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Devin LaSarre's avatar

Sources seem to conclude that Kilimanjaro is manageable for most committed climbers. I've only done 8-12 hour dayhikes on moderate mountain routes in the Western US. Do you have any specific mountain recommendations for someone looking to begin more serious routes?

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Chris DeMuth Jr's avatar

For general mountain fitness I like a 1/2 hour/day on the stair climber with a weighted ruck and vest (I carry 20 lbs in my vest and 60 lbs in my ruck) but it is hard to train/test elevation. For that I just like a careful progression of mountains. For the 7 summits, that is starting with Kili, which is pretty straightforward besides being quite high.

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Devin LaSarre's avatar

Very helpful. I've been doing 20-30 minute inclined jog and steep incline walk on the treadmill. No additional weight - yet. Are there any specific peaks in the lower 48 of the US you recommend? Would love something more easily accessible I could set my sights on.

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Devin LaSarre's avatar

Fantastic. Thanks!

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Paul Buijs's avatar

Are you referring to magnesium?

I think you may have omitted the supplement.

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Chris DeMuth Jr's avatar

Operator error; fixed. Thanks for catching.

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BowTiedF'er's avatar

We bet you'd PR your trail time if you were outrunning bandits though.... :)

First time we visited Italy with the very nice and respectable wife, we spent half the time swatting away and stiff arming all the conmen (tie a bracelet on you/slide a trinket in your hand and demand $) and pickpocket kids. Can be a big shock for anyone who didn't grow up in places that everyone is out to get you.

After about 25 we lost any interest in adventuring to places we need to be on guard all the time (including domestically).

Hopefully the area gets better in the future so you can hit that mt.

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Chris DeMuth Jr's avatar

My wife is 100% not on board with this one! She's designated it a boys trip as soon as she heard we were to stay in "rustic barrel hostels" (literally a metal tube with bunk beds). She was out before the whole terrorism/kidnapping/civil unrest warnings. Then I plan on a race in Switzerland and she's all booking her flight and picking the hotel...

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BowTiedF'er's avatar

rustic barrel hostel - that marketing guy needs a raise...that description makes it sound lovely

Our wife booked a pricey vaca and said "this is the best deal i have seen for this." A quick google search found a price 1/4 of what she planned in a different room.

Hey look we found a much better deal here.

Wife "no, i mean 'this is the best deal I have seen for a room I would stay in'"

She also is not a rustic barrel enjoyor it seems

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Robert C. Shea's avatar

How often are you plunging in sound and for how long? Swim?

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Chris DeMuth Jr's avatar

Trying for weekly for 5-10 minutes, schedule depending. Just got a big towel and robe to leave in my truck so I can warm up after and just go in when it is convenient. I don't really swim as my muscles don't cooperate when it is that chilly.

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