This month, I thought I’d give you a peek into my training — what it looks like, what I’ve learned, and what I’m still figuring out as I prepare to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in support of Africa New Life.

As I’ve been reading, listening, and training, one thing is clear: people of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds make this climb. The common denominator? Everyone has to deal with altitude.

At around 16,000 feet, the oxygen level is roughly 50% of what it is at sea level. At the summit — 19,340 feet — it drops to just 40%. That means your body (and mind) are working with a lot less oxygen than they’re used to, all while you’re trekking uphill.

For me, this hits especially close to home. I’ve lived with asthma since I was a toddler. My first ER visit for an asthma attack was at age two, and I spent high school and college managing it through playing football and track & field. Thankfully, it’s less of a factor now, but I’ve got a deep respect for what it feels like when your lungs can’t get what they need.

Two Core Training Goals

So how am I preparing? My training has focused on two things:

Training my body to function at high altitude
Building strength and stamina for steep climbs

1. High-Altitude Conditioning

Simulating 19,000 feet in Portland? Not exactly easy. But I found a local fitness center with a high-altitude training room. I’ve been logging miles on the treadmill and stair climber at simulated elevations of 11,000–12,000 feet with a 30 lbs. pack.

The first few sessions were rough — lightheadedness, shortness of breath — but like anything, it gets better with repetition.

2. Strength for Vertical Feet

The Kilimanjaro route we are taking isn’t about marathon distances. It’s about sustained vertical gain, day after day. We experienced this firsthand on a trip to Yosemite over spring break — many trails there go straight up, with 1,000+ feet of elevation gain in a single mile. Brutal, but a great training ground.

I’ve been seeking out similar local hikes around Portland: short distances, high elevation gain. Even though we don’t have altitude, we have plenty of hills that train the legs and lungs.

The Lemosho Route: What’s Ahead

I’ll be climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, known for its scenic beauty and smart acclimatization profile. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown:

Why the Lemosho Route?

Diverse Ecosystems: We trek through rainforest, alpine desert, and into arctic zones ending at a glacier on the summit.

Scenic Views: Stunning panoramas from the Shira Plateau and southern circuit.

Smart Acclimatization: With built-in “climb high, sleep low” days, it’s one of the safest, most successful routes to the summit.

What’s Next?

With about nine weeks to go before I board my flight to Tanzania, I’m ramping up my training schedule. More altitude room sessions. More hills. More sweat.

If you’ve climbed a high peak or done altitude training, I’d love to hear your tips and advice — feel free to leave a comment or shoot me a message.

And again — thank you. Your support means the world, not just for me, but for the kiddos we’re helping through Africa New Life. Every step up that mountain is about more than a summit — it’s about making a difference.

Let’s keep climbing.

Fundraising Update

We have currently raised $5,221 for ANSL’s Food & Care Program - THANK YOU. Our goal is $19,340 so we are 27% of the way there. If you haven’t donated yet, please consider helping towards the goal. And remember, 100% of the funds goes to the program - I am paying for the trip itself. Also, please share this adventure with a family and friends!

Training for Thin Air