I am really excited to say that, one year from now, in July 2017, I will be climbing Mt Elbrus in Russia – one of the Seven Summits.
That is my first big announcement.
That first thought is a huge motivation! When I decided to attempt Mt Elbrus, I had a strange energy run through me – a good kind of energy that propelled me into action and took me out of my “workout-slump” in a jiffy.
A good start, I’d say.
As I write this, I am aware that one year is a long time – and until I am on that flight to Russia I cannot say with certainty what will occur, but that is just being realistic.
The first time I had trained myself to climb a mountain was for Mt Kilimanjaro in 2009-2010 (and summitted on March 25, 2010) and that was SIX years ago. Between Mt Kilimanjaro and today, I undertook only one other strenuous trek in Papua New Guinea – trekking the Kokoda Track- in 2011. The two don’t compare in terms of altitude, but Kokoda Track was far more demanding!
While I traveled extensively between these time periods, scaling mountains was not on that list. Two years ago (Sept 2014) I sustained severe injuries to my left knee, damaging ligaments and while I am still not 100 per cent back to normal (my orthopedic tells me it will never be 100 per cent and I have to live with that) I am going to attempt Mt Elbrus – for I want to push my limits and because it is not a very technical mountain when compared to the high mountains in the Himalayan Range. How else would I know my limits if I don’t push it?
That said, I am also aware that (READ HERE), quite a few people have died attempting Mt Elbrus, so while it is only 5642 m (200 m short of Uhuru Peak, the highest mountain I have climbed), I am not going to treat it lightly.
Like I said before, climbing is comprised of two factors –
- Physical
- Mental
I am getting ready for both! Updates coming up!
Looking for Russia-based trekking company to organised the climb. There is a lot to do!!!
Thanks Anjaly for this initiative. It will be higher by 500m than the Lares Trek I took to Machu Picchu, which is a great inspiration to get in really good shape in the coming year. In Peru I discovered too that mental strength does half the job.
Mental health is right – but the mind will be happier if the body is in tune! On Kilimanjaro, I wished I had trained even longer – although we can be “trained” enough – I am definitely going to keep at it – give it the best and then some!
All the best Anjaly, and waiting to read more!