The 7 Summits

We were half way through our 13km morning run on the dirt road when we met a group of Kenyans running the opposite way, on this section up the hill. They looked strong, determined and focused. I looked at my watch; we’ve only covered 5km and the sun was beating down already. It was day 5 of our 8-day stay at the High Altitude Training Club (HATC) in Iten, Kenya and thank god our body finally started adjusting to the altitude. Life in London seemed like a million miles away…
I was very jealous when my friend booked his trip last year but I had my eyes on a different price; it was all about getting myself up and down Aconcagua safe. However, a couple of days before his departure I felt the sudden urge to join him. This must have been my craziest last minute idea but four days later we were on our way to Iten.
After three flights and a long car journey we arrived at the training camp on a Friday night. Dinner had been already served for the athletes so we were told to wait in a different restaurant and quickly a plate of beef stew and pancakes turned up. We were shown to our room after food, a basic twin bed bedroom (sports camp style- neighbours both side) net around the bed and a small but clean bathroom with shower. It was after 10pm and the whole site was quiet so we quickly unpacked and settled in after a 27-hour journey.




The alarm went off at 6am the following morning but nothing could stop us from going out on the first run. We decided to stick to the dirt road running parallel to the main road to Eldoret, which was recommended by the security guard. We soon realised this was another “highway” and we were constantly covered by clay coloured dirt as motorcyclists, cars and trucks passed us. Must admit, this 7km run was pretty tough; heart was throbbing through our chest and lungs were pretty much at their capacity. It’s not just the long journey to this beautiful part of the world that take its’ toll but the 2500m elevation combined with never ending and rolling hills.



We survived though and turned up for breakfast. My mate decided to head back on the road after lunch meanwhile I opted for a swim at the club’s 25m pool. I was genuinely looking forward to get some swimming training done, until the top of my toes touched the water. It was frekkin’ cold! With a full swimming cap and goggles on it was too late to pretend I only came down to chill out by the poolside so had to brave the freezing cold water and get on with the swim training.



Besides the pool, HATC also has a large gym and a separate stretch area where exercise classes take place three times a week. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served on site for the hungry athletes and you can munch on freshly baked rolls with jam in the afternoon.

We heard there was a half marathon happening in Eldoret on Sunday so after a pre-breakfast run and some food we headed out to watch the Kenyans flying over a 3km lap seven times in about 63minutes in the punishing heat. To say they are fast is an understatement. They are bloody fast. We noticed apart from their height, their body shape was very similar. Lean overall, strong shoulders, straight bag, high knees and heels, thin but muscly legs. Some landing on their heels, some forefoot runners and a lot of drive coming from the arms. Their feet barely touched the ground and we had to listen and watch carefully to hear them running. We were so inspired by the race, after lunch we went out on another run trying to copy their moves. With not much success. ☺ At least I managed to get another swim session in that afternoon!








Monday was business as usual. We ran to the Keiro View point where we spent a good hour waiting for and photographing the sun rising over the Rift Valley. Such a beautiful sight and an enriching experience.



We ran back to HATC for breakfast and had a nice long sleep (Kenyan style!) Before lunch we squeezed in a spin session and stretching then after lunch my friend explored the old athletics track and went back to the pool for my usual 1km arctic swim.

My mate insisted we should go back to the old track Tuesday morning so we headed out onto the dirt road after a rather delicious avocado& egg breakfast. The sun was already up and strong around 9.30am as we watched the elites (Team GB, Turkish athletic team, pro Kenyans) training. Carefully waited until breakfast was digested and decided it was our time to test out the track. While he was roaming around 400 meters I opted for stairs running up & down the stadium and when the track was much quieter I ventured onto it too. There was something very authentic, old school and real about this place.






After lunch it was relax then gym time; more spinning and more running! Since it was pancake Tuesday, we treated ourselves to a meal in the club next door with a glass of red (purely for medicinal purposes..)

Wednesday was our half way point and we had already built up strength, felt much better on the hills and our bodies adapted to the high altitude. It was the day we did a 13km run before breakfast. Lovely quiet path, running past schools, children shouting “HihowareyouIamfiiiiine!” and some beautiful farmlands.



We had some rest after breakfast then lunch then my friend had a sport massage by a guy called Hillary (or brutal but very good Hilary) who apparently massed the likes of Mo. If it’s good enough for Mo! I gymmed it with the usual hour long rolling hills spin bike ride which was followed by a 1km swim in the still bloody cold pool. The HATC dinner was fish so we thought we’d treat ourselves to a meal next door (and while we were there somehow two glasses of wine appeared on our table, mystery).

Thursday ended up being half a rest day because when we got to the old running track in the morning and got an old truck tyre out to pull it, the heavens opened and everyone run for shelter. It didn’t look like it was going to stop se we headed back to HATC and called it a morning. Tim had a one on one session with a Kenyan coach and at 5pm we joined some HATC runners on their 5pm leg stretcher. There was a older guy John who was in a pretty good nick and an America girl with a 2:28 marathon to her name. We were surrounded by amazing athletes and super human beings, motivation and inspirations was always around.

We had a fab Friday morning run to a nearby pond. We found this part of Kenya being wonderfully lush!




Instead of relaxing after brekkie we decided to hail a matatu (Kenyan taxi= old minibus for about 6 people that fit it an least double that) then we got off at the junctions and hopped on a motorbike towards the Giraffe Park. The place has 15 giraffes and was opened about 15 years ago to save animals from around the world. We were told that due to the sheer size of the site, it can certainly accommodate a lot more giraffes. They are well looked after whilst ensuring a wild but safe environment. Visitors entry fee (5000 Kenyan schillings) pay for the vet to fly over in case of emergency or clearing traps. Not having time in our schedule to do a safari, we were so pleased to have the opportunity to visit that fantastic place.






Since the end of the trip was sadly in sight, we ran down to the new track late afternoon to have some fun sessions. We were the only runners there at the time and with the sun setting in the background we pulled in some fast 100m lap times although Bolt has nothing to worry about.





The big day has arrived, our last full day at the HATC. After breakfast we waited for our Kenyan pacer Ruben by the gate who turned up at 9am clearly very hungry and thirsty. Found out he ad already done 20km that morning. Ruben very kindly agreed to run with two mazungos to the stunning Torok waterfalls, with our favourite driver Jeff following. I was the support crew for the first 10km giving the boys water and feeding them then joined the last 8km to the falls. As soon as we got there about 15 children turned up showing us the way through the farms and bushed to the viewpoint. Words can’t describe what an incredible site laid in front of us. The Rift Valley, a 6000km long trench that runs through from north to south of Kenya. We only had a tiny part of it in front of us but what a magical view.



After some pictures we headed back to the training camp and to top the day I had my last spinning and swimming sessions. The afternoon was spent by the poolside already making plans of when we’d return.



We departed for home on Sunday with wet eyes and big smiles after saying goodbye to all the wonderful people we met and looked after us while we stayed at the HATC. It’s been almost a week since we left but there hasn’t been a moment I didn’t wish we were still there. I think I left a piece of my heart in Iten..

(A one off article in Hungarian. For English please click translate at the bottom of this page. )

Amikor repjegyet foglaltam haza nem ugy keszultem hogy vegig turnezom a 6 napot de igy alalkult es milyen jo volt!

Komlo TV-nel kezdtem ahol talan meg nehez volt ertelmes mondatokat magyarul kipreselnem igy parszor ujra kellett venni valaszokat de a fiuk nagyon turelmesek voltak es a vegere en is belelendultem.
A 35 perces adast itt lehet megnezni: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6Wf3x_R_jDSSFVNeHFaNWdzZEE/view?ts=57459290



Az eloadasokra mar Londonban keszultem; egy 10 perces klippet vagtam ossze a hegyes videoimbol ami ala stilus szeruen a ‘Mountains’ cimu szamot illesztettem be plusz dramakent. Oke Oscart valoszinu nem kapok ezert a roved filmert de szerintem eleg jol sikerult es tudtam egy szosszenetet atadni a vendegeknek.

Magyarszeken volt az elso eloadas Punkosd hetfon, ahol sikerult megteliteni a termet ismeros es ismeretlen, de kedves arcokkal. Szuleim is ott voltak akik par sztorit akkor hallottak eloszor! (Nekik altalaban a finomitott verziot szoktam elmeselni az expediciok utan..)
A magyarszeki polgarmester koszontese utan bele is vagtam es az eloadas utan volt ido kerdes valaszokra is. Nem tudtam hogy mire szamitsak de ennyi biztato es kedves szo egy hatalmas loketet adott a het elejen. Arrol nem is beszelve hogy hivatalosan a magyarszeki sportegyesulet tagjava hirdettek!
Masnap Pecsen voltam a Pannon TV-vel interju a Nappali barban majd ott felallitottuk az projector es atmentunk a Vasutas Muvelodesi Hazba ahol a Vagabond Vilagjaro Klubban adtam eloadas a 7 hegycsucsrol. A kerdes-valasz reszt le kellett roviditenem es sajnos nem tudtam az eljott vendegekkel sokat beszelgetni mert rohannom kellett vissza a Nappali Barba (Kiraly utca) ahol addigra mar kezdett megtelitodni a helyseg. Felemelo erzes volt amikor sok baratsagos es mosolygo arcot lattam a nezok kozott es ugy erzem talan, mire addigra mar bemelegettem, talan addig az volt a legjobb eloadasom.




Dedikalt PM Lemez :)

Innen is sajnos el kellett viharozni mert az utolso Pecs- Bp Oszkaros taxit foglaltam le aznap estere.

Unokanoveremhez ejfelkor ertem fol (hulla faradtan) de mivel 2 eve nem lattuk egymast egy jo darabig fennt maradtunk csevegni.
Reggel koran volt a keles mert mentem ki a Hit Radio 9es elo musoraba es elobb oda szerettem volna erni hogy legyen idom letolni a kakaos csigat amit elozo nap anyukam keszitett be az ‘uzsonnas’ szatyorba. A legtobb kakao a szam korul lehettet szetmaszatolva amikor kijott a producer a studiobol hogy szeretnenek egy szelfit a facebookra.



A fantasztikus hangulatu egy oras adas nagyon gyorsan leporgott es azon vettem eszre magma hogy szantotam at a varoson hogy beerjek az interjura amit a Kossuth radionak vettunk fol.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0YUqsgG0GwnbGp4X3VwQWFWREE/view?usp=sharing

Ezutan egy gyerekkori baratomat latogattam meg a Gild Florianban aki ott egy szuper es sikeres szemelyi edzo. Vele evtizedek ota ismerjuk egymast es termeszetesen volt kozos tema.. ha nem kellett volna rohannom az M1-hez bevallaltam volna siman egy edzest nala mert igen ram fert ☺

Az M1es elo tv meghivasnak is borzasztoan orultem.


Sminkes & fodrasz probal valamit kihozni a lehetetlenbol.. mission majdnem accomplished.:)

Bar izgultam mert nem kaptam meg elore a kerdeseket de Radnai Csaba-val nagyon jol lepergettuk a 8perces feature-t a delutani hiradoban. Itt lehet megnezni:

http://www.mediaklikk.hu/video/nemeth-alexandra-a-ma-delutanban/

Az egyenes adas utan bent maradhattam a studioban es fulesen at hallgattam a hirado tovabbi reszet. Imadnek a TV-nek dolgozni!






A PR turanak utolso allamosa a Budapest belvarosi Godor klubban volt. Megtelt a terem itt is es nagyon jol sikerult. Hangom mar nem nagyon maradt a vegere de hihetetlenul jo volt amikor sokan ott maradtak az eloadas utan meselni hogy ki merre jart a nagy vilagban es mik a terveik. Meg mindig ledobbenek hogy ennyien foladtak az esti progijukat es eljottek meghallgatni az eloadasomat..A nyuzsis napot/ hetet egy finom vacsival fejeztem be baratokkal.

Eljott a visszautazasom napja es pont szulinapom is volt ☺ Unokanoveremmel egy lustis laza reggeli utan (mintha az orvos irta volna fel) elmentunk egy nagyot setalni Budara a gyonyoru napsutesben. Talan ez volt az elso alkalom amikor nem kellett atrohannom a varoson es radobbentem milyen csodalatos a fovarosunk.



Ezuton is szeretnem megkoszonni a segitseget:

Szuleimnek akik mint mindig mellettem, mogottem alltak.
Unokanoveremnek a tamogatasert, szallasert es az utolso pillanatos laptop toltoert.. jo tudni hogy barmikor szamithatok ra– koszi Zsu es nagybatyjamnak – azert a telefon hivasert.. es uzenem hogy “befejezzuk a kerekpar szakaszt” ☺
A mamamnak akivel nem tudtam eleg idot tolteni es remelem hamar begyogyul a keztocsontja.. (84 evesen meg biciklizik.. kire is utottem ☺ )
Koszonet az osszes otthoni baratnak akik megertettek a zsufolt progit de igy is ossze tudtunk hozni talikat es azoknak is akik eljottek az eloadasomra. Jo volt Titeket latni.
A szilvasi ovi dolgozoinak koztuk draga keresztanyamnak, imadok visszajarni a regi ovimba.



Szponzori es media tamogatasok:

Posztos Aniko @ iQor
Karpati Jeno @ Magyarszek Polgarmester
Pamer Balint a szuper facebook banner designert
Rimai Timea @ travel.hu
Karagic Isti & Magyar Feri @ Komloi TV
Kuti Gergely @ Pannon TV
Radnai Csaba & Koknya Dorottya @ M1
Fekete Rita & stab @ HIT Radio Budapest
Burkert Rudolf @ Kossuth Radio

Magyarszek
Vagabond Pecs
Nappali Bar Pecs
Godor Klub Budapest csapatainak.

.... halasan koszonok mindent.

Alexandra (de sokaknak meg mindig Szasza :) )

By now I’ve learnt that after each expedition I need to give my body some time to recover. Usually I am so shattered from the climb and lack of food on the mountain that once I’ve landed and sorted out my gear, washed my expedition clothes I hit the bed and sleep for days. It’s not just the muscles that need healing time, but usually the blistered feet, cold hands and wind swept skin too. I also noticed spending days on hard terrain carrying weight somehow aggravates my teeth and this time I ended up in the emergency dentist’s chair with an infection on my gum the day after I got back. Two weeks on antibiotics and painkillers can also make you feel pretty tired and dizzy so I wanted to be extra careful easing back into exercising.

Probably took me a good week after getting back from Aconcagua to start eating properly again, which is not unusual at all. You live on cardboard food for long enough for your body to forget what real food tasted like. I am also aware that having suffered with anorexia and bulimia when I was young, I have to look after myself even when the thought of eating my favourite food makes me sick. BUT it’s all temporarily and I call it ‘post-expedition trauma on the body’. I know it will pass and getting back to my general routine of exercising and eating healthy food three times a day will help me to build up appetite again.

I threw myself back into exercising, starting with a short run 10 days after getting home and a double spin class a few days later. Having just recovered from a hamstring injury, I thought a ‘building it up again’ approach is sensible. (until you start getting messages about going out for 100+km bike rides!) I was pleased to see that my favourite swimming pool was still there where I had left it a month ago ☺ and with a half ironman distance triathlon booked in the diary, I’m very keen to work on the techniques in the pool to cause less embarrassments for my parents when they try to photograph their daughter getting (crawling) out of the lake with the last pink swim cap on this May.

What I love most about this easing back into exercises period is that there are no rules. Do you fancy just swimming this week or if the weather is crap attend spin classes? How far to run, flat or hills? Who cares! There will be times soon, closer to the triathlon event when I have to be disciplined and follow a more strict training routine but as for now I just want to go out and enjoy whatever I do.



With this in mind, when my friend Tim and I were chatting about running last week, we decided to head to Richmond Park with our off-road shoes on. That run on Sunday, must have been the most pleasurable run I’ve ever done. The freedom of taking any trails, roaming past giant stags, the “come on let’s push our heart rate up a bit” on the hills and the stunning, stunning views in Richmond Park were just what the doctor ordered.
I encourage anyone to put a pair of running shoes on and go out to discover. Because there’s so much more to running..

The noise of the tent’s cheap nylon wildly flapping right by my head woke up me. Weather forecast was right; it has been a windy night at Camp Colera, 6000m. I am buried deep into my sleeping bag, it is warm and cosy. I check my watch, 10 minutes after 4am. If we want to give the summit a shot, and this is our one and only chance, I have to move my body, unzip the bag and start getting ready.
I turn around to wake up my guide, the two of us and our bags squeezed into this tiny tent but at the moment our accommodation keeps us out of the elements and I’m grateful for it. Mauricio gets up and starts boiling water with the melted snow whilst I half zip the bag and lift myself up to seated position. Everything is within an arm-length away so I start packing the rucksack with essential summit and survival gear. I am going to be wearing all my clothes I brought up to this camp but will have to carry glacier glasses, goggles, another hat, another pair of gloves with me. One litre of hot juice and a thermos of hot tea along with some gels, candy and energy bars is all I’ll be eating in the next 10-15hours. But hearing the sound of the wind and feeling it on my shivering body now outside the sleeping bag, I am not at all convinced it is a good day to leave the tent and attack the summit. My guide opens the front door of the tent and peaks out. I can see a number of people outside fully dressed but “Nobody has left yet” he assures me.

We arrived at Camp Colera the day before, on the 1st of January 2016. There was another large team, an Argentinian company getting there the same day as us and we spotted a few more other tents. Where are all the other teams?


(Picture: sunsets from the Plaza Argentinas 4200m Base Camp were incredible)

Day 1, December 22 National Park entrance to Pampa de Lenas 2800m
Mauricio my guide and I were dropped off by the National Park entrance this morning and after a quick stamp on my permit and chit chat with the ranger we grabbed our numbered rubbish bags and set off on an easy hike through the Vacas valley. It was a hot day but had to cover up due to the strength of the sun and the dust. The scenery didn't change much..hills rolling in the far distance on both sides, moor to fill up the space between the path and the hills and a trail of dust floating along the route. They call it the “rustic” side, I see why. It was a monotone walk until we hit a river crossing.. My guide walked up and down not finding anywhere to cross, I spotted a large rock upstream, dropped my bag and flew onto the rock. Chucked my poles across and with another Cirque du Soleil movement I was on the other side. Sometimes little excitements can make your day, well, no doubt there will be more thrilling moments waiting ahead of us..

Day 4, 25 December Base Camp Plaza Argentinas 4200m
Arriving at Base Camp yesterday was a relief. It means the dusty days are over from now on we must wear double/triple boots and crampons heading up.
Having a day off on Christmas Day is great but there's not an awful lot do around here. It’s only my guide and me at the local company’s tent in BC at the moment, which is actually nice, certainly quiet. After breakfast I hiked back to the camp entrance with a gift box from my friend Nick. I was really excited to see what this surprise parcel contained! When I grabbed the box I could hear Nick's voice telling me to stop faffing with the wrapping paper! Whilst listening to cheesy xmas tunes on my Ipod, I picked up the first prezzie from the top; a xmas card with a very lovely message. It melted my heart and was quite close to welling up when I picked up the print outs underneath, full of funny stories and jokes. And buried under the paper I found not one but at least 30 little funny gifts from a mini bottle of JD, party crackers, mini playing cards to Christmas scratch cards (would have been nice to win..) all carefully sticky taped and placed like a jigsaw puzzle (oh I got some of those as well) so every item would stay in place. (Thanks Nick!) After consuming everything in the box that was made of chocolate, I had a little read in the sun (One man’s Everest by Kenton Cool, awesome read!) and asked my guide if he fancied a little stroll. He said it was a day off and he wanted to rest so I filled up my water bottle and hiked up to the snow line towards Camp 1. Took it very easy and only ascended a hundred vertical meters, better play it safe on my own. Stayed up there for a bit to take some photos and headed back to BC for lunch thinking this is all going to get hard from here.


(Pictures: the penitentes used to be over 3m tall)

Day 8, 29 December Camp 1
“Morning guys, breakfast time” I heard the familiar voice. Opened my eyes and was about to unzip my tent door when I realised the call wasn’t for me. It was someone who guided me up another mountain a year ago. My breakfast was much less appetising than their scrambled eggs from the frying pen. I had camping food for breakfast and dinner since leaving BC until we get to BC on the other side. According to the weather updates we received today, summit day (when the wind is less than 75km/h) has moved forward and is now on the 1st or the 2nd. Very windy already, don’t remember wearing my big down jacket in the tent even in Antarctica! Big day tomorrow, moving to Camp 3.


(Picture 1&2: Camp1, 3: lunch break on the way to Camp 3)

Day 10, 31 December Camp 3

We moved to Camp 3 yesterday skipping carrying. Windy doesn't quite describe the journey; we hiked like a brunch of drunks heading home from the pub on a Friday night. We eventually made it to camp and felt really good so Mauri and I made a plan to go up to Camp Colera to acclimatise today. We are moving there tomorrow to hopefully make the most of the only weather day on the 2nd, we haven't received the weather forecast yet but the other teams are doing the same. Very much doubt I'll be able to stay up till midnight tonight so Happy New Year to all! ☺


(Picture: Camp 3 from up and above)


“Have you got everything you need from inside?” asked my guide. We had to collapse the tent before leaving for the summit; the wind took 19 tents in previous season from this camp. We couldn’t risk loosing our only shelter.
Around 6.45am we set off. It was still dark but we didn’t need a headlamp, with some luck daylight would break shortly and the sun would come up and warm our backs. We headed up towards Rocas Blancas (White Rocks) where we decided to have a quick break then moved towards Black Rocks. Reaching the Independencia hut at 6380m was a huge relief; I knew we’d have a long break there. I crawled into the roofless wobbly hut pushing my backpack inside and sat on a pillar and leaned back. This is tough I thought and we were sooo far from the top. Must have rested there for a good 20minutes or even more when we decided to push on. Fitted our crampons on and continued our long climb. By now we met at least 6-8 people who turned around, they were from the Argentinian company. No sign of anyone else on the mountain.


(Picture: Aconcagua shadow on summit morning)

There’s a long dragging path up towards La Cueva (The Cave) at 6650m. All I remember is that we passed two guys, one looked like a guide and one a client and they were going no further. Every step was heavy footed and with every breath I had access to less and less oxygen. It would be so easy to stop and call it a day, but we made it this far in these conditions with all the crap I had to go through. I am not going to stop. I turned all my anger into energy and kept pushing on. It was an eternity but we finally got to the Cave. We had another long rest here, around 3pm. This is where we met an Argentinian guide and his client, the very few who summited that day. My guide had a chat with him and I also congratulated but when I sat down and turn around I could hardly believe my eyes. The sharp and snowy peaks of the Andes all laid at my feet. I was higher than all these majestic mountains (except one of course behind me) How very beautiful. Grabbed my camera to take some photos when Mauricio asked me to get the move on. We were quite late now and the snowstorm was lurking around the peak.
“One more push Ale, just one more push and we are on the top”
“Let’s go Mauri and get the job done”
This last section, weirdly, reminded me of most of the Denali climb. A snowy and steep face requiring attention and focus but I truly enjoyed this section. I was right behind my guide the whole time buzzing about the prospect of reaching the summit of Aconcagua. And at 5.15pm local time, we did reach the summit of this incredible place. 6962m. The 360 degree view from the top was splendid. The winds were high so we didn’t stay there for long, summit pictures, hugs and patting on the shoulder. We MADE IT!


(Picture 1: Summit 5.15pm 2nd of January 2016, 2: view from the top, weather's closing in, 3: mules carrying expedition load, 4: last day, walking off the mountain)

Just reaching mile 9. Easy-peasy so far. It is a beautiful morning; crispy air, sun shining and I’m still buzzing from racing the Ironman 70.3 in Zell Am See, Austria the week before.
I’m back in the UK for about five days, already run a half marathon distance training two days before this race so I know legs are doing all right.
I want to beat my previous half marathon times, 2 hours. Even if I just come in at 1h 59 minutes. Don’t care, I want to know that I can do it before rolling down the summer season shutter. This is the Richmond half marathon and I'm loving every minute of it.

Hang on.. there’s something wrong.. Why is my pelvis in so much pain? How do I stop it? Well, I can’t so I carry on. Soon the pain is in my right groin too moving towards the leg. And very soon, my right leg feels very heavy. I do a body check and realise it’s a pain I never experienced before. But I’m doing so well in this race and the mile signs disappear one after another. Only a few to go anyway so I keep on running!


[Sunday 6 September 2025 , Richmond half marathon]

I’m on crutches for days after the half marathon, but it was worth it I tell everyone! I did it in 1h 46min, I’d do it again! Ahh the pain? I’m sure it will go.
Three weeks later the physio tells me I have torn my hamstring and my quad muscles at a number of places. She digs her elbow deep into the tear and goes in deeper when I moan loudly. I’m in agony.

4 weeks today since the race where I injured myself. 4 weeks of constant pain, hamstring and glute strengthening, guessing, hoping (and hopping) and waiting.
The first week was bearable because I didn’t realise how bad the injury was.
Second week it hit home. It was now clear another week would pass without cycling or running.
And the third week, well, it was hell. My body and mind were longing after a decent workout but I knew deep inside I’d only make things worse. I had tears in my eyes every time I got on the bus passing happy cyclists and runners. Another lovely and dry day, instead of riding my bike to work I’m sat on the bus. I told myself it was the last week to travel to work on public transport because I have to. Sadly it wasn’t.

The main battle however is to convince myself that it is OK to take some time off. I’ve had a busy summer for sure and since I have over two months till the Aconcagua expedition I know I can build up the muscles again. But why am I in this gloomy, dark place?
Body is suffering too. Having taken all the adrenalin and endorphin away, it's happy when we exercise in the bedroom or go for a swim but I can hear it talking to me.. "is that all you're going to do to me" and my brain joins in "are we seriously going to bed without feeling completely exhausted physically?" So I try to smash my lap times in the swimming pool. It doesn't satisfy me as much as probably the Ham Lake swim race would have earlier today (enjoyed being a support crew though) but it takes the edge off and keeps me focused.

I wanted to share my story with you because there must be others out there who experienced the injury blues. You’re certainly not the only one! One thing is certain, it will pass. May take longer than we think but if we ever want to do a PB, get back on the bike we need to wait it out. And make sure what we do in the meantime is helping the recovery. So here’s a list of how I’m surviving ☺

- books - take it to work with me every day. Since the injury I’ve read eight to be precise and every single one gave me something. A running book gave ideas, a good crime was entertaining. Anything to temporary forget about the injury right?
- friends – spent so much time training for various things in the last two years but luckily a couple of friends stuck with me during the rough times. I thoroughly enjoy my extra time now I can spend with great people and write to my family more often.
- exercises: a good friend of mine once told me when I had the IT band problem that I should focus on things I CAN do. How true. What’s the point of pulling myself down into this deep, bottomless crevasse when I can still do things? And I don’t have to think hard; my swimming certainly needs improving so I go to the pool twice a week. And I religiously do the hamstring and glute strengthening.. Found a youtube video called – ‘How to get Victoria Angels legs’ I pick the exercises I can do and crack on with it. If it works for the ‘Angels’ will do for me I convince myself hah!
- experiment with healthy recipes: I had no time to be creative in the kitchen during the hard core training period. Now I have time to play around with ingredients. Make a healthy dish you haven’t tried before or a cheeky chocolate brownie with no sugar, you’ll love it. Note to self, don’t burn the house down.
- plan a race/ event WELL ahead: having something coming up can give you such a boost during the recovery. Ok you may not be able to go out and do your usual morning run but you can concentrate on some core work? Upper body strengthening? Everything helps and you’ll be surprised how much your fitness will improve when you’re fully recovered. It also helps mentally to focus on and look forward to.
☺

If you want to drop me a line and share you story or have any tips how to conquer the injury blues feel free to drop me a line.

Registering for a half ironman without any previous triathlon experience and the lack of ability to swim might have been a silly thing to do but I actually quite enjoy the thrill of throwing myself into the completely unknown. Opportunities to challenge our bodies in various events are everywhere, just need to click on that registration button.
Must admit there was another reason I fancied taking part in the Zell Am See 70.3 Ironman on Saturday 29 August. I hadn’t seen my family for almost a year and a half and this race weekend provided a perfect excuse to get the family together in a lovely chalet in the Austrian Alps.
Since I started the ‘7 summits’ project in April last year, my life had been revolving around the mountains; making money to pay for the expeditions, training, climbing, repeat. To test my legs I did two half marathons earlier this year, surely the next step is to swim 2km, cycle 90km and run a half marathon in one go ☺

Training for the 70.3 has been rather interesting and eventful. First job was to learn how to swim. I managed to squeeze in two coached sessions with a swimming instructor in an 18m indoor pool before heading off to Denali where I spent almost the entire month of June.
Thomas asked me to show him my front crawl then when I swam back he said; ok we’re going to have to start from scratch. We had another two sessions after the climb then he said I was ready for a 90m outdoor pool, the famous Tooting Lido. Looking back not sure I was! ☺
First session was a disaster. My wetsuit didn’t fit properly and I had a mild panic attack in the pool. Everything was alien. Next time I felt a bit more confident so I signed up to do a swim relay race with the Wimbledon Windmilers at Ham Lake. Trust me when I say I had no idea the reason I was so slow because I was literally crawling in the water like a dog with my legs instead of kicking from the hips. Not to worry, I learnt that from a youtube video a week before the half Ironman (copying the guy from the video laying on my flatmate’s exercise pad). Bring on the 2km lake swim.

I knew cycling 90km wouldn’t be an issue; after having tackled the hills of the Etape du Tour, Surrey and commuting to Richmond through the park on the hybrid, a flat bike course in Austria was going to be a piece of cake. Until I found out the bike course was rated 3/5 Ironman standards. Oh even better, loving the mountains don’t we Rocket!

So far so good preparation wise except that during the previous two half marathons I ran, I couldn’t break 2 hours on fresh legs. I was careful not to combine all three disciples in the training but had to get the legs used to the run after the bike. As often as I could I dropped the bike as soon as I got home after work, changed shoes and headed out for a run. I’ve been building up the running distance very carefully since I had the pain in my knee (which turned out to be an IT band related issue) What would happen on race day though I had no idea and it was approaching pretty fast…

We left London at 5pm after work on Wednesday and arrived at a ‘luxury campsite’ (these two words shouldn’t be used together, you still sleep in your own pop up tent..) at 3pm on Thursday. My parents arrived on Friday and we all moved into a lovely Austrian style hous. Went back to the transition area Friday afternoon to leave Rocket there and sort out the transition bags. I wouldn’t see the bike and the bags until the following morning before the race.
We had early dinner that day and a reasonably early night, the alarm went off at 4am.

We dropped the cars at the nearest official car park and made our way to the start. Said bye to my family and walked into the bike transition area around 5.30am.
It was still pitch dark but the football field size area was lit up. Enjoy the cool and fresh morning air I thought, soon it would be over 30C. Went to check my bike tyres and the transitions bags before putting on my wetsuit. Decided not to warm up in the lake, didn’t fancy standing around cold and drenched until the 6.45am start.



Entered the lake of Zell am See with hundreds of other women and suddenly excitement took over, there’s no turning back now.
Our wave had a false start, which didn’t help the nervous first timers including myself. We were stopped at the first buoy and sent back to the start. After the sound of the horn off we went again. Since our wave was now slightly delayed the following wave of men quickly caught up with us and the fistfight started. Just when I finally got my technique and breathing right, someone either grabbed my ankles or kicked me in the ribs or the face. Every now and then I tilted my head slightly back to see if there were any more pink cap swimmers behind me and luckily there were; good sign, I wasn’t last! When I exited the water I heard my dad shouting my name so I threw a big smile and a wave to him and started running down the transition lane unzipping my wetsuit.



Grabbed my bag, dried my feet and jumped into the bike shoes. Rocket was where I left him and soon we were on our way to ride the 90.1km bike course.
The first 20km were glorious. Smooth and wide roads, every cyclists dream. As much as I enjoyed the buzz of the swim start and cheering of the crowd, it was great to get on the road with Rocket and do what we love. After 20km I could see some triathlon bikes slowing down slightly, sign of the first serious incline. Sometimes I had to remind myself I was racing; the forest, waterfalls, mountains surrounding me made this course a dream place to cycle. Challenging, tough in the heat but extremely enjoyable. When we cycled past some beautiful Bavarian houses along the route, locals were out on their balcony and street cheering us on. After the first dink station which I thought was the top of the hill a guy cycled past me and said: “let the party begin”. Looked up and saw what he meant. This is where the steep section started! By now I saw both men and women walking with their bikes but the challenge was too sweet, Etape du Tour again!
I could hear my heart pounding and feel sweat drops running down my tights.. Then suddenly, a guy broke the sound of the cyclists heavy breathing by the road shouted in every language he could speak that there were 50meters until downhill! We were at 1280m and the only way was down, beautiful let’s flush those legs!
I mentioned in previous blogs that my descending is far from perfect and I still find cornering scary and fast cyclists shooting by me forcing me off my racing lane. The more I do it the more confidence I gained and I realised I was far less stiff on the bike this time. Until an ambulance roomed past me and around the next bend I saw a poor female triathlete was being pulled out of the drop just after a 90 degree corner. It must have hurt because her arms and shoulder were already in bandage. Very unfortunate, it can happen to anyone and I hope she’s ok and recovered. Despite the fact Rocket is not a tri bike we thoroughly enjoyed the next section, a stretch of flat roads where I managed to push a little bit more. It was such a lifting moment when I shot past my friend and parents, all cheering and shouting encouraging and sweet things. Put a huge smile on my face and was ready to tackle the last 20km or so.
Looking back at the bike section, I don’t think I could have put much more into it with Rocket, we both raced with everything we had. My strength on the bike was most noticeable on the hills where I kept overtaking not just single but groups of athletes at once and hardly felt it.

I was almost looking forward to getting off the bike (I must try chamois cream one day!) change shoes and start the run. Again my best friend and family were there to cheer me on which gave me a huge amount of boost. That was the beginning of the 21km run but I knew they would all be there at the finish.
Lack of experience in triathlons was showing now, wasn’t sure just how hard I could push myself. Last thing I wanted was to burn myself and not being able to finish after a long day of racing. I didn’t want to have a running watch so kept comparing my pace to other runners. A girl called Mel left the transition area just before I did so I thought I could stick to her. The run course was hot but stunning. The path followed the lake then curved into Zell am See then out back onto the path to the other side of the lake then all the way back, and the same route one more time.



Lost Mel the second time at the turn around point, time to find a slightly faster runner. At no point I felt weak but picking up the pace could have been a mistake. I ended up running a time I did at the previous two half marathons, definitely room for improvement but I was pleased for not stopping once. The crowd went crazy every time someone turned onto the finish line; for about 200 meters people shouting and screaming both sides. My friend spotted me just before and I gave him a fist pump wave and mom and dad were up near the finish taking pictures and me screaming how much they loved me from the top of their voice.



What an incredible day.
This race also marked the end of a fantastic summer filled with great challenges. From next week I’ll start training for the Aconcagua climb (Dec 15 - Jan 16) and who knows, might just accidentally register for another half Ironman ;)

Exactly a year ago, I was watching those crazy cyclists shooting past the gallery in Wimbledon village in the pouring rain. I thought they were mad. Doing a 100 mile bike ride on a day like that? What’s the big fuss?
I’m talking about the Prudential Ride London Surrey 100. Those of you who don’t know why this route is so special, very simple. This event is a lasting legacy of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic games. Amateur riders like myself get to cycle on closed roads (no cars, no traffic, no lights), same road as the professionals for a hundred miles from central London to Surrey and back.
I’ve just found my registration form, applied for a place at the end of August last year. I hadn’t even had a road bike back then so no idea what I was thinking. Anyway, didn’t get a place through the ballot and my charity b-eat weren’t involved so I gave up on the idea. Until I got an email from the organisers in March, during a holiday to say there was a charity looking for riders. The amount I had to raise did seem realistic and after all it’s for a good cause so I hit the register button. With the help of my amazing friends I managed to hit the required target by June so all I had to was keep my fingers crossed for good weather.
This event was always going to be a fun, getting more miles in the legs sort of ride. After having climbed Denali successfully in June, finishing stage 19 of the Tour de France in July, all I was hoping was to cross the Ride 100 finish sign and not to come last. I’ve never cycled this distance before so I couldn’t even give an idea to my friends when I’d be crossing certain points!
There were over 25,000 riders gathering on Sunday the 7th of August at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Despite being there on my own, the atmosphere as we were edging towards the start line was fantastic. Last bike check (too late Alex too bloody late!) and at 7.10am I rolled out with hundreds of others from my pen, blue M.
Straight away after the start I realised adjusting my right shoe cleats the night before and not practising to clip in was a rockie mistake and had to ride 2.5 miles with my left foot clipped in, right desperately trying to get itself into place. Magic moment after a sweaty start, both clipped in I was back in the game. Quite a bizarre experience cycling past places like Knightsbridge, Selfridges where on a usual day you can hardly move from the traffic yet last Sunday it was just us, cyclists on the road pedalling fast and loving every minute.
At mile 20 we were in Richmond Park, I looked at my watch and I did an hour. This point I was really hoping that the field would thin out and I could ride at my own pace but I’m sure all the other 25,000 cyclists thought the same. Cycling through the park was fantastic, it’s where I train quite a bit (both cycling and running) and I ride through it almost every day to work.
Next thing I knew we were getting into the beautiful countryside Surrey; cute villages, sheep munching away on nearby hills, some smooth, some not so smooth roads. After a couple of hours of riding, I was excited to get to the real hills and tackle them.
Leith Hill was first which I found quite easy and actually enjoyable, Surrey’s highest point. The descent, as I mentioned in my Etape du Tour blog was going to be a challenge especially surrounded by so many (so and fast) riders. The opposite happened and I was flying downhill. Didn’t tense up, no teeth gritting no handlebar crunching. Couldn’t wait to arrive at the bottom of Box Hill, where I had my very first sportive last year, ‘Legs if steel’. I’ve been back a few times since and loved it. It’s such a stunning ride up on resurfaced roads and four hairpins. No back pain this point and I felt very strong.
Shouted at one of the marshals asking where the next feed station was (hadn't stopped for a break at this point) and found out there was a water station coming up, food was a lot further ahead. Did a water bottle check, all fine so I carried on.
Of course I missed the third and last feed station. I didn’t really want to stop anyway but how very typical! At mile 82 both water bottles were empty so I stopped briefly to fill one up with water, other with electrolytes, quick pee and back on the road.
Psychologically I knew the rest of the ride was going to be even more fun as we were getting close to Kingston, again roads I know quite well. I particularly enjoyed cycling through Raynes Park and Wimbledon (right past my flat) then up Wimbledon Hill, down Parkside then Putney. I was psyched as my american buddies say!
Crossing Putney Bridge meant one thing; the finish was at touching distance. This is when I looked at my wristwatch and thought I might be able to come under 5h 30mins. No malfunctions, punctures or excruciating back pain so I decided to give it a big last push and pedalled as fast as I could down by the Thames.
I remember cycling for about 10minutes thinking why it suddenly got a bit hard. No one came past me for a while and it felt like I was pulling a ton behind me. I turned back and saw about six seven drafting behind me. Then finally a guy pulls up next to me and thanks me for the speedy ride and apologised for the ‘train’.
It wasn’t a race I kept telling myself, don’t get upset instead I felt quite flattered!
Finishing at The Mall was just epic. I looked at my watch and knew I did a decent time. I called my friend Nick who was going to pick me up, he hadn’t even left Wimbledon thinking I was going to be another couple of hours, told him not to venture into central London and twenty minutes later I was on the tube on my way home with Rocket and the a finisher medal.
Later that day (after some pizza of course) found out I did it in 5:19:47 which I think places me in the top 10% of the women. If I’m lucky enough to ride it again next my goal is to come under 5hours and have as much fun as I did.
I would like to say a big thank you to all my friends who chipped in, you made it possible for me to get to start line. Love you guys, you were in my heart and thoughts all day.
Alex
X


[the look on my face when I saw my finishing time..]

When I read the big yellow sign by the side of the road saying “Even Contador’s legs are hurting” I had to chuckle. This was one of the motivational messages the Etape du Tour organisers came up with to get the riders push through the 6.5 - 10% climbs.

In numbers:
140km
4,609 meters of climbs
4 challenging mountains
15,000 riders

As you will see on Friday the 24th of July when the Tour de France riders race there, this is a stunning but brutal stage in the French Alps. Did I know this when I bought a ticket in January? Nope. ☺

I also didn’t know how much time I could spend in France après the Denali climb when I started arranging flights etc so decided to keep it a short flying trip.
At 5.30am on Saturday bike in the box, gels piled in my hold luggage and with a friend, we headed to Gatwick to fly to Geneva. Things went pretty smoothly until we got into heavy traffic in the rental car on our way to the race village at the finish line in La Toussuire but fear not we tucked into our pre-made power pasta dish my friend made the night before. Getting to village was quite exciting; we had to drive up the last hill I was going to do the day after on bike. Surely it’s a different route up?!
Just when we got there and parked the car, heavens opened and started chucking down. Still had to register, get my race pack and put the bike together and once we were sorted we didn’t hang around for too long, still had a 40min ride to find the chalet I booked. I was quite restless that night and only slept a couple of hours but Sunday morning I felt fresh like a daisy!

My starting time was 7.56am but wanted to make sure I was there as early as I could to find a decent spot in the pen. Thought the organisers did a great job letting 15,000 cyclists safely through the start!
There wasn’t much time to warm up the legs before Col de Chaussy, almost straight into (well up on) hill number one, a 15.4km climb with average gradient at 6.3%. Despite a lower back pain which developed half way up I really enjoyed the first challenge and couldn’t wait for the sprint, this also meant first climb and descent out of the way. Riding downhill felt it was never going to end but I guess if you cycle up a hill there’s only one way down!
After a 30km flat-ish part the route started curling up again, through cute little villages first. I asked for the time from a fellow rider who admitted he came back the third time to conquer Col du Glandon and Col de la Crox de Fer, the two peaks latter at 2067m. This was also roughly the time when rain was due but somehow the temperature was getting higher and the sky bluer. It was obvious then we were going to have a fab day. It helped mentally as I prepared for rain and wet roads (the weather forecast predicted heavy rain and thunderstorms even a day before!) I needed to think positively as my back was giving me a pretty hard time during this climb. I had no chance but to get off the bike and stretch my back, jump back on the bike and continue up the hill. I started seeing riders walking by the side of the road with their machines and I knew I would only do that if I was really very desperate. And then suddenly, about 5km from the top my bike felt as light as a feather, back pain gone and legs went into racing mode. I got to the top of both Glandon and Crox de Fer sprinting on the climb overtaking bunch of riders. Absolutely loved it.


rolling into the feed station, top of Col de Crox de Fer 2067m

A very long and technical downhill followed where I am not very confident (always something to improve on) but managed it without falling off the side or riding into others in one of the millions of hairpins.
We had another climb to push up to called Col Mollard, at the top fresh bottled water was waiting for the half cooked and thirsty riders. I grabbed my GPS from the front of the bike and went to fill up my water bottles, not wanting to waste time I got back in the sadly and continued riding, another descent. I heard a cracking noise and when I looked down at the handlebar about 10 minutes later I noticed I forgot to put my tracker back. Oh, so that was perhaps the crunchy noise, oops!! This downhill section went past the chalet I stayed at, must admit I was rather tempted to stop and run in to pick up some painkillers!
Still going downhill, arms stiff, toes numb I knew the next section would be the route we drove on out and into Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Windy, technical, scary but stunningly beautiful.. I was pleased to see the 50KM to FINISH sign along with other messages like ‘What is 1km in a lifetime” or “Men play rugby, gods cycle”.
And here we go, the last climb. 18km long, from S-J-d-M to La Toussuire, physically and mentally challenging. Weirdly, my legs were feeling great, it was my back that was giving me grief.
At the bottom of this climb I decided to break it down into 6 stops so I can get off the bike and stretch but ended up stopping once or twice only. When I spotted the sign for 3km to the finish, like a madwoman I started sprinting, it just felt natural and amazing to finish strong.
In 2012 Froome famously attacked Wiggins on this climb, well 'attack' is how the media described it, Froome was clearly the stronger climber.
Having done one stage of the Tour, hats off to the Tour riders!



Pasta party was next on the menu before driving back to the chalet where we cracked open a bottle of champagne, went out for late dinner and crashed in bed after 1am. Flew back the following morning, wish I stayed for a few more days to watch the pros!

My friend asked me straight after the ride if I would do it again. Ask me in a week I said, and I will say yes!

In January this year I knew I had to make up my mind and decide which company I wanted to climb with and book it as all groups were filling up quickly. I had four months to train, which seemed long at the time.

To keep myself busy in the meantime I entered various half marathons and a 10K to keep the legs warm. My enthusiasm for running was tested in early February when I started developing pain in my right knee.



It was a typical runner’s mistake: doing a 10km pb one day and “accidently” running a half marathon distance training two days later. My glutes said no. After battling through the races in March, April and May with an excruciating pain I finally gave in and went to see a physio. He confirmed it was IT band related problem and had to work on strengthening the glutes. And strictly no running. I couldn’t possible cancel the half marathon in Geneva could I?! I was doing lots of exercises leading up to the Swiss trip but you never know how much progress you’ve done until the run. It wasn’t my greatest half marathon (a sluggish 2h00) but the pain under the knee was still there the whole time and suffered with diarrhoea on race morning. One thing motivated me though, once the run was over I was heading down to Zermatt to spend a couple of days training (carrying an 18kg backpack 4-6hours every day) in the Alps. After the trip I knew I had a lot more glute strengthening and stretching to do and couldn’t let this injury jeopardising the Denali climb.

But there were fun times too during the training.. The Ironman 70.3 Austria is fast approaching (end of August 2015) so I knew it was time to upgrade my road bike and invest in something a wee lighter. When I read about the BMC teammachine I felt I found the one but when I tested it at the local Evans shop I fell in love!
Having had old and rusty second hand bikes in the past to get me from A to B I found myself flying on these two wheels. Her name is 'Rocket' and it was only fair to enter a sportive in April - Wiggle Ups and Downs (you guessed, a hilly course with approx 4000ft elevation in the Surrey Hills and North Downs). Got a silver awards and found out I was the 3rd fastest woman.



For my 31st birthday in May, I decided to head up to Scotland and do some more weight carrying training in the Highlands. My love of Scotland meant it was the perfect getaway! Once back from Scotland, I purely focused on cycling (to and from work on the hybrid and longer rides on 'Rocket') and carrying a heavy backpack in the evening.
This is probably the best time to mention, that as a result of the Dailymail website article about my photography and climbing project featured on their website on 19 Feb ( if you haven’t read it: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2959818/Beautiful-climber-tackles-world-s-dangerous-mountain-peaks-captures-spectacular-landscapes.html ) I finally had the guts to write to local business with my story and sponsorship. To my surprise I had many responses but most of the companies had already spent their allocated funds. I was very excited when I heard that independent estate agent Robert Holmes, Park Accounts and private GP and consultant medical practice Alexander House were keen to get on board! All I had to do before the trip was to arrange their logos embroided on my jackets, buy last minute munchies, say goodbyes and get myself mentally ready… and the next thing I realised I was off to the States!

The highest mountain in North America with a summit elevation of 20,320 feet/ 6,186m, Denali or Mt McKinley in Alaska was going to be my highest mountain of the 7 summits. It is the third most prominent peak after Everest and Aconcagua (lowest point to summit) from the Kahiltna Base Camp it’s 13,000 vertical feet and 18 miles to the summit.
Denali, as the indigenous people named it, means ‘the high one’ or ‘the great one’. Even the Russians named it ‘big’ while they owned Alaska.
In 1896 a gold prospector named it McKinley after president William McKinley.

Most of my teammates on Vinson had climbed Denali, many said they found it harder than Everest. Some of the reasons why Denali is so brutal:
- extreme weather
- high altitude
- crevasses
- heavy load carrying

Our team was due to leave for Base Camp on Tuesday the 9th but due to snowing and clouds at BC didn’t get out of Talkeetna until Thursday evening. We didn’t expect to fly out that day; it was raining heavily when we were loading the two small otter planes. Despite being two days behind schedule already and having read about the low summit rates and unsuccessful teams we were still very keen to get going!

I could write a novel about what happened next but here are some extracts from from my trip notes. .

"Monday 15 June, 7.44pm, 11,000’, Day 5 on the mountain
Finally at Base Camp Friday evening! After landing we established our camp site (although we only stayed for the night) and had dinner in the mid tent. Felt like a kid when I crawled into my sleeping bag! We didn’t leave till 10am in the morning; backpack full, sled full, snowshoes on and left for Camp 1 at 7,800ft.


(building camp at Camp 1, 7,800ft)

(view of Mt. McKinley from our cosy tent at Camp 1)

Saturday was ‘carry’ day, which meant we took half of our gear (group gear, food, personal lunch and high altitude clothes) to just below 11,000ft camp. You have to negotiate Ski Hill first, which looks intimidating from Camp 1. These are HOT glacier travel days and what I noticed is that our team (6 climbers + 2 guides in 2 rope teams of 4) somehow doesn’t like to be left behind and our guides have the urge to catch up with other teams on the mountain. As much fun as it sounds, I don’t want to burn out during the first couple of days…
We moved up to 11,000’ camp on Sunday passing our cashed gear marching up the mountain in our snowshoes. When I removed my boots I found the biggest and nastiest looking blood blister I’ve seen (new boots plus snowshoes without risers!) Not good but didn’t panic.
Had it popped this morning and swapped snowshoes with the main guide so picking up cache and hiking back up the hill to Camp 2 felt like walking on soft cushions! ☺"


(snack break)

(the ugly beast popped and treated)

Tuesday – carry and cache at 13,500’


(snack break around Windy Corner)

Wednesday – move to 14,200’


(drying socks and gloves.. learnt my lesson after Vinson not to dry socks on my bear tummy.. things can get stinky..)

"Thursday 18 June, 6.35pm, 14,200’, Day 8 on the mountain (or is it?!)
We had a relatively easy day today; a two hour round trip first thing in the morning to collect cache we left below two days ago. After the yammy egg& bacon breakfast I decided it was time to go for a walk on my own. This is the only camp site where you can walk around and meet people from other teams without the danger of falling into a crevasse. Headed up to the rangers quarter where they update the weather board and had a quick chat with one of the guys working there. Superb feeling walking around freely without being roped to someone!


(weather board at the entrance of the rangers' tent)

The other reason I wanted to get away from our tents was because almost all my teammates had mobiles with them and believe or not, at 14,200 feet they had phone signal! We were asked not to bring our mobiles but seemingly I was the only one who read that section of the notes. It’s not a big deal of course, but when you’re on an expedition the last thing you want to hear is your teammate chatting to their family/ girlfriend/ wife... it takes away the whole beauty of ‘wilderness expedition’ and it is hugely distractive.
I love it at 14 camp though. The views are just breathtaking; I can see Mt Hunter and Mt Foraker in the distance. Sometimes they have clouds wrapped around them other times you can admire both mountains glowing and alive in dawn. It’s white everywhere except where it’s shiny light blue, a sign for open crevasse, and the sky changes every second. Photographer’s paradise! Until of course you turn around and look at Motorcycle Hill and the fixed line section where climbers are a size of a dot. We’re going up there tomorrow to carry so an early night is a must.


(Foraker from my tent at 14 camp)

(Foraker in the middle of the "night".. I knew it was worth getting out of the tent for a pee)

(practising opening and closing the ascender with one thumb only on our day off)

Saturday 20 June, REST DAY at 14,200 Day 10 on the mountain
I’m in my warm sleeping bag as I’m writing this, listening to music and the watching the snow building up on our tent walls.. Despite the good and positive weather forecast, the camp had a lot of snow yesterday and scary looking low clouds moved in. In three words, total white out.


(Foraker was playing hide and seek today!)

Carried to 16,200’ yesterday starting on Motorcycle Hill followed by some juicy 45 degree walls. As always, we were marching up after other teams as if it was a competition. The cold didn’t help either, had to put my mitts on during the first break (well, I spent the entire 5 minute break trying to peel off my fleece gloves and force my numb hands into the mittens) and kept them on until the sun hit the bottom of the fixed lines where we stopped again to put our helmet on. As soon as I attached my ascender to the fixed line, I was in my element again!


(some of the group gear)

(bottom of the fixed lines)

(back at 14,200' camp I asked one of my tent mates to join me for a photoshoot)

Glad we’re having a “day off” today, needed. The weather is not ideal but not bad enough to stop us so fingers crossed we’ll move tomorrow. The plan is to pick up our cache on the way and carry everything up to the last camp also known as the high camp at 17,200. From there, it’s a return ticket to the top!"

"Monday 22 June SUMMITED!!!! Day ‘who knows and counts anymore’ on the mountain
We moved to High Camp 17,200’ yesterday.. as I suspected the fixed lines were my favourite parts and boy we had two long sections of them. The move goes like this; attach your heather with an unlocking carabiner to the fixed line and click your ascender behind. Now all you have to do is move up slowly; placing your feet slightly outwards and with every other step push the ascender further up on the fixed rope. When you get to the picket (where a new fixed line is installed) stop climbing and shout ‘aaaanchoooooooor’ (=anchor) or ‘staaaaapp’ (=stop) so all your team members can hear you’re about to get off the fixed line you were climbing on. You unclick your unclocking carabiner first, place it on the next rope, unclick the ascender and secure it on the rope then shout ‘cliiiiiiiiiiiiiiimb’ or ‘gooooooo’ signalling you’re ready to continue to climb. It’s quite vital so your team mates are aware (as they also have to stop every time someone has to anchor) I found that not everyone on my team did this so you had to watch the person in front (on a 45 degree slope with a tall and heavy backpack plus helmet& sun cap blocking your vision it is not easy) and if the team rope suddenly pulls you back, it means the person behind forgot to shout and about to anchor. "


(that tiny snowy bit, right from the middle is 17,200' camp from the distance)


(not the best place to get your GoPro out but couldn't resist)


(after the first long fixed line section things got even more fun!)


(second fixed line section)

We arrived at 17,200 feet pretty broken. I remember sitting down on my backback waiting for our guides to find us a safe spot to build camp. Some teams move into other teams (who already left of course) camp sites, not us. New campsite at every Camp meant grabbing the shovels, stomping the snow, more digging, setting up tents and the midi, building ice walls. No rest for the wicked! Same happened this time.
So there I was sat on my backpack, huge smile on my face for making it to the highest camp on the mountain but I was seriously low on energy. Waiting for our guides to come back, next minute I realised I was half asleep sliding off the sled. Looked up and around, my teammates were already marking our campsite so I got up, pulled my belongings to their and started with the stomping. Due to the lower oxygen level, at the camp everything felt harder and took longer. If one person doesn't contribute (or not as much as others) to establishing camp, it takes even longer. It wasn't my place to tell anyone off for being lazy, as our guides said at the beginning, everyone will have bad days..
By the time tents were up, soup was almost ready and to my complete surprise, I was hungry! This is unusual for me in high altitude but I thought better eat more than nothing. After dinner we were told that there was a chance we would head to the summit the following day but we'll see in the morning.
I didn't like that. Being quite anal when it comes to organising and planning, I like to know what to prepare for. Needless to say I didn't sleep that night. We were woken at 6.15am and heard our guides telling the other tent to get ready, we were going for the summit!
My body just wanted to stay in the tent, sleep and sleep. I didn't want to be the last to get ready so got out of bed, shoved down some breakfast, had my waterbottles filled up (one with water, the other with my favourite tea - strawberry & vanilla) and got myself ready.
Like every morning, you had to guess what the weather was going to be like so I had longjohns + soft shell climbing pants and wore a long sleeve merino wool baselayer with a fleece top and a thin jacket. We all had to pack survival kits (thermos, sleeping bag, sleeping mat) and our warmest down pants, down jacket and expedition mitts.
Rolled out of camp around 9.30am, the last but one team.

I am not fan of long boring hills but this is what was awaiting, it's called the Autobahn. I knew there will be fixed lines near the top (only for protection so clip in and out this time, didn't use the ascender) but it was going to be hard work.


(the route out of 17,200' camp went all the way to the top rocks)

Once negotiated this lengthy section we had a quick break, the guides checked if everyone was doing well, forced some munchies and water down and carried on.

The next thing I remember is when we got to The Football Field. One giant hill to climb but we could see the summit ridge from here!


(it's called the...... 'Big Hill' of course!)

We regrouped here, last break before the summit - we were told. I felt great, probably thanks to vanilla GU I wolfed down earlier, as a non coffee drinker it did give me the boost I needed!

We took off and soon met the other teams who were heading off the summit. I said my congrats to them but secretly wishing it was us. About 3/4 up 'Big Hill' our guide turned around and said: "Guys, there are clouds and possibly storm coming in, if we don't make it to the top in 20minutes we'll have to turn around." A serious kick up the arse, exactly what we needed, we changed into higher gear and literally flew up. NO WAY I would turn around near the summit!
We made it to the top at 6pm, sky still blue and everyone in great spirit.

There's something euphoric, emotional and satisfying being on the summit. You simply forget about all your pain, the knots in your back&shoulder; from the heavy pack, the unwashed hair, the blister feet and soon on. The feeling is pure and indescribable.


(for HUNGARY & GREAT BRITAIN)


(for my sponsors and family who supported me every step of the way)


(carrying some special and personal items to the top)


(my backpack carried more than it was designed for, never let me down)


(in North America, you can't get any higher!)


(view from the summit, looking back the summit ridge)

We got back to High Camp after 11pm. I am exhausted! Just had some dinner and sleeping bag calling!

The following pictures were taken from the summit descent back to High Camp.







"Tuesday 23 & Wednesday 24 June 'March of the climbers'
For once during the expedition, we were treated to a well deserved lie-in and was woken up by our guides around 9am, time to get up. At that point we thought we would take the descend in 2 sections; head down to 11'000 camp from High Camp, sleep for a while then carry on to Base Camp where a plane was supposedly coming in just for us. It didn't quite happen that way.
We had a small break at 14,200' camp where we dug out the rest of the group and personal gear we left there, had some dinner and carried on. When we left visibility was bad but when we got around Windy Corner I could hardly see the person in front of me. We kept going until a deep and throbbing sound when we all stopped to turn. Our guides were shouting keep going from the back, it was no place to wait and see what the sound was but we all knew, an avalanche or rock fall. We skipped the break at the Polo Field and arrived back at the top of Motorcyle Hill where we stopped briefly. Going down this hill I noticed how much the snow conditions and terrain have changed since we were last there; crevasses got even larger and snow became mushy. Difficult going down in crampons and still carrying a heavy bag.
Upon arrival at 11,000ft we grabbed everything we buried there a week before, loaded our sleds, packed away the crampons and hello snowshoes again!


(ready to crack on!)

All I remember from here on is that I was thinking.. someone is going to break an ankle. The end, it was the teeth on my right snowshoe, just disappeared and due to lack of grip and nearly flew. One of our guides very kindly gave me his but at that point I couldn't care and would have walked (run) in my boots.
After skiing down Ski Hill, to 7,800ft Camp 1, we pulled over to have a break. Everyone was sat on their sleds munching on leftover lunch. Looked at my watch, 3am. We had been walking since 11am the day before and it looked like we weren't going to stop for long!
This was the point when I though finding my shuffle and playing some songs would probably get me through the next 4-5 hours to Base Camp. It was still in my sports bra where I left it on the summit day (we were not allowed to listen to music on the way up from this point so I kept it there the whole time to save battery life for the rainy days..)


(stunning views and light around 5am that morning)


(snowshoes..love & hate relationship)

The last hill to climb before arriving at Base Camp is called Heartbreak Hill, for a good reason. By the time we got to the bottom of it I had an out of body experience, fatigue kicked in but I still stayed strong. No point moaning now about the pace or why we didn't stop to sleep way earlier. Just head down and bring home the bacon.

The first sight of Base Camp was the icing on the cake. We had an incredible trip, no weather days, perfect summit, healthy team, exciting descent and now back at Base Camp. There were 2 or 3 teams there waiting for their flights already so we got in the queue. About 3 more hours waiting (too excited to sleep!) when a BC staff came up to our guides to let us know we were the next to fly out.







We dragged out tired bodies, group gear, backpacks and sleds down to the plane and boarded. Nobody said a thing but we all felt the same way. "

To sum up the whole trip would take me as much time as writing the trip notes, by now the reader must be Denali-ed out so I'll keep this short message and sweet.
I knew when I signed up for this trip that I had to train harder than ever before, have a positive attitude on the mountain and dig deep when needed. I left London thinking, am I going to be back in 3 weeks? Or 4? Am I going to summit? There are no answers as you can never ever predict what happens during the Denali expedition. My blood blister could have gone worse stopping me to get higher (thanks to my fab guide, he looked after me and the blister so well for about a week every morning), altitude or my heart condition could have broken my dream to summit or weather could have stopped us all (as it did to many teams). Experienced neither of these and I feel incredibly fortunate.
Yes climbing with 7 men and sharing a tent with 2 for 2 weeks was challenging but again I am lucky to say I had a great team with 2 very strong and experienced guides. There were low points and hard times but I shall learn from these and remember the good moments only.

This trip, my 4th of the '7 summits' was also self funded but my amazing sponsors made it possible for me to book the next - Aconcagua in December.
It's not just the fund they helped me with, but they gave me a huge mental boost before I left. Every time I looked down and saw their logos on my jacket or packed and re-packed the banner I knew they were there with me in spirit.
My boss Chris at Canvas Gallery for letting me follow my dream and keep my position at the gallery, Robin, Lesley and Helen at Alexander House Wimbledon, Chris at Park Accounts, everyone at Robert Holmes, my family and my dearest friends - this summit was for you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me, your generous support and unconditional love.

Alex
xx

Click here to read the article about my mountaineering and photography

"Team, we are turning back. We can climb in complete white-out, extreme cold or high winds. But when you have all three elements against you it's safer to turn around" said Mike, our guide and seven times Vinson summitter.

It was soul destroying, quite frankly. We had all been working so hard with little rest and were all pushed to the very limit of our bodies. Now standing at the Rescue Point, despite almost being able to touch the summit, we didn't argue with Mike. It was -50C with windchill and we knew it was the right decision. Hungry for the summit but completely knackered, we turned our backs to the hiding peak of Mt Vinson and headed back to High Camp.

The expedition didn't have a brilliant start. Our team, another large group and ALE climbers were flown to the ice Wednesday 26 Non in a giant Russian cargo plane I spotted a couple of days earlier when I landed at Punta Arenas airport in Chile. We were all buzzing with excitement during the 4.5h flight, especially when we saw the announcement on the large screen: "BE ADVISED UNION GLACIER WEATHER WIND 180/ 15G 22kt TEMP -15C"
We were pretty hopeful that after landing on the ice and taken to Union Glacier, we'd be able to fly straight to Vinson Base Camp. The other teams did, sadly by the time it was our turn the weather got bad and we were told to stay put and wait for further news. And that's exactly what we did over the next three days. I spent that time reading some fantastic books and running around the camp as a pathetic attempt to exercise.
On Saturday 29 November, two Twin Otters left Union Glacier with the ten of us. The 35min flight provided some magnificent views of the Ellsworth Mountains, a 360km long chain of mountains (discovered in 1935 by Lincoln Ellsworth).



1. Ylyushin Russian Cargo from Punta Arenas, Chile to Union Glacier 2. Cloud blanket over Union Glacier Campsite 3. Twin Otters taking us to Vinson Base Camp

When we landed at Vinson Base Camp, it hit home where we were and what we were about to do. Away from the delicious food at UG, the comfort of your own bed, just mind blowingly beautiful landscape. We spent the rest of the evening cutting out the dining room in the snow and setting up tents. You could hear a few giggles from the toilet area, it had a view to die for!

The 24 hour day light in Antarctica can really mess with your mind and body. Having longer days certainly helped during the climb but when your aching body needs rest 'at night', you are in a world of trouble. The 3-men tents provided were just enough for 2 people and the duffels/ rucksacks. My teammate Susmita, from Nepal and I had our matt rolled out, inflatable matt as the next insulating layer then the sleeping bag carefully laid on the top. Both sleeping bags next to each other so the little body warmth we had could transfer. On our other sides, we stacked up the bags to stop us rolling off the matts and into the frozen solid material of the tent. My toes and head touched the front and the back of the tent. But this was just the sleeping set up, sleeping was another matter all together. Once you jammed all the layers, climbing boot liners, climbing boots, camera equipment, batteries, two water bottles inside the sleeping bag and you managed to feel moderately comfortable after zipping up, you had two choices. Keep the head out and brief the painfully cold air in or tuck yourself inside the sleeping bag/ cover your face. To keep the light out, I used an eye patch that nicely froze on my face every night so then just ended up chucking my black gore-tex trousers over to keep the light out. Battling with this sounds rather silly, when you're on an expedition in such an extreme and hostile environment, every minute you spend resting matter. Sleeping was clearly a bonus.

We carried to Camp 1/ Low Camp the following day, taking camp and group load as well as personal items. This was the first test how we operated as a team and climbed as individuals. The route only took about 4 hours, leaving the Base camp we ascended on a hill deep into the mountains, huge crevasse fields on both sides but the magnificent view of the white peaks surrounding. We had occasional breaks to drink water and grab munchies, sitting on the back of our rucksacks with our sleds pulled to the side of the track, we rested our bodies for a couple of minutes before cracking on. We returned to base camp knowing the following day would be harder, moving up with all our gear.
Little we knew that moving up to Camp 1 also meant building a fort then setting up the tents inside. Digging up snow for the dining tent big enough for 10 people and cooking facilities also seemed like a challenge but we all worked together like a group of ants and got the job done.
Spending the night at Low Camp, you could certainly feel the difference in temperature and we weren't even at High Camp when we were promised seriously low temperatures and extreme winds. I was really pleased with my strong climbing and positive attitude the previous days and was sooo ready for the carry to Camp 2 / High Camp. The following morning at breakfast, Mike announced that it would be an 'active rest day', meaning half of the group will carry personal and group gear to the top of the fixed lines, the other would turn around after the first break.
"And who's going up with you?" I asked Mike.



1. Room with a view! Looking towards the toilet area from Base Camp 2. Bed companions 3. Bottom to top of the fixed lines, as we saw it from Camp 1/ Low Camp

I was very pleased Mike picked me to carry with the four of them, I couldn't wait to test myself on the fixed lines. The slope looked intimidating from Low Camp but the higher we climbed the more adrenalin rushed through my veins, and getting to the top with a heavy load was a relief and a tiny success for this girl. Suddenly thought about all those cold & wet evenings, weeks of training in London up & down between Worple Road and Wimbledon Village, carrying a giant expedition rucksack, sipping water from the Camelbak and not stopping, like a lunatic.
The whole group moved up to High Camp the following day and I couldn't have felt better, stronger and determined. There was just a couple of days between us and the top...

When I learnt I could take a couple of days off from work there was only one place I wanted to go back to. The Alps.

I booked my flight, train and accommodation about 2 weeks ago and immediately started looking into possible places to go hiking. My destination had to be Zermatt; a small town of roughly 5800 people lying at the foot of Matterhorn 4,478m (or Monte Cervino in Italian) an iconic emblem of the the Alps. I was under no illusion I would climb it this time, this entire season had the lowest number of people reaching the top (only 60) and the Hornli hut has been closed until the summer of 2015. This mountain hut was built by the Swiss Alpine Club and offers a shelter for climbers at 3,260m aiming for the Matterhorn summit the following morning. Without spending the night there, you haven’t got much chance to reach the top from the Swiss side. After this hut had been closed, a temporary base camp with 25 shelters was erected lower down on Hirli at 2,880m from 15 July until 15 September. But from what I hear, the weather played a huge part in many unsuccessful expeditions this year.

Still, tell an adventure photographer/ mountaineer she or he would be spending three days in the Alps and I would guarantee the first thing they do is check out the possibilities of reaching a summit of one of the peaks. And this is what I did too but the weather gods had a different idea.

When I arrived at my accommodation in Zermatt in the evening on Wednesday the 8th of October, I peeked out of my room and spotted the mountain I had been waiting for so long to see. The Matterhorn looked incredibly gracious in the setting sun and I fell in love with it. I was excited and ready to explore. Unfortunately, the following morning brought the bad news, clouds were moving in fast and wind reached 85km/h. The Schwarzsee cable car was closed but luckily Trockener Steg wasn’t so I was pleased to grab a ticket and get up the mountain to start the hike I planned for the day.

Since I had 3 days I didn't have to rush, not like when I climbed Mont Blanc in a day and a half. Also this time I was suffering with a badly bruised left tight, bum and groin from a road bike accident I had 3 days prior to this trip. Taking it easy was my only option.

When I arrived at Trockener Steg at 2939m I suddenly realised why other skiing areas were closed. The wind was strong and fierce but at that point, nothing could have stopped me. I started walking towards south west through a barren area, felt like the moon. The mountains were hiding behind the clouds but the stunning glacier lakes reminded me that i was very near the beautiful mountains. A three hour hike limping was enough for the day and I was slightly disappointed for not being able to capture the peaks. Never mind, there’s always tomorrow.
Well, the day after didn’t look better either. This was the day I planned to get up to Little Matterhorn at 3883m then onto Castor 4,228m, Pollux 4,092m or Breithorn 4,164m. However when I stood on the top of Klein Matterhorn I new immediately that no summit will be done that day. The wind was still blowing hard (all the ski areas were now closed) and when I found myself in the middle of the angry clouds I had to make sure the backpack was wrapped around me tightly and I had every single layer on. The cold was biting through my jacket and the stunning peaks I saw on my date of arrival were all hiding behind the ghost looking grey clouds. I was upset, really really upset. Here I am, in the famously breathtaking Swiss Alps and the weather is stopping me to climb further. And it was bad.. once second I was in a complete white out then the next thing I saw from the clouds separating were giant crevasses. I bumped into a couple of mechanics who told me I shouldn’t be out there and certainly not a good idea to wander far from Little Matterhorn. One thing I couldn’t miss though; capturing this unforgiven weather beating up the mountains around me. So I did what I had to, set off on a walk in the snow with my camera on my chest so when opportunity arises I would take photos of what was surrounding me.
After a couple of hours of being out snapping away, it was time to give in and accept that it was no game and I wasn’t going to summit any of the 4000’s. I was heart-broken but I had to get off the mountain and return to the valley.

My last day didn’t get off to a great start. It was raining in Zermatt and huge clouds were covering Matterhorn. I searched other areas like Chamonix and Verbier and while watching the webcams whilst shoving down my breakfast I realised I didn’t have much choice but to stick around until my 4pm train and hope for the best. I still hadn’t seen Zermatt so grabbed my camera, waterproof and went for a walk in the town. After about an hour, I knew that wasn’t where I was meant to be. Yes it was lovely to see the old part, popping into outdoor shops and checking out the area but my eyes kept looking for the famous mountain. I made a sudden decision; went back to the hotel to pick up some more layers, a book and some munchies and headed for the cable car station.
When I got off at Schwarzsee 2,583m my heart started beating faster. I can see it! Not the whole of it, but I can certainly see a lot more than I did in the last 2 days! That’s it, I’ve got 3 hours until I have to be back down in the valley, I am going for it! It only took me an hour to get up to a perfect spot. I sat down with my camera next to me and found myself talking to the clouds. “That’s fine, no rush, I can wait. But i will not leave until I got the shot I came here for.” Grabbed the book and started reading. There could have been worse places to spend my last couple of hours in Switzerland, might as well be up in the mountain at the foot of Matterhorn!
Half an hour later, the clouds changed direction and bit by bit I started seeing more of my adored mountain until the breathtaking triangle shaped peak emerged from the grey clouds. I felt so emotional. As a photographer, I didn’t need perfect weather with blue sky in fact I think I had the perfect afternoon to take pictures as the clouds were moving around the mountain. Every movement offered a new photo opportunity and man did I grab it! At 2pm, I was the happiest I had been during this trip. Nothing could have wiped the smile off my face, so I stuffed my down jacket into my rucksack and headed back down. At first, I turned back after every ten steps noticing that the view wasn’t as good as before so I wasn't too disappointed for leaving my perfect spot. Down in the valley, the sun came out and more blue sky was dominating the sky than earlier that morning. I picked up my duffel in the hotel and headed for the train station. I may not have climbed a 4000m peak but I ended up with some great shots and added some miles in my legs on the hills which is the best training I could have hoped for. Well, almost the best :)

Kilimanjaro 4-14 September 2014

We reached camp number 4 today.. feels wrong to pull out my macbook in this environment but I’ve got a free afternoon and I’m excited to tell you all about the trip so far..

After landing at Kilimanjaro airport on Thursday I was met by a smiling african man who took me to the Impala Hotel in Moshi. I felt rather knackered but I couldn’t take my eyes off the towns and people we drove past.
Met our guide Carrie in the hotel and the two guys from Manchester who arrived earlier. Steve from Nottingham turned up next then Alan; and our team was finally complete. Went out to grab dinner (which was served roughly 3 hours after ordering) but it gave us a chance to get to know each a bit.
O the first officially trekking day we were taken to the Londorossi Park Gate to register then our journey officially started on the Lemosho Route.


It was rather misty and wet all the way through to Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2800m. The scenery was stunning, felt like walking through Jurassic Park!


The following morning we carried on to Shira 1 Camp at 3500m after walking through a giant heather moorland zone. We still haven’t had a clue what surrounded us but soon after we arrived at the camp the clouds cleared and we had a sneak view of the mountains arounds us. This camp was on a huge flat plateau by the river; thanks to our porters carefully fetching our tents, we were on the quiet side of the huge campsite. We had a lovely lunch here and we all moved back to our tents for a kip. Meant to be going out for a walk in the afternoon but everyone felt tired and the weather wasn’t great either. We gathered again for dinner which always starts with a tasty warm soup followed by various dishes. Instead of sweets we get fruits for dessert which is normally my favourite part. We were talking about this the other day with the guys, which food we miss the most from home. I said a variety of fruits and salad - how dull! That night i didn’t sleep well and i was wondering how my team mates were doing. Apparently everyone had difficulty falling asleep, probably due to cheeky afternoon zizz. After packing up the bags and breakfast we carried onto Moir Camp which lays at 4165m. The terrain and the scenery was completely different again, this time we started on a long flatfish/ elevated route that eventually turned into more steep to test our scrambling skills. The sun finally did shine on us and every pit stop we had consisted of layers on or off. We were walking slowly but steadily. Spotted two westerner trekkers with two guides about an hour before Moir Camp, one of the poor guys was in a very bad shape and was throwing up near the path. Hits home when you see people suffering from altitude.. We rolled into Moir Camp from where you can finally see Kilimanjaro, making a fantastic time again and after a quick wash we headed straight for lunch in the team tent. We had a wee break after food and after 4pm we set off for an acclimatisation trek up to the rocks. It was a good exercise a stunning view of further peaks sticking out of the clouds as the sun was going down.. my first time having a tiny headache but as soon as we were back at camp around 7pm the headache was gone.

After dinner we quickly moved back to our tents and I watched some movies, I didn’t want to fall asleep too early.
This morning we left Moir zigzagging up to Lava Tower at 4600m where some other expeditions stayed. It was part of our acclimatisation so after having munchies, an ibuprofen, re-hydrating and feeding some vicious birds we descended to the Barranco Hut Camp at 3950m where I’m typing all this! It has been misty the second since we left Lava Tower so not much chance to take photos and I’m feeling the cold in the tent. Have a feeling the night is going to be nippy, maybe my brand spanking new -29C sleeping bag I’ve been roasting in the past 3 nights will finally come handy tonight. It’s Monday, 2 more tough days ahead of us then if everything goes as planned, going for the summit Wednesday midnight.

Waking up at 3900m felt good. Not when I looked into my tiny mirror and saw my right eye swollen. Being alone in the tent rules out room mate punching me in the middle of the nigh as well as the allergic reaction to down. Kerry says it’s probably just fluid if I spent the whole night sleeping on that side. After breakfast we got ourselves sorted and looked across the valley to the Barranco wall.

It looked intimidating and scary but in fact it was fantastic scramble up the hill by a series of rock ledges. We all really enjoyed it. It’s been a spectacular day which gives an ever changing vista of the summit. Once at the top a broad, rocky ridge traverses around the mountain with wonderful views of the Heim glacier. A short sharp descent past some amazing rock formations ears down into the Karanga Valler 4000m and the final climb to the campsite. Karanga Camp 4150m.


The final short stretch of the approach follows a rocky wind- beaten ridge close under the south flank of Kibo and crosses a large desolate bowl before climbing up to the obvious ridge to the Barafgu Hut at 4500m and the Camp at 4600m. We were pretty shattered when we arrived and all moved into our tents for an afternoon kip. We had some dinner, earlier than usual and discussed the summit night plan. Excitement in my tummy, I moved back to the comfort of my sleeping bag getting everything ready for the night. All my layers were tucked into the seeping bag and my rucksack was waiting for me. I was ready for this.

We left camp just after midnight on a good path marked by stones.. The climb goes onto the rocky slopes and into a wide gorge to the right of the Rebmann glacier. But of course, all of this was hiding in the dark night so all you could see was the person’s shoes and rucksack lit up by your head torch. We were moving very slowly…

In a funny way I was really happy for my team mates. None of them has been higher than Ben Nevis so it was their very first bog mountain. As I was thinking about this with a smile on my face, my body suddenly felt heavy and my feet were moving slower than before. I was well rested before the summit push so I knew it could be only one thing. I had been spared of the symptoms of the altitude during the entire trek, it had to effect me at some point. Without sounding over dramatic, the thing is, if you experience is the first time, all you want is to sit down, close your eyes and rest. That’s unfortunately the last thing you should do.

And the next 5 hours, I don’t remember much of. I kept on my feet and moved higher and higher, passing sick trekkers from other groups, I felt the urge to be reunited with my team mates and Carrie. And then something magical happened.

Light. I stopped to take a deep(er) breath, slowly turned around and the sun greeted me with beautiful orange and red colours on the horizon. The horizon stretched out as long as your eyes could follow it. It’s hard to put into words I felt that cry moment. Relived for sure. Even though it was weak but I felt the sun’s warmth arms on my back and ahead I could see where the path ended. When I got to the top I saw Paul and how happy my team mates were to make it to Stella Point at 5795m. After congratulating and reuniting here, Carrie and I encouraged the team to carry on to the very top, Uhuru Peak at 5895m. I MADE IT, TOP OF AFRICA BABY!

A flying descend back to high camp then a very long downhill rocky path into our last camp. Everyone felt tired when we arrived here at 3pm but we were still buzzing from the summit experience. 15hours and still on our feet! We ate dinner as if we had been starved and filled our belly again with yummy soup and a large main. Stayed up to play cards but very soon everyone moved back to their tents.
The following day we were back at the 4x4’s, a strange sight after 8 days on the mountain.

I have heard various opinions about trekking on Kilimanjaro. Yes, it is a long walk, yes it is not technical and yes sometimes the paths are busy with other teams and porters.
But the truth is, I spent 8 days and every single day I felt like I was in a different world or at a stunning movie set. You learn more about yourself, team work and human strength than anywhere else. You laugh, you walk, you struggle through the pain together but you are rewarded with nature’s beauty surrounding you from the first to the very last day of your expedition.

I am always amazed how your body changes in between expeditions and prepares for the next challenge..

It’s been 45 days since I stood on the top of Mont Blanc after having made it to the top on my own. During that day and a half, I put my body through some extreme “workout”, starting with a long trek up to the Tete Rousse glacier onto some more technical scrambling, 2 + 2 hour sleep and leaving for the summit at 2.30am. At that point I felt incredibly strong and in shape. I remember putting one foot in front of the other on the Les Bosses ridges about an hour before the summit, not even worrying whether my legs would get me to the top. I didn’t have the luxury of time to take the descending easy so when I left the summit around 7.15am I headed back to the Gouter hut with only stopping twice to take photos, rehydrate and grab a snack. I collected my helmet from the hut and carried on heading down.
Since I was in the “first wave” of climbers heading down the mountain, I was lucky not be held up by people coming up on the rock face between the Tete Rousse and Gouter hut. It was a lot trickier going down on the rocks and after a while, putting my dignity aside I switched to a different way of descending – sat on my bum, swung my legs out into the air and with the help of my arms and pulled myself lower. It kept me closer to the rocks however I found my crampons catching the surface, luckily I managed to avoid getting completely stuck and flying face down into the void. I felt a lot safer when I was back on the Tete glacier continuing down the mountain. I made it back to the Mont Blanc tram station where I even had 20 minutes to lay down and relax my shattered body before the 1.30pm tram.
10 hours later I was asleep in my own bed in London.

It wasn’t until the following morning when I realized my body was in agony. I felt muscles hurting I didn’t know existed and if you saw me walking to work that day, you’d have thought I had more problems than just muscle pain! ☺
For the next three days I struggled with even the smallest moving tasks but absolutely nothing could wipe the smile off my face. In the evening of day three I knew what I had to do… an ice bath followed by a warm shower used by many athletes and sports men.
The icy water makes your blood vessels to tighten and drains the blood out of your battered legs. I sat there for 15 minutes then took a warm shower, which helped pumping fresh blood back into my legs. I’ve read studies that suggest it helps with the inflamed area and the tissues to heal quicker. Must admit I felt like a million dollar the following day. After the next expedition, I will probably repeat this as soon as I’m home and not waiting for days! Lesson learnt there.

Each expedition is very different. Mont Blanc was an “express” day and a half climb, my next trek Kilimanjaro will take about 8 days and Everest next May will be a 2-month push. But it’s not just about the length of the trip; my training also varies from mountain to mountain.
At 5,895m / 19,341 feet above sea Kilimanjaro is the forth highest of the 7 summits and all trekkers suffer with altitude sickness. There will be very long hours of uphill walks day after day so I’ve been spending a lot of time on an inclined treadmill with a backpack on my back. I also attend two double- spinning classes a week as part of my daily training so my muscles are now used long workouts.
I also implemented a triathlon type training; after an hour on the treadmill I attend a double spinning then jump into the pool at the gym. When I’m back from Kilimanjaro, I would like to focus on this more.
Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to do a 30-minute altitude spinning class at the Altitude Centre in Central London. This high intensity session was at a simulated altitude of 2800m in a chamber. Of course it’s something you need to do a couple of times a month to feel the effect but I was pleased when the session ended, my body was actually craving for more.

In three days I’ll be flying out to Tanzania to face my second of the 7 summits, Kilimanjaro. And what my body is craving now is food as if it knows what’s coming up. I don’t mind piling on a couple of kilos pre-trekking, I know I will shred more on the mountains.. you can easily burn 6-7000 calories climbing Kili!

It's easy to say I feel fit now but hiking up in altitude will be another story and the real test of strength and stamina... and I can't wait to be there! :)

Shortly after I returned from a successful expedition to the top of Mt Elbrus in June, I started looking into doing a solo attempt on Mont Blanc, as a training climb for the next '7 summit' peak.
I was still in a good shape but knew it would be a lot tougher physically and mentally than Elbrus; no ropes, team mates or guide to rely on and I only had a day and a half for the entire trek.

Before continuing the story, I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to one of my sponsors: Nuffield Health, who made it possible for me to train in the Wimbledon gym every day for two weeks prior to the climb. I saw the confusion on one of the personal trainer's face, the ' I thought I have already seen you here today".. I am so grateful for the support at Nuffield, the training ground is excellent and within only two weeks I saw a huge improvement in my fitness and I was ready for the climb.

The hike started around 8am Wednesday morning from Nid d'Aigle. First I reached the Tete Rousse hut area at 3167m, I cautiously stayed a few hundred meters from the hut not to be tempted to rest long. This is the spot where team members rope up and put crampons on before stepping on the Tete Rousse Glacier. It dawned on me, the serious trek is about to start. Once I crossed the huge glacier field and ascended to the Grand Couloir, I forgot about the others and how alone I was as I had to face the scary couloir. This narrow path on the steep slope (40 degrees and 30m long) is probably one of the most dangerous parts of the climb where rock falls happen so often many people loose their lives. The day before a 45 year old german man was hit by a rock and he fell to his death. I managed to get across ok and a rather enjoyable scrambling and rock climbing followed on the ridge which led me up to the old Gouter hut. After a short climb on the snow slope I reached the new Gouter hut at 3,835m just after 2pm.
Dinner is served at 6.30pm but I decided to have a giant plate of pasta carbonara at 4pm just before the kitchen closed, and stay up until dinner. When everybody was in the eating area, I went into the dorm and crawled onto bed. I had a couple of hours undisturbed sleep before the other climbers are back from dinner. Next thing I remember was a stunning pink light sneaking through the dorm window around 9pm so I quickly grabbed my camera and took some photos of the sunset. Went back to bed knowing I only had a couple of hours to rest before the summit push.

The 1.30am alarm wasn't needed, I hardly slept from excitement. I shared the dorm with about 25 other climbers and everyone started getting up and ready for breakfast which was served at 2 o'clock. I was out and ready by 2.30am. Headtorch on, crampons tightly fitted on my mountaineering boots, water bottle filled up and wrapped in a fleece, trekking poles fixed, ice axe tucked on the side of the rucksack, extra layers inside and sweets in the gore-tex jacket pocket. No turning back now.

After I climbed a couple of passes the route led me up the north-west face of Dome de Gouter. There's an emergency hut here called the Vallot hut where I stopped to re-hydrate and put a layer on. I had a chat with two guys in their sleeping bag, they hiked there the night before but hadn't left for the summit yet, told me they were going to wait for the wind to die down and the sun to come up. I couldn't wait to get out and continue! A steep snow slope followed which led me to the beginning of the Bosses ridge. Tackled the Grande Bosses first then onto the Petite Bosses; I can tell you both looked pretty 'grande' to me! This was roughly the time when the sun started coming up behind the horizon and painted the sky in the most beautiful colours. To my right, I even saw the shadow reflection of Mont Blanc which was so striking I had to stop to take a photo. The ridge is not the best place for it though, after a good couple of hours of climb and already at altitude, it's easy to loose balance and disappear. It was a good opportunity to grab my GoPro camera from the rucksack and attach it to my chest. Pressed play and carried on with trekking pole in one hand and ice axe in the other
The last part before the summit was an even more exposed ridge but by then I knew the top was so close and I could almost touch it. The last couple of meters felt like walking on clouds and I loved the warm sun touching my face. I even forgot about my worries about not having acclimatized or not being roped to anyone. That was it. The summit of Mont Blanc. At 6.45am, I made it.
I spotted a french guide with his clients who I chatted to the day before and I went up to him. As soon as he hugged me and gave me a kiss on my cheek, my tears were flowing out uncontrollably. The 360 degree view from the top was breath taking, everywhere I looked a peak was smiling back at me. The sky was bluer than I had ever seen it and the weather was just wonderful.

They say, getting to the summit is only half the job so I collected my ice axe, pole and rucksack and headed down. The stunning view was just getting better and better. I made it back to the Gouter hut at 9am and after a quick break I was descending back down on the rock face then crossed the Grand Couloir and down to the Tete Rousse Glacier. I had a quick break here and took my crampons off, the gaiters around my ankle, packed away the jacket and fleece and was wearing a wool top again as the sun was high already high. Caught the 1.50pm tram then the 2pm cable car and I was back in Les Houches. That quickly, it was over. 10 o'clock that evening I was on the flight to London.


My next '7 summit' expeditions are Kilimanjaro 4-14 September and Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia in October with Adventure Peaks.
I've just been accepted by the fantastic IMG (International Mountain Guides) to climb Mt. Vinson in Antarctica with them in November, so a lot more training, photography and hopefully successful summits ahead this year.

I would like to thank you all for the amazing support and believing in me.

Kilimanjaro, Africa: 4-14 September 2014

Carstensz Pyramid, Oceania: 3-16 October 2014

Vinson Massif, Antarctica: 23 November - 9 December 2025

http://www.thelondoneconomic.com/2014/07/09/eating-disorder-held-me-down-now-im-climbing-the-world/