As the New Year approaches, I find myself gearing up for an adventurous long weekend with the Ochils Mountaineering Club to the winter wonderland of the Cairngorm Mountains. I look forward to spending Hogmanay and new year with good friends. This weekend is an opportunity to test my physical endurance in preparation for my ambitious endeavor in Iceland where I plan to conquer the Laugavegur and Skogar trails back to back in four days.

Preparing My Body for the Challenges Ahead

My preparation involves more than just packing the right gear; it’s about conditioning my body to withstand the rigors of the climb. I’ve been focusing on stretching my hip flexors, ilium muscles, and psoas to alleviate the discomfort and tightness in my SI joint. This specific regimen is crucial, as my body must be at its optimum to handle the strenuous challenge of climbing three Munros over three days and in the unpredictable weather.

Battling the Elements and Personal Challenges

The weather in the Cairngorms is behaving unpredictably with changing and increasing wind speed up to 50mph on some tops with wind chill as low as -17C. The winds are a formidable adversary, constantly changing and threatening to thwart my plans to summit the Munros.

However, it’s not just the external factors that pose a challenge. I’m currently dealing with the physical and emotional effects of my menstrual cycle. The bloating, water retention, and leg aches add another layer of difficulty to the climb. Despite these setbacks, I remain hopeful that my energy levels will boost in time for the journey.

Considering Alternative Plans

While the primary goal is to mirror my upcoming Iceland adventure, I have a backup plan. The option to winter climb in Coire an t-Sneachda is tempting, should the winds not threaten to blow us off the plateau. I adore this climbing area, but my heart is set on preparing for Iceland. It’s a tough call, but adapting to circumstances is part of the adventure.

Facing New Life Stages with Determination

At this stage in my life, I am coming to terms with the possibility of being in the early stages of perimenopause. This new phase brings its own set of challenges, both physically and mentally. It’s a transition that requires adaptation and resilience, qualities that I’ve honed through my mountaineering experiences.

Overcoming Societal Perceptions and Personal Reluctance

There’s a common misconception that when women face challenges in mountaineering, it’s solely due to physical limitations. However, factors like menstrual cycles and hormonal changes play a significant role. In my case, the combination of menstruation and potentially perimenopause presents unique challenges that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

This misunderstanding can sometimes make me reluctant to join group expeditions. It’s a struggle to balance the desire for companionship with the fear of being judged or misunderstood.

Embarrassment from excessive sweating, muscle fatigue setting in quickly, headaches, cold sensitivity, uncomfortable and restrictive clothes tighter from water retention and brain fog are all a hinderance to my performance.

Breaking the Taboo: Talking About Women’s Health in Sports

A significant barrier in women’s sports is the lack of open conversation and understanding about how menstrual cycles and hormonal changes affect athletic performance. This silence often leads to misconceptions and a lack of support for women who are trying to balance their passion for sports with their bodily changes.

I believe it’s crucial to foster an environment where these topics are openly discussed. Sharing experiences and knowledge can lead to better support systems and a deeper understanding of the unique challenges women face in sports.

Looking Forward with Optimism

Despite the uncertainties and challenges, my spirit remains undaunted. I am ready to embrace whatever this adventure throws at me, be it the fierce winds of the Cairngorms or the personal battles I face. It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and embracing the beauty of nature in its most raw form.

As I prepare for this expedition, I am reminded of the strength and adaptability that mountaineering has instilled in me. These experiences are not just about reaching the summit; they’re about the journey, the challenges, and the growth that comes with each step. Here’s to a New Year filled with adventure, learning, and overcoming the odds, no matter what form they may take.