Let me start off today’s post by saying how disgusted I am that it is only September 4 and my furnace has kicked on twice since yesterday. Really? It was set to come on at 65, so the temps are dropping fast. Wah wah wah. Summer, come BACK!
End of rant.
On a far more positive note, the KiliSistas have been very fortunate in that we have sponsors! I wanted to take some time and devote a whole blog post to these companies, because they have made The Badger’s training so much more pleasant, and it will continue as we climb the mountain. Therefore, without further ado, please give a nice round of applause to our sponsors. Better yet, support them with your pocketbook. I am not asking for any donations for this climb, but I would be delighted if you supported our sponsors for their generosity in making things a little nicer for us. 🙂
TASC PERFORMANCE https://www.tascperformance.com/
#tascperformance #tasclife
tasc has generously provided our base layers for the climb, which will come in most handy when we hit summit night in the Arctic climate zone. Here is a very serious picture of The Badger modeling the tasc quarter zip, which I highly recommend (someone even put #KiliClimb2016 on the sleeve!):
BODY BLISS SEDONA http://www.bodybliss.com/
#bodyblisssedona
I was not familiar with Body Bliss before the hike, but now I’m a big fan. They sent us a really nice care package with the following items. All are geared towards worn out, tired bodies. I especially love the lip balm, which I carry in my day pack at all times, and the soothing muscle salve, which does the trick after a hard hike. The Neroli hydrosol mist is the BEST thing to spray on a hot, sweaty face after a good workout. Can you say “refreshing?” Yes!!! It’s very calming. Thanks, Body Bliss!
TOMMIE COPPER http://www.tommiecopper.com/corp-wellness?frontend_message
#tommiecopper
This is another product I hadn’t heard of, but since receiving my gear, I’ve used every bit of it. They sent us compression wear for feet, ankles, knees, calves, elbows, and also leggings. In particular, I have found the foot sleeves to be very helpful, as my arches ALWAYS hurt. After I slip them on, the pain ebbs. I love the calf sleeves and the hiking socks as well. I am going to spare you a photo of my foot or leg in a compression device, but check out their website and pick up some swag. I will also be wearing their stuff on the airplane ride to Africa–doctor’s orders! 🙂
NO BARRIERS USA http://www.nobarriersusa.org/
#nobarriersusa #nobarrierswarriors
I had the privilege of participating in a No Barriers event in June at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado. This is one of the finest organizations I’ve ever come across. Let’s just say they help SO MANY people live fulfilling lives, and my entire time at Copper Mountain filled me with inspiration. Here’s their mission statement:
Our mission is to unleash the potential of the human spirit. Through transformative experiences, tools and inspiration, we help people embark on a quest to contribute their absolute best to the world. In the process, we foster a community of curious, brave and collaborative explorers who are determined to live the No Barriers Life.
Some of these folks got the pleasure of racing up a bona fide mountain when they are normally confined to a wheelchair. There were amputees out there, too, including the AWESOME Kyle Maynard, who has already blazed a trail up Kilimanjaro despite being a quadruple amputee!!! Recently he appeared in a Nike commercial and kicked ass in typical Kyle fashion. He is the epitome of UNSTOPPABLE. You may have seen the commercial air during the freakin’ OLYMPICS! http://news.nike.com/news/unlimited-will-kyle-maynard
I also had the privilege of hiking with Erik Weihenmayer, the only blind person to have ever summited Everest. Our expedition guide, Jeff Evans, helped lead him there. Talk about inspiration! Incidentally, Erik’s wife, Ellie, is one of my fellow climbers!
Our pack leader, Heather Thomson, is a No Barriers ambassador, as are other members of our team. We also have some climbers who are No Barriers warriors. It is my great privilege to be climbing with these strong folks and to be involved with No Barriers. They do really good work. Please support them.
Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer http://dazzledry.com/
#dazzledry
Since receiving my care package of Dazzle Dry, I’ve used it repeatedly. One of the unfortunate byproducts of hiking is embattled, torn up feet. There is nothing better than a nice pedi to make those feet look presentable again, and fast-drying Dazzle Dry is the cherry on the sundae. Check out my RED nail polish below. Have you ever seen a purtier pair of feet stickin’ outta a pair of gaiters and hiking pants? I think not. Certainly they will have a nail spa on Kili so we can stop and get mani/pedis. (Ha–I would be happy for a vault toilet, but THAT ain’t gonna happen.)
CSI globalVcard https://www.csiglobalvcard.com/
#csiglobalvcard
One of our climbers, Heather Stone, graciously obtained some cool cash money from CSI globalVcard, for which I am very grateful. I used the funds to purchase a very nice pair of rain pants, which I hope I won’t need. But if I do, I’m telling you–I will be dry. (Note: I plan to glissade on those babies down Mount St. Helens next year.)
Babor https://us.babor.com/~run/
#babor
I recently heard that a care package from Babor cosmetics is on its way! I don’t have anything specific to report, but thanks in advance to Babor for pitching in. I can’t wait to get my goodie bag.
I also thank Mountain Partners, CloudVeil Mountainworks, and mobeego Energy Drink for their generous support. Oh, and I understand that a pair of Ugg camp shoes are on their way!
I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone. If I have, I will update.
Onward and UPWARD!
-Badger
