Well, Ive always liked being outdoors. But I'm surrounded by malas people so its really hard for me to round up a group of people to go hiking on a regular basis with. Climbing up Mt Kinabalu has been on my list since I saw an episode of Raikan Cinta where the husband proposed when they were at the peak together. Now that Ive made it up there, I totally understand why she said yes.
Yana came back in June and just randomly asked me if I wanted to do it in September. At first I was like WHAT? I only had 2 months( Minus fasting month) of training? You're crazy. And then I thought, if not now then when? If I had to wait till Im ready, it might be too late. So I said, Lets do it. As simple as that.
Physical Prep
I've been going to the gym on a regular basis since the beginning of 2013 I think. But ever since I made the decision for the climb I up-ed my game of course. What I usually do at the gym is spend 30 mins on the treadmill to run 5-6km. After that I'd go on the elliptical machine for 30 mins with 4% effort. Then I'd continue with some stretches and some weight exercises. On days that I go for body combat classes, after an hour of class I'd jump on the elliptical/treadmill for an additional 30 mins.
So as for my body, I thought I was ready. This is probably the fittest Ive ever been in my life. I researched and the first climb is 6km. Well I thought, 6km? I do a 6km run in less than 40 mins, Im pretty sure i can climb 6km in like 4 hours or so ......I thought.
Things to bring.
I used Hanis Zalikha's blog as a reference of what I needed for the climb. Theres a store at Jalan Ampang called Outdoors Centre where you can get everything you need ! I got my shoes from World of Outdoor at the curve about 3 weeks before the climb. Make sure you wear them out before hand to soften it. Also, get a couple of sizes bigger so that you can wear multiple socks cause its super damn cold at the peak. And the bigger size will help when you descend .
Yeah, I went a little overboard with the medications. LOL
The PowerGel tastes amazing btw!
Oh and another thing...... WATERPROOF EVERYTHING. Cause the weather at the mountain is unpredictable. Make sure you put everything in a plastic bag before putting them in your backpack. PONCHO IS YOUR BESTFRIEND. Seriously. Its crucial to buy one thats not flimsy. Dont even think of buying those cheap ones at the convenient store. Get a proper one cause its super duper helpful.
Mental prep.
This part Yana is so much stronger than I am. Even before we started the climb I kept thinking I wasnt ready. What if I was too tired? What if I never made it up ? What was my motivation? Easy, PICTURES.
I have already told the whole world that I will be climbing up Mt Kinabalu. I'd make a fool of myself if I didnt actually make it up. That certainly pushed me all the way.
Thinking back , everything is just mind over matter. If your will power is high, you're so much more ready than I was before I climbed.
This is a brief look at what I had to endure for my climb. Except I didnt actually get a proper briefing before we started. The guide just walked straight up to the trail and before we knew it we already started climbing.
Notice how she's no longer smiling after 4km? THAT WAS ME TOO BAHAHAHAHAH. K , will blog about my climb next time.
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