Future 2 Foundation, Mt Kilimanjaro Climb 2016 – Hiking IS different to running…believe me!

David and I finally did our first practice hike in preparation for the Future2 Foundation Mt Kilimanjaro Challenge in February 2016. The lovely picturesque seaside location of Anglesea in Victoria was our destination on an overcast, cool and windy Sunday. We had a plan and a map with directions – unfortunately the landmarks were outdated resulting in missed turnoffs and the need to improvise. I’m hoping that doesn’t happen on the mountain!

We don’t have all the equipment yet but we were able to test out the hiking boots, new backpack and water bladder (with a little sippy thing attached). The hiking boots just have a different feel to runners and walking/hiking with poles is a bit hit and miss. I definitely got a few odd looks walking through the main street of Anglesea in my very attractive boots and poles, but I didn’t let that deter me.

Remembering to eat and rest regularly during the hike was odd. The hike was about 12kms and took us about 3 hours all up to complete, not including the coffee stop at the end. As I’m used to running 10kms with no fuel or rest it felt a bit slack to stop and smell the wattle but it will definitely be slow and steady when hiking up Mt Kilimanjaro so once again, this is something we need to practice.

In addition to the above here are 5 more reasons hiking is different to running:

1. Music

I like to run with music. In fact, I find it very difficult to run without it (read on to find my favourite running song**). Hiking however seems less of an individual pursuit and more of a group activity. Although we (by we, I mean I) didn’t talk all the time, it didn’t seem right to isolate myself with my iPod and earphones.

2. Equipment

When running, all I need is a pair of, er, runners. When hiking planning ahead and ensuring you have the right equipment – water, snacks, backpack, poles, boots, etc. – is imperative. Hiking is not as spontaneous as running however there is some fun in planning the trip and thinking ahead.

3. Physical impact

Admittedly the hike we did wasn’t very hilly and the terrain wasn’t too difficult but hiking is much less taxing on the body than running. Having said that, walking for 3 hours with a backpack, boots and poles does test the body in a different I definitely noticed some aches and pains from the hips down, so more hiking and less running is definitely required.

4. Time

Running is great for the time poor. I can fit in a reasonable workout in 30 mins and actually feel as if I’ve done something. The training we need for Kili requires big slabs of time to be allocated and this is a challenge in itself. Not only do we need to plan the transport times to and from our preferred hiking trails, in addition we need to allow upward of 3 hours to get a decent hike in.

5. Pace

One of the big challenges for me is pacing myself and realizing that not only was it ok to stop, but it was very important to stop. Not going all out is a bit foreign to me but learning to pace myself is another discipline required to make it through the Kili Challenge. In some ways I’m treating the hikes as a form of meditation or mindfulness which is fine as long as I don’t get lost again.

With just over 3 months til we leave for Tanzania hiking around Melbourne and Victoria will be our focus, together with some strength and cardio training. I know it’s tough but someone has to do it.

Thanks for your support and please continue reading my posts. More importantly, you can donate to the Future2 Foundation here.

** favourite running song is Foo Fighters “All My Life”

Anne Graham (with David Graham)

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Read more about Anne’s preparations here:

12 August: Future 2 Foundation, Mt Kilimanjaro Climb 2016 – The generosity of strangers (and friends)

22 July: Future 2 Foundation, Mt Kilimanjaro Climb 2016 – training in the US

23 June: Future 2 Foundation, Mt Kilimanjaro Climb 2016 – 1,000 Steps Kokoda Walk

11 June: Future 2 Foundation, Mt Kilimanjaro Climb 2016 – Boots and birthday

27 May: Future 2 Foundation, Mt Kilimanjaro Climb 2016 – Oh, what the hell have I done?

12 May: Future 2 Foundation, Mt Kilimanjaro Climb 2016 – Want to climb a mountain? Of course I do…