Happy Fat Fitness Friday Bold Babes! We’ve been firing on all cylinders getting you as many interviews as we can from the Curvy Kili Crew! Introducing….Bisa Myles! Bisa is a breast cancer survivor and has been in remission for almost three years. In addition to her time with the crew, she also raises her cousin’s family and has been for some time. Wow! You can follow her on Instagram and follow the rest of the interviews right here on Bold! So, let’s get to the interview, shall we?

Bold Magazine: Bisa, why did you join the Curvy Kili Crew?

Bisa: I joined the Curvy Kili Crew because I wanted to train and hike Mt. Kilimanjaro with a group of plus-sized women. I wanted to challenge myself. I might not have made this attempt with another group.

Bold Magazine: That’s so empowering! How did it all start? What’s the history there? How did you find out about it?

Bisa: I found out about the Curvy Kili Crew through the founder of the group Kristi. She posted a picture on her Instagram account Travel Fearlessly about her prior hike on Kilimanjaro. I commented how cool I that it was, and she replied back telling me about the Facebook group and she was organizing a trip to climb again. 

Bold Magazine: What has the response been so far to the movement?

Bisa: There has been an overwhelming amount of support of our goals to hike MT Kilimanjaro from family, friends and complete strangers. I didn’t realize our story was going to inspire so many people of all ages and sizes. I knew what we were doing was unique and special

Bold Magazine: How have you been preparing? It must be grueling.

Bisa: As part of my preparation of hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro I’ve been taking boxing classes, walking on the treadmill at least two times for one hour using inclines ranging from 5% to 20%. These inclines simulates the elevation on the mountain during the week. I train on the stairs indoor and outdoor weekly. I also take a longer hike on Sunday for 5 to 6 miles in full gear (daypack, books, trekking poles).

Bold Magazine: What’s your biggest fear going into the climb? And your biggest thing to look forward to?

Bisa: My biggest fear is of getting altitude sickness and not be able to summit. Altitude sickness is the most common reason for people not reaching the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Bold Magazine: What do you think this trip will do as far as impacting plus perceptions?

Bisa: I hope that people realize that with training and commitment you can achieve anything regardless of your weight.

Bold Magazine: What’s the next step? Do you want to do more climbs like this? Something else?

Bisa:I would love to hike Peru and to Mount Everest Base Camp. WHOA also started offering a hike in Japan that I’m interested in doing.

Bold Magazine: Were you into fitness before this? If so, how do you stay active? If not, why start now? What was the reason?

Bisa: I’ve always been active. Over the years I’ve participated in 5k’s, boot camps and CrossFit. Prior to training I enjoyed taking step aerobics, Zumba and yoga classes a few times a month. I am also taking swim lessons.

Bold Magazine: Love it! When you’re not training or working, what are you doing? What makes you the happiest?

Bisa: When I’m not training, I enjoy traveling, writing and photography. I have a travel blog named Myles to Travel where I write about my travels around Illinois and Indiana when I’m not traveling internationally.

Bold Magazine: What’s the first thing you want to do AFTER the climb?

Bisa: Immediately after the climb, I’m going on a safari and then to Zanzibar to relax on the beach. When I return home, I hope to be planning my next adventure.