel.  By the time the actual day gets here I am filled with anticipation and normally I'm raring to go! 

So how am I going to approach Kilimanjaro? 

I have to run 51 hill repeats of a local hill that gives me 115m of elevation each rep.  This equates to 77km which I reckon will take me 16 hours; this means that I need to gain 370m an hour for 16 hours to achieve the required elevation to reach the summit. 

On previous challenges I found myself going out a little to quick so the plan for this one is to go a little easier and focus achieving the 370m rather than pushing the pace. 

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The most important factor - The Weather 

We all love running with the sun on our backs right? yeah of course we do!  The other day the temperature hit 28 degrees and I really struggled with my energy levels; running in the heat is something that takes time to get used to and it would be safe to say that I'm much happier when its a little cooler. 

So what does the forecast say? 

Its probably a little too soon to be 100% reliable but the forecast for the 17th is for sunny spells and 17 degrees; if it turns out to be like this I'd be super happy! 

​Obviously the temperatures are going to begin warming up soon and I'll need to get used to running in the heat in terms of preparing for my Everesting attempt in June. 

So what comes after Kilimanjaro?  

After Kilimanjaro I'll have 2 weeks to prepare for Denali and then 2 weeks after Denali I'll be taking on Aconcagua.  The plan is to stay off my feet as much as possible between theses two challenges and just use the bike for recovery and a small building phase. I'll also do lots of stretching, meditation and yoga.  And lots of eating!!!