LESS THAN 10 WEEKS TO GO!

Holy crap, this time in nine weeks we will be boarding a plane to Kathmandu and commencing the journey of our lives (so far)! The training is progressing, although a slight set back with a strand calf has stopped me from running which I was really enjoying.

Our VISAs have been approved, thanks to Liz who shouted us entry into Nepal!
It is great having both Richard and Liz as our personal tour guides/support crew. Given, they are returning with enthusiasm and knowledge, we are more than happy to be lead around holding their hands! While we might have considered a trip to Kathmandu we may never have taken on the challenge of EBC and Gokyo Lakes if they hadn't have asked!

We are comfortable with the level of training we are doing and the plan to slowly increase the intensity over the coming weeks. We will begin altitude training 6 weeks prior to our departure with the goal of developing some level of understanding of the effects of altitude on our bodies as well as prepare ourselves physically. 



In terms of walking, our training revolves around finding hills to walk up and down. We have completed the 1000 Steps, a variety around our streets as well as Mt Lofty - Warrandyte. Most recently we covered near 25kms in the Grampians National Park over 3 days.
I have found the Strava App really useful in tracking our walks, especially with the graphics available. You can use it for running, walking, bike riding etc... and it can also measure split times and improvements in time taken.
I will be using it while on the trek to keep track of each day distance and elevation gain. Certainly saves buying an expensive GPS. Also download and altitude app.

Our doctor is pleased with our training and we will be finalising necessary injections and planning the veritable pharmacy that we will be taking with us, mostly just in case.

There is no doubt that we both are excited albeit a little anxious about the forthcoming experience. So many people have asked us, "Why?" But, an equal number have expressed their desire to complete a similar trek at some time in their lives! There is part of me that can't really believe it is happening, that will change as I start taking photos of the mountains of Sagarmatha National Park!

So for now we continue to train, plan and get more and more excited as the departure day approaches.

For the record we commenced altitude training today 18/07. To bring us up to coping with the reduced O2 at 5560 metres the training is designed over 8 weeks and 24 sessions. Our first session saw us training around 2750 metres.  Thanks to Jan and Jason at Vibromania - http://www.vibromania.com.au

Check out the chart for the reduction in oxygen saturation at altitude, we will be working our way down to <10% before departure. Our first session had us training at 2750 metres - 14.5% O2.

http://www.higherpeak.com/altitudechart.html

Cheers
Mark