Journey to Kilimanjaro

Join me in Ecuador and Peru in 2022

Week 2 - Ramping Up Efforts

Written by Tina Sibley in October 2021

So now my training sessions with Lubo are at a new level and he's really working me! And I'm doing more on my own as well. I'm still getting used to the new routines but I feel a real determination.

A side benefit is I've noticed that I can now dance some really fast salsa songs without getting out of breath!

Monday 18th October

A great day today! Despite fearing a bit of a hangover after last night's wine, that didn't transpire - because when I couldn't sleep, I drank loads of water. I was a bit tired first thing though from not sleeping well.

It was a busy day with work and errands so my workout wasn't until 6pm. But boy did I push myself today. I'm starting to get the hang of the exercises I've been given and went for it today - working hard until I couldn't do any more reps and getting sweaty and out of breath. I probably pushed myself a little too hard, especially on the stair runs because after I finished my stretching, I began to feel a little nauseous. I drank more water, ate a banana and rested a little while before having my shower.

Once I recovered, and had my shower, I felt absolutely amazing. I had a private dance lesson, worked hard and really enjoyed it. I also caught glimpses of myself in the studio mirrors and have to say I was pleased with the reflection. After years of hating to see my reflection in the mirror, this is a wonderful feeling.

On the way back in the car, I realised how full of energy and how strong I was feeling. I like this feeling. It's spurring me on to really keep at this!

Steps today: 7,567 Floors: 11

Tuesday 19th October

Today I got up early for me at 08.00 as I had arranged to go hiking with two friends, Karen and Lou. Karen is a HUGE hiker and wanted to try out a new route near Algeciras. As I'm just getting started after no hiking all summer, the distance of around 7.5km with an elevation gain of around 300m suited me.

The road to the start point was a very rough track - so rough that we had to abandon the idea of getting to the start point, park up and walk the rest of the way there. The weather was not looking promising either. There was heavy cloud and it was even attempting to rain as we got out of the car.

We set off and walked around 1.5 km to the advertised start point when we began climbing. I'm going to be honest, I struggled with the pace and the steep climb - I'm out of practice! I couldn't help thinking that if I found that a struggle, then what was I thinking booking to scale Kilimanjaro! But I know it's just a question of putting in the work between now and then. So I banished those thoughts from my mind.

Sadly, the views we had been promised were non-existent. In fact, once we climbed higher, the weather got worse. The winds were strong and the cold was biting! It was more like being in Scotland than Spain - even my hands went blue from the cold wind. As visibility deteriorated, we had to make the decision to turn back rather than continue. Although disappointing, it was a safe and sensible call considering none of us knew the route and this was not the time or place to get lost!

By the time we dropped back down, we lost the wind and the rest of the walk was then pleasant enough. The sun even tried to shine as we were on the flat road back to the car. In the end we had climbed most of the planned elevation gain and walked just under 9km so it was still a decent hike.

After a nice warm shower and rest, my legs were up to the task of dancing in the evening. We had a change of venue and ended up dancing in the theatre in Estepona. I was nicely surprised to discover that our lesson was actually on the stage - the same stage that held the performance of Swan Lake by the Russian Ballet company last Saturday. It was an awesome experience being there. I felt really good and strong, although tired.

A good day.

Steps today: A whopping 18,530 Floors: 77

Wednesday 20th October

Today was a really busy day with lots of things to do. And I felt really tired. Really, really tired. And hungry!

I found myself wanting to eat my usual lunchtime porridge much earlier than usual and had a protein cereal bar in the morning.

I simply didn't have the energy to do a workout today and didn't even feel like going dancing. So I listened to my body and rested, but I did push myself to dance and I'm glad I did.

I ate pretty healthily, but felt really, really hungry so ended up eating another 2 protein cereal bars during the day!!

I was over the moon this morning as the scales measured 10st 6.75 lbs - my lowest since I was in my 30s was in September 2019 at 10st 6.25 lbs - so very nearly at that level. But I knew I wasn't going to stay there with what I ate today!

Steps today: 6,030 Floors: 3

Thursday 21st October

Sure enough - my weight increased this morning to 10st 8.5 lb again! Really? I wasn't that bad yesterday!! I know it's not good to weigh myself every morning and Lubo told me not to - but I can't help it!!

Today has been a better day. I had a workout session with Lubo and it went really, really well.

I'm starting to get stronger and Lubo is really pushing me now. The great thing is that he keeps me to the correct technique so I'm working as I should be and not doing any damage through incorrect positions.

I could really feel I was working, but afterwards I felt amazing, and not even that tired.

We also discussed methods of helping me to prepare for the altitude and lack of oxygen on Kilimanjaro. Lubo suggested that I take a look at the Wim Hof method of breathing and cold treatment. He recommended experimenting with cold showers to start with.

So I turned the tap onto cold while I showered after my session. Man - that was a shock! It really does take your breath away. I lasted about 5 seconds and didn't even stay under totally! I changed the temperature to cold but not freeeezing and still only lasted about 15 seconds. Then I showered normally but tried again at the end and lasted maybe about 30 seconds. I will keep trying!

As always on a Thursday, in the evening I had 3 hours of dance classes and then went to a social and danced until 2am.

The great thing about dancing after midnight is that I hit my steps target for the following day before I even go to bed!

Steps: 7,422 Floors: 2

Friday 22nd October

A little tired this morning, but the scales were back down to 10st 7.0 lb. I also saw some photos from dancing last night and for the first time in a very long while, I'm liking photos of me!

Lubo really pushed me today and worked me very hard indeed! There are some exercises that really kill me! But I can feel myself getting stronger and stronger all the time.

My legs, upper body, my cardio and my breathing have all improved massively in just the few short weeks since I began working with him.

I felt tired again in the evening and was tempted to have a night in, but I had a bath, including about 30 to 45 seconds under the cold shower and went dancing. Just 2 hours as by 2am I was feeling very tired and ready to go home.

Steps: 11,172 6 Floors

Saturday 23rd October

Scales measured 10st 6.5lb this morning. Just a quarter of a pound off my lowest since I was in my 30s!

I'm feeling tired, so I know I've pushed myself really hard over the last few days.

I was planning on a rest day but decided to go for a nice walk around Alcaidesa coast path and on the beach. I felt really energised and even got the urge to run in a couple of places, so pushed the pace and got my legs and heart working. This is so unusual for me - I normally hate running, but I quite enjoyed it!

Later on, I went dancing at the chiringuito in La Linea but it wasn't great as there weren't that many people there. Also, the sides of the tent were down and people were smoking inside the tent which I absolutely hate, so I left early around 10.30pm and got an early night.

Steps today: 18,191 Floors: 28

Sunday 24th October

Today was a planned rest day and I did just that. I felt tired and also had lots to do to prepare for my upcoming holiday. I began packing and getting ready and also began putting some things away ahead of moving house.

Spent a rare evening on the sofa watching Netflix.

Steps today: 2770 zero floors.

This week, I'm feeling strong and healthy.

I have been sensible this time round and seem to have escaped the crash that I've experienced in the past when starting on an exercise regime.

My weight is coming down, albeit slowly and I can feel my body getting stronger. I can also feel that I have more energy generally, even though I've felt tired at times.

Progress has been good again, with great workouts on Monday, Thursday and Friday and hiking on Tuesday.

My step count is remaining at higher levels:

Mon: 7,567 steps 11 floors

Tues: 18,530 steps 77 floors

Weds: 6,030 steps 3 floors

Thurs: 7,422 steps 2 floors

Fri: 11,172 steps 6 floors

Sat: 18,191 steps 28 floors

Sun: 2770 steps 0 floors