This hike has presented a new and exciting challenge to me with the opportunity to climb the tallest freestanding mountain and having to create a training program to ensure a successful summit. Krysta and I try to stay as fit as possible by doing Spartan races and road races throughout the year, but were faced with a new level of fitness we would have to direct all of our attention towards. Endurance and leg strength became my main focus. I started to plan an escalation plan with the distance, time and amount I would be running and/or biking in the months leading up to Kilimanjaro. Having Krysta continuously challenge me to sign up for more races or go for longer runs has allowed my body to be challenged in ways that I can now only simulate in preparation for the hike.

Gear preparation and packing has been of great interest to me, actually. Ask Krysta, I am a complete list person and love to organize things! I thoroughly enjoy reading through the itinerary of the trip and planning for both the expected and unexpected to my best capability. The best part about testing out new gear is just that – you actually have to put yourself in as similar a position as possible to what you plan to use the gear for. I absolutely love the outdoors, and this gives me an excuse (not that I need one) to explore different environments and levels of activity.

I know that I’m ready for the challenge. I think that we have an amazing team that will reach the top of Kilimanjaro one way or the other. I truly believe in the power of positive thinking and surrounding yourself with people that support you. This team has been amazing and continues to inspire me to reach new heights both in my personal life and as a member of the team. I’m looking forward to escaping technology and conquering Kilimanjaro as a team. The escape from modern technology has always allowed me to center my thoughts and form a clearer path towards my goals.

I cannot wait for the moment we summit the mountain as a team. The team that has been assembled for the 2017 trek is nothing short of awesome. Each team member has their own incredible story but what has been the most interesting part is the growth we have already experienced as a team.

My training and story is not the same as anyone else on the team, but I believe that is what will allow us to succeed together. I think it parallels what you see in life – everyone has their own story, but together, we can be successful! Some of my team mates have used the stairwells at their workplace to train while others have conquered actual mountains. Since we are from all different locations with much different geographies, we are faced with training in our own individual environments. Embark (our climbing vendor) has been very helpful with giving us areas to focus on for our training (i.e. core and leg strength and endurance) which has allowed everyone to utilize what is available to prepare for the mountain.

As mentioned above, the entire team has trained so hard and I believe we are all prepared to conquer Kilimanjaro, but I can speak for myself by saying I know I don’t want to reach the summit without my team standing there with me. This team has become family, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure the success of the group!

ONE TEAM! ONE MOUNTAIN!