I am less then two months away from my Everest expedition. The emotions are from thrill to panic thinking of the challenge ahead. I saw this amazing 4bn pixel photo of the south side of Everest posted on the Guardian. It is fascinating and scary at the same time. I’ll be climbing this beauty (from the North side) in two months!

There are various opinions on what you got to do to be ready for climbing Mt Everest. There is no single ‘prescription’ for that. Probably the best and the most thorough training plan I saw on Allan Arnette’s blog site: <Training for Everest>

Another interesting article on training for a big mountain I saw by Ed Viesturs: INSIGHT ON THE MOTIVATION BEHIND PREPARATION

My training for Everest began three years ago, climbing other peaks. Since then, I already climbed and summited  two 8,000-ers. There is no better training and test of your endurance, especially in high altitude, as climbing itself. However, regular training, gym exercising, etc is also important before each climb. Due to the nature of my work (I have to travel a lot), I do not always have the best conditions for training. However, I usually adapt to a new environment  and find a way to get the necessary training.

I am into my final training and preparations. My New Year schedule is rigorous: I get up at 5 am for my 2 hrs morning exercise routine. I run 14 to 18 km, do my stretching, rope jumping, etc. By 7:00 AM I am done and getting ready for work. After work, I am back to my training routine – 2 hrs yoga class or a soccer game or swimming.  Some days twice a week, get on my stair master and do weight lifting. Week-ends, I spend a day trekking with an over 20 kg back pack or skiing and a day to rest.

Running in Geneva – 25.7 km, my personal best record that day…

There is no gym near where I live so I have to make use of what I have, including a skipping rope and a cheap 70 euro stair machine, but it does the job. Continue reading here>>>