Things I learned before and after Kilimanjaro

I started writing a post early in July before I left for my trip. It’s still in a draft. Then I started writing what I learned while preparing for Kilimanjaro. Then I wrote in a journal during my trip. Then I decided I could write up a few different posts about my experience. But I will start with this one and we will see if I can get the others written out.

What I learned in eight weeks preparing for Kilimanjaro:

1. It’s lots of work.
2. There’s so much to buy if you aren’t a seasoned hiker.
3. But you can buy stuff on the cheap (99 cent store is great for small items like toiletries and other misc stuff like microfiber towels and hats).
4. Buy good shoes (I’m familiar with this already).
5. Like running, there’s always stuff to prepare the night before a hike.
6. The poles are amazing to hike with (thanks Jen!).
7. Wear sunscreen…and bug spray. Lots of it.
8. Bring lots of water.
9. You are going to get hella dirty and sweaty but that’s part of the fun.
10. REI will become your BFF.
11. This is unlike anything else I’ve done or trained for but the hikes this summer have been amazing. I remember a couple years ago I posted how I should be spending more time out in nature like this, and BAM, this is what I was able to do this summer.
12. It’s been a lot of fun.

What I learned on my trip to Kilimanjaro:

1. It’s beautiful
2. It’s amazing
3. I’m so lucky
4. Good shoes matter
5. It’s very similar to a marathon, there’s no sprinting in this.
6. The poles are amazing to hike with (thanks Jen!) and they are not for old people, like a friend told me.
7. Wear sunscreen…lots of it (but somehow my face pealed off like 5 layers).
8. Drink a shit ton of water.
9. You are going to get hella dirty and sweaty but that’s part of the fun.
10. Your porters and guides and crew and teammates are your BFF’s and they are just so awesome.
11. This is unlike anything else I’ve done or trained for but it’s been amazing incredible!
12. It’s been a lot of fun, one hell of an experience, something I needed for my recovery, and I’m soooo glad I got the opportunity to do it. I may even climb another mountain in the future…

amy kili

Mt Kilimanjaro in the background…

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