Olivia Miwil, who conquered Sabah's highest mountain recently, writes of the intense mental and physical preparations leading up to the climb.
IN April, I had the experience of climbing Mount Kinabalu for the first time.
I was invited, with members from other media, by Sabah Parks, the custodian of Mount Kinabalu, for the soft launch of new hostels.
Named Mokodou and Kinatoki, these hostels have 50 beds each and they are to replace Panar Laban and Gunting Lagadan Huts which were damaged during the 2015 earthquake.
We had only two weeks before the climb. Naturally, I was worried that there would not be enough time to prepare in terms of physical training and gear.
Last year, I conquered Mulu Pinnacles in Sarawak with other climbers who had scaled Mount Kinabalu. They told me that Mount Kinabalu was much easier than then pinnacles as there were no cut-off time.
But I chose not to underestimate the climb as every mountain has its own challenge including distance, altitude and temperature.
My two weeks of training comprised running 10km and an average of an hour of swimming for endurance every day. On alternate days, other media friends and I went for hiking at different hills around my hometown, Kota Kinabalu.
Preparing oneself physically would make the journey more doable.
Three days prior to the climb, I reduced my training intensity by practising yoga. I also consumed between 85 and 95 per cent of carbohydrates to store glycogen for the climb.
The trail between the starting point at Timpohon gate and the next pit-stop at Panalaban is 6.7km. It's a challenge but hikers pacing themselves can complete it on the first day.
The journey to the peak from Panar Laban before going up to the peak and returning to the Timpohon gate the next day.
As for the three-day package, climbers will stay an extra night at Panar Laban after reaching and coming down from the peak, before continuing the descend on the third day.
I chose to finish everything on the second day. This meant I trekked a total of 12.1km (or twice the distance of the first day.
Doing it in two days meant a shorter period to endure the physical and mental challenges.
LEVEL OF FITNESS
According to radiologist Dr Ravi Mandalam, 65, who had scaled the mountain more than 40 times, the best way to build physical strength for the climb is by climbing stairs or hills.
Depending on individual's fitness, it will take at least two weeks to one month to prepare to climb Mount Kinabalu.
"Relying on mental strength and sheer will alone are not sufficient to get to the top. Physical training is necessary for a comfortable climb. But this strenuous activity is not for those with serious medical conditions such as heart and lung diseases, and bone and joint problems.
"Snacks such as chocolate, biscuit and muesli bars are useful to boost one's energy. Painkillers should be taken only when necessary. Knee pain is best avoided by coming down slowly and not carrying excessive weight," he adds.
Sabah Parks director Dr Jamili Nais says that to prevent acute mountain sickness, climbers should go to a higher altitude for about half and hour before returning to a lower attitude for the overnight rest. They should also hydrate adequately.
As I did not want to suffer from mountain sickness, I reached Panar Laban from Timpohon gate within four hours. I then requested my guide to bring me to the Kota Belud trail platform. There I stayed about half an hour before I went back to the hostel.
It worked for me as I did not suffer from any headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or insomnia.
When ascending to the peak from Panar Laban, the rule of thumb was to go steadily but with limited light coming from the head torch.
It was cold and I found it difficult to breathe at high altitude. I had to take deeper breaths to maximise oxygen intake.
I reached Low's Peak at 4,095 metres above sea level a few minutes before sunrise. I could not believe that I was there. Previously, I was just reading about other people's achievements.
My guide, Kasbee Uguk, helped me snap pictures at popular spots including one with the famous mirror lake image.
Overall, it was a memorable inaugural climb. I would definitely want to revisit the UNESCO world heritage site if I had the opportunity.
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