vs Kilimanjaro: Fitness Plan

Despite the fact i'm already partial to a bit of running, I know this mountain is going to be a lot easier if I have  a higher fitness level, and look something like this :

Well that or just do a bit of training first haha.

Now my main problem is that I'll be working then travelling in Kenya for 6/7 weeks before. So i'll need to keep my fitness level up while on the move. However. I do have time now on my hands. As I have until April 30th, which is around 22 weeks.... I also have a half marathon 2 days before so i'll be doing plenty of running for that anyway.

So I researched lots and there was mixed opinions. BUT noone said I needed to be ridiculous with the training regime, though at least being a bit active was recommended by everyone. Despite this i've decided to ignore the people that're like "mehhhh, it's not sooo important" I think they just want money, and are probably sat in a dingy office, in the basement of a Tanzanian building smoking a joint, eating a supersize biggmac and drinking cheap lager in front of a Windows 95 pc. Just saying.

I did however find these 2 training programs:

8 week gym program to be used with 8 week walking program

12 week training program

As I have 22 weeks. Including Christmas in the middle. I'm thinking. I'll loosely follow the 8 week gym program and do my running still instead of the walking.... Though WALKING IS IMPORTANT. As I'll be walking up the mountain - I just want to get the running in while I can.

After Chrimbo though I will begin the 12 week program. It means I will finish early BUT that just means prepared earlier right?!

And in my opinion the 12 week program is a much better program for over all fitness. And incorporates specific hill training into it.

Anyway, i'll keep updating on here run times, amounts of exercises etc. So we can see how (or if..) these are helping fitness.

vs Mt Kilimanjaro: General Plan

I want to climb a mountain. It won't be easy. 

It'll be even less easy when we consider it's my first ever mountain. I don't often hillwalk (though I do run lots so my leg muscles exist..). It's my first ever time at an altitude like that - i'm probably going to get sick as a dog. 

However....... 

I go through with all stupid ideas. 

Meaning this shit is happennniinnnn'. Not only that if I have enough money I've been looking at getting a few day trip out from Nairobi to climb Mount Kenya as a warm up. This could end in me blowing 2 grand on spending 2 weeks sick and no summit photos... or I could be crowned Queen of the world after beating two mountains, as well as finally getting international recognition for being a superhero. 

Isn't she pretty?

Despite being a superhero, I know there's a lot to plan. So here's what I need before I try to attempt a mountain: 

1. Fitness Plan (and well actually doing it...) 
2. Gear to take with me on the mountain. 
3. Talk to a doctor (for my fitness, not the state of my mental being..) 
4. Choose a route (or at least have an idea)

If I think of other stuff I'll add it. Can you think of anything I need to add? Any tips? Anybody attempted Mt Kenya or Mt Kilimanjaro before? 

Also bear in mind it's now November and I won't be leaving Europe until April 2013...:) And another thing to bear in mind.... 

If that beer belly, middle aged, moaner of a man Chris Moyles can climb this then I sure as hell bloody can.