Liam Kennedy, hairdresser and director of Peter Mark, tells Patricia Weston about his preparations to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Are you a fitness fanatic?
No, I'm not fanatical but I like to keep reasonably fit. I've decided to take on a very big challenge and climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. It's a whole new experience for me. All the Peter Mark salons are behind me in this so we really hope to raise a lot of money.
How have you been preparing for the ascent?
I've been tackling the highest point available to me which is the Hellfire Club in the Wicklow Mountains. I get my boots on and climb up and down, sometimes twice but at least for five hours at a time. Climbing really works the leg muscles so I have to build a lot of strength in my legs and do lots of stretching and leg exercises. I also have to build my upper body because when I get close to the summit I'll be on my hands and knees and will need a strong upper body.
What food are you taking up the mountain with you?
The sherpas prepare the food and it's mostly carbohydrates, fresh fruit and lots of chocolate to combat fatigue.
Are you mentally prepared?
Nothing can really prepare you; I just have to see how I cope. I will have three sherpas with me and it should take five-six days to climb to the top, climbing for five-six hours per day. There will be a lot of extremes in temperature - below freezing and very hot.
It's 20,000 feet high. I think the altitude sickness will be the greatest challenge and I have medication for that. I also have to build a lot of stamina so I can keep going when the fatigue sets in.
Patricia Weston recommends:
You don't have to be taking on Mount Kilimanjaro in order to build stamina. Stamina and endurance are important to get you through the ups and downs of daily life.
Muscle strengthening exercises will improve stamina and energy. Equally important, they increase resistance to injury. People with strong muscles are less likely to suffer everyday muscle aches and pains and will have less strain on their hearts.
People of all ages should consider resistance training at least three times a week working the major muscles of the legs, back, chest, arms and abdominals.
Start lifting weights on weight machines at the gym if you're a beginner before you take on free-weights to build co-ordination. Aim to lift a light weight at 10-12 repetitions.
Once you've conquered the machines you can invest in some dumbbells and keep training at home.
Weight lifting builds strength in your joints that can increase range of movement and help banish old niggles in your knees or back.
It also gives you a strong muscular body which is a wonderful feeling and ensures you are prepared for anything life might throw at you.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and Pilates teacher.
Consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before embarking on any exercise regime and stop exercising if you feel nauseous or dizzy.