A Journey of Rediscovering Hiking and Embracing New Challenges

 A Journey of Rediscovering Hiking and Embracing New Challenges

I recently reignited my passion for hiking, returning to this activity after my last mountain expedition at age of 24 years old, which occurred more than two decades ago. In 2019, a friend invited me to join them in ascending Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia), a challenging endeavor. Despite experiencing fatigue and muscle soreness throughout my body, I persevered and ultimately triumphed by reaching the summit. This experience greatly emphasized the importance of setting ambitious goals and embracing more substantial challenges.

Mount Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia

The purpose of this article is to delve into the process of starting hiking activities from scratch. Undoubtedly, after extended periods of inactivity, venturing into new pursuits like hiking can feel like a significant leap. I distinctly recall my initial attempts, when navigating the nearby hills proved to be a true test. Breathing was laborious, and the intensity of muscle discomfort was nearly overwhelming, making the entire experience seem like a formidable trial.

It's natural to feel disheartened when observing fellow hikers moving ahead effortlessly, leaving you trailing behind. However, it's crucial to remember - never give up. The initial endeavor is inevitably demanding, yet maintaining the belief that we can conquer it and continuously enhance our abilities is paramount. Reflecting on my journey, I acknowledge one mistake I made was neglecting to perform a proper warm-up.

The importance of warming up cannot be overstated. This omission contributed to the initial struggles I faced. It's a valuable lesson that underscores the significance of adequately preparing our bodies before embarking on any physical activity. Engaging in a proper warm-up routine before setting out on a hiking journey is vital to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Warming up readies your body both physically and mentally for the physical demands of hiking, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing overall performance.

Continuously improving your hiking technique is crucial for enhancing your overall hiking experience and ensuring safety on the trails. What I did was engage in regular and consistent practice. The more you hike, the better you become at understanding the terrain and your body's capabilities. I also joined hiking groups to learn from experienced hikers, asking for advice, feedback, and observing techniques such as breathing methods.

An essential aspect of hiking is pacing and breathing. It's important to develop a rhythm that suits your fitness level and the terrain. Focusing on maintaining steady breathing helps conserve energy and endurance. To maintain persistence, it's crucial to set significant goals. For example, I immediately aimed to climb to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) in Nepal after completing Mount Kinabalu. This compelled me to keep training and face more challenging situations.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu article

Mount Kinabalu video

Additionally, there are numerous articles, books, and videos available online that discuss hiking techniques. There are many other methods and points we can discuss in the next topic for a deeper discussion of further hiking skill enhancement.

NKH