Mount Kilimanjaro
If you have a significant amount of weight to lose, the thought of what it will take to lose it is like standing at the bottom of a mountain and looking up.
That mountain looks really big and really far away. Maybe it’s best to save this idea for another day.
This is the moment you make a life changing decision.
What comes to mind when you look at this picture of Kilimanjaro?
I think thoughts like “Crap, there’s no way!”
My friend @paul_steele on twitter is always inviting people to join him on a hiking challenge and recently he, along with some other brave souls, completed the Yorkshire 3 Peaks in England. It’s something he loves to do, so it comes to him easily and naturally. He’s taken many people of varying levels of experience up mountains and with his help they’ve accomplished incredible goals.
Some that have joined him on a challenging hike were new to the idea.
They started strong, inspired and full of energy. Sounds familiar.
But when it became step after step, mile after mile, it began to lose the novelty. Yep.
The excitement faded. Bummer.
Now they were questioning why they even thought this was a good idea, and they imagined being home in their nice cozy surroundings. Where’s the couch and could somebody make a beer run?
How can we turn what could be a possible failure around and steer towards success?
Planning Tips For Your Weight-Loss Climb
• Make a Realistic Time Line: If you were to plan for a climb, you would have a start time and an approximation of how long it should take you. You would say something like “we’re leaving Friday and coming back Sunday.” This all depends on how big and far your mountain is. It helps your mind prepare. You can get things in order. You would apply this to weight loss by informing your loved ones of your plans and getting your home organized for the trip. This means cleaning out the pantry of bad foods, making a list of what replaces those items, looking for new recipes, menu and snack ideas and learning about reading labels.
• Pack the Right Gear: Would you set off on a journey without packing first? The same goes with your fitness trip. Make a list of what you’re going to need and use. What’s really important here (and might save you loads of money) is resisting the temptation to go out and buy every fitness apparatus you’ve ever heard of. Focus on what this particular climb requires.
Friends don't let friends climb alone.
• Set Your Fitness GPS: What I mean by that is you need to have a beginning (where you’re starting) and where your destination is. Be honest about where you are. It doesn’t matter what size you used to be. That was then and this is now. I weighed 119 pounds when I was 18. I was young and just started to do resistance training. Now my optimum weight for me is about 135. I fluctuate about 5 pounds. Should I be 119 pounds again? No way. I would look sick. My body has changed, I’ve had 2 kids and I’m 48 years old. Forget what you looked like in high school.
• Climb With A Buddy: I can’t emphasize this enough. There are those people like Paul who have such a passion for doing it, they can’t imagine not doing it. It’s in their blood. When it comes to taking on a mountain, I know it’s not my particular passion. I need to seek someone out who wants to climb that mountain too. Have you ever told someone one of your goals and they looked at you like you had three heads? That’s not the right person. You shouldn’t have to drag someone along with you. It should be a mutual goal. Each are going to need some help along the way.
• Prepare For Bad Weather: I wish I could say that the weather will be beautiful and sunny along the way but that would be a lie. Some of it you can predict and some you can’t. Obviously the bigger the mountain the longer the climb. The ability to get through the bad weather and not give up is within you. It’s a place you have find for yourself.
The weather might get rough, but keep going!
I’ve always believed that the human will is an amazing thing. I love the stories of a guy who’s told he’ll never walk again and goes on to run marathons or someone like Clay Marzo who has Asperger’s Syndrome yet is one of the best surfers in the world.
Success!
You’re your only limitation.
From The Desk of Paul Steele:
Preparation:
My hobby is full of goals. The summit, enjoying it, getting exercise
out of it, seeing more of the worldGetting to the summit: There are lots of things to consider prior to just setting off
especially on a HUGE mountain or long hiking challenge:Mind: The most important factor in my eyes. Do I have the willpower
to go all the way? Will go for it once I started?
Will I go through any pain barriers? Basically if I WANT to get to
the top I will. Push through all negativity that comes on the way and
make sure you enjoy it.
The views help, company can help, experience too.Kit: Am I prepared for all eventualities, weather. Strong enough kit,
Paul at the office.
boots. Food fit for the job.
During the challenge:
If say I am doing a 12 hour challenge or 3 week climb I KNOW before I
set off that there may be times on route with:Pain
slight doubt
uncomfortable conditions
weaknessBUT:
I have learned that
1. If not in serious pain then you can walk/climb through it, maybe even
get distraction from a friend. The goal doesn’t always come easy
but the pain will go away with elation on completion. Don’t let the
pain become a focus and most important, keep the goal a stronger
feeling in your mind.2. Banish doubts as quickly as possible. All is possible. If you
see someone do it so can you. I honestly believe in that3. If you are feeling uncomfortable due to rain or extreme cold I
just try to remember:
Its part of the ‘challenge.
Think of it as part of the adventure. Different weather adds a new
perspective to any walk so take it in
4. If you feel weak then that’s a true sign you have been working
hard… Its a positive.
Look ahead at the top, not far to go as you’ve come so far.. Just
think of the feeling on the top. Go for it.
Now it’s up to you!
What’s your mountain? Are you prepared? Making excuses? We want to know what you think!
Don’t know where to start or how to organize your journey? Check out where you can find help on twitter or fill out the contact form and I’d be happy to help you from start to finish, including nutrition, workouts and support.
