Page 33 - 2021 AMA Summer

Sam Marshall is an AMA and Alpine Club member. He has climbed on every continent, made first ascents a seldom visited remote and inhospitable part northeast Greenland and taken part in or lead numerous Himalayan climbing trips including the technical Southeast Ridge of Makalu as well as Mera Peak,
Island Peak, Kusum Kanguru, Tharpu Chuli, Singu
Chuli and Hiunchuli. He now owns and runs
Monkey Mountaineering and works as a freelance mountaineering and climbing instructor for JSMTC.
i n of
should pass urine on a more regular basis than normal and it should be clear. If this isn’t the case, then drink more.
Altitude can reduce your appetite, but it is really important to ensure you eat as much as you can at each mealtime. A lack of energy will affect your ability to acclimatise.
Keep warm. If you are cold, your body has to work harder to warm you up. If it is having to work hard to keep you warm it can’t focus on the acclimatisation process. So, put on that jacket when you take a break and make sure you are warm in the evenings so that you can get good sleep.
FIVE – MENTAL PREPARATION
There’s no doubt your journey from Lukla to the summit of Mera Peak will be challenging and to be honest, at times it’ll be pretty tough. There’s lots of factors at play here and if this is your first time on a mountain of this size then self-doubt will be in there somewhere.
But, if you have followed this plan, then you can have the confidence that the itinerary has been well thought out. You can be reassured that you have the required level of fitness and the right clothing and equipment to protect yourself from the elements and, you’ll be able to draw on your previous experience of travelling at altitude and employ appropriate behaviour to help you acclimatise.
This plan is designed to help with your mental preparation and to reduce any anxiety you might have. All that remains is for you to endure any hardships that you encounter. Remember, so long as the
conditions are favourable and you are well acclimatised, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t reach the summit. Don’t be the one to give up and turn back, because you’ll kick yourself once everyone returns from the summit.
To help you, keep these two things in mind; ‘all the things worth achieving
in life take effort’
and ‘everyone else is experiencing the same
things as
you – stick with it – you’ll make it and it’s definitely worth it’.
Climbing Mera Peak is totally achievable but like all mountains, Mera shouldn’t be underestimated. Standing on the summit and drinking in those fantastic views is exhilarating but it only comes to those
who prepare. Follow this simple five-point plan to give yourself
the best chance of success.
ARMY MOUNTAINEER / 33