Am I Fit Enough for my Challenge?

‘Am I fit enough?’ is generally the first question that crops up when
considering any challenge whether it be for charity or not.

I would suggest it is more about the perception of capability than actual fitness itself (which is very subjective) as there are numerous other factors involved.

Remember, these are ‘challenges’, and potential fear of the unknown. Challenges come in various forms that may take you out of your comfort zone one way or another. It may be the extreme weather conditions (arctic cold, desert heat, sandstorms, blizzards), the physical effort, the high altitude, sleeping in a tent or even a sleeping bag (some have never done that!), the food and dare I say … toilets.

Don’t be restricted by perception. If you never challenge yourself, you will never know what you are fully capable of.

Don’t be restricted by age either, within reason and where possible, we can adapt challenges to suit, and make them bespoke.Ask a question, or call Terry: 07725 943108

There is no failure; it is a process by which we continue to experience and learn about ourselves.

Everest suspension bridge

Crossing suspension bridges in Nepal

So Are You Fit Enough?

If you do any form of regular exercise on a weekly basis, you are already well on your way to being physically fit enough. Postmen/women and regular golfers are classic examples of people used to walking for long periods on a regular basis. A slight adjustment of terrain and kit and they’re ready! If you don’t, the question is ‘do you want to do it’? If the answer is yes, then it’s about the will to do it.

Try our simple rule of thumb, which is….

If you can complete a good days walk in one of the UK’s National Parks (such as the Peak or Lake Districts) lasting around 6 hrs, over undulating terrain, carrying a daypack weighing around 6-7kg and then get up the following morning and do it all over again, you should be perfectly capable of completing the likes of the Everest Base Camp trek, the Sahara trek, the Great Wall of China trek and potentially Kilimanjaro too.

Fit for Purpose

Clearly, there is a large element of the challenge that involves physical effort.

So you do need to be ‘fit for purpose’. What does that mean? It means what it says on the tin in that you need to be capable of completing each day and we come back to the rule of thumb. Train for what you are going to do on the challenge.

You don’t need to be a marathon runner to walk for 6 hrs a day on our Helambu trek in Nepal.. You don’t need to be a regular ultra long distance cyclist to cycle 6 hrs a day for just 5 days on the Ngorongoro  Cycle. But you do need to train your body to cope with it + the equipment that goes with it.
Read our useful article on the Layer Clothing System.

  • Plan your training progressively towards the departure date. You don’t have to train for a year!
  • Use the daypack (with weight) so it fits your back like a glove.
  • Wear your boots until they feel like slippers.
  • Walk up hills until you know your comfortable pace, don’t be drawn by others; tortoise and hare.
  • When you walk enough, you’ll know what to wear in what conditions (we all have different heat and cold tolerances).
  • Ride that bike regularly until 30 miles feels like 10 miles used to.

So are you ready to take plan and take on your next challenge? – Ask a question, or call Terry: 07725 943108