[Special Discussion] Mountain climbing part 1: The appeal of mountain climbing is being able to see scenery you've never seen before

[Interview]
Mountaineer Yasuhiro Hantani
Toshiyuki Yamada, Ajinomoto Co., Ltd.

Compared to other sports, the exercise time is longer and the activity is harder.

--What is the appeal of mountain climbing?

Hanatani:It's a place where people of all ages and genders can enjoy themselves at their own pace and in their own style. I think the freedom of not having to follow any set rules is great. By going into the great outdoors, you can refresh your body and mind. You can see scenery you would never see in your everyday life. I think that kind of experience is appealing, and I love it so much that I've been doing it for a long time.

Yamada:I imagine that the anticipated risks and ways of enjoying the mountains are different between summer and winter. Is there anything we should be careful of in each season?

Hanatani:Summer is hot, so you need to be especially careful about staying hydrated. There is a difference in temperature between spring and autumn, so you'll want to change your clothes depending on the weather and be prepared to deal with sudden changes in the weather. And winter is cold, after all. Even in early spring when the temperature is rising, you need to be careful because there is a risk of hypothermia. There are many different things to be careful about depending on the season.

--Mountain climbing can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, but is it still hard exercise-wise?

Hanatani:I think the biggest difference between mountain climbing and other sports is the long duration of the exercise. Sometimes you're on the move from morning to evening, for 10 to 12 hours. And sometimes that can continue for days. The length of the exercise is what makes mountain climbing different from other sports, and I think it's also the most difficult part.

Yamada:When exercising for long periods of time, it is important to eat food that matches the amount of energy consumed.

Hanatani:The longer you are going to be, the more food and water you will need to bring. The timing of your nutritional intake is also very important. For example, marathon runners have several water stations along the way. It's the same with mountain climbing, where it's important to keep replenishing your energy about once an hour.

Yamada:Is there a guideline for the amount of food to bring?

Hanatani:The lighter your luggage, the easier it is, so if you bring too many things out of concern, it can actually become a hindrance. That's why it's so difficult to find the right balance. As you gain experience, you'll understand your own capabilities and what you need, so your luggage will gradually decrease. I think being able to determine that is more important than what and how much you bring.

Get used to the weight of your hiking boots on a daily basis to give yourself a sense of stability

What kind of pre-training do you recommend?

Hanatani:Climbing shoes are much heavier than regular shoes, and sturdy ones can weigh as much as 1kg. To get used to them, I recommend training with weights on your feet. When you actually climb a mountain, you will also be carrying luggage, so I think it is important to get used to the weight of your feet on a daily basis.

Yamada:Please tell me if there are any differences in training methods depending on the mountaineering level: beginner, intermediate, or advanced.

Hanatani:Basically, it's just a matter of how much stress you put on your body. I often advise that the best training is to climb a mountain. If you compare someone with many years of experience who only climbs once a month with someone who has only been climbing for 1-1 years but climbs a nearby mountain almost every week, the latter seems to be more stable.

Yamada:Mr. Hantani, you climb mountains frequently. Is there anything you pay attention to in terms of what you eat before and after climbing?

Hanatani:When I was younger, I didn't care and ate whatever I wanted. But recently, as my recovery has slowed with age, I've become more conscious of it. In terms of nutrition, I make sure to store up plenty of energy before climbing. After climbing, I try to eat a lot of protein to help with recovery. After climbing a mountain, I really crave meat. I think that's because I've used my body that much.

Yamada:What are the most common types of injuries and breakdowns that occur while climbing mountains? Also, please tell me if there are any measures to prevent injuries.

Hanatani:When something happens, it's often during the descent. I think it's because you're not paying attention when you're descending the mountain. With fatigue building up, there are a lot of accidents, such as falls. It's fine if you can get down by yourself, but in the worst case scenario, you may not be able to walk and need to be rescued, so it's best to think carefully about injuries.

Provide nutrients that are easily absorbed

What do you bring with you for nutritional support?

Hanatani:Mountain climbing involves long periods of physical activity, so it's important to make sure you replenish your nutrients once an hour while climbing. Solid foods that fill you up and gel-like amino acids that you can easily eat even when you're tired are very effective. I sometimes take gel before climbing, and I also try to make sure to replenish my nutrients when I start to feel a bit tired during the climb so I don't end up in a state of hunger.

Yamada:I think staying hydrated is essential to completing a single mountain climb without any problems. Please let me know if there is anything you pay attention to or drink.

Hanatani:When it comes to hydration, I try not to drink just plain water. If I drink too much plain water, I sweat, and I get cramps in my legs due to lack of salt, so I drink sports drinks and other fluids. I also eat salted rice balls to replenish my salt intake.

Yamada:In fact, it is said that rice balls with ingredients such as salmon or tuna provide more protein than rice balls with salt. If you only eat rice or bread, it will be mainly carbohydrates and will not have enough protein. If you only eat rice balls with salt, I think it would be good to take some protein such as fish sausage with it as a portable meal on the mountain.

Hanatani:I thought that salted rice balls would be easier to eat, so I made them without any toppings, but it turns out that adding salmon or other ingredients is better nutritionally. I learned something new.

In the first part, we introduced the appeal of mountain climbing, the preparations you should make, and nutritional replenishment before and after climbing.

In the second part, we will share advice for serious mountain climbing and introduce Hantani's envisioned ideal future in which we coexist with nature.

<<Click here for functional amino acid materials related to this article>>

"Whey protein with high essential amino acid content" that increases the efficiency of muscle mass building through training"

"6 Amino Acid Mix for Joint and Tendon Conditioning" maintains the condition of your joints and tendons and supports ideal movement!