No it doesn’t involve our much-loved and iconic obstacle Everest (unfortunately). Everesting is an endurance fitness trend that started in the world of cycling. More recently though it’s been embraced by runners. The concept is as simple as they come. Find a hill and cycle or run up and down it until you’ve climbed 8,848 metres – the height of the biggest mountain in the world: Everest.
Why is Everesting Getting so Popular?
It’s no doubt partly down to lockdown that Everesting has gained so many participants over the last year. With gyms closed, events cancelled and most of us confined to our local neighbourhoods it’s been difficult to find physical challenges to push ourselves with. In 2020 Strava saw a 600% increase in Everesting cycle attempts.
How do I get Involved in Everesting?
Since its explosion onto the fitness scene Everesting challenges have sprung up all over the world, for cyclists and runners alike. Professional athletes have been attempting to get the fastest times – but that doesn’t mean us amateurs can’t have a go. Tough Mudder has their very own Everest Milestone, which is part of the virtual Tough Mudder Challenges.
Our Milestone is a little different to traditional Everesting though. Sign up for the Everest Milestone and you’ll have until the end of the year to gain the elevation, making it a lot more accessible. And if Everest is sounding a little daunting, the Pyramid Scheme and Mudderhorn Milestones require less elevation but are still an incredible achievement.
How to prepare for Everesting
Whether you want to take on the original Everesting challenge or the Tough Mudder Milestone, it’s a serious amount of elevation that you should prepare for. You’ll want to train properly and take particular notice of hill running tips and advice. Head to the Tough Mudder Challenges Facebook Group if you’re looking for a little moral support and advice from those who are already taking on the Everest Milestone.
