COCA-COLA ROUTE

I’m told it’s called the Coca-Cola route by some.

It doesn’t sound very intimidating but I keep reminding myself that will take me up 19,000 feet in a matter of 3-4 days.

When I’m having my moments of doubt - that can be intimidating.

The actual name is the Marangu Route and from the stories I’ve heard from others who have successfully completed the hike – it’s one of the easier paths to the top.

This isn’t mountain hiking like you see on TV; there are no ropes or ice axes carving away at the side of the mountain. If I end up hanging from a rope, something has gone drastically wrong.

I’m told this is more of an endurance test. It’s a long walk that takes you to the highest point in Africa.

I’ll start in shorts and a t-shirt, surrounded by lush vegetation and end in snow gear crossing a permanent snow pack.

I’ve been researching this hike for quite a while but there is one unknown I can’t train for – altitude sickness.

That can be a deal breaker when attempting to climb Kilimanjaro. As soon as someone begins to show symptoms they must come down immediately.

So far my training has consisted of running 4-5 miles per night and taking a long hike on Sundays. My longest trek has been 19 miles.

I’m trying to compensate by building up my endurance since I can’t simulate that type of altitude while living in the rolling hills of South-Central Pennsylvania.

Hopefully, that will be enough.