Love for thrilling adventure

Helen Kinuthia

Helen Kinuthia, 26, a Physical Education teacher, has always loved adventure. Winning a stiff competition to be selected for the Everest Expedition was no coincidence. She told JOAN BARSULAI what she is doing in readiness for the gruelling hike that will make her the first African woman to attempt the feat

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Nairobi to a British mother and a Kenyan father. My father is retired while my mother is a teacher.

What piqued your interest in adventure?

It started when I was in high school. I participated in a lot of activities, including beaming skills, water rafting and sailing. To sum up a thrilling climactic finish, I undertook a final expedition at Mt Kenya in 2002. I successfully completed these events that were part of the President’s award scheme and was awarded gold in my category. I also worked in an orphanage while at it. I guess you can say this laid a foundation for my athletic abilities.

Where did this lead?

After high school in 2004, I wanted to see what was out there in the world, so I went to University of Brighton in the United Kingdom and undertook a degree in Sports Exercise Science (such was my passion for sports and adventure). As part of my training, I also took part in military training and gained plenty of gruelling outdoor infantry skills. Being under such stringent conditions forced me to challenge myself.

After college in 2007, I worked in London for two years. I did business development and I hated it. I decided to try teaching, a profession that runs in my family. I was trying to find my footing at the time, so I moved to South Korea in 2009, where I taught English for two and a half years.

What was the change of pace like for you?

I loved it, because while I was there, I was able to return to my passion for adventure. I did a lot of snowboarding and rock climbing. I moved to Georgia last year and taught English for a while there.  After globe-trotting for a bit, I moved back to Kenya early this year where I taught Physical Education in both the primary and secondary schools at an international school in Nairobi.

I love this job, first because I am in touch with physical activities and secondly because children are very enthusiastic; it takes quite a bit of energy to handle them. It is quite rewarding to direct their future.

Let’s now shift focus to Everest. When did you first catch wind of this expedition?

Early this year, Toby Storie-Pugh, the founder of the Kenya Everest Expedition, announced on his website that he was searching for a Kenyan candidate to climb Mt Everest with him in March 2014, in an effort to raise funding for the Flying Kites Leadership Academy, which is based in Njabini, South Kinangop. The organisation provides a home and an education to orphaned and destitute children from the area.

There were 150 Kenyan competitors and the interviews were grueling. Toby, together with Sibusiso Vilane, the world’s first black man to climb the Everest, conducted the interviews and analyses. The tests culminated in a four-day hike up Mt Kenya by the finalists together with Toby in July. I made the cut.

How do you feel about becoming a finalist?

I am extremely thrilled. It is indeed a dream come true for me.

Aren’t you nervous? Several climbers have died on the slopes and 150 bodies have never been recovered.

Of course I am nervous. I have fears about not making it. I have read about how terrifying and real hypothermia is up there. The ever-present dangers of frostbite are in your face all the time and the risk of dying is very real.

What are you hoping to achieve from this?

I want to see how far I can push myself. I would also like to know how far my mind can go. The climb will be a mental challenge more than anything else. As one gets to the peak, because of oxygen levels, the mind can go completely numb and all you do from then on is move in rehearsed motions. That is why sufficient practice is crucial. I want to do this for the Flying Kites charity as well. I want the children from Flying Kites to know that they can do this or anything else when they get older.

What does your daily schedule entail?

I usually train for a few hours either before or after work during the weekdays. Weekends involve longer training sessions, which at the moment is long bicycle rides and rock climbing.

Are you dating?

Yes I am, and he is excited for me. He is very supportive in all my ventures.

What else are you doing in readiness for the Everest climb in 2014?

I am working on improving my cardiovascular endurance and will also be building up muscular endurance and strength. Toby and I will be climbing Aconcagua in Argentina and a few other high altitude mountains. These are some of the world’s highest peaks, and they will give us a good insight into what to expect and how our bodies may function up Mt Everest.

It costs at least $40,000 (Sh3.4 million) to cover the cost of equipment, gear and clothing, not to mention the Sherpa (guides). How do you plan to fund the trip?

We are soliciting for funding from sponsors and well-wishers. We are hopeful that by 2014, we will be good to go.

Through all this, what inspires you?

The fact that climbing Mt Everest is considered unattainable. The pressure to achieve this goal and get up there with the Kenyan flag is inspiration enough for me.

What do you do for fun when you are not on a crazy adventure?

I like sports and music. I play the violin, guitar, piano and I relish live music shows such as those where acoustic guitars are played.

What are your future plans?

I plan on hiking for a long time to come and I want to climb as many mountains as possible. I also intend to continue teaching sports as well as sports development.

What do you want to tell young people reading your story?

I challenge them to try things they think are unachievable. Activities like mountain climbing are a lot easier than you think. Climbing Mt Kenya, for instance, is cheap and it is only an hour away from Nairobi. There is so much potential out there to achieve greatness.