i came, i climbed, i conquered!!!

My endeavour to climb the highest mountain in the country is an attempt that not only amuses me but also some of my closest friends. Why do i want to do it? Well, probably trying to prove to myself (& some friends) that i am able to do it even at this age. (no woman in her sound mind will tell her exact age...hehehe)






The day finally came (22nd Feb 2010). A group of 36 took two different flights from LCCT to Kota Kinabalu. 11 of us including yours truly took the second flight at about 8.50am. Upon our arrival, we were taken for lunch at Putatan. Had a brief rest and went ahead to Mesilau which took about 2 hrs. We were all tired and and exhausted after travelling the whole day. Almost everyone retired at about 11pm all excited to climb the mountain the next day.








2nd day : After our breakfast at Mesilau, we were taken on a bus ride to Timpohon Gate. We started climbing at about 10am, everyone walked excitely into the tracks and eventually broken up into smaller groups. The day was fine, the sun shining and all of us were ready to climb. The climb was endless although i must say the tracks were easy to follow.





The walking stick that i bought in KL was a major help indeed. I was climbing for about 6 hours and arrived at 4pm at Laban Rata. All exhausted and hungry, i was gulping lunch provided at Laban Rata's restaurant. Unfortunately for some of us, we had to climb another 70 metres to our dormitory at Gunting Laganan. Everyone was too tired to even talk and we retired at 8pm in preparation for the next morning's climb.





3rd day : The dormitory was beaming with energy at 1.30am. With headlights and full winter attire, we started to ascent at 3am. Out of 36, only 26 went up. It was pitched dark and quiet. My climb buddies were Asyeda (Johor), Azizah (Shah Alam), Aishah (Johor), Saloma (Negri Sembilan) and Uzaini aka Ujang (KBS official). Ujang motivated us to move on although some of us almost gave up half way through the climb. The air was thin and we could hardly breathe. I managed to walk/climb 10 small steps and halt to catch my breath. The freezing temperature is not to our advantage.






It was an ordeal that none of us expected. Although we were phsyically fit, we were not prepared mentally. The thin oxygen and the steep almost vertical drop climb were our major obstacle. We climbed the steep cliff holding on ropes for dear life and our legs stepping on small crevices.








Fortunately for me, i couldnt see the narrow steep sided valley (visibility was almost zero), for if i did, i would have not continued with the climb. Heights are not my cuppa.





Climbing the bare granite after the Sayat Sayat stop was another major task. Sayat Sayat is 7km above sea level. With mist and wind blowing, i keep reminding myself to walk 10 small steps, stop and breath. Oxygen is so thin that you look like a fish taken out of a water tank. We stopped to see the sunrise right after Sayat Sayat. Everyone was quiet and mesmerised by the sight of the sun cripping through the clouds.

I almost gave up when i reached 8km above sea level. All my life i've always wanted to see the Donkey's Ears Peak and the South Peak. I've reached my goals and wanted to stop. Ujang changed my mind. He motivated me to carry on up to the Low's peak. Infact, he motivated all five of us to carry on with the climb. We rested for awhile, marvelled at the astonishing beauty of God's creation. Funny thing is, although i am so 'wiped out', i can still managed to put sun block on my face! So vain!!





We stopped to rest , had more chocolates, motivating each other and continued with the climb. 10 steps, halt and breathe, i keep telling myself. Vegetation is almost barren at the top. Although the temperature is freezing, we stopped at 8.5km at the foot of Low's Peak to be greeted by some of friends who are already descending. Ujang, Saloma and Aishah continued to climb up to the highest peak. Asyeda and i continued to almost 40metres more to reach the peak when we finally gave up. Azizah stayed on at the foot of the hill. Basically, all 5 of us made it to the top!!







Dense fog begining to form. I could see worried faces on the guide's face. They hurried us to climb down the cliffs. Suddenly, everything around us changed, it was raining and water falls forming at the cliffs. We had to step on slippery crevices and hold on slippery ropes. The day suddenly darken. Fogs and mist were everywhere. The temperature dropped. Our vision was blurred by the fogs and rain. Our excitement was shortlived. It was a terrifying experience. Everyone was scared and praying hard for safety. We scaled down to safety all wet to the bones with the help of our guides.






We were then told that the weather at the summit are so unpredictable. We consider ourselves lucky and are thankful to Allah for no one got hurt, alhamdulilahh....



We rested another night at Gunting Laganan before descending the next day and took the oppurtunity to take pictures and enjoy the awesome view. Masyallah....looking out to the horizon from Laban Rata is a view i will never forget.



Descending the mountain the next day is a different experience all together. This time around, i managed to enjoy the enchanting view and is less engrossed in trying to walk through the tracks.


Coming down can be more painful than climbing because you tend use more muscle in tackling the steep steps. Your legs can sore easily. Luckily for me, i was walking down slowly and taking my time to enjoy the view.





I stood at the top of a hill in awe with the nature surrounding me. There were diverse array of flora and fauna that changes in nature as the altitude changes.
What amazes me most were porters laden with gas cylinders, sacks of rice, supplies in big sacks for the restaurant at Laban Rata and one carrying a street light pole all the way up to Laban Rata. These porters being man and women are wearing only rubber shoes and scaling the mountain like no body's business. (i dont know how many times a day) They easily outpace us.




All of us came down safely with no casualties. Tired but a satisfied look on the face.


Thank you Kementerian Belia & Sukan Malaysia, esp the Bahagian Pembangunan Sukan for organising this event and giving us this oppurtunity.



I would also like to thank the KBS officials Lidya, Hani, Indra, Ujang and Isa & gang for their committment in taking care of our well being during the event. I love you all!

My heartiest congratulations to everybody


from left : Azizah Ahmad, yours truly, Ujang at the back ( thank you Ujang for all the motivation and encouragement), Lidya (very patient officer in charge), Aishah, Saloma, Indra (an inspiration to us all), and Hani (everyone cant do without)



* Did you know that there is a picture of South Peak on your 1 Ringgit note?


Scroll down ......





our very own 'model gunung' Redza Benjamin. He did the craziest thing by taking off his clothes for this pose at temperature -4 ( tabek springg aarr)

The Great Mountain - The Great Challenge (for me that is)

People out there.....believe it or not, I am going to climb Mount Kinabalu next week!! Omigosh...why did i agree to this! I was excited at first but when the day's draw nearer, im getting a bit skeptical about the whole idea. What have i got myself into *sigh*

Psssttttt.....FYI i have not had any kind of training at all. All i am doing now is my normal aerobics class (which i have not done for almost a week due to the long holiday).

Please God, please get me through this with a breeze (yeah rite!!) I need all the luck, please pour me good luck wishes and i need all the prayers (prayers alone doesnt really help - argghhh)

Below are some tips i managed to gather regarding Mount Kinabalu and watnots.... I hope future climbers will find these useful.

Mount Kinabalu or Gunung Kinabalu in the malay language is situated in the east Malaysia state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. Mount Kinabalu is about 4095 meters above sea level which is approximately 13,435 feet!

It is the highest mountain in South East Asia and according to studies, because of the earth movement, the mountain is still growing with the rate of 5mm a year. This is a place where you can see breathtaking sunrise from above the clouds. It is a mountain of tropical rainforest with colourful flora and fauna. According to climbers, Mount Kinabalu is extremely climber friendly (are you trying to coax me?) Its an ideal first mountain for novice (dats me!) mountain climber to conquer.

Here goes : To climb Mount Kinabalu you need to


a) decent physical condition ( i am physically fit i suppose)

b) must not have any heart or lung problems (no problem with em'.....eksen tak hengat)

c) healthy knees and ankles ( i had a fractured knee when i was 9 yrs old, does that counts?)

d) take your time and know your physical limitations (Malek and i have discussed this earlier)



Read through : I got these info from the internet

Although Mount Kinabalu is not a technical mountain climb, it is a major challenge and the rigors of altitude should not be underestimated. (read about altitude down below) The ascent is not difficult in climbing terms ( i think whoever wrote this is trying to trick me into climbing the mountain hehehehe), but it is very strenuous, especially for those who are not very fit. (errrr i feel a challenge there). The pace of the ascent coupled with a good acclimatization (what the hell is that? Oxford please : to get use to a new climate. Oooo....) will help you on the climb BUT it is essential to be mentally and physically prepared before you start. Regular hikes are one on the best ways to prepare the increasing frequency and length as you get closer to the trek (ooo gosh..im in trouble!) All aerobic exercises such as cycling, running, swimming (i cant even float) are good for strengthening the cardiovascular system ( yeyy to that!)

Generally, any exercise that increases the heart rate for 20 minutes a day is helpful but don't over do it just before the climb. (yey yey ahaks )

It is recommended that all climbers should have themselves medically checked before attempting any mountain climb. If you have a history of suffering from the following ailments, it is highly recommend that you should refrain from climbing:

a) Hypertension

b) Diabetes

c) Palpitation

d) Arthritis

e) Heart disease

f) severe anemia

g) Peptic ulcers

h) Epileptic fits

i) Obesity (overweight)

j) Chronic asthma

k) Muscular cramps

l) Hepatitis (jaundice)

m) or any other disease which may hamper the climber.

The average temperature range from 15°C-24°C (60°F-78°F) at Kinabalu Park HQ at 1,563m (5128 feet), where it can be quite hot during the day but much cooler at night. At Laban Rata at 3,270m (10,728 feet) on the summit trail, average temperatures vary from 6°C-14°C (41°F-58°F), but can sometimes reach almost freezing at night. (whoa...errr..where did i chucked those longjohns?)

How can altitude sickness be prevented?

• By taking a graded ascent. Climb relatively slowly to higher levels, and allow adequate periods of acclimatisation (two to three days) at a given height (starting from 2200 metres) before spending a night at a greater height.

• It's fine to climb up during the day, but you should try to get down to 2200 metres (or the height you are currently acclimatised to) in the course of the same day. Then you can move up, depending on your individual tolerance, by 300 to 500 metres, until you rest and get acclimatised again for at least a couple of days, and so on.

• 

• If you feel ill at a particular height, come down to your previously acclimatised height.

• Drink plenty of liquids (at least three litres a day). Avoid drinking alcohol.

• Avoid getting cold.

Danger signals for altitude sickness

Danger signals usually develop in the first 36 hours. They affect more than 50 per cent of travellers above 3500 metres and almost 100 per cent of people who climb quickly to 5000 metres without acclimatising.

• An insignificant headache that disappears with one to two ordinary headache tablets.

• Nausea and general malaise.

• Slight dizziness.

• Some difficulty sleeping.

With these symptoms at heights below 3000 metres, you can usually allow yourself to stay on and to rest for a couple of days before further permanent ascents. At heights around 3500 metres, you should try moving down 300 to 500 metres and stay there for two days before further permanent ascents.

Physical preparation for my climb besides doing theusual aerobic workouts :

Overall leg exercises

The Thigh (quariceps, hamstrings, abductors and adductors)

I can either focus on each thigh muscle group individually with isolation exercises or work them all at the same time with multi-joint exercises like squats and lunges. I would say squats and lunges are the best exerise for the thigh. Squats and lunges tend to focus a little more on the butt and quads, but the hamstrings, inner thigh, calfs, and ankles also work during these exercises. Squats and lunges also improve balance and coordination and burn more calories than isolation exercises because you are using more muscles. The Calf (gastrocnemius, soleus) The gastrocnemius is the calf muscle that is visible from the outside of the body. It attaches to the heel with the Achilles Tendon and originates behind the knee on the femur, crossing two joints. The gastrocnemius has two heads: the medial and the lateral. When fully developed, these two heads appear to form a diamond shape.The soleus is not visible when looking at the body from the outside as it lies underneath the gastrocnemius on the rear of the lower leg. The soleus is most active when doing calf exercises where the knee is bent. No special equipment is required, just a step or a ledge.The only exercise you'll do is 1 leg calf raises on a step Begin with the right calf, and do 4 sets of 8's of the one leg calf raise. As soon as you're done with the right leg, switch over to the left leg and repeat. Then, without any rest go back to the right leg and do 20 repetitions , then 20 on the left.Then, without any rest go back to the right leg and do 15 repetitions , and then 15 on the left. Now you can rest and stretch out the calf muscles. But the workout is not done. Rest 3-5 minutes and then repeat the sequence. 32, 20, and 15 reps. Nope not done yet. Repeat the sequence a third time 32, 20, andthen 15 reps. This is a truly killer workout for the calf muscles. It's a great workout for anyone who plays running or jumping sports, and it's a great workout for anyone who wants to strengthen and build their calf muscles. If this workout is too difficult to get through, you can modify the repetitions and shoot for 20, 15, 10 or 15, 10, 5. You can also decrease the rounds from 3 rounds to 2 rounds. The Glutes (Gluteus maximus, gluteus minimus and gluteus medius) Glutes are basic aspects of posture and locomotion, such as standing erect and walking. When load is applied to the hip joint, the glutes, along with the low back, abdominals, quads and hamstrings become the primary power center of the human body. Unlike muscles like the biceps, the glutes are nearly impossible to isolate from their adjacent muscle groups. When you train your quads or hamstrings, your glutes are commonly called into the equation. In fact, even without glute specific training, you may not realize that this area is already fairly strong. Since gluteal development is first and foremost a byproduct of performing exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings, training legs consistently and correctly should allow you to sculpt great glutes without ever giving them a second thought. REMINDER : Remember to warm up before doing these exercises and make sure you stretch after the workouts. Recommended Climbing Equipment Divide climbing equipment to two parts. Day 1 - Timpohon Gate to Laban Rata (approximately ascending at 8am) -warm, humid and sunny- * invest on a good pair of high cut hiking shoes to protect your ankles (it doesnt have to be expensive) * a few pairs of hiking socks (just in case it rains) * quality knee guard to protect your knee * light clothing (tshirts, shorts, bermudas or track bottom) * hiking stick to help you climb * Caps and shades (sunglasses) * loads of sunblock lotion and insect repellent * a light raincoat just in case if it rains * adequate water, use a light plastic bottle, refills will be provided at stops and you can just throw away the bottle after you descent * face towels, toilet tissue paper and plastic bags * energy bar, chocolates and whole meal bread * pouch bag to put your handphone, camera and wallet * toiletries put into small containers Day 2 - Laban Rata to summit ( 2.30am) its going to be windy and chilly * wear longjohns, the temperature is about 5 degree at the peak * cargo pants, hitec pants, warm clothes and windbreaker on the outside * headlights, its going to be very dark ( no street lights eyy) * face mask, the potong rumput's mask will be sufficient * snow caps * quality gloves to hold on ropes when you climb and wool gloves to keep you warm * adequate water cosumption * pouch for personal belongings like camera, handphones etc * chocolates, energy bar * raincoat Ive done my checklist and will be packing my bags tomorrow. Wish me luck!!! Mount Kinabalu here i come.....and i will conquer , insyallah....