Packing and Tapering Down

With just a couple of days left till we leave my packing has reached a frenzy level. Our house looks like an REI store has exploded inside of it. My training has tapered way down as it is time to rest up for the climb. I am excited about getting going and starting the climb. Margarita our dog knows something is going on. She understands one of her favorite friends Barbara will be staying with her to keep her company. Thanks for supporting the Clean Water for Belize campaign.

ESPN RADIO and POLL

I will be talking on ESPN 104.9FM Outdoors America Radio show between 8:30 am to 10:00 am this Sunday. The other guest is Richard Garriott a gentleman whom was one of the handful of space tourist to stay on the Space Station. In addition he has also been down to the Titanic and hunted for meteorites in Antarctica. Imagine little old me on ESPN Radio!
Am I becoming an athlete?  


Poll:


Is Melinda becoming an athlete?


YES


NO


Please vote in comment field.

The Tent

Pictured above is Erich Schlegel, Molly Cummings, Tom and Kim Woods in the tent.
Tim and I have a lot of visitors coming and going which is really cool. The tent can simulate altitudes up to 13,000 feet. The tent is being used nearly 24 hours a day by one of the "Sweet 16".  We are not going to Disney World but to an environment that can be very harsh on ones body. The purpose of the tent is to give our team an advantage of some pre-acclimatization before we start up the mountain.
 Our goal is to be as safe as we can but there really are no guarantees. Besides it looks really nice in the living room.

Love to all
Melinda

Kilimanjaro Expedition only 2 Weeks till we leave.

Happy 4th of July!! I started my day by doing 2,500 feet on the stairclimber. I just walked straight into the pool afterwards clothes and all. I had to cool down. Our Expedition named the "Sweet 16" leaves on the 18th for Tanzania. We will arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport on the 20th then start up the mountain on the 21st. The "Sweet 16' consist of 16 wonderful people who are all training hard and looking forward to a slow climb up the mountain. In addition we could not even attempt without the 35 Porters, Cook, 5 Assistant Guides and our Head Guide John. All together the "Sweet 16" Expedition will consist of nearly 60 people. Expedition member Steve Dailey and I are climbing for the Belize City Rotary's Club Clean Water Project. To see more about Steve's efforts go to http://betterhalfliving.org/    The photo of my new monogramed dufflebag.

More Training

It has been raining non-stop for the last few days here in Texas.  That doesn't stop the training. Have been really hitting the gym and the stairclimber. I use to hate the stairclimber but now it is not so bad. A month ago I did a little stress test on the treadmill. Today I took the stress test again and my heart rate was some 30 beats per minute lower to perform the same task. I am starting to feel stronger and that the summit is actually possible.

It will be great thrill to stand on the summit of Kilimanjaro with my Rotary flag in hand!!  A lot of people have stepped forward with encouragement it is my hope to make them proud.  Rotary does such great things for so many people all over the world.

Acclimatization for Kilimanjaro

Acclimatization

Having a big  day in the "Acclimatization Tent" getting ready for the climb. We have this wonderful tent set up in our living room. We look like lab rats sitting in it. It is funny when someone comes up to the plastic window points and say's "I want that one." The tent is currently set to simulate 13,000 feet of elevation. The tent is in constant use by our expedition team members. You can even play Wii while hanging out  in the tent. The first day I got an "Altitude Headache" after just a couple of hours but now I am doing a lot better. I really want to make it to the summit. Oh by the way the Rotary installation banquet last night was great!

Move over hubby there is a new sheriff in town!

I have taken over Tim's Marathon des Sables blog and will be using it so to keep my family and friends updated on my climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro. We will leaving for Africa on July 18th. I will keep you posted.