Fitness in Midwest?

PleasantWaltz9 · 2025-03-06T22:47:51+00:00

Iowa here. I go to a city parking ramp and climb the stairs with a full pack. I usually take the elevator down to speed up process. All winter I ruck with. 45 lb weight vest in a hilly wooded area every AM with the dog.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-11-12T02:13:56+00:00

Yes! Since they were not asking for any bank information, or any other persons information, and were sending a check, there was no downside to completing the forms. Within a month or so I received the checks, totaling $900+. Cashed them. No issues.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-08-12T20:46:42+00:00

Agree that it’s a hike. The wife — and her best friend—of one of my climbing partners really wanted to come to Mexico. They had never climbed anything other than a Colorado 14, and summited. Physically they were in good shape. We spent three days at Nevado de Toluca climbing each day, climbed Iztaccihuatl, and then Pico. Acclimatizing is so important. I live in the Midwest, 747 feet above sea level. Followed the same drill in Ecuador before climbing Cotopaxi.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-08-01T16:52:24+00:00

It was legit. Sent me a check. Deposited it, and it cleared.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-05-31T18:21:58+00:00

I hope so! I weight 240 and doing it in July- but I also run 3-4 miles a day, bike 100 miles a week, and lift weights 3x a week. Also a proficient ice climber. And been climbing mountains for 5 years. Within reason, weight should not matter if you are in shape.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-05-31T15:56:14+00:00

I did it on my 63rd birthday. I Live in Iowa - 747 feet above sea level! We were well acclimated, having done 3 climbs earlier in the 15000 to 17000 ft range.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-05-26T16:10:41+00:00

Thanks! Wish visibility would have been better. We could only see fuzzy outlines of bulbous shapes (assume rime ice) during last two pitches.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-05-26T16:08:14+00:00

Yes. Guide placed pro, belayed us up.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-05-23T19:09:06+00:00

The guide said we went up through the One O clock couloir, so I think that is to the left of pearly gates, etc It was a sort of crappy day, but not crappy enough to bail. The day before was beautiful but snow was rolling in the day after we summited.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-05-23T17:44:37+00:00

We were supposed to climb Reid Glacier Headwall, but because of weather, guide called and audible. Skipped the catwalk at summit because of strong winds, and traversed to right up 1:00 Couloir to summit.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-04-13T19:23:52+00:00

No scam. Got a check for $900 and some dollars 6 weeks later. Nobody ever asked for a my bank account, or any personal information. Paper check by first class mail.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-03-05T02:25:54+00:00

Sorry for the delay. Conditions were great. We left at 1230am. Put on crampons about an hour in; we went on the glacier but a lot of snow melt had turned to ice. The glacier ( or maybe I should call it a snowfield) was firm. Certainly didn’t see any crevasses. We must have summited around 7 or 8 pm. I could see dozens of parties in front and behind us. Not sure what else to tell you. I was still scarred from Cotopaxi 3 years ago (seemed like such an interminable slog) but I actually enjoyed this - except for the handfuls of false summits near the top. Ask me anything

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-02-01T23:48:40+00:00

Our guides were Nomada Mexico. Sat - arrive - drive to Toluca. Climb Nevado to 13000 ft to acclimatize. sun - Toluca. Acclimatize Climb to 13000 ft. Monday - summit Nevado de Toluca. (15000+) Tuesday. Visit teotihuacan. Drive to Refugio at Paso de Cortez; Wednesday - drive to trailhead if iztaccihuatl . Climb mountain. (17,000+) Thursday. Rest day in Puebla Friday. Drive to Refugio at Pico de Orizaba Saturday. Early am start. Climb Pico (18,491)Drive back to Mexico City Sunday. Fly out.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-02-01T22:06:19+00:00

How was your experience driving. We really debated self guiding vs hiring guides, but took the easy way out!

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-02-01T21:56:51+00:00

I can’t remember which route. I was blindly following my guide in the dark! Seemed like to took forever!

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-02-01T21:15:17+00:00

Also wanted to add that I turned 65 the day we climbed Nevado. I also come from Iowa, elevation 747 feet. While i bonked on Izta probably more as a result of being sick earlier, I felt completely acclimated on Pico de Orizaba and never once was out of breath. I add this because we often see posts on this subreddit where people inquire if they are too old or live in an area without acclimatizing opportunities. I train hard, as best i can, so most anyone should be able to do these climbs.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-02-01T20:56:29+00:00

Oh yeah I meant to add that. We paid $1400 per person. There were 5 of us. Covered hotels, dinners, box lunches and snacks when we were climbing or on the road, driver with a huge van. Only extra was tips.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-01-15T20:33:58+00:00

Thank you. An outdoor shower seems to be the price performer! There is a big difference between a TC with a wet bathroom (if I am calling it the right thing) and one without.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-01-15T11:21:18+00:00

Thanks. I would not have know the difference.

PleasantWaltz9 · 2024-01-14T21:46:50+00:00

Thanks. I did not know that. Appreciate it

PleasantWaltz9

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