Sam Keates
October 3, 2018
Sixt-Hubertus von Kapff
September 24, 2018Simon Edwards
Job Title:
Group Technical Services Director
Why do you want to climb Mt Kilimanjaro?
Being part of an exceptional group of people who are lucky enough to be participating in this experience, working with adventurous, creative and courageous people from within Autovista and the guide group. The body is capable of some incredible things and if we overcome that self-doubt and mental awareness when we discover the heights of our capabilities and strengths together. In getting to know our fellow hikers and guides we will build a tightknit support network that will provide support, encouragement and patience while we walk and climb through ever changing landscapes, wildlife, piece and serenity with that vast scenic vista that your brain will photograph forever. Everybody likes a challenge and what better way to complement life by saying I covered 50 miles, climbed 19,300 feet, traveling through rainforest, vegetation, rock and snow to summit a national heritage site in Tanzania for a worthy charity in UNICEF as sponsored and supported by my employer.
What has been the most challenging thing about this initiative so far?
Training is sometimes a grind no matter what the activity or end goal, in my case its leading a healthy life competing in my hobbies of running and mountain biking, while building endurance for Kilimanjaro. When you live in the south of England which is relatively flat finding suitable mountains to climb to break in your boots is hard.
What is the most interesting thing you have learned about yourself so far?
I’m a perfectionist, organised and detailed person who needs to meticulously choose the best options available. This has led to me spending hours reviewing equipment options and reading reviews to make the best choice. Obviously I must have high standards and a fear of failure otherwise I wouldn’t be obsessing so much on the practicalities.
How are you raising your UNICEF funds?
So far my fund raising has been going very well with the Team Ascenders World Cup predictor raising an awesome €500. Offering IT support to others and getting donations from my network of friends and family is helping me reach my target. Later in the year bucket collections at London train stations is planned.
If there was going to be a Kilimanjaro playlist for your climb, what song would you choose?
I thought I would stay on topic for the first track with Climb every mountain from The Sound of Music, then raise the beat to keep the momentum going with Moving on UP by M People.
What luxury are you planning on taking up the mountain with you?
Something that I can share, gives me a pick me up, that we all appreciate and puts a smile on your face: MOAM’s sweets clearly. Thinking ahead they don’t melt and they can’t freeze 😉
Is there anything you are ‘dreading’?
The fear of failure and dragging down the team. I’m worried about the effects of altitude sickness, I just don’t like headaches and I don’t handle hangovers well.
My blog posts…
My tweets…
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Good luck #AutovistaGroup #teamubuntu this weekend with your Lake District Three Peaks Challenge, next stop Kilimanjaro where your boots will end up looking like this.
https://t.co/P0qyUHobrP
#learningonthewayup #unicef
I’ve just climbed a mountain and it broke me 7 days, 57 kilometres, €29k for UNICEF as a team. What a team, we are amazing. https://t.co/RsSf8dQObI #learningonthewayup @… https://t.co/taMTlPO7ry
I’m all packed for Kilimanjaro. Decided to travel light, only kidding, where do I start eekkk. #Learningonthewayup
Last running event of the year 57.53 mins and training for Kilimanjaro climb. Just over a week now eeeekkkkkkk. #Learningonthewayup
Today i choose my malaria tablets for Kili, what a minefield! Wow the side effects worried me, hallucinations, drowsiness.. oh my god. Then i started thinking "well at least i have a choice" unlike those in poverty. Support me & UNICEF https://t.co/7rUI2MtkrS
#learningonthewayup
Hanging out with the family. So I need to practice climbing for Kilimanjaro, got confused and climbed a tree instead ;). Walking boots still doing me proud. #Learningonthewayup #unicefuk #teamascenders
Exercise = healthy heart and mind. Go on try it? One event can change your life. I run not because I’m fast but because I love the energy it gives you. #learningonthewayup… https://t.co/uk8MAUwp0N
This week has been a week of achievements. Effort, performance, delivery, transformation = making a difference to receive the reward. Apply this to Kilimanjaro and I will summit that mountain. #Learningonthewayup #autovistagroup
When on your birthday why not run a half marathon in London. Happy birthday me... #learningonthewayup continuing my training for Kilimanjaro. @ Royal Parks Half Marathon-London https://t.co/R0VbzxFQLh
Today 13 people came together in a meeting room having climbed 3 mountains together. POWERFUL, DEEP, AUTHENTIC stuff opened up today, we broke the personal iceberg, explored our real reasons for applying WOW. #learningonthewayup #autovistaascenders
Snowdon, Three peaks in 3 days. Can I rest my legs now and celebrate our achievement. #learningonthewayup @ Snowdon https://t.co/y2HBAoq746
Slow and steady wins the race on Scafell Pike. To come first, first you must finish. Bringing the team with you was the strategy today and it paid off. #Learningonthewayup #autovistaascenders #autovistagroup #Three_Peak_Challenge
When you reach the summit of Ben Nevis and have that sense of achievement. Walking for water, walking to help #UNICEFuk #learningonthewayup @ Climbing Ben Nevis https://t.co/aiSPVzjbVU
Normal routine of getting up in the morning, not the same when about to climb 3 mountains. Why? Because your not entering the fear of the unknown, can i do this, comfort zones, planning, mental strength. But that’s all overcome with a great team around you. #learningonthewayup
So I set my out of office email today. “If you want a reply you need to sponsor me ! “ Let’s see how that strategy goes down. If you’ve not heard I’m climbing 3 mountains this weekend #three_peaks_challenge #maximumadventures #Learningonthewayup #unicefuk
Did you know Mount Kilimanjaro is the only mountain that is wet at the bottom (Rain forest) and dry at the top (Volcanic)? I'll find out in December when i climb it for #UNICEFUK #Autovistagroup #learningonthewayup. More interesting facts to follow soon..
https://t.co/DU9zGoYzcF
