What are the differences and similarities between climbing Kili and having a baby? To date, probably the most extreme physical activity I have ever been involved in is pushing out a baby – and I think that is something I have in common with very many women. I am now a bit out of practice for that, not having done it for almost 40 years – but the two activities have much in common!
The similarities
- Preparation (including shopping in readiness!) takes several months.
- It is in your head all the time during the build up to the event, and you have to avoid obsessing about it to all in sundry.
- You need to abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol.
- During the actual climb/labour you need to use extreme mental and physical strength for a prolonged period of time – possibly for several days. The ability to “zone out” is useful.
- There can be a lot of weeing and vomiting involved.
- Having done it, you get one of the greatest emotional highs of your life and it is something you will remember for the rest of your days.
The differences:
- The weight goes on during pregnancy, but ideally should come off in preparation for going up Kili (unless one is already thin or a child!).
- You can back out at any point up to the last minute from the climb: no such choice with a baby.
- You need to pile all your clothes on for summiting Kili: they all need to get stripped off for giving birth.
- Once you have got to the top of Kili, you have to turn round and do it all again in reverse. Not an option with a baby!
- You get a good night’s sleep as a reward for the climb, but can’t expect to get one in the foreseeable future after having a baby.
- You might manage to raise money for a good cause by climbing, but birth will result in the haemorrhaging of money for the next few decades.
I am sure there are lots of other similarities and differences: any suggestions?
