Over 50s Hikers & CLimbers

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Comment by Stephen Rees on January 24, 2016 at 8:45pm

I've officially started my Baruntse training. no more ad hoc sessions as my mood indicates. But I'm working with a coach specialising in mountain training who's written an initial online programme after working out my strengths and weaknesses at a face to face session. Very useful to learn that I got weakness in my gluteus medius (bum muscle) even though the treatment includes boring  exercises.

I'll be doing 7 sessions a week, including strength, endurance and aerobic. And with a focus on staying injury free.

Anyone out there interested in tackling Mera Peak and Baruntse (Nepal) in October 16? It's about a 34 day expedition from arrival in Kathmandu to departure. And I might extend the trip with an initial trek to Gokyo or Everest Base Camp for acclimatisation as the popular route for the Baruntse trip is a bit ambitious to my mind, taking in Chatanga (3474m) on day one of the actual trek and Zetra La Pass (4600m) on day 2. Last time I passed that way (2010) I was coming off a trek to Lo Mantang and was reasonably adapted to height, but my porter got altitude sickness.

Comment by Miriam on October 13, 2014 at 7:45am

Hi Adriane, I will check out the 8 week program. Thanks for your words of encouragement. Nice to know you managed it. As you say consistency will be the key to maintain whatever fitness level I attain. Have to keep the mojo going! Thanks again.

Comment by Adriane Borgias on October 13, 2014 at 6:28am

Miriam, the FitClimb fitness plans are very good for getting in shape. I was in the same situation as you earlier this year. (Sounds like the 8 week program will work for you). I did the 12 week program to prepare for a first ever climb - Mt. Adams. At age 57, and just starting out in mountain climbing. I am not very athletic so was not able to do everything. But I dedicated myself to doing something each day and at least trying to get to the end of the regimen. A marked improvement happened in attitude, ability to sleep, balance, and even some extra pounds disappeared.  I was really thankful for doing the training once on the mountain.

You will be amazed at how much better you feel by just taking that approach and being consistent. The nice thing with the fitclimb fitness plans is that all of the exercises you can do at home or outdoors. Joining a gym is not necessary although I found that I really do love swimming.

 Sounds like a fun trip! Being in shape will certainly make it more enjoyable.

Comment by Miriam on October 13, 2014 at 3:27am

Hello,  I will be doing some mountain walking near Alicante in Spain over the Christmas period...  I'm not fit and would like to start training a bit for it now... Any advice or tips anyone could give me would be very much appreciated.  I'm a 50 year old female...  Thanks in advance :)

Comment by Richard Dahlstrom on October 7, 2014 at 4:55am

just joining as I'm finishing a 40 day trek in the Alps before returning home to the Cascades. 

Comment by Chris Rhoads on November 21, 2013 at 5:12am

Michael,

I'm 51. Mt biker, mountaineer, rock/Ice climber, back country skier and in bounds alpine skier. I'm not sure that I am slowing yet but have a lot more aches and pains than I used to. More back issues than I have ever had for sure. For me it's about getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet and eating correctly for training days or just big days in general. I go to Bikrham Yoga weekly and get a massage monthly. I have a m-f job so I work out at the gym daily at lunch doing climbing/skiing specific exercises and some cardio on a stair master with a heavy pack. Weekends are spent doing any of the above mentioned depending on the season. My Wife and I just try and maintain as active a life style as possible. Regular check ups with the doc too.

Want any specifics, let me know.

Cheers!

Comment by Michael on November 20, 2013 at 5:26am

I just saw the movie "All is Lost".  It is a one man performance with Robert Redford playing a solo sailor who is trying to save his boat after an accident.  Redford did all his own stunts, he is 77. 

I bring this up because I have always been fit and active but as I've aged (61), I've slowed.  I have difficulty doing much of what I used to. I'd like to open a conversation about what works for you to say healthy and active after 50.  

Comment by Peter Myatt on November 19, 2013 at 6:12am

At 67, approaching 68, I feel I qualify!  I climbed and skied all over the Alps 1968-1976, after that married life, children and career came first.  I am now retired, living most of the year on a Freedom 38 yacht (built in Newport) in the Eastern Med.  I reckon I have enough left in me to climb Mont Blanc again, repeating my climb of 1976.  I am aiming for 2016, when I am 70.  Living at sea-level, my bunk is actually at water level, altitude training is going to be a problem (!), so cardio work is going to be a priority.  Oh, I forgot to mention the 2 heart attacks a few years ago.

Comment by Ali Alami on October 2, 2013 at 11:46am

Welcome!

Comment by Ann Brodie-Knope on October 2, 2013 at 10:54am

I am better than 50 and would like to join this group.