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Last Sunday was the first of a series of 11 training sessions on Mont-Royal with our Expé partner-guide, Mathieu Fleury.
Ouf..... that should be ouch!!! After an hour walking on the mountain paths, we started a series of going up and down the stairs leading to the top.
We practised the "rest-step" technique, stopping on each step, but with a difference - we had to take 2 steps at a time for muscle work! Next came a "normal" climb - 1 step at a time. The aim was to do a series of 10 climbs. After that, I must admit, my poor legs were shaking with fatigue but we still had to do a last climb - running!!!
With Sunday's extreme cold, we had our first experience in getting used to our equipment. Removing layers of clothing when you're hot, to prevent humidity accumulating, putting them on again when you stop, glasses steaming up, water bottle freezing, changing socks so your feet won't freeze.
It was a very good group activity to start the year with. It made us realize just how much work still needs to be done before Kilimanjaro.
In spite of the cold, we weren't alone on the mountain by any means. We shared it with a community of very fit people who were snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing and jogging. I was really impressed by the joggers on the stairs!
We certainly appreciated "breaking the ice" like that. We're now more motivated than ever to continue!
Another step on the way to the summit!
Translated by Pamela Gauvin
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