January 15, 2024
Today marks 157 days until I embark on the journey of a lifetime. I’ll be leaving the United States and heading to Tanzania, Africa, to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I just purchased my flight to and from Tanzania, making this dream feel more real than ever.
As of now, I have 136 days left to train for the climb, and I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. This trip feels like a step into the unknown. I’ve done my research and know what I should do to prepare, but the reality of being there—facing the mountain and all its challenges—feels like uncharted territory.
Training on the East Coast hasn’t been easy. Preparing for Kilimanjaro’s high elevations is a challenge in itself, and the snowy, frigid temperatures we’ve had recently have forced many trails and parks to close. Still, hiking in the snow has its own way of challenging you—both mentally and physically. The cold, uneven terrain, and extra effort required to navigate snowy trails push me to dig deeper, which I know will serve me well on the mountain.
Booking my flight has made everything feel official, and the countdown is on. I can’t wait for the day I step onto that plane, ready to take on the Roof of Africa.
