Inspire Alpine

Nice little 800m ascent to kickstart our acclimatisation for Toubkal

Our first view of the distant Atlas Mountains. Today, we’ll drive to Imlil and gain some height to help acclimatise.
#inspirealpine #expedition #climbing #mountains #mountaineering #adventure #travel #igtravel #igers #nofilter #followyourdreams #neverstopexploring #landscape #nature #landscape_lovers #naturelovers #picoftheday #photooftheday #toubkal #followme #instalike #like4like #webstagram #followforfollow #outdoors #outdoorlife #morocco #sunrise

It’s awesome to be back in Morocco!
My last visit here in 2004 totally changed the course of my life.
I had failed my Chartered Accountancy exams twice and I was made redundant. I knew that I needed something really positive to focus on while I searched for another job, so I took a major risk and entered a 150-mile ultramarathon in the Sahara Desert – the Marathon des Sables, known as the ‘toughest footrace on earth’.
... It’s is a stage race, which takes place over seven days – it’s the equivalent of running seven marathons in seven days, although the stage lengths do vary. The longest stage is fifty miles, or eighty kilometres, and the shortest stage, on the final day, is a half-marathon.
Daytime temperatures in the Moroccan Sahara touched fifty degrees Celsius, and at night the temperature dropped to zero. Competitors carried all of their clothing, sleeping bag, stove and food.
Preparing your body for such a range of temperatures is daunting. Some runners train on a treadmill or stationary bike in a sauna.
I had little time to train properly for the event as I was playing rugby and the event took place during the rugby season. The longest training run I completed was only thirteen miles, on a chilly Spring evening in Glasgow.
On day two, I suffered severely infected blisters. The medics sliced off the blisters, applied iodine to the raw flesh, and then Compeed and tape, which allowed me to continue. On day four – the long stage – I ran with two highly experienced runners from Italy. I over-extended myself, became severely dehydrated and suffered from heat exhaustion.
At forty miles, I began dry vomiting. At the checkpoint, the medics gave me rehydration salts, which I drank and then vomited straight back up. It was now essential for me now to replace the water and salts lost through excessive sweating, to prevent my condition from worsening to become potentially fatal heat stroke.
Since I was now unable to keep anything down, the only option left was intravenous fluids – I received three bags of fluid via IV and camped at the checkpoint. In the morning I finished the stage, and two days later I crossed the finish line, and experienced such an intense feeling of elation, and relief. I had pushed my physical and mental boundaries far beyond what I had believed to be possible.
Completing the event totally changed my mindset, and I turned my attention to the world’s high mountain ranges. I was no longer afraid of failure, and I would never again allow my own fears or self-doubt to hold me back.
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Expedition Flashback: Climbers above Squirrel Hill on Denali's West Buttress Route between camps 2 and 3.
#inspirealpine #expedition #climbing #mountains #mountaineering #adventure #travel #igtravel #igers #nofilter #followyourdreams #neverstopexploring #landscape #nature #landscape_lovers #naturelovers #picoftheday #photooftheday #denali #followme #instalike #like4like #webstagram #followforfollow #outdoors #outdoorlife

One of my favourite all-time views - the Quiraing, on the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye.
#inspirealpine #expedition #climbing #mountains #mountaineering #adventure #travel #igtravel #igers #nofilter #followyourdreams #neverstopexploring #landscape #nature #landscape_lovers #naturelovers #picoftheday #photooftheday #scotland #followme #instalike #like4like #webstagram #followforfollow #outdoors #outdoorlife

We're looking forward to the inaugural Inspire Alpine Christmas party tonight with Camila.
We have something HUGE to celebrate - WE'RE FULLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
From today, we can start taking bookings for our overseas trekking expeditions for 2019!
... MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!
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Explore new horizons with us!
Here's the view of Popocatepetl & Malinche from 4,000m in the The Iztaccihuatl-Popocatepetl National Park.
You'll witness this incredible view as we acclimatise on our Pico de Orizaba expedition in December 2019, where we'll reach the summit of Orizaba on New Year's day 2020.
... #trekking #hiking #mountain #outdoor #outdoors #climbing #mountaineering #mountainlife #outdoorlife #photooftheday #picodeorizaba #basecamp #webstagram #landscape_lovers #bucketlist #adventure #igtravel #like4like #followme #trail #mexico #inspirealpine #followyourdreams #mytravelgram #hike #wilderness #igtravel #sunrise #volcano #mountainliving
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New primary school results data suggests it will take 50 years to close the attainment gap between England's rich and poor pupils.
This year, 51% of the most disadvantaged pupils reached the expected level in their national end-of-primary school tests.
This compares with 70% of their more affluent peers. Although the attainment gap is marginally improving, if the pace of change continues at the same rate, disadvantaged pupils will not catch up until 2070.
... This is why we exist. To demonstrate to disadvantaged young people that you can raise your aspirations, regardless of background.
To give them the courage and belief to follow their dreams.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-4654 1454…
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This weekend we're flying to Morocco to recce a trip to climb Mount Toubkal in winter. We'll be offering this to clients in December 2019.
It feels like a good time to reflect on what was achieved in 2018 - over 70 inspirational talks to schools and businesses to encourage 14,000 other people to raise their aspirations and follow their dreams.
The culmination of each of these talks is this footage from the highest point on earth - the summit of Everest (8,848m) - which I re...ached on 18th May this year, at the second attempt.
I'll never get tired of watching this video. Fifteen years of effort encapsulated in one minute.
https://www.facebook.com/rickymundayadven ture/videos/10156552008919974/
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At Inspire Alpine we dream of a world where all young people have the same opportunity to succeed.
Yet, there is clear evidence of a persistent gap in attainment between young people from the richest and poorest backgrounds, which widens through school and which has a direct impact on school-leaver destinations and future income levels.
Our social mission is to help close the attainment gap faced by disadvantaged young people.
... We offer free inspirational talks to young people in areas of high deprivation, to help raise aspirations. We deliver authentic, purposeful outdoor adventures to build confidence and resilience. We reinvest a percentage of retained profits to achieve our social objective. We offer free places on mountain challenges to disadvantaged young people.
Our values – our core beliefs - are fundamental and shape every decision we take:
Safety - is paramount in everything we do
Integrity - we do what’s right in every situation
Responsibility - we take ownership at all times
Honesty - we give objective advice, always
Aspire - we strive to help others fulfil their potential
Respect - we treat others as equals
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The trek to Everest Base Camp must be on everyone's bucket list. This is your chance to follow in the footsteps of Hillary & Tenzing. As the highest moutain on earth, Everest has a magical appeal. This trek will be led by Ricky Munday, who reached the summit of Everest on 18th May, 2018. As you trek towards Everest Base Camp, he'll share incredible stories from his two Everest expeditions.
After arriving in Kathmandu, you'll experience the wonderful energy, sights and smells...
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Why do Mountains Matter?
They cover around 22 percent of the earth's land surface. They provide 60-80 percent of the world's freshwater. They host 25 percent of terrestrial biodiversity and 28 percent of earth?s forests. 6 of the 20 most important food crops originate in mountains (potatoes, maize, barley, sorghum, apples, tomatoes). Mountains attract 15-20 percent of global tourism.
They also matter to us as places of inspiration, solace and personal discovery.
... Why do they matter to you?
#MountainsMatter
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Next Sunday we're flying to Morocco for a reconnaissance expedition to make a winter ascent of Toubkal - at 4,167m it's the highest point in the Atlas Mountains and it's the highest peak in north Africa.
You can join us in December 2019 (14 - 20 December). This is a fantastic opportunity for a first taste of high altitude led by Everest summietr @rickymunday. Flights from the UK are very affordable.
#mountain #trekking #mountaineering #hiking #outdoor #mountainclimbers #outdoors #climbing #webstagram #outdoorlife #thegreatoutdoors #hikingadventures #optoutside #getoutstayout #bucketlist #followyourdreams #inspirealpine #like4like #followme #toubkal #morocco #mountainlife #getoutdoors #mountaineer #landscape_lovers #photooftheday #globetrotter #travelbug #igtravel

Client safety is our absolute priority at Inspire Alpine. Clients joining our expeditons will benefit from expert medical support during our high mountain adventures.
I had a great first day in Hungerford on a 16-hour Remote Emergency Care Expedition First Aid Level 4 course.
This advanced first aid course is designed for those working in remote areas where evacuation to definitive care may be protracted. It builds on my existing Level 2 Outdoor First Aid qualification.
... We reviewed our existing primary & secondary survey & CPR skills then covered:
> Patient monitoring (including blood pressure measurement) > AEDs and limitations in the wilderness > Hypothermia (advanced) and cold injuries > Communication and recording > Altitude illness > Heat Illness and heat stroke
While personally leading all Inspire Alpine expeditions overseas, I’ll carry a full expedition First aid kit and a satellite phone, and I’ll have immediate 24/7 access to medical advice from critical care paramedics, nurses and doctors for any medical problems.
You’ll be in safe hands.
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It is a fundamental right of children to be active.
The Sport England survey on Active Lives about the inactivity crisis facing our country draws on the lack of activity outside of school and the lower activity levels amongst the less affluent children and young people.
Our social mission is to help close the attainment gap faced by disadvantaged young people.
... However, the unacceptable reality is that they also face a physical activity gap, which in turn helps create a social gradient in lifespan.
People living in the most deprived areas have the lowest life expectancy and conversely, life expectancy is higher on average for those living in areas with lower deprivation.
Men living in the most deprived 10% of areas live 9 years less than those in the least deprived 10%, and women will live 7 years less.
Find out how you can support the Sport and Recreation Alliance response through their #RightToBeActive campaign at http://bit.ly/2L2A9EP
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Climb the highest mountain in Europe with Everest Summiter @rickymunday
As the highest peak in Europe, Elbrus (5,642m) is a challenging ascent for aspiring climbers who want to test their skills at increasing altitude. Although only basic mountaineering skills are required, high-altitude and unpredictable weather make this a memorable expedition.
The route ascends 1,000 metres of moderate snow climbing to the saddle. From here, we turn west and head up 300 meters of steeper... terrain, finally reaching the summit plateau. The round trip journey from the huts to the summit usually takes 10-12 hours.
You can join this team! We'll teach you basic mountaineering skills during the acclimatisation phase to enable you to reach the highest point in Europe.
You can schedule a chat with Ricky to discuss any of our UK or overseas adventures here: https://calendly.com/inspire-alpine
You can see our 2013 Elbrus summit video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHvHyQwcN Ks
We look forward to welcoming you to our team!
https://www.facebook.com/events/194731036 5563123/
#elbrus #hiking #outdoors #optoutside #climbing #7summits # #trekking #mountaineering #mountainlife #outdoorlife #bucketlist #outdoor #photooftheday #sunrise #cloudporn #webstagram #followyourdreams #adventure #travel #igtravel #igrussia #globetrotter #inspirealpine #landscape_lovers #like4like #mountain #travelbug #traveltheworld
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This is the view from the summit of Pico de Orizaba, a dormant volcano and the second most prominent volcanic peak in the world after Kilimanjaro. Would you like to stand here on New Year's Day 2020?
Pico de Orizaba (5,636m) is the highest volcano and third highest peak in North America. Summit day involves ascending the gently sloping Jamapa glacier - at about 5,300m the glacier steepens to about 40 degrees. It's useful to have experience with crampons and ice axe, but we ca...n teach you these skills during the expedition.
We'll be climbing Pico de Orizaba in 2019 from 27 December - 2nd January, and we'll acclimatise on nearby Iztaccihuatl.
Your leader is @rickymunday (Everest Summiter), who climbed Orizaba in 2012, and we'll be accompanied by expert local guides. The cost is £1,500 per person, excluding flights.
#mountaineering #mountainlife #trekking #climbing #mountainaddict #hikingadventures #bucketlist #inspirealpine #mexico #picodeorizaba #globetrotter #mexigers #igmountains #photooftheday #ig_mexico #outdoorlife #hiking #like4like #webstagram #outdoors #optoutside #adventure #travel
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EXPEDITION ANNOUNCEMENT: ELBRUS
In July next year Ricky Munday will lead an expedition to Russia to climb the highest peak in Europe, Mount Elbrus (5,642m).
You can join this team! We'll teach you basic mountaineering skills during the acclimatisation phase to enable you to reach the highest point in Europe. It's a tough but achievable high mountain adventure.
... You can schedule a chat with Ricky to discuss any of our UK or overseas adventures here: https://calendly.com/inspire-alpine
Why climb with Inspire Alpine?
We're a social enterprise - your booking will support a free inspirational talk to a school in a deprived area to help close the attainment gap.
Ricky is a qualified Mountain Leader with an Expedition First Aid qualification and has completed 18 expedition to 6 continents over the past decade, and this year he reached the summit of Mount Everest.
He's spent over 120 days trekking or climbing above 5,000m, so is well-qualified to advise how to prevent altitude sickness, or to minimise the impact.
As a Red Cross delegate, he lived and worked in Africa, Asia & the Caribbean to support the most vulnerable people.
In 2013, he led a team to the summit of Elbrus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHvHyQwcN Ks
We look forward to welcoming you to our team!
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With a decade of expedition experience behind me, I reached the highest point on earth - the summit of Mount Everest - on 18th May 2018, at 06.15 a.m. Over the following two months, I visited over thirty schools and businesses across the UK to deliver inspirational talks to over 3,000 pupils.
A qualified Mountain Leader and STEM Ambassador, I established Inspire Alpine to combine my twin passions - inspiring others to raise their aspirations, and sharing my love of the outdo...ors with as many people as possible.
Inspire Alpine is a social enterprise offering inspirational talks & authentic, purposeful outdoor adventures. We deliver:
1. Inspirational talks to schools, businesses and other organisations. Schools in deprived areas are eligible for free talks.
2. Guided mountain walks in the UK using only qualified Mountain Leaders.
3. Overseas expeditions to trekking peaks using experienced local guides and professional expedition coordinators.
4. Expedition and team-building consultancy based on a decade of expeditions, five years deployed in the aftermath of natural disasters with the Red Cross, and four years as an executive leader in the public sector.
We reinvest a percentage of retained profits to achieve our social objectives. We offer subsidised or free places on our UK and overseas mountain adventures to the disadvantaged.
We are Inspire Alpine.
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What a way to start the week ! Ricky delivered his captivating and inspirational story to 293 eager pupils this morning, transporting them from Neilston all the way to the Summit of Everest. Glued to their seats, pupils (and staff alike) listened to Ricky share his passion, his set backs and his determination to achieve his dream. A real life example of Growth Mindset in action, encouraging our young people to reach for the stars and never give up on their dreams. The presentation was pitched perfectly and engaged pupils from P1 to P7. There are many wonderful cross curricular links and learning opportunities that could be pursued following on from this truly incredible story. Thank you Ricky!

Ricky was truly brilliant. Friendly, Focussed and Firm when he needed to be. Felt very secure and safe under his guidance, his knowledge and experience shone through. Perfect person to have on Ben Nevis to kick off our national three peaks challenge, was unfortunate that a pre-existing injury removed Ricky from being our guide on all three peaks. Thank you again Ricky for all your help on the climb, and would not hesitate in recommending you to anyone considering a climb.

Ricky has an amazing ability to relate to the achievable through his great significant experiences to those who are beginning to dare to dream. A real life of experiences for people to draw upon and inspire them on their journey. Thanks Ricky!

Ricky had a huge impact on out whole school with the way he spoke about different careers the children can follow. His real life experiences showed the children that anything truly is possible if they are willing to put everything into it!

Ricky guided our group of 12 (mixed age and ability) to complete Ben Nevis last Friday, as the first mountain in our 3 peaks challenge. As a last minute stand in for a tour guide that was sick, he did a fantastic job ensuring he knew everyone by name and quickly sussed out who was going to need the most support. He is incredibly friendly and encouraging, and probably the most modest person I’ve yet to meet! He even shared his sandwich with a very hungry and underprepared young lady �� What was also lovely is that he made sure to take a few photos along the way; we were heads down focusing on the challenge ahead and so hardly took in the beautiful scenery around us. This is so so appreciated as now we have something that illustrate our journey to friends and family. I couldn’t recommend him more - as a guide or as a motivational speaker. �����

My 11 year old thoroughly enjoyed Ricky’s talk about reaching the summit when he visited George Watson’s College recently- hugely inspiring!

Inspirational

If anyone knows what they’re talking about, it’s Ricky!

What a way to start the week ! Ricky delivered his captivating and inspirational story to 293 eager pupils this morning, transporting them from Neilston all the way to the Summit of Everest. Glued to their seats, pupils (and staff alike) listened to Ricky share his passion, his set backs and his determination to achieve his dream. A real life example of Growth Mindset in action, encouraging our young people to reach for the stars and never give up on their dreams. The presentation was pitched perfectly and engaged pupils from P1 to P7. There are many wonderful cross curricular links and learning opportunities that could be pursued following on from this truly incredible story. Thank you Ricky!

Ricky was truly brilliant. Friendly, Focussed and Firm when he needed to be. Felt very secure and safe under his guidance, his knowledge and experience shone through. Perfect person to have on Ben Nevis to kick off our national three peaks challenge, was unfortunate that a pre-existing injury removed Ricky from being our guide on all three peaks. Thank you again Ricky for all your help on the climb, and would not hesitate in recommending you to anyone considering a climb.

Ricky has an amazing ability to relate to the achievable through his great significant experiences to those who are beginning to dare to dream. A real life of experiences for people to draw upon and inspire them on their journey. Thanks Ricky!

Ricky had a huge impact on out whole school with the way he spoke about different careers the children can follow. His real life experiences showed the children that anything truly is possible if they are willing to put everything into it!

Ricky guided our group of 12 (mixed age and ability) to complete Ben Nevis last Friday, as the first mountain in our 3 peaks challenge. As a last minute stand in for a tour guide that was sick, he did a fantastic job ensuring he knew everyone by name and quickly sussed out who was going to need the most support. He is incredibly friendly and encouraging, and probably the most modest person I’ve yet to meet! He even shared his sandwich with a very hungry and underprepared young lady �� What was also lovely is that he made sure to take a few photos along the way; we were heads down focusing on the challenge ahead and so hardly took in the beautiful scenery around us. This is so so appreciated as now we have something that illustrate our journey to friends and family. I couldn’t recommend him more - as a guide or as a motivational speaker. �����

My 11 year old thoroughly enjoyed Ricky’s talk about reaching the summit when he visited George Watson’s College recently- hugely inspiring!

Inspirational

If anyone knows what they’re talking about, it’s Ricky!