About the Trek
On the 5th September 2019 I will join a small group of fellow travellers and depart London for Cusco, Peru. We will be trekking from the town of Cusco all the way to Machu Picchu over the course of 10 days. 

Our route will be a rarely used Inca highway, a well kept secret which takes us through some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Starting in the heart of the Urubamba Valley as we follow in the footsteps of the Incas, passing snow capped mountains and glacial peaks.

Our days will be spent up to 10 hours a day hiking at altitudes of up to 4650m. By night time we will be making camp at small settlements in the mountains and valleys of Peru.

Why for Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's is a terrible disease that robs those affected of their cherished memories of life and loved ones. It often means that suffers must be moved away from their friends and family to unfamiliar surroundings. Alzheimer’s Society do an amazing job to ensure that those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, and are able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.

On this difficult trek I hope to be creating some of the most amazing memories of my life. For this reason I decided to use it as an opportunity to support those that are loosing their life long memories.

My Training
Cusco is at an altitude of 3400 meters, and the trek takes us as high as 4650m, this is classed as very high altitude. At that altitude the amount of oxygen you get per breath is almost half that of what it is at sea level. Not only does this make long days hiking all the more difficult, it also comes with a high risk of suffering from acute mountain sickness.

To ensure I can complete the trek and minimise the risk of becoming ill I need to be as fit as possible by the time I go. Having worked behind a desk for the last 10 years I have a lot of work to do to prepare for this experience.

In January 2019 I began a 12 week intensive personal training session to begin increasing my fitness levels, focusing primarily on cardio. Over the coming months I will be gradually increasing my workouts and pushing myself to the absolute limit every week. 

As my fitness improves I will be moving my training to room that removes oxygen to simulate running at a height of 3000m.