2020 and 2021 have certainly been years where fitness regimes have changed. As the world grounded to a halt over the global coronavirus pandemic, gyms, swimming pools and other indoor exercise venues were shuttered. Personal trainers were suddenly unable to meet their clients face to face and had to resort to online training regimes.
Out of this hiccup, new challenges took root. One of the new exercise challenges to be popularised is “Everesting”.
What is Everesting?
Everesting which takes its name from the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, is a challenge that requires one to ascend and descend a hill as quickly as possible as long as the total you run or cycle is 8,848 metres in height (the elevation of the famed Mount Everest). Note that the key to this challenge is the altitude, not the distance.
While this challenge may sound physically daunting, it has taken fitness enthusiasts by storm because it can literally be done at any time and on your own, as long as you can find a hill. It can also be any hill as well. The lower the hill, the more times you have to ascend and descend! Theoretically simple enough.
Given its relative flexibility, this is the perfect lockdown fitness challenge. In a time where we are unable to physically meet up at ease, Everesting also provides a means for people to form a community online.
To take part, all running and biking activity must be logged on Strava, a mobile app and website for runners and cyclists.
Runners and riders must reach 8,848 metres of gain in one single climb of any distance on the same road (or in the case of runners, any track, mountain, staircase, bridge etc). Entrants are allowed to stop but this will be factored into results so the less you rest, the more chance you have of winning. If riders decide to push on past 8,848 metres and reach 10,000 metres, they will automatically qualify for the 10K ride. Electric and recumbent bikes are not allowed, except in special circumstances.
Running and bike activity must be logged on Strava, unless you take part in virtual Everesting, which must be logged on Zwift or RGT. Runners and riders must reach 8,848 metres of gain in one single climb of any distance on the same road (or in the case of runners, any track, mountain, staircase, bridge etc). Entrants are allowed to stop but this will be factored into results so the less you rest, the more chance you have of winning. If riders decide to push on past 8,848 metres and reach 10,000 metres, they will automatically qualify for the 10K ride. Electric and recumbent bikes are not allowed, except in special circumstances.
There is also virtual Everesting, which must be logged on Zwift, an indoor cycling app or RGT (an indoor training app).
Potential Pitfalls
This is a gruelling challenge that requires high levels of fitness. Prior training before taking up the challenge is advised.
As always, please seek professional medical advice and guidance before embarking on this challenge.
