The last couple of weeks have been a blur, mostly due to adjusting to a new job. I wonder where the time has gone! Training is gradually beginning but unfortunately, I have not yet started hiking.. The ski hill I was going to hike had a Halloween attraction set up and I didn't want to get in trouble for trespassing! The snow has now fallen and ski season will soon begin, so modifications will be made...

It seems surreal to me at times that I am training to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in July. One year ago this month I was diagnosed with MS and felt as if my world was crumbling around me.. Now I have this exciting adventure of climbing with 7 others who know just what it means to hear those four words... You have multiple sclerosis. I hope this climb gives me and the team an opportunity to share our stories with others and to inspire them. It's funny, I did not even know I had the dream of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro until I was given the opportunity..

I heard from Lori, our lead the other day and she said we have men and women from all over the country, including WI, MN, IA, IL, OR, WY, CO, WA, MT, and CA, a climber or two from overseas and two with Parkinson's who will be joining our team. Our medical team includes an MS researcher/biochemist, a neurologist, a physician’s assistant, physical therapists, and sports trainers. Overall, about 30 will make the trek. I can hardly wait to meet these amazing individuals....

The last couple of weeks have been busy! Not only have I started gradual training, but I also began a new job! So many good and exciting changes! Right now I am working on developing a consistent work out routine that will build my current base fitness level. At the end of this week I will start to incorporate hiking as well.

Here is the link to Lori Schneider's website. Lori is the amazing woman who is coordinating the climb. Once at her site, click The "Seven Summits" link to find a 7 minute feature film on her!

http://www.empowermentthroughadventure.com/

I received a training DVD for mountain climbing in the mail today. As I watched and learned about all that the training will include for 6 months before the climb, the reality of it set in a bit more. I have trained for marathons before and understand what is needed for training and dedication, but I think I underestimated what kind of training would be needed to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.... Not that this deters me in any way! I am just glad that I ordered the DVD that explains a detailed 6 month training program!

Without even realizing it, I began my training a couple of days ago for the climb next summer. A 7 mile run and an easy bike ride on Sunday followed by hiking the bluffs and yoga on Monday. Today, kayaking followed by a bike ride and more hiking in the beautiful bluffs of Perrot State Park!