At the end of October 2015, Maryna Averyanova of the Ukraine became the first woman to complete the Three Peaks Egypt Challenge. Up until Maryna came, only male hikers had tried it: Maryna was the first woman to attempt it, and finished in 19 hours 37 minutes, around 2am, with her two friends, Waleed Ali and Mohammed Ragab. A few days after Maryna finished, Hannah Stork of the USA attempted the Three Peaks Egypt Challenge with Matt Harms, setting a new record and becoming not just the fastest woman but the fastest hiker to complete it: 10 hours 19 minutes. To anybody who thinks the Three Peaks Egypt Challenge isn’t for women – we’ve heard plenty of folks say it! – Maryna and Hannah prove them wrong. Thanks to both for doing it, we hope they inspire others to come and try. We caught up with Maryna lately to chat with her.
Congraulations Maryna, you’re the first woman to complete the Three Peaks Egypt Challenge! How are you feeling since you completed the challenge?
I feel awesome; excited and amazed. Once you achieve a significant goal like the Three Peaks Egypt Challenge, you will not be the same person you were when you set out on the journey. The process of achieving your goal and the experience you have gained will have changed you.
How tough was the challenge? Was it more easy or more difficult than you expected?
It was tougher than I thought.Try it.😉
We heard a lot of people in Egypt say the Three Peaks Egypt Challenge couldn’t be completed by a woman. Does it feel good to prove them wrong?
Yes it feel great to prove them wrong. The challenge has nothing to do with gender.And all I know is that whether you are male or female, putting yourself through something like that makes you human.
We all know the Three Peaks Egypt Challenge is a big physical thing. But what about the mental side of it? How important is it?
Being prepared mentally is very important because the body archives what the mind believes.
Did you ever feel like you were wanted to give up? What kept you going?
Yes, I thought about it , but You can’t have success if you are thinking about the consequences of giving up. My teamer Mohamed and Waleed was support me a lot.The people who believe in me kept me going.Without them I wouldn’t complete the challenge. And I really wanted to be the first woman to finish the Three Peaks Egypt Challenge.
Which part of the challenge was the toughest part?
The toughest part was when I looked up to the mountain and I know I had to go there)))). “Never measure the height of a mountain until you have reached the top. Then you will see how low it was.”
What was your favourite of the three mountains?
My favourite was Jebel Katherina. I had a flurry of feelings at the top.This mountain, the arched back of the earth rising before us, made me feel humble, like a beggar, lucky to be here at all, even briefly. I reached what felt like the top of the world physically and mentally and it’s mine to enjoy.
How important were your Bedouin guides?
The Bedouin guide was very important to me, he was responsible for my safety and my life, I trusted him and I felt safe with him.
What kind of training did you do before? When did you start?
I worked out for the last few month at the gym .
What was your opinion about the mountains of the Sinai? Will you ever come back?
I love the mountains of the Sinai. I strongly believe these mountains are teeming with spiritual energy. Yes for sure I will be back soon . And I’m ready to summit another mountain.
Would you have any advice to other women who want to do it?
My advice will be: nothing should stop you. Believe in yourself and your abilities.The person you become when you reach a significant goal is a person who is more likely to achieve future goals.
And what about tips for hikers in general: any tips on training or anything else?
For training, you need to be tough, determined and physically and mentally in a good condition so find something that will prepare you in these ways. For equipment, you need good trail shoes or walking boots, along with sun protection, like a hat/ cap, sun glasses and high factor sun block (I suffered in the sun, walking all day, even in autumn). You also need a fleece or jumper as it will always be windy and cool on the mountain tops. Bring water and snacks like energy bars, walkers need to carry all their food and water for most of the journey.
Will you ever do the Three Peaks Egypt Challenge again?
Yes sure. I am defiantly will be back In spring . It’s unforgettable adventure. I choose to live an adventure-filled life and hope to inspire others to seek out his or her own adventures.
