When we signed up for the REI Adventures Everest Classic Trek I knew that the experience of trekking in Nepal would be challenging on many levels. The trek started in Lukla, the town supporting the highest airfield in this part of the Himalaya, and culminated near Everest Base camp where those who climb Everest set up their base camps for weeks or months at a time. It would be cold, we would have a lot to learn about Nepali culture, we were going with a group of people we didn't know, and we would be hiking and camping for 15 days at altitudes between 10,000 and 18,700 feet. Some aspects of the trip we wouldn't be able to prepare for, like the makeup of the group we would be with. Some things we could prepare for, like buying gear that would keep us warm, reading books about the culture and talking with others who had also trekked this route.
One of the aspects of the trip that we could prepare for was the physical challenge that hiking approximately 80 miles at high altitudes would present. Going to the gym and hiking on my own was a good start, but to make the best use of my time I knew I needed the help of experts to target and strengthen the muscle groups I'd be using most on the trip. I chose Fitness Together to help me prepare. Bonnie, Duncan and Brian spent a few days a week over the next two months guiding me through workouts that helped me be ready for the trip from a strength perspective as well as cardiovascularly. Both Bonnie and Brian had trekked in Nepal and understood the challenges I would face. Duncan's experience with endurance racing shed light on other aspects I needed to consider like keeping my feet healthy and discussing the pros and cons of different gear.
The experience of walking in the heart of the Himalayas is something I will always treasure. I definitely felt challenged physically throughout the trek but I was far more prepared than I would have been had I not invested in training with Bonnie, Duncan and Brian. I doubt I could have found the level of support and enthusiasm I experienced at Fitness Together anywhere else. Thanks Fitness Together!
