Using trekking poles while hiking and/or trekking can be an extremely useful and effective item to use during your trip. A trekking pole is basically an advance form of a hiking stick. They are made from aluminium, so they are lightweight and collapsible, which makes for easy storage. A trekking pole is available for purchase at most outdoor activity shops, and are well worth every penny as the trekking pole can benefit you in several ways during your trekking, especially when you know how to use them properly.

Although some people may consider the trekking pole as nothing more than a fancy accessory for hikers, it is actually an extremely important tool to have. If you find trekking or hiking to be difficult and hard on your knees or back, but are not willing to stop because it is an activity that you love, then the trekking pole is the solution for your problem. When using a trekking pole you reduce the weight on your back and your legs by at least nine pounds, and if you apply more pressure on the pole it will reduce the weight from your legs and back by at least fifteen pounds. Relieving the weight from your back and legs can make an extreme difference especially if you are carrying a backpack that weights over thirty pounds and you are trekking or hiking for miles.

Using two trekking poles may prove more effective as you will gain more stability while trekking or hiking. Prior to using the trekking poles, you will want to ensure that they are adjusted to the proper height for you. It is advised by some manufacturers that the height of the pole be adjusted to the terrain, however that may prove to be unnecessary and time consuming. It is best if the pole is adjusted to fit you, not the terrain. You will also want to ensure that the wrist straps are properly placed around your wrists for maximum efficiency. While using the trekking poles with the wrist straps, you will want to apply pressure on your wrist, do not grip the pole with your hands to apply pressure, as this will reduce the effectiveness of the poles.

Trekking poles are extremely effective and should be a necessity for every trekking trip you take. The use of trekking poles during your trekking will make such a noticeable difference the first time you use it. It will reduce the stress on your back, legs, knees and feet. It will increase your speed whether you are going up or down a hill; it reduces fatigue, provides stability, and will allow you to travel longer distances. A trekking pole comes highly recommended by avid hikers and trekkers, and when you use one for the first time, you will know why.

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Use a backpack to store your items that you will take with you on a hike. Put heavier items toward the bottom to help balance your center of gravity. If hiking with a group, distribute items equally amongst the group in case of an accident. If a backpack is lost and it was the only one that held the water or food, you might have a difficult time.

Dress appropriately for the weather and bring a spare set of clothing. If it is cold, wear layers and make sure to wear a hat for maximum warmth. Wear two pairs of socks and good hiking boots so you do not slip. Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen. Even if it is cold, the sun can give you a very uncomfortable burn. Also use insect repellant to protect you from pests and bites.

Bring emergency supplies in case of an accident. This should include a first aid kit, rope, a utility knife, matches and a flashlight. Always have plenty of food and water. You need to keep hydrated and nourished during a hike. Beef jerky and trail mix are excellent energy boosting foods and will help get you through the day. Water is essential but you may also pack drinks like Gatorade that have electrolytes.

Do not overdo it. Take frequent breaks and rest when you feel tired. Pushing yourself to exhaustion is unsafe. Use a walking stick to help keep you from getting tired and help you in climbing and keeping your balance. If you feel weak or light headed, sit down, take your backpack off, and eat and drink a little until you feel rested and ready to go on.

Be aware of your surroundings. The picturesque scenery is a great time to take photos or sketch. These can be enjoyable past times but it is also a chance to run into wild animals, snakes and have an accident from not paying attention. Do not venture off trails into brush that may contain snakes or other poisonous creatures. You may want to carry bear repellant and a whistle in case you come across a wild animal. A whistle can also be useful if you fall or are trapped.

Research the area where you will be hiking and plan what you will need to take accordingly. Do not be surprised by sudden climate changes. Take pictures and sightsee. Enjoy the outdoors and have a lot of fun, but be safe and prepared for anything. With a little planning, you should be able to make the most of your hiking experience.

The different countries in Asia hold different types of treks and tours. However, because they all hold the same mountain ranges their treks can be quite similar and easily found on any directory for any of the six countries. When trekking in Asia it is important to note that it is not the same as climbing and everyone, young or old, can partake in a trek. Different treks have different distances and level of difficulty, so it is up to the discretion of the trekker to decide what level is best suited to them.

Because of the different levels of difficulty of the treks, the distances are usually better calculated in time it takes to complete the trek rather than distance covered. Treks can go over a period of one day to a few weeks. The hikers do not have to be walking the whole time though and a lot of the longer treks have days off to discover the country and nature at your own pace. Once started on a trail for the day however, the group must meet their destination for the day or they will find themselves in a spot of trouble as concerns the sleeping arrangements.

When trekking in Asia the group has the choice of either sleeping in tea house huts that are situated along the trail or camping out in the nature in tents. If you go with an organised group it is often planned that you do not have to carry your tents and sleeping equipment but rather they are ready and waiting for you when you arrive at your campsite at the end of the day. This is one of the many advantages of trekking with an organised company when trekking.

Trekking in Asia is a unique experience enjoyed by those of you who like to be active and adventurous at the same time. It is a lovely way to experience the true beauty of nature and to spend some time appreciating it too.

It’s apparent to me now that the mountain isn’t going to be short of rain any time soon.

But before I ponder this thought further, Evans calls me to inform me that they’re now crossing the Equator which is just a few minutes drive to where we are waiting for them.

On their arrival, I am already in the company of the team’s cook and the other porters all of who reside in this base climbing town of Nanyuki.

As we gather outside the parking lot of the Marina Restaurant, where they normally have their lunch, a safari van honks behind us and on turning, it’s Evans and the climbers.

They disembark from the vehicle and introductions are quickly made. For now all I can hear around the parking lot are the words “Pleased to meet you, pleased to meet you”.

I can clearly see excitement written all over their faces.

Evans leads them to the restaurant to brief them and organize for their lunch. He soon emerges and we all share our duties as who is to get what. Shortly, we all scatter in different directions and to regroup at this very point after an hour.

I head out to the market to get all the fresh farm produce. I have the list at heart and I sing it out as I do my rounds in the market. Eventually my basket is packed to the brim with our requirements for the 5 days.

Time is now slipping away fast and my hunger pains are at it again. I know it’s going to be a tough afternoon so I have to eat all I can lay my mouth on. On my feet, and with all my shopping strapped to my back, my quick tough jaw does it again for me! Luckily I make it back to the parking lot on time.

The parking lot is in a bit of a pandemonium now as everyone is busy consolidating their stuff and check listing everything. Eventually everything is packed into the vehicle for the last drive to the sirimon park gate.

It’s already heading past One thirty and Evans dashes to check whether they are done with lunch. He emerges shortly with them and shows them to the vehicle. They climb enthusiastically knowing that very soon they will begin their dream trek on Mount Kenya.

As we speed towards the mountain, their anticipation is unmistakable! And within 45 minutes we are right in front of the Sirimon park gate.

We all climb down the vehicle and unload everything with speed.

As Evans clears with the park gate, we are busy sharing out the luggage, an exercise that I must admit is done with its share of complaints.

Eventually, I end up with a 35 Lbs luggage even after having played all my tricks! …..this job is not for the faint hearted!

Before long Evans and the climbers disappear into the forest with their day packs strapped to their backs. No worries as we will definitely catch up and overtake them soon.

I mount up my back pack and blast off the gate with the other porters hot on heels towards the forest. As a matter of fact, there is little comfort in knowing that we won’t be anywhere near home until after 3 grueling hours.

For us the catch is to hit camp long enough before the climbers, a task we’ve religiously accomplished over the years.

We push our way up the forest blasting past the bamboo and passing our guide and the trekkers on the way.

As we hit the higher elevations, conversation amongst us dies out as tackling the steep gradients is energy sapping. Every iota of energy here counts.

Unrelenting in our push, we tackle every successive hill sweating like pigs till we approach the home stretch. As we emerge from the sharp climb and negotiate a corner, it’s a big sigh of relief as we sight the roof of the Old Moses Camp. This rekindles conversation between us as our new found energy pushes us up the last hill to the camp getting there on time.

We quickly change our sweat drenched garments and gather in the kitchen to prepare hot water for the climbers to make drinks once they arrive. We then settle for a cup of black tea before plans for dinner gets underway.

We are really grateful to the mountain Gods as we didn’t taste the rains today……the mountain can be very unforgiving sometimes.

From the camp, we check out the trail below from time to time to see whether Evans and the climbers are approaching. As they eventually approach, we set the drinks on the dinning table awaiting them.

We immediately start preparing dinner as it’s our practice to serve it at 6.30 P.M. After serving dinner we prepare our own food and go to bed early knowing that today was just but a child’s play compared to what we face tomorrow.

See you tomorrow when we embark on our 2nd day

In early September, 2006, a group of us climbed Mt. Kenya with Evans, our guide.

In addition to me (Tony), we were Jordan and Anne. I am American climate change scientist, living and working in Austria. Jordan is a PhD student from the US working with me on a research project (on climate change), and Anne is from Denmark, whom Jordan and I met in Nairobi and decided to join up with for the Mt Kenya climb.

It was a great experience. I am writing this diary two weeks later both to keep the memories in my own mind, and also for Evans, so that he can share this trip with others. He impressed me as a very good guide, for several reasons. First, he was simply completely competent. He led us at a pace that was slow enough to appreciate the wildlife around us, and to stick to all day.

He knew the wildlife, and the trees, and could explain everything to us if we asked. We started each day early, so we never got wet. Second, he cared about the mountain. Other groups may have left litter behind, but ours left it cleaner than we found it. The other guides we met seemed to really respect him. Third, he was just very nice.

He didn`t impose his personality on us, but it was a pleasure to talk to him about his experiences growing up at Mt Kenya, and living in Nairobi.

I wish him and his family all the luck in the world. He has started this business, to guide people up Mt Kenya, and unlike others, it is locally owned and operated, the equivalent to Fair Trade. The money you pay him for the service goes directly to him and his guides, so that they can make a reasonable living afford education for their children, rather than going to a tour operator from outside of Kenya.

If we want to live in a world of greater equality, we need to make choices, and the choice to hike Mt. Kenya with Evans and his team seems like a right one.

I would like to return to Mt Kenya some day, perhaps when my son is old enough to come along with my wife and me. Next time, I would like to have some more time, and even try to the technical climb to Batian, and maybe also hike up Mt Kilimanjaro. I hope to see Evans again when I return to kenya.

It was a great experience. I am writing this diary two weeks later both to keep the memories in my own mind, and also for Evans, so that he can share this trip with others. He impressed me as a very good guide, for several reasons. First, he was simply completely competent. He led us at a pace that was slow enough to appreciate the wildlife around us, and to stick to all day. He knew the wildlife, and the trees, and could explain everything to us if we asked.

http://www.gotomountkenya.com

Though there are higher mountains, they form part of mountain ranges, Everest for example. But Kili, as it is popularly known, is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. It rises gently from 3,000 feet, reaches for the heavens and only halts after a 16,000 feet ascent. The diameter at the base is an amazing 64 kilometres.

Kilimanjaro is located to the northeast of Tanzania, on the border with Kenya. There is a popular myth of how the mountain came to be part of Tanzania, which was at one time part of the German Empire.

Queen Victoria is supposed to have granted the mountain to her German grandson Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) as a birthday gift. It is also said that the Germans had been grumbling at the blatant unfairness of missing a snowcapped mountain within their empire while the Queen has two – the second being Mount Kenya.

Though historians have discredited the myth, it has refused to die and it is still a source of amusement for many. Unwilling to allow the truth to stand in the way, some anti-colonial historians fume with indignation, citing how the boundaries of Eastern Africa were arbitrarily decided in the capitals of the imperial powers.

To most people in the west, Kilimanjaro has long been associated with Ernest Hemingway on account of his 1936 short story “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”.

In 1952, Hollywood fascinated by the magic of Kili the book evokes, turned it into a movie with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner in leading roles.

Kilimanjaro is young as far as mountains go, and geologists allow it only 750,000 years. The mountain is made up of three dormant volcanoes -Kibo (19,340 feet), Shira (13,000 feet) and Mawenzi (16,896 feet). Kibo occasionally belches some steam and sulfur.

The highest point on Kibo is Uhuru Peak, where you see some awesome glaciers and fantastic views of the country below. Though Kili is only three degrees south of the equator, the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi are covered in ice and snow year round.

Many learned people in Europe hotly disputed that a snow-capped

mountain could be found at the equator when the German missionary Johann Rebmann reported it in 1849.

Going up the mountain, you move from tropical to artic conditions. There are five distinct climatic zones, with each zone taking approximately 3,300 feet.

The zones are- the lower slopes, then forest, then moorland, alpine desert and the summit. The lower slopes are cultivated and agriculture flourishes. The forest region is dry in the north and wet towards the southern slopes. The forest carries many tree species including podocarpus, camphor, fig and olive trees and bamboo.

The only animals to be found here are blue and Colobus monkeys and a variety of birds including hornbill and turaco. At the moorland region, you find the giant groundsels and lobelias common in the high altitude mountain regions of eastern Africa. Further up, vegetation and animal life are sparse.

Kili is the worlds’ most accessible summit. Any reasonably strong and ambitious person, without using any special mountaineering equipment can conquer this giant. It is however hard work. Altitude and the resulting thin air will be the main challenge and not your failing strength. To avoid succumbing to high altitude sickness, you guides will constantly advise, you take the mountain slowly, slowly or “pole pole” as they say in Swahili.

You should therefore avoid a quick ascent and take time to acclimatise to the mountains’ oxygen challenged air. By ignoring such good advice many young males fail to reach the summit, when older more deliberate climbers make it.

To enjoy the natural beauty and majesty of Kili, you do not even have to climb it. By using a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can ascend to the Shira Plateau, which is perched at 12,000 feet. The first person recorded to have reached the summit is the German climber Hans Meyer in 1889. Unlike today’s climber, he did not have the benefit a route map and he only made it on the second attempt.

Having been taught a lesson in humility, for the second try, he brought along an Alpine expert and a local guide. Meyer named the summit after the Kaiser Wilhelm II, but this was years later revised to Uhuru or freedom in Swahili.

Since the days of Meyer, the icecap has receded and scientists worry that it will vanish altogether in 20 to 50 years. So, hurry up and climb Kili while it is still such a pretty sight.

Today, few climbers few use the difficult route pioneered by Meyer. The climb normally takes five to six days and involves four to five overnight stays in comfortable mountain huts.

The Marangu route, which was established way back in 1909 is the easiest and most popular and is used by over 90% of climbers. Experienced climbers prefer the more scenic and difficult Machame route.

Climbers are not entirely without a sense of humour and they refer to Marangu as the coca cola route, and Machame as the whiskey route. Other routes are Shira, Mweka and Umbwe.

Shira is a scenic route that takes you through the Shira Plateau,which you reach by four-wheel drive vehicle. The route gives you great views of the Rift valley and Mount Meru. Using Mweka, you reach the summit and return to base in 4 days. But as you may suspect, it is quite steep and therefore not easy at all.

The Umbwe route is even steeper and quicker and you take only three days up and down. The route is spectacular, but it is for the fit and experienced and not casual climbers. In addition, there are technical routes such as the Western Breach and Lemosho routes.

Regardless of the route you pick, all Kili climbs start at Marangu Gate. This is where you get your permit and pay entry fees. On the typical Marangu route climb, spend four nights up the mountain. The route is clearly marked right to the summit. You start by trekking through the forest zone to Mandara Hut (9,000 ft) for the first night. Onward through moorland, you halt for a second night at Horombo Hut (12,450 ft).

Then through the alpine desert, your third night finds you at Kibo Hut (15,450 ft). But you really do not sleep there as you go for the summit just after midnight.

You then descend back to Horombo Hut for your last night after an overall trek of about 77 kilometres. If you want to spend more time up high to acclimatise, you can overnight twice at Horombo Hut.

On the Machame route, you spend one night more on the mountain.You overnight at Machame Hut, Shira Hut and Barranco Hut. You connect to the Mweka route and continue to Barafu Hut.

After tackling the summit, you descend for your last night at Mweka Hut. On the next day, you rejoin other mortals at the base of the mountain. You are advised to pick the route that best fits your experience.

Most aspire to reach Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Kibo -and indeed all Kili. Others are satisfied with Gillman’s Point, the slightly lower peak on Kibo. But Mawenzi, actually lower than the Kibo peaks, is more jagged and requires mountaineering experience. Many climbers find scaling Kili, whatever height they reach, a very satisfying experience.

But do not be too disappointed if you do not reach the summit.Different estimates indicate that only 15-30% of climbers get to the top. Climbing Kilimanjaro is for those who are physically fit and mentally prepared.

It is your ability to muster that extra dose of determination that will count when the going gets tough. In terms of physical preparation, start by taking hikes uphill with a pack strapped on your back. This rehearses the climb, minus the altitude of course.

Think also of putting in some aerobic training at the gym and by jogging. If you are having heart or lung problems, better not risk the climb. In all cases, it is a good idea to talk to your personal physician to ensure that you do not bite more than you can chew.

It is best you buy a climbing tour package to take advantage of those with local knowledge. The typical package will bundle together: return transfers – Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate, park and rescue fees, services of guides, porters and cooks, accommodation in mountain huts and all meals on the mountain.

In addition, you need to hire locally or bring along equipment and sleeping bags. Some useful stuff to gather include – waterproof hiking boots, rain suit, flashlights, sunglasses, prophylactics for high-altitude sickness, hand gloves and night shoes.

You need a daypack to carry a few essentials, as the porters carrying your equipment will usually hike their own way. Some items to carry on your back include bottled water, extra clothes, camera and sunscreen. Besure to review and book our very good value Kilimanjaro Climbing offers.

You can climb Kili, any time throughout the year. But it is obviously less fun during the March to June period when it rains the most. The second and lighter rains come from late October to early December. The best time is when it is warm and dry – January, February and September.

July, August, November and December also good, though cooler. Due to the variation of conditions along the route- from tropic to arctic – it is convenient to dress in layers you can either shed or add on. Generally, in the northern Tanzania region, you can expect temperatures to average from 15°C in May to August and 22°C over December to March.

At the mountain, temperatures drop by roughly 1 degree Celsius for every 650 feet ascended.

Many climbing enthusiasts want Christmas and the New Year to find them up the mountain, and unless you book early, it is difficult to get a slot.

The best way of relaxing after the trek is by taking a safari in the unrivalled wildlife sanctuaries of northern Tanzania or heading to the beaches of Zanzibar. We have covered these attractions in earlier editions of this newsletter here.

You can book your safari or Zanzibar stay and Kili climb together – have a look at our Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Hotel offers. If you want to put together your own safari, then visit the Tanzania Car Rental and Tanzania Hotels and Lodges pages of our website.

Kilimanjaro is 475 km to the northwest of Dar es Salaam. The base for climbing Kili is nearby northern Tanzania towns of Moshi or Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport services the region. But it is usually cheaper to disembark at Nairobi in Kenya and then to take a shuttle bus to Arusha. http://www.gotomountkenya.com

Many things can change radically to repress the progress of a climber, yet some how they manage to progress forward. By providing the relationship of the psycho physiology of a climber as well as the effects that they feel while facing great disadvantages will prove the sever reality, which rock climbers face.

When climbing one is competing against gravity, time, fatigue, and the mind. Everything is against those who wish to master stone. Yet that is one thing, which separates climbers mentally from the rest of us. They wish to master the stone, not destroy or mane it. Not taking destroy and mane too literally; the rest of us, want to win.

Athletes and those who compete in everyday life have egos, which must be satisfied. By wanting this satisfaction, one might use “aggression which can be misused to injure an opponent just to win a game or better oneself in life” (DeVincenzi 16). Athletes and others can be seen as ego-oriented as just described, where as climbers are task-oriented. This means that climbers climb “to intrinsically increase their level of physical competence through task mastery.

Task mastery is accomplished through individual practice” (DeVincenzi 16), with this practice comes the physical and mental battles that climbers must over come.

Rock climbers from the average to the elite carry certain physiological traits, which help propel them against the factors trying to hold them back. These key traits being, “energy expenditure, isometric muscular contractions” (Bil lat et al. 22), muscular strength and capacity, as well as balance.

The factors that pose a front for climbers are the sustained contractions of the forearms in addition to other muscles, as well as the elevation of the arms above the head. Other elements that can directly affect are the weather and altitude.

By breaking down these key traits into deeper analysis, they will show how they aid the climber, yet slowly deteriorate the climber. For example, isometric muscular contraction when defined means, “Muscle contraction without movement at the joint” (May 378). This would occur during a biceps curl, when movement is stopped and held.

The contracted muscles would be in a sustained position, just as it happens while climbing. When grasping a hold, the arm muscles contract and the joints become stationary. The downside of this is the constant contraction, which causes fatigue. The same occurs with balance.

A climber must maintain a somewhat squatted position while making his or her way up the stone. The climber must constantly maintain muscle control of the abdominal, pectorals, quadriceps, obliques, biceps, as well as the other six-hundred skeletal muscles. The balance needed is much like the isometric muscle contraction because it requires slow movement, which can replicate an almost stationary joint.

These movements almost double the rate of fatigue because the whole body must perform, not just one muscular area.

An equally important trait of rock climbers is the ability to control the energy, which they use while climbing. The control that climbers carry may be due to the “Task-oriented” trait, which sets them apart from the rest. The need for climbers to “intrinsically increase their level of physical competence” (DeVincenzi 16) may directly affect there mental state. By effecting there state of mind to become better at the task at hand, they in away have ultimate control of there body.

For example, if one was playing football, a canebrake’s job is to defend the receiver at all costs. This means when the ball is thrown; the corner back must follow the receiver. The corner back has no choice, but too run.

What this forces among the comeback is a lack of control of the energy, which must be used. Where as a climber is performing for self-congratulation, they have the ability to decide how much energy they wish to use, as well as the ability to slow down or speed up there pace of motion.

Although rock climbers have the ability to choose how they spend there energy and at what pace they wish to climb, one thing they cannot control is the weather.

The weather and its freak conditions cannot only physical harm a climber but mentally it can tear one down. Extreme cold can lead to diminished muscular performance, but the combination of heat and dehydration poses a more significant risk. The body is about sixty percent water.

This fluid acts a lubricant for all joints in the skeletal makeup. The cartilage in the body, which is also including the joints, is composed mainly of water. “As cartilage surfaces glide over one another, some exposed cells become worn and peel away. New cartilage normally is produced to replace the damaged cells. [But] due to the lack of blood vessels in cartilage, water is needed to transport the nutrients required for maintenance and repair” (Batmanghelidj).

Ultimately what dehydration can cause is damage and a delay in repair, resulting in joint pain. This joint pain poses just as great of a threat as muscular fatigue for it effects the isometric muscular contractions.

If the heat does not begin to wear the climber down the cold will. The consequences of being caught in bad weather are the psychological effects that it will pose.

The cold slowly begins to chip away at the climbers “morale [which] will rapidly drop until the point [where the climber loses] all interest in the route, [his or her] partner or life itself, often leading to a total loss of interest in the climb” (Kirkpatrick).

Becoming cold also allows the climber to be aware of his or her own vulnerability. Once a climber begins to believe that he is vulnerable, doubts begin to set inn. Once doubt is set in place, the climber begins to lose faith in his own personal judgment and his own strengths. When the climber has fallen to deep, in thought he becomes frozen (figuratively speaking).

A deep frozen body and mind does not operate properly, this can often lead to errors in judgment, such as failing to navigate correctly, belay safely or thinking problems through properly.

Another psychological aspect that can affect a climber is the thought of fear. When climbing, the climber has everything to worry about; the thought of the rope breaking, the last anchor placement, the height, and a fall occurring runs through most minds. The trick for climbers is the self-congratulatory method.

The use of this creates a mental state, which allows them to power through. When completing a “dicey” section, it has been said that climbers will talk to themselves.

In away, creating there own mental audience, which never taunts or belittles when a mistake is made. Instead, the self-appraisal encourages and produces cleaner technique.

The idea that a motivational climate will maximize the teaching of a skill is completely true. This method has been said to “increase self esteem, mental competitiveness against the body, perfectionism, life satisfaction, sensation seeking” (Yosemite Wildlife Preservation 6), and a “feeling of competence” (DeVincenzi 16).

This has also proven to help climbers in a Pre-climb sate of mind where they have been found to have low anxiety levels. This is found before, during, after a climb and in every day life. They are found to be more laid back, yet have a tendency to under estimate risk due to there sensation seeking state of mind.

The high risk factor is one of the main reasons why people rock climb. The climbers enjoy and love the rush they get when putting their life on the line.

All the things, which could possibly go wrong, are a thrill to them. They find fear attractive in a sense. When world-renowned climber John Middendorf was asked about fear he said, “In general fear can be manipulated, to either stifle a person, or allow that person to channel the fear into different strengths (like kicking in the adrenal glands) (Pei).” The adrenalin high that climbers get, can be compared to lifting weights.

Weight lifters enjoy the burning sensation, where as the climber enjoys the adrenal rush. The unique part of climbers is that they can control the adrenalin expenditures by maintaining a collective mindset.

This is accomplished through staying focused on only what is in front, remaining calm and trusting personal ability. This allows the climber to go longer without fatiguing, but once the mind shifts to far, it becomes a physiological battle all the way to the top.

The physical battle, which climbers will face, is the body itself. Once a climber has allowed the mind to become too afraid, the body opens the adrenal glands to pull a climber through the rough.

The problem with this is the body becomes extremely weary after the use of all the adrenalin. Once this happens, the climber begins to breath quicker and with shorter breaths. Another disadvantage of climbers is most are at high altitudes, which forces them to breath even faster.

This is happening because the body is trying to supplement the heart with enough oxygen. While the lungs try to supply the heart, the heart is trying to pump arterial blood through the body. The main area where this oxygenated blood is being absorbed is in the high stressed muscles. A problem that starts to occur in these muscles is lactic acid begins to form.

This is due to the lack of oxygen that the muscles should be receiving from the arterial blood. In return, this causes the heart rate of the climber to rise, for the heart is trying to compensate for low levels of oxygen. While the body continues through its cycle, the blood that is carried away from the muscles is now blood lactate.

The downside of this is that blood lactate has trace amounts of lactic acid.

This process ultimately starts poisoning the body and fatiguing it rapidly. What can occur is lactic acidosis, which is “high levels of lactic acid in the blood, which is potentially fatal” (Fan deck et al. 403).

Now that the heart rate is high and the muscles are beginning to absorb lactic acid instead of oxygen, the climber will find he is worried, tired and extremely soar. Often times this can lead to a severe fall or causing the body as well as the mind to completely give up and fold. Once this occurs, the only choice is retreat.

Climbers must endure many feats. They must power through the unpredictable situations of weather. They must control there physical abilities as well as there mental battles for they will overcome the climber.

Rock climbing is a sport where one becomes an individual player, who must make all the right choices or accept failure. Failure will try to attack the climber, but for this sport, one must overcome. The body can only take so much pain, but the mind controls the body and the climber controls the mind.

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