Rise & Wander by Karla Amador of the 52 Hike Challenge

In this episode I am going over my packing tips, what to expect when you get to Tanzania and recapping days 1 through 5 of the trek. I share about the music that came alive every morning at camp, the pouring rain we encountered, the Baranco Wall experience, glorious star gazing, and the day we finally saw the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I also share how I honored the life of my dear friend and 52 Hike Challenge community member, Erin, on this trek.

In this episode I'm sharing a little bit about the Kilimanjaro crew and their stories. I'm about to get into a recap of the trip and it only felt right to introduce you to the participants so you had a little context.

In this episode I am going over medical considerations of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. As you know, Mt. Kilimanjaro is up at 19,341 feet and there are some things you'll need to consider so you can summit safely.

Learn about:

• Vaccination considerations

• Medication available for altitude sickness and more

• Mountain illnesses

• Caring for yourself with vitamins and food

• Getting an assessment from your doctor

• Breathing and meditating

• Self care

• Stretching and more!

Link to O2 Boost Supplement:

https://o2boost66.com/products/o2boost-oxygen-supplement

Join me for a conversation about the gear you'll need to consider when climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Learn about:

• All the clothing items you'll need to consider bringing

• Importance of a good rain jacket (waterproof vs water resistant)

• Some of my favorite brands and clothing staples + actual models names of what I used

• Accessories to consider

• Footwear

• Why you may want to invest into new gear

• Staying clean on the trek and much more!

Links:

Nikwax: How to Re-Waterproof your gear video

Magma puffy

Mountain Hardwear Rain Jackets

Outdoor Research Echo hoodie

REI Sahara Shade Hoodie

Outdoor Research Ferossi pants

Oboz Footwear

Duffel Bags

Nikwax

Multifunction Headwear

Join me for episode 3 of the Rise & Wander Podcast. In today's episode I am covering the training you will need to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro or similar high points.

Some things I'll cover include:

• Sample training plan

• Importance of recovery, stretching, and rest

• Breaking in your footwear and training with your pack

• Snacks and eating when training

• Training at altitude and why it's important

• How I trained and more!

Join me for episode 2 of Rise and Wander season 2 on hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro!

In today's episode I am discussing all things logistics. We will go over:

• Picking your climbing dates

• Picking a guide

• Question to ask your guide

• Airport and lodging considerations

• Adding on a safari

• Tipping

• How your route will affect your training plan

• Weather considerations

• Visas & passports

• And more!

Join me for Season 2 of the Rise & Wander Podcast. This Season is focused on my experience and tips on hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro.

In this first episode I am sharing:

• Why I chose this goal

• How I brought a community of hikers to go on the journey with me

• The power of intention

• Why a goal like Mt. Kilimanjaro is about the journey and not the summit

• Routes on Mt. Kilimanjaro and why we choose the Macheme route

• Why having being in community helped us to reach our end goal and more

Links:

AdventureTripr: https://adventuretripr.com

52 Hike Challenge: www.52HikeChallenge.com

My last episode of the Rise & Wander podcast season one is now out! But, I have GREAT news, the podcast will continue and next season is all about hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro. So stay tuned for that!

In this episode I will be talking about:

• The importance of integrating lessons, learnings, and why I suggest journaling and reflection.
• Why trusting and listening to our inner guidance (intuition and inklings) is a gift.
• The importance of gratitude for our experiences.
• Being gentle and kind on the journey - for the good and bad and how the process of turning these moments into gold.

P.S. I am also sharing the song that came to me on the Camino.

In this episode I am sharing what I wish I knew before I stepped foot on the Camino Portuguese. Plus, get my Camino prayer! Here are a few things I will go over:

• Why I would like to try the camino as a traditional pilgrim and stay in Albergues the next time

• Why I recommend having flexibility when doing the Camino, rather than a set schedule

• Why you should research things to do in each town you'll stay at and more

In this episode I am going to share the authentic story of why this walk was so transformative for my mom and I. I share about the tumultuous past relationship I had with her. How I went from anger and frustration to laughing, bonding, and finding forgiveness on our Camino and so much more!

Here are some additional discussion points:

• Why your intention on hiking the Camino is important

• Being honest, authentic, and why advocating for yourself and speaking your truth matters

• Why connecting with your hosts and those serving you should be on the agenda

• People and friends made on the trail

• Why celebrating little wins matter

• And more

I hope that this podcast shows you that we can heal challenging relationships.*

*On a side note, in reviewing the podcast I have come to realize that I too could have done a better job at clarifying with my mom when she was being slow, instead of making up a story that she was being inconsiderate. I am ever evolving and growing and would like to offer a new perspective, "seek to understand." Since the recording of this episode, I have learned the importance of asking clarifying questions, rather than making assumptions.