My great friend, client and Ex-Dubai resident Adriana Angelova, has just recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to climb Mount Toubkal- North Africa’s highest mountain (rising an impressive 4000m above sea-level).

Now safely back in Bulgaria, yet clearly still buzzing from the experience, I asked her to write a little bit about her training and preparation, what it was like experiencing altitude for the first time and how it feels to set, and achieve- impressive fitness goals in your 50s…

Adriana has always liked to challenge herself, and a solo trip to Marrakesh to ascend Toubkal, at the very start of the climbing season was certainly that. “I’ve always wanted to visit Morocco and while I was researching the trip, I saw some guided expeditions to climb Toubkal. To be honest- it looked pretty doable… Now I’ve been however, I think most of the Instagram narratives couldn’t be further from the truth,” she says.

“Of course, I did lots of research before booking, but as we all know, weather conditions are not something anyone can predict. In fact, it was so unseasonably bad when I arrived in Marrakesh, it looked like all Atlas Mountain trips would be postponed for that particular week.”

Having grown up in a small town in Bulgaria’s Balkan Mountains, Adriana is no stranger to tough ascents and harsh winters, however this was to be her first major climb overseas, her first time climbing within a group of strangers and of course, her first ascent at altitude (ascending over 3000-plus metres which seriously affects climbers’ both physically and mentally.)

As a secondary school maths teacher Adriana’s life is always full, yet she manages to stay active.

 “I try to move on a daily basis, doing things like gardening or walking the dog, plus a long hike every weekend if the weather permits. Unfortunately, prior to my Morocco trip we had a brutally cold and lengthy winter, so I hiked much less than I had hoped… so instead I focused on getting movement in where ever I could- climbing the stairs at school, walking to and from the shops etc, plus I was following the training program from Cursty.”

Adriana contacted me with just 10 weeks before her climb, and after a detailed discussion on the specifics of the climb, and her own fitness levels, I created an online and individualised programme somewhat similar to that required for a low-intensity/multi-day ultra-race. I focused primarily on building time on feet, plus hiking-specific progressive resistance training, with loads of balance and mobility- all centred around a weekly ‘long hike.’ Knowing Adriana would be experiencing altitude for the first time, I also encouraged full pre-training blood tests and several additional supplements.

Adriana says, “I was aware that I was going to need a climb specific training program but didn’t really have much idea what exactly this would entail. So, I reached out to Cursty who not only knows my abilities, but also has experience in creating plans for various different endurance events.”

“Cursty’s program was great, I could actually feel it increasing my flexibility and felt my movements getting more fluid, smoother and more controlled.”

After a long work day, it can be tough finding the drive to get out and hike, especially in cold/harsh weather, but Adriana says she found the act of goal setting really motivating.

“I would visualise myself at the top of the Atlas Mountains, and thought about how incredible it would feel… then I’d stick my head down and just get on with the programme… as I felt myself improving it motivated me to upgrade everything, from fine tuning my diet, to focusing on better recovery and getting great sleep.”  

“I worked through the online programme and it felt like no time before I was boarding a plane for Morocco. I had signed up with GetYourGuide and our group was six other people, plus our two young guides. Initially the weather was terrible and I thought we wouldn’t be going. But a brief lull in conditions allowed the guides to plan a rapid ascent. After a short bus ride to the village of Imlil, 1800 m above sea level, we checked our equipment and rented the items we couldn’t/didn’t bring, such as crampons, helmets, and snow boots, then packed up and started the ascend to the mountain hut located at 3200m.

“The rocky ascent was approximately 15km and took around six hours to complete. At around the 3000m mark, the terrain got tougher and we started seeing glaciers. Eventually we reached the hut for a few much needed hours of rest before the final push to the summit. At 3.45am we were off again, on the final 5km trail to the peak. This last section required crampons and was by far the most difficult part of the climb for me- the altitude was affecting my body and it was genuinely tough keeping-up with the rest of the group who were in their 20s and 30s.”

“We only spent around five-minutes at the summit- given it was minus-15 degrees and exceedingly windy… it was incredible… like being on top of the world. At this point I did feel a little dizzy, however there was no headache so I was given the all clear. The descent was really not much easier and yet it seemed to pass relatively quickly, exhausted we just followed what the guides told us to do and somehow we were back to meet the bus to Marrakesh.”

Know More:
Get Inspired: Discover 5 incredible women you should be following today: here
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Just Getting Started? Discover 4 amazing UAE hikes to get you moving mountains: here

Now fully recovered and back in Bulgaria, Adriana says that while she loved the experience, if she were to do it again though, she wouldn’t opt for the ‘Express climb’ option. “I realise now there’s no need to rush the experience. Although I completed the climb in two-days, it was tough and it’s taken a while to feel fully recovered, plus I feel I didn’t fully comprehend the whole adventure. Next time I will slow down, marvel at the surroundings and enjoy it all,” she says.

Although she doesn’t have a plan for her next international expedition, (or she’s not telling me, yet!) She does say she will be maintaining her current fitness level. “At this age it’s tougher for sure… especially with a demanding job and active social life, but it is possible… I just make it a non-negotiable… always have a goal in mind…I’ll continue with the fitness programme from Cursty and walk whenever I can with friends and/or my dog!”

And, her advice to other budding 50-plus female mountaineers, thinking about their first experience of altitude, and climbing in a different country and culture? “Do your research, know what to expect, and train your butt-off for it, plus make sure you’re in great health.”

“Also, it isn’t safe or sensible climbing in high altitudes alone, so get friendly and join a small group. Also, think about your packing… what do you really need? What can you rent? There is no room to carry unnecessary stuff.”

“At the end you might be filthy, dusty and tired, but nobody cares. You are unstoppable!”

If you would like to know more about my personalised endurance coaching programmes for women 45+, both online and in person, message me:curstyptsharjah@gmail.com.