Whilst we are waiting for Rosanna’s story to resume, it’s a good time to tap into the resource of the Everest Experts.
I’m gonna post the second installment of the advice Rosanna received from Kirsty at Mountain Kingdoms. Kirsty is an expert on the Everest Base Camp Trek, so it meant alot to Rosanna to speak to her as part of her preparations.
Your general health when trekking is your responsibility so I think it’s important that you help yourself by physically preparing for your Everest Base Camp trek.
Make sure you are taking regular exercise before you leave, which should include both some general fitness and plenty of walking. Not only will the additional muscle strength help reduce your levels of fatigue but you will also enjoy your trek more.
I would also strongly advise using trekking poles to help reduce the impact on your knee joints - you should try them out before your trek to make sure you are comfortable using them.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions visit your doctor before you leave and make sure you carry any medications you need with you, including antibiotics. It is also a good idea to carry some painkillers (the ones you would normally use at home) as well as some cough sweets and rehydration sachets. You should make sure your trek leader is aware of any conditions you have and medicines you are taking before you set out on your trek.
Hi Kirsty.
This is always a tricky point !! How fit do you need to be ??
I believe I’ll be fit enough though I don’t actually class myself as particularly fit !!?? For example, the hills I walk every weekend, I see people able to run them (I wouldn’t be able to do that). I walk 25 miles of very hilly terrain (takes me about 8ish hours of walking, 10hours including breaks). I do this once a week and am also doing some weights during the week. I feel the one long walk is enough (I’m done doing small 3-4hour walks).
Also, my current weight is that I’m a little underweight (by about a kilo), but believe that I’ll be losing (from what I’ve been told) about 1/2 a stone.
What is the weight ‘ranges’ of people doing this sort of trek ?? Are their ‘plump’ people (people with a few excess pounds) managing to get to Base Camp ??
This may sound a bit obsessive, but it’s this area that makes me the most anxious.
Regards,
Jez