Any tips on mountaineering for a beginner?

[GetReal27]

Every now and then I keep getting urges to go on adventure trips, and climbing the Mount Everest is the ultimate adventure, and was wondering if at all it is possible for a novice like me with zero experience to give it a shot. If yes, how long would it take me to get prepared? How healthy should I be? What kind of training goes into it? Please remember I'm a total novice, only had been on trekking trips in school and college. And I've been anemic for the greater part of my life. So what do you girls and guys have to say? Any tips or advice?

[Roarke]

I sincerely hope you're kidding. First of all it is no 'urge'. It's a total commitment.
In terms of training, to safely scale Everest often takes years of climbing experience and a steady increase in difficulty factor as to mountains climbed along the way. And it's not like getting ready for a marathon, using a little aerobics and weight training. The issue is survival and knowledge of logistics... how to carry up the mountain enough protection and provision without overburdening one's self in terms of shear weight. Plus most high altitude mountain climbers have to have some real grasp of meteorology. I've heard the weather up there can change in a heartbeat, and sometimes the shear accumulation of cloud or fog around a particular portion of a mountain can be a signal to abort the climb.
First aid... if you climb with a team, and surely you will, you and all others need to be aware of how to deal with issues like falling debris, hypothermia and malnutrition.
And from all i've ever seen women don't like too much effort without some real gratification. A mountain climb involves long periods of safely scaling steep walls using ropes and anchors that have to be stabilized entirely, often using ice hammers. i don't know the exact numbers, but i wouldn't be surprised it it took dozens or even hundreds of such repetitive maneuvers to climb a highly pitched surface.
If your commitment is there then the world applauds you, but if you are treating this as preparation for some kind of weekend ropes course, then best you stay home and watch documentaries about mountain climbing.

[GetReal27]

Thanks so much for ur advice. I appreciate it. Obviously, its not easy, but that's been kind of motivator for me to think big... wonder if i can truly give time. Okay, assuming I start now, r u saying its too late for me? Or maybe I can go for the smaller ones, can I? What's a decent target for a beginner, what kinds of mountains, how big? And is anemia an issue?

[Roarke]

lol well first let me add the disclaimer that i am no expert in mountain climbing, so verify every word i say...
since you are 36-45 i'd say it's not too late to start, as long as you're realistic. It's kind of like deciding you want to enter a course of study on a part time basis. Part of it will be the journey, and along the way you may reach 'the goal'. As for going for the smaller ones, here in the US there are tons of parks presenting many levels of challenge in rock climbing. Notably there is Red Rock Canyon just west of Las Vegas, The Valley of Fire, somewhat north of Vegas, and Zion Canyon Nat'l park in Utah.
I'm thinking it might not hurt to seek out groups of like-minded individuals with the same general level of experience and ambition and see what happens. Eventually they're quite likely to schedule excursions where all of you can learn from one another and possibly at the hands of a seasoned climber.
Anemia... lack of red blood cells or the iron within, correct?

[Roarke]

I would think the key limitation there is altitude, where the air is thinner and oxygen uptake becomes an issue in and unto itself. Of course it's a technological world out there and i'm sure all varieties of breathing apparatus are available. Best bet is along this path you consult with your doctor regularly.

[Roarke]

P. S. sorry if i gave you the impression that i WAS an expert in my initial response. It's just that anytime i speak of things i've studied or researched over the years i tend to take an impassioned approach.

[GetReal27]

Thats ok.. thanks for letting me bounce my ideas off you. U made some good points. The anemia thing could be an issue, moreover i've to really build physical strength. And by the way, I live in India, not in US. Tx for the info anyway. This was MHO. :)

[Roarke]

You're welcome... Happy Climbing!

[Anonymous]

Im with Roarke: Climbing Mt. Everest isn't an urge... Its something you spending years and lots of money training for. Even some of the most experienced and well informed climbers have died trying to master Everest. It is not something to be taken lightly...

[GetReal27]

Well, u r right. I know i am talking about the "ultimate" challenge, but that really inspires me. Even climbing a small to medium sized mountain is really good enough though.

[Qwazihomo]

Dont fall off

[GetReal27]

I mean real advice, please

[Qwazihomo]

Bring water... you're welcome

[GetReal27]

So, u don't think this stuff is for me?

[Qwazihomo]

Oh I only read the top, I dont actually know anything about mountaineering and I doubt many people on gag do either, you should do some research maybe go to some websites

[GetReal27]

Okay, fair enough. This topic's been on my mind since a long time. Just checking if any GAGers were into this stuff. Thanks :)