How to feel on top of the world — climb a mountain!
AFTER almost five decades of running, my hamstrings were shot. However, just because I was going through the menopause didn’t mean I planned to put men on pause!
So, I came up with a physical challenge that works for me: I started to climb mountains.
It began when I swapped running for a stroll. Before I knew it, I was yomping 20km and decided to take on a bigger challenge: Ben Nevis.
Training was tough: I didn’t feel in control of my body and found it hard to be motivated. When I least expected it a hot sweat would leave me looking like a drowned rat. Nevertheless, I rallied together a small group of friends and we headed for the mountain.
We set off for the peak while it was still dark, from the hut we’d climbed to the day before. It had snowed heavily and the winds were strong.
Using head torches to light the way, our guide roped us together and we began.
I tried not to think about the two people who had lost their lives on the mountain just weeks earlier — both younger and fitter than me.
In single file we climbed over rocks, using ice axes to reach for a better grip during an — at times — almost vertical climb. The fresh snow saw us scrabbling for traction, and there was a moment when I couldn’t go up or down.
But I thought of my dumbbell training and knew my arms were strong enough. I just needed to believe. I dug deep and reached for a firmer grip.
Five hours and several tearful moments later, we were at the summit. After photos, everyone was perishing cold and ready to head back down. Everyone but me. Hot flushes have their benefits, it seems.
I’m now preparing for my next challenge, Scafell Pike, the highest point in England, followed by Snowdon.
I can’t run, but I can put one foot in front of the other. Taking on the menopause no longer feels a mountain to climb.