Alas, I have hit a bump in the road. The last time I gave an update regarding climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, things were looking good. I was exercising regularly, getting stronger, and even planning to run the Tacoma City half marathon on May 3. But I caught a cold two weeks ago which has since morphed into acute bronchitis. I’m coughing, wheezing, and rattling like a Model T on three wheels. I can hardly climb a staircase, much less run thirteen miles. I went to the doctor a couple of days ago and am now taking antibiotics. I also have two inhalers to help with my asthma. I’m hoping to rest enough to get back into my exercise regimen in a couple of weeks.
Like many challenges, whether it’s losing weight or getting a college degree, the bumps in the road of life can derail us if we’re not careful. I could easily allow this bump to demoralize me, “proving” to myself that I really wasn’t up to the challenge after all. But that’s what challenges are, aren’t they? If they were easy, they wouldn’t be challenging. Bumps and bruises and the temptation to give up are all part of the journey. So, while I am extremely disappointed, I am hoping that this illness is merely a bump in the road to Kilimanjaro, not the end.
I’ll continue to keep you updated on my progress toward Kilimanjaro. The dates of my climb are August 13-26.
I hate colds, much less what you’re going through.
Just know that we’re all rooting for you and we know you’re going to be blogging to us from the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Thanks! I truly appreciate the support. I feel much better now.
Hey-
I was looking at climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, I have exercise induced asthma. I am in great shape (bike, run, XC ski, etc). What advice do you have for climbing Kilimanjaro with exercise asthma, is it a problem?
Mike Luke
Hi Mike — my asthma is not normally exercised induced, so I really can’t speak to that.
My asthma was not an issue at all when climbing Kilimanjaro, but I had my inhaler with me, just in case. My climbing partner, who also has asthma, was not affected either. Oxygen deprivation, however, was another matter!!
I highly recommend that you see your physician and make sure all your bases are covered.
Michele