Volume 36, Number 13
March 27, 2011
Peak Conditioning
It’s called the Roof of Africa.
Characterized by three distinctive cones, Mt. Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano in northeastern Tanzania. It’s the highest mountain on the continent, rising almost six kilometres (3.6 miles) into the air. Preparing to climb Kilimanjaro is a lot like reaching our full potential in life.
For starters, experts agree a successful Kilimanjaro climb begins with choosing the right route. There are six ways to the summit and, since a climb is costly, it’s tempting to go with the cheapest ones, which are also the shortest. But a quick ascent leaves climbers open to deadly altitude sickness, which depends, not just on how high you go, but also on how fast you get there. By taking the long way to the top, the body adjusts much better, improving odds of a successful finish.
Choosing the right guide is also essential. Operators who cut corners on food, gear and other supplies don’t have the best interest of their climbers at heart, and they don’t care if clients reach the top. On Kilimanjaro, entrusting your life to an uncaring guide can be fatal.
Choosing the right training is the next requirement. Though most climbers prepare for Kilimanjaro with fitness training in the comfort of the gym, that’s not enough. A better plan is to train several hours a day by walking in uneven country, for several days, preferably at higher altitudes.
And choosing the right pace is just as vital. “Pole, pole!” is Kiswahili for “slow and steady” which is how everything happens on the mountain. Rookie climbers are astonished at how slow guides make them walk, until the effects of altitude set in. Racing to catch or outdistance others is disastrous because it squanders precious energy.
Ironically, young, male climbers have the lowest success rate among climbers. That’s because they rely on their fitness, go fast to stay ahead of others, and don’t feel the strain when they get sick.
The last key to success is to choose the right pack. Lots of water and high-carb foods are vital, along with lights and batteries and warm gear to ward off hypothermia. But the secret is to take only what you need. Every extra kilo uses extra oxygen and extra energy.
The parallels to a successful life are obvious. Since we’re spiritual beings at our core, the most effective route to satisfaction and significance is through the heart of God and the mind of Christ, a trek that takes the long way and refuses to compromise through short cuts.
Ego-centred social climbers who try to go too far, too fast risk absolute ruin. Important things like relationships, purpose in life and even spirituality take time and cost us much in terms of energy, vulnerability and hard-won maturity. Those who take the quick way to the top, bypassing rules and responsibility, pay dearly.
Often it’s because they choose the wrong guide to begin with. And make no mistake, we all follow someone or something. I’m constantly amazed at how many people embrace the values and direction of others who care nothing about them, just for the sake of fitting in or not falling out with those calling the shots. David had it right when he prayed, “Show me the right path, Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me... My hope is in you.” (Psalm 25:4,5)
For that kind of journey, we have to train in the real world. It’s not enough to learn about God in the security of our churches and simulate a life of service, we must learn from God in the trenches and stimulate a life of service. Only then can He lead us higher.
While those who rely on themselves race to overtake the competition, we must discipline ourselves to go slow and steady, following our Guide and finding the right priorities for our energy and resources. Better to start slow and finish strong than not finish at all.
So be prepared for the entire trip. Find strength, illumination and warmth in the provisions of the Spirit and travel light, unencumbered by the things that won’t do you any good when you need help the most. The summit awaits. See you on the roof.
By Rick Gamble. Published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the followers of Christ congregation in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications. To subscribe to this free weekly article, send a request to info@followers.ca