SA - spinal muscular atrophy. At first glance, just using the term SA doesn't tell anyone anything. It is only when you get to know the subject, explain things, and meet someone with this condition that you begin to understand what it is all about. We would like to present to you the amazing story of two guys who are active bloggers writing about mountains and travel. Łukasz Kocewiak and Szymon Żoczek decided to climb the highest mountain in North America - Denali - dedicating the ascent to the children of SA. Someone will ask, but why SA, why did they make such an effort and why did they climb this mountain in particular? - you will find all the answers in the interview conducted with Łukasz and Szymon by our editorial colleague (privately also a mountain and travel blogger) Katarzyna Irzeńska. Have a cup of tea and read on :)
The Denali expedition was successful, the summit conquered, but you guys did something more after all. Describe to the readers what was the goal of the expedition to the highest mountain in North America?
Szymon Żoczek: The aim was to spread awareness of SA. A lot of people don't know what it is. We were accompanied on the expedition by mascots Inga and Igorek, who are struggling with the disease. I had Dusia the Lamb, who walked on behalf of Igorek, Luke had Peppe the pig. Certainly the mascots had a very motivating effect on us. For us, every step while climbing Denali was a struggle. For these kids, such a struggle is every day. We also hope that by spreading the word about SA there will be people who can help these kids.
Denali (formerly McKinley) is 6190m above sea level - what was your preparation like to climb the mountain. Is it possible to climb the mountain or do you need to include a climbing element already here? What are your experiences with high mountains so far?
Łukasz Kocewiak: An expedition to any high mountain requires thorough preparation and a lot of experience. It consists of a number of activities which need to be approached conscientiously. After all, it is about the safety of the entire team. These include obtaining all the necessary permits, demanding physical training, the right mental attitude, a proper diet, all aspects of logistics, equipment, a thorough study of the route to the summit, training in first aid and mountain rescue, communication, insurance, etc. It is quite a lot, isn't it? Quite a lot of it all, isn't it? :)
I think you can already call it climbing, i.e. we use ropes, crampons, chequers and many times you have to use your hands when climbing steep approaches or squeezing by the rock. Denali is distinctive in terms of the length of the day in season - above 14ooo feet, the sun hardly sets anymore - and the low temperatures. It seems to me that it is a good idea to have already climbed some seven-thousander before going to Alaska. I've been to Aconcagua, Lenin's Peak, Noszak before, so acclimatising and coping with low temperatures wasn't particularly onerous.
Szymon: I prepare mainly by running/walking in the mountains - the Beskids. Gym, bicycle, swimming. I put a lot of emphasis on endurance training. Of course, you also need to remember about regeneration - sauna, massage.
Fortunately, there was no climbing on vertical walls J. However, there were times when an axe was very useful, mainly on steeper ascents.
photo: A page from a journey
I started my adventure with high mountains at the end of high school in 2013 by climbing Mont Blanc. Later came Elbrus, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro and finally Denali :). After conquering Elbrus, an idea was born in my mind to conquer the peaks belonging to the Crown of the Earth (the highest peak of each continent).
