Kilimanjaro Training

January 27, 2013
I was supposed to write this exactly on January 27, but I was so exhausted after we hiked 11 miles I didn't. Can't imagine how I'm going to feel in Kilimanjaro, where we are supposed to hike 8-15 miles per day for the entire 7 days we are going to be there. Sighs! Oh, well didn't I say I wanted a challenge to celebrate my 30th birthday? We went to Mission Peak. This hike did challenge us. It had a pretty nice inclination (noticed my sarcasm?), but the vistas were amazing, we even saw a reindeer.

We started to hike close to 2pm and returned to the car a little bit after 6pm. We had the trail pretty much for ourselves, with the exception of a few hikers we ecountered along the way. I think part of it had to do with the weather, as it was super windy and cold, but we were prepared for it. I felt sorry for a group of young guys that were starting to head up when we were almost done. They were wearing only t-shirts and shorts. It was after 5pm, with the sunset around the corner, they said they wanted to reach the summit. I can only hope they found their way back safely.

Once we reached the summit, we made a picnic, a very quick picnic because it was very cold. We had some crackers with cheese and water while admiring the vistas and the cows, yes there are cows, a lot of them everywhere. It's a pitty my cell phone ran out of battery because I couldn't take any more pictures after some point.

This hike was a great opportunity to try our new boots, the ones from my January 20th post. They felt great, no hot spots and no blisters. They were very comfortable, so I still think we made a good choice. Besides doing a long hike (or two) of about 5-11 miles during the weekend, we started a new cardio class during the week: TRX Cardio. We are also running and I'm now doing Pilates. Dude, I really hope can make it to Kilimanjaro's summit, with all these excersise, if I can keep up with the pace until June I have no excuses for not being in shape by July!  Here are some pictures from this hike:

The beginning of the trail

A waterfall

I think that's were we were heading

Fantastic vistas

January 20, 2013
We purchased our boots! After doing a lot of research and spending quite some time at REI and local stores. I went with the Vasque Talus WP Hiking Boots and Alexis with the Vasque Wasatch GTX Hiking Boots. We are typically fans of Keen, but this time we it seems like for both of us the Vasque were the winners.

Reasons we chose these boots:
(Alexis)-wanted leather boots, that were strong and sturdy, but not necessarily a mountaineering specific boots. He wanted a pair of boots for extending hikes that will provide good support when carrying weight on his back.
(Zuly)-wanted GTX or waterproof, light weight that provides good support, but also something that looks nice and that I can wear over and over again

Vasque Talus WP Hiking Boots (women)
Watch the video from REI

The Vasque Talus WP hiking boots offer classic style with modern performance, support and light weight, plus waterproof protection, for comfort on the trail.

• Waterproof nubuck leather uppers with padded nylon mesh collars and tongues offer durable, flexible and breathable comfort to ensure excellent trail performance
• UltraDry™ waterproof, breathable membranes block rain from getting in but let sweat out, keeping you comfortable throughout your hike
• Gusseted, padded tongues keep out trail debris and relieve pressure from lacing across insteps
• Dual-density EVA footbeds and molded polyurethane midsoles absorb shock, provide cushioning and return energy back to feet for superb comfort
• Thermoplastic urethane plates embedded in the midsoles enhance stability and support
• Vasque Talus WP hiking boots feature Vibram® rubber outsoles for good traction over varying trails

Vasque Wasatch GTX Hiking Boots
Watch the video from REI

This waterproof midweight hiking boot is spry, supportive and comfortable thanks to Strobel construction and durable polyurethane midsoles.

• Waterproofed nubuck leather uppers are flexible, lightweight and durable for reliable performance in all conditions
• Gore-Tex® inserts with wicking 3-bar knit nylon linings are seam-sealed to keep out water yet breathable enough to keep feet from overheating
• Padded collars and tongues add comfort to ankles and relieve lace pressure; gusseted tongues keep out trail debris and weather
• Durable toe rands protect uppers and feet from bumps and abrasion
• Removable dual-density EVA footbeds add extra cushioning comfort to soft and supportive polyurethane midsoles
• Flexframe 3 midsole supports, made from tapered nylon, help control flex, adds torsional stability and protect feet on uneven terrain
• Strobel construction helps enhance flexibility and delivers a smooth and snug fit
• Long-lasting Vibram® Contact outsoles with multi-directional lug pattern designed for solid traction and braking on uneven terrain

January 19, 2013
We've read that the only exercise we need to do to train for Kilimanjaro is to hike-period. However, we are not only doing that. Alexis and I are sticking to our regular regime of at least 3 days a week of cardio. We run in the threadmill and walk on it with a serious inclination. However, we are taking the advice to do hikes also very seriously, so today we went to Almaden Quicksilver County Park and walked 6 miles. We also went to REI afterwards to try on new boots. We currently have a pair of Keen, very good boots. We took them to Havasupai in the Grand Canyon and also to Patagonia. They are almost 5 years old and worn out, but they are still in good condition, the only problem is that we feel our toes touch the tip of the boot and it gets uncomfortable after several hours, so imagine what could happen when we walk 10-15 miles a day for 7 days straight-probably not a good thing. So better be safe than sorry, we are in the hunt of new boots.

View from the trail-Almaden Quicksilver County Park

January 10, 2013
Wrote in my Facebook status: "It feels real now! we purchased our tickets to Tanzania. We are going to trek the highest peak in Africa, witness the Great Migration and relax in Zanzibar's beaches. Can't wait for this new adventure!"
I'm very excited because we purchased the tickets (through Vayama). Now the training begins!