Emma's Ethiopian Trek Blog
Ethiopia has some bite
26th October 2010
I met with Transaid and Classic Tours, who will be organising the trek, in London to get more detailed information on the itinerary and the kit I will need. I also met three others who will be joining me on the trek. It was great to hear how they were getting on and get some tips on fundraising.
We were shown pictures of the trails and the amazing landscape of gorges, chasms and precipices. I am so excited about the trek and really can’t wait to get out there. There are a variety of animals found in the mountains one of which is the Gelada Baboon. This didn’t bother me until saw a picture of its teeth!.
Radio Début
31st August 2010
I had an interview on BBC Sussex Radio to talk about my training and fundraising for the trek. I was really nervous and have never been on the radio before. There was also a little mini quiz I had to do on air and I came second – ok there were only two of us but I think it was rigged. My questions were hard and the other person was in the studio but hopefully this interview will help to increase awareness of the vital work Transaid undertakes in Africa.
I have stepped up my training and can't wait for the air conditioning in the gym to be fixed but at least I’m getting some practise of exercise in melting temperatures.
Training begins
12th July 2010
I visited the Transaid office in June, which was fantastic to meet the staff and hear more about the schemes they are involved in. They have given me a training and nutritional plan to follow and I have kicked of my training with a walk up Halnaker Hill on the South Downs to start wearing in my hiking boots. They make my feet look massive which isn’t that difficult to do with my size 7’s but at least i should have good balance for the steep climbs.
The first stage of my training is aerobic; this is to improve my general fitness. This means hitting the gym, walking and swimming. So its good bye to the chocolate biscuits and hello to the Lycra!