Mix that in with plenty of long-distance running when you're closer to sea level and you have a good training plan to work with,' he says.
Practicals: 'The best training to climb a mountain is to go mountain climbing,' says mountaineer Cathy O'Dowd. Expedition leader Gavin Bate likewise recommends regular expeditions to lower altitudes as part of your training. 'Start with lots of hill walking, then Mount Kilimanjaro is a good example of a mountain to start on, because it's high and will get you fit. Then I'd say to climb Mont Blanc or Ebrus would be the next step up. Mix that in with plenty of long-distance running when you're closer to sea level and you have a good training plan to work with,' he says.