Happy New Year from Amsterdam!

The Power To Climb Kilimanjaro 2010 Team wishes all of our supporters from around the world a very Happy New Year from Amsterdam, and all the best for 2010 - what will be the best year yet!!

Kilimanjaro here we come!

Christmas Day marked our last little hike before take-off for Amsterdam and then Tanzania. We went up Lone Tree Hill in the Highlands of Victoria - what a gorgeous day it was - wow! Mike and I are leaving for Amsterdam in less than 20 hrs and almost all of the Kili summit team members will meet us there before we all continue on to Moshi, Tanzania on January 1st. In fact, we'll be spending New Year's Eve in Amsterdam - yahoo! Once on our Kilimanjaro trek, we'll be posting clips and updates to our YouTube video channel and this blog so stay tuned to http://www.powertoclimb.ca/ to follow our adventure. Over $140K raised with less than $10K to go to meet our target for Power To Be! -CS

Our campaign is gaining momentum...

In exactly 16 days, we will start our trek up the highest free-standing mountain in the world. As I reflect on the challenge ahead, I feel tremendous amount of energy and excitement. It is hard to concentrate on anything other than our campaign and the climb ahead. I am itching to take off! Our campaign has also taken off – our momentum is gaining as we get closer to reaching our $150K target – donations are trickling in from all over the place and I’m super excited to report that we’ve so far raised 135,000 dollars towards Power To Be’s Lower Mainland expansion. WOOT, WOOT! Thank you to all of you who have supported us in all different ways to date. You have no idea how much this means. Onward and upward (literally). We will surpass our target! -CS

Tim Cormode speaks from the heart at Rotary Vancouver

Tim Cormode, Executive Director of Power To Be and fellow Kili climber, spoke from the heart about his organization at Tuesday's presentation for the Rotary Club of Vancouver. Over 80 business executives and community leaders were in attendance at the Terminal City Club downtown to listen to his story. Watch a short clip of his speech under our video clips on www.powertoclimb.ca or our YouTube channel.
-CS

Shean's Reflection

I could have used a program like this when I was a kid. I’m talking about the Power To Be Wilderness School. I had a tough start to life. I came from an abusive family, was living on the streets of Edmonton at only 10 years of age, eating out of garbage cans, and spent a lot of time thinking that the only person I could count on was myself. I’ve been learning not to feel that way now. And this Kilimanjaro trip is helping me with this goal. My hope is that this program can teach others. I have rarely chosen an easy path in life to follow, and climbing the tallest free standing mountain in the world is no exception.

Why did I choose Power To Be over other worthwhile charities? Because I believe we need more organizations that look after our own children. A local charity was important to me. I first encountered Tim, Executive Director of Power To Be, at the corporate challenge event called Power To Play put on annually by the Society. I was invited to put together a team from my demolition company, and was then roped into volunteering to set up a course. It was that Saturday in spring 2009 that I met Tim. Tim introduced the Power To Climb project spearheaded by volunteers Mike and Chantal Schauch and for me, it was the perfect timing. Kilimanjaro has been a 30-year dream that started in front of a black and white TV set where I saw a picture of the mountain for the very first time. There was something unmistakable in the television announcer’s voice as he described the mountain - a remarkable passion. At that moment I fell in love with the mountain. At the time I was dead broke and didn’t know how I was ever going to get there, but I just refused to let go of the dream.

Eight years ago when I was diagnosed with lung cancer, I reinforced the promise to myself to realize my dream of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. I didn’t entirely believe at the time I would be able to climb because my cancer was stage four, and for those who have faced cancer know, this is the stage where doctors tell you that you are likely to die. But I overcame the cancer and ended up meeting Tim that fateful day at the Vancouver Island Technology Park. Tim offered a perfect situation to climb Kilimanjaro. The summit day will be my 8th year since diagnosed with cancer. It will mean a lot to stand on the top of the world with my fellow summit team members – I cannot even start telling you! I know we will all make it.
-Shean

Power To Be Christmas Party and Kili Team Send Off at The Oyster, Victoria

Simple Nutritional Tips for the Kili Trek Ahead...

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I wanted to offer some simple nutritional tips to all the climbers before the big trek ahead. As you will all be subject to stress and fatigue during the climb you will want to make sure you prepare your bodies physically, emotionally and nutritionally to optimize your strength and ensure that you recover quickly. Muscles and joints heal better and faster when the proper nutrients are supplied, whether as part of a healthy diet or through supplementation. The following are just a few of my top vitamins to help maximize your performance. Vitamin C is essential for the repair of connective tissue and to help reduce inflammation. Take 1000-3000 mg daily or till bowel tolerance. The omega 3 essential fatty acids are important for tissue elasticity, muscle flexibility, joint motion and regulating the inflammatory response. Omega 3s are found in fish and flax seed and oil. I usually recommend the Nordic Naturals brand “Pro EPA”. The homeopathic Traumeel is effective for muscle soreness and strains and sprains with bruising and pain. Traumeel is available in topical cream as well as oral tablets and drops. Be sure to start the oral drops or tablets 1 week prior to climb as well as throughout the climb and after. To help with endurance and the stress of the climb start on a good B complex as well as make sure you stay well hydrated with water as well as electrolytes. I really like the Vega electrolyte formula found at most health food stores.

I hope that you find this information useful and I wish you all the best of luck!

This is truly a wonderful cause that will bring many more children the support and guidance that they deserve.

Dr. Marita Schauch BSc. ND

Team Training Drill at Studeo55!

In preparation for our big climb, the Kilimanjaro Summit Team 'stepped up' for a team challenge/team building day at Studeo55, infamous for its intense and vigorous (and 'fun') "Drill" programs. Expert fitness trainers Mike Averill and Kevin Laface led us through a series of challenges that not only gave us a great workout, but more importantly tested our ability to work together as a team, especially when faced with new and unexpected challenges.

Our experience, I believe is best summed up from comments by trainer Mike Averill:

"With many years of being involved in team building activities of all ages and situations, your group emerged as the best one I've ever had, and I'm still buzzing over it a day later. You are all exceptionally driven, and passionate individuals with regards to everything you do. That commonality will be the strongest link between you all on this trip, and I can't tell you how excited I am for what I know you are going to experience because of that. If I didn't know any different, I would have assumed you had all known each other for years, as the comradery was outstanding."

After pulling, pushing, and carrying each other through various obstacle courses, relying on each other for trust and support, and continuously working together as a single force, not only did we emerge stronger as a team, but have become even more resolute in our cause: to climb the heights of Kilimanjaro, so that other youth can climb to the heights of their dreams.

As team-mate, friend, and climber Shean says "Nobody cares what you know until they know that you care!" And I can honestly say with absolute conviction that today showed just how much care and respect we share for each other, our cause, and of course the kids and families who will benefit from Power To Be.

Thank you Jordan for offering your time to snap some awesome shots and capture the day! Thank you Mike and Kevin, and Studeo55 for your generous support, and offering your time and facility to help us reach our summit!

-MS

Every (baby) Step Counts...

The opportunity to undertake this climb came at a time when I was feeling the need for an adventure - when I wanted a challenge that would force me out of my comfort zone. So here I am - climbing Kilimanjaro with a group of relative strangers, for a cause I had never heard of until a few months ago. My father’s reaction when I told him what I was doing was, “You know people die up there.” It was a statement, not a question and not particularly open for discussion. But my parents are accustomed to me doing things a bit differently and following my gut first.
Since that initial reaction, my Dad has been a huge supporter; boasting to all our friends and family about my undertaking. My emotional response to the whole thing has changed since I first said, “I want to do this.” Initially it was a selfish thing. I wanted an adventure. The more I learn about Power To Be, the more I feel that my gut response to the challenge was a perfect fit with what Power To Be is about. I wanted an adventure so I opened myself up to finding one. Simple. If only it was that easy for everyone. Power To be is setting out to do just that, and I think that is pretty admirable. I’m proud to be a small part of it.

The reality is that most of us are really busy. My story, while I own it and love it, is a pretty average story. I’m a single mom of a 15 year old son named Teigan. Oh geez teenagers- but that is a discussion for another day. My training for this climb must accommodate driving my son to sports practices and games, nagging him about studying and exams, feeding the plethora of teenagers that are always hanging around, an occasional manicure/pedicure (I didn’t say that I wasn’t my own worst enemy), Christmas shopping, time for family, and of course my demanding full time job. It’s a busy life. So when the heck am I supposed to fit training in? A coworker just swung by my office to suggest I get out to the Grouse Grind 3 times a week. Are you kidding? I have functions - work related and otherwise, and every night for the next 5 nights. And it’s not stuff I can get out of either. Ok, well I could skip the hockey game but how much sacrifice is reasonable here? I’m not complaining; I have the best life around.

So I think maybe “baby steps” is the answer, both here and on the mountain.

Thanks to Mike who took me shopping for my boots and some of my gear. MEC is overwhelming and it was great to have Mike walk me through what I needed, what I didn’t need, and what he and Chantal are bringing. I’m wearing my boots now with some serious, “no kidding around” socks. I’m not sure how much breaking in they’ll get here at the office, but it will all help I’m told.

My training is going to be somewhat limited to the gym. Besides, to quote Mike, I’m a big believer in being part of the “race to get to the top last”. My biggest fear, as most of my teammates know, is the altitude sickness. When our guides yell, “ Pole, Pole, Pole” (Slowly, slowly, slowly)they won’t be talking to me. I’m going at a snail’s pace if it helps keep that altitude sickness at bay.

Surprisingly, Teigan gave me a great hiking tip. As you take each step straighten your leg fully; it will allow your leg muscles to rest for a fraction of a second before you take the next step. It helps on long hikes. I tried it out and go figure, it really does make a difference. I guess they really do learn something in Outdoor Ed at school.
My next steps are to get the rest of my gear, train as much as possible, convince my Dad that people don’t really die up there, and get through the holidays as stress-free as possible. I’ll keep you updated. I’m sure I’m not the only member of the team feeling the crunch. I mean the time crunch - not the sit ups I did last night. Although those are making themselves known today too.
Jennifer

Amani Orphanage: Visiting Marginalized Kids in Moshi, Tanzania

While our 2010 Power To Climb Kilimanjaro adventure is focused on raising awareness and funds for our marginalized kids in British Columbia, we thought it important to also understand and experience the situation of marginalized kids in the country we are visiting. On Monday, January 11th, one day after our climb, we'll be visiting Amani Orphanage in Moshi.

Amani Children’s Home is dedicated to the protection of Tanzania’s most vulnerable population: street-children and AIDS orphans. It is estimated that there are 2.5 million orphaned children in Tanzania.

Since its founding by Tanzanians in 2001, Amani has rescued hundreds of children from the perils of life on the streets, where they face a high risk of HIV transmission, malnutrition, and abuse.

Amani, which means “peace” in Swahili, provides healthy food, education, counseling and medical care for every child who turns to Amani for help.

Believe In Your Own Ability To Fly

Throughout our lives we travel many journeys bereft of solace that these journeys end is where we set out to arrive at in the first place. There can be no doubt that some of these journeys in themselves to some degree, will be within our own control although many will not, as external forces steer us on a path that we struggle to stay off due to the emotional, psychological and sometimes physical cost to our individuality and all that this entails.

Many of us will come to a place on our journeys when we are standing on the edge of the light with nothing but darkness before us. We know we have to move forwards into the darkness and to do this we need to step off into it at some point in time. Stepping into the unknown for many of us can be a frightening experience but we only allow ourselves to do so when we feel we have an inner Faith.

This Faith is based on us knowing that when we step into the darkness one of three things may happen

We fall into oblivion that is the darkness, or there will be something solid to stand on and our journey continues, or we are suddenly gifted with the knowledge and ability to fly.

Either way, it is having Faith in the outcome that you wish to experience that makes us take that first step forward into the darkness before us ignoring learnt prejudices and biases towards that which we fear the most – our own ability to make such decisions and humanity to follow the flow of our ‘heart’ and desires.

Getting to the summit of any mountain is just such a journey that  we may well be confronted with this darkness. Confront it now and leave all self doubt at home.

Believe in your own ability to fly!

Frank Grant

Bonding Hike

I was in Victoria this weekend and asked Donna to join me for a bonding hike up Mt. Work in the Highlands. The fresh air and peace on Mt. Work has given me many insightful hikes in the past and this day was no different. The rain had stopped and the sun started peeking through the clouds, allowing for steam to come off the cold, damp rocks. What a beautiful day it was for November. Not the all to familiar low cloud and dreariness. Donna and I, in a short amount of time, were able to share some genuine personal insights and give each other honest feedback and tips for personal growth, our Kilimanjaro Journey ahead, and life after the big adventure. Time out for such personal reflection and friendship is truly special and I just got reminded of how often I neglect such "me time" living over on the mainland in the 'bigger' city. Thanks for sharing the morning today Donna!

-CS

The Kilimanjaro Journey: An Opportunity to Explore the Inner Self – PART 2

Suggestions to help you get the most out of this unique ‘journey’:

1. Allow your inner self to be present, to shine through the facades you may be wearing so that what you put into the challenge, rewards you in many ways that are irrelevant to others.
2. When you feel/think it is too much and want to give up the challenge, stop feeling sorry for yourself and think of someone you know who has had to overcome real life challenges, and convince yourself that in the same circumstances, you too could overcome the same challenges.
3. Remember that within all of us lies a hidden ‘us’, one that has been made to be different because of external influences and this is an opportunity to allow that inner ‘us’ to live and breath as we want that inner ‘us’ to live and breath.
4. We are all worthy of success, we are all worthy of feeling positive about ourselves and we are all worthy of enjoying our ego emotions both internally and externally.
5. There is no failure to taking up any physical or emotional challenge in life, it is what life is all about. It is not what we do in life that matters but how we do it and what we feel about ourselves afterwards that counts.
6. What you feel on the inside is not necessarily the same as what you feel on the outside, and in this respect you can harbor fear, anxiety and pain but have the potential to use your humanity to overcome these feelings if you accept and acknowledge that you are a wonderful exquisite human being and that success or failure is a natural every day human occurrence.
7. When you feel you have reached the ‘end’ and can no longer go on, remember that nothing is more easier than putting one foot in front of the other, ignoring the external world and having at your side, your inner self.

-Frank Grant

The Kilimanjaro Journey: An Opportunitiy to Explore the Inner Self – PART 1

There can be no doubt, that the quality of life for any individual is a prerequisite for positive change to take place as we travel through our sometimes complex and ever changing life’s journey. Many of us experience a less than perfect childhood development not least as a result of our own parents living their lives with their own barriers, issues and distractions as they too ravel through their own journey of life.

We may experience being told to try harder at school, or to hurry up and get things done, or to do things differently to the way we may feel things should be done, after all, we are constantly told in childhood that ‘adults know best’! All these things coupled with the ‘normal’ throes of having to develop and grow through childhood, adolescence and then into the wide market place where so many of us become bogged down in a rut through no fault of our own, adds to the possibility of individuals suffering issues and barriers which impinge and infiltrate our developing psyche which controls who we are, what we are but just as importantly, how others view us.

As we journey the chaotic, ever changing road of life, sometimes, just sometimes, opportunities come along which allow us to explore this inner self, this psyche which determines and influences who we are and what we are, giving us unique opportunities to think about making changes to our behavior, psyche or life styles. In addition, such opportunities give us chances to come to terms with what we have recently or currently experienced within our lives and which have had some positive or negative impact on our one and only life’s journey.

For me it is the chance to address several ‘dreams I have had for decades - to visit the continent of Africa, to climb or attempt to climb its highest mountain and to make an impact on someone else’s life journey. This opportunity has presented itself in the shape of this charity climb with Power To Be.

I have thought long and hard about how I can prepare myself for this challenge, which whilst I see and accept may well be a physical one, will undoubtedly be an emotional one as well given the fact that it is the first mountaineering expedition I have done since the sudden and unexpected death of my soul mate, best friend, wife and business partner. Coping with grief and living with a major hole in ones life can sometimes be the final straw that does ‘break the camel’s back’ but I have convinced myself that I can and will cope with it unconditionally.

It is this human resolve that we all have, both you and me, that drives us on to overcome those issues and barriers that present themselves to us along our life’s journey. When you feel that the challenge is too big or too demanding of you, remember your darkest hour, that time when you felt that life had nothing positive to give you or that whatever you did would end in failure and think about those whose problems and issues leave your own issues and barriers standing still in a race to find a place on the chart of pain, hurt and hopelessness. Remember your resolve when you overcame something that to you was huge but to others may be insignificant and remember that inside us all lies our inner self that can rise above physical pain and hurt just because it is inside of ourselves and not vulnerable to the outside world, only if we allow it to.

Getting to the top of Kilimanjaro is of course a target, the aim of the charity event, but it is also a unique opportunity to allow yourself to be the real you not the one who hides behind a facade irrespective of whether it is a professional facade which you need to get through your working day, or a personal facade which you need to cope with the interpersonal relationships that sometimes tie us in emotional knots or a personality facade that you hide behind because you cannot be or are not allowed to be the real you.

-Frank Grant

A message from Warren MacDonald

A message from Warren MacDonald - best-selling author, professional keynote speaker, and first double above-knee amputee to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro!

www.warren-macdonald.com

Trial run on Mt. Seymour

Looks like it was team 'Sami' (only Sam & Mike) on Mt Seymour today - but was a great training run nonetheless! Varied terrain and some iced up sections made for a more interesting climb. 3.15 hrs round trip with a 5 min break on the summit to snap some shots!
-MS

Booted!

A great pair of boots is going to be absolutely critical for our journey on Kili. If you don't already have a good pair, for everyone in Van/Vic, I recommend to go to Robinson's in Victoria (one of our sponsors), or if you're unable to make it there, to Mountain Equipment Co-op in Vancouver. It's good to try on at least 3-4 pairs to get a good idea of which feels best - although you'll likely know when you try the right one. Here are my tips when choosing a pair of boots:

- My personal brand preferences are La Sportiva, Scarpa, and Asolo (I have a pair of each)
- For socks, I recommend a thin base layer (they'll point you in the right direction when you go to one of the stores mentioned above), and then a thick wool sock overtop. You'll also want to get a couple spare pairs of each for the seven day journey.
- For enhanced fit, you may want to try replacing the sole that comes with the boots with this one: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442622532&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302734275&bmUID=1256525903703

- When trying on/testing the boots, it's important to test them on an incline (both up and down) - watch for heel slippage on the way up, and toe jamming on the way down (both will cause blisters and toe jamming can cause bruised toenails - if either of these occur, after 5-6 hrs of hiking over multiple days, this can get EXTREMELY painful to the point you will want to hurl the boots off the mountain and never wear them again.
- Your foot should be snug, but not uncomfortably tight. You don't want your foot swimming/shifting around in the boot (will likely cause blisters), or too tight that it cuts off blood circulation in your toes.
- I also recommend a boot with a Vibram sole.

You'll be glad you took the time to find the right pair - it's like being in 4x4 while you're walking!

Check out this link for further info on boots:

http://www.mec.ca/Main/content_text.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673220787&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302886150&bmUID=1256525798893

-MS

Travel Vaccinations: A little Pain for hopefully a lot of gain

So I finally got all my shots done for Tanzania. I decided to go to the Vancouver Travel Clinic rather than my GP as the clinic is totally current and set up for this. They can give the Yellow Fever shots which apparently GPs can't. Since I already had my Hep A & B shots done (recommended) over 10 years ago and they last for life, I "only" needed 4 vaccinations - 2 in each arm. And boy oh boy, were they ever soar by mid next day. I couldn't take my shirt off without help! I'm now set with Typhoid, Meningitis, boosters for Tetanus & Measles and Yellow Fever. They also set me up with an oral vaccine for Travellers' Diarrhea which I can take at home a couple weeks before I leave - figured I don't want to take any chances - imagine on the climb?!?! Better not. In addition, I got prescriptions for Diamox (altitude medication), Malaria and Antibiotics. The Dr. there said that most people get affected with some level of altitude sickness and she personally recommends taking it for the entire climb. While some books recommend to try out the drug before the climb, she says not to worry - I shouldn't have any problems other than maybe tingling in my fingers. I have many friends who've climbed Kili within the past couple of years and the ones that took Diamox seemed to be able to handle the altitude the best. All of them summited but several that didn't take Diamox got quite ill at the summit.

Now while I'm sure it will vary from person to person, I want to recommend that you get your vaccinations done close towards the end of the week or before a slower day. In addition to being sore, I felt extremely exhausted the next day - the type of feeling that you get when you think you're coming down with a cold. The clinic warned me about that but said I'd probably feel it in about a week. We'll see if the Yellow Fever vaccine will kick in then or if this was it...

Next week I'm heading down to see my GP for an overall check up. I've also booked a dentist appointment for cleaning and check-up as I definitely don't want to run into any difficulties while on the mountain...

-CS

Successful ascent of Mt. Cheam!

As part of their training, John, Darren, and friends and family have successfully ascended the 6,925 ft Mt. Cheam! Onwards and upwards!

Power to Visualize

"Imagination gives you the picture. Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own."

- Robert Collier

In my experience, a  key component to achieving goals is through visualization. Specifically, 'creative visualization' or some times called 'sports visualization' is the process of creating a positive mental image or intention of what you want to happen or feel. I put this process to the test over the past two days preparing for a skydive on Oahu's Northern Shore in Hawaii. I am not a fan of heights and have never considered myself a person who would jump out of a plane. A friend suggested the idea and I was open to the opportunity. I used visualization as a tool prior to the jump. I felt the wind on my face, the arch in my back, the rush of taking in a view of the Hawaiian islands from 10,000 feet. It took a little work at first, to really create this mental image. I stretched my arms out, would open and close my eyes and practice. Then I would shake it out and land back into reality where work was waiting and so was the surf.

This morning came jump time. What I experienced was that the visualization exercises provided me with the space to feel calm, despite the nervous energy of those around me. I felt as though I had experienced the jump already, hundreds of times over in my mind. So off we went. I took in the view, noticed the orange bobble on my belt with curiosity, soaked in the black and metal straps of my harness and jumped fair weather from roughly 10,000 - 14,000 feet. I was in awe at the gratitude I felt for landing safely to the ground. Life is amazing. We each have the power to create it, just as we envision it. 

Donna Carrigan and Instructor Chad Sanders

As we prepare to summit Kilimanjaro this visualization can take shape in many ways. Creating a mental image of the climbing route, horizon from the summit, the cold on ones cheeks, a feeling of accomplishment rush through the body. This is up to each individual to determine the most authentic way.

The power of one’s thoughts can be extremely significant, so why don’t more people take advantage of this knowledge? It's hard to prove just how far our thoughts can shape our future, although many authors have encouraged us to consider its importance, including Roald Dahl a children's author who writes in his book, The Twits ,"If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face."  Don't just take my word for it, I encourage you to do some self research and speak to a high performance athletes or business individuals that you admire and hear their experiences with visualization as a foundation for realizing success. I encourage you to read about visualization and see how this tool can best serve you on your journey!

Visualization as per Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_visualization

12 steps to Visualization eHow: http://www.ehow.com/how_2021935_visualize.html

Visualization for Rock Climbing: http://www.rock-climbing-for-life.com/power-of-visualization.html