here we go aclimbing again: d minus 2

THE MESILAU TRAIL
I learned about this alternative route way back when I first attempted Mt K. The boys of the group chatted up this bunch of UK Babes (because they were studying in the UK and were climbing in unthinkable warm factor eschewing spaghetti strap tops and shorts) who did this trail. Although in awe at their gungho-ness, I thought we were pretty clever we took the shorter Summit Trail. After 6 hours of heaving our butts all the way up to the Laban Rata Resthouse, I can't imagine taking one more step and a longer route is, basically, a suicide job.

Who knew I would walk down this path one day...

OK, let me explain why. The Mesilau Nature Resort to the peak (Low's Peak) is about 2 km longer compared to the Summit Trail, making it a total distance of about 10.5 km. But the Mesilau Trail is less steep and offers a more scenic climb that will hopefully distract me from my sufferings. The Summit Trail, though shorter, is an up-up-up hike, not unlike climbing a staircase with giant steps. For me with the creaky knees and what other age-related ailments, this route makes more sense.

In short, we like Mesilau Trail because:-

1) More scenery = more photo opportunities = happiness
2) Try something new this round
3) Not so punishing

But when my friend who went on the Mesilau Trail recently told me he took 10 hours to get to Laban Rata Resthouse, it started to sound not so appealing at all. I mean, imagine: Me sitting in front of the computer 12 hours a day, sleep 6 hours, eat 2 hours, drive 2 hours, and miscellanous activities for the remaining 2 hours. Then, like a kink in the nice straight line, whisk me away from my everydayness and throw me into the jungle and expect me to survive for 10 hours. Reeeeally now...

I dunno why I sound so collected as I sit here and type this.... COZ I'M NOT!

This whole situation is crazy and I'm crazy for going along on the ride.

Shite.... is an understatement.

I do this everytime before I climb something, don't I?

here we go aclimbing again: d minus 4

Last time, I lugged almost 6 kg up the mountain and down. I actually brought along stuff like shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, three shirts, pajamas and almost 2 litres of water. So stupid. Most of the stuff ended up being wasted effort because it was too cold to shower, I didn't want to change into cold clothes and there's water stops along the way.

WHAT TO PACK


1. Climbing shoes. Not running shoes or walking shoes because they get slippery in wet weather. This round I'm opting for this pair of Kampung Adidas as they call it. It's fully rubber and black and not pretty and cost me only RM5.90. My friend swears by it.

2. A spare pair of socks. In case it rains.
3. A change of clothes. DO NOT WEAR COTTON. Cotton will get damp from the sweat and doesn't dry off as fast. Opt for dri-fit material instead.

4. Good windbreaker. A windbreaker only protects you from the wind, not the chill. Optionally, you may get an inner fleece layer for protection against the cold. Wear layers with the windbreaker.

5. Headlamp. Not torchlight, because the last leg of the climb to Low's Peak is done in complete darkness and involves a rope.
6. Spare batteries for headlamps. You wouldn't believe how quickly the batteries would run out in cold weather.

7. Gloves. For general protection against the chill and would come in handy at the rope section. Otherwise, optional.

8. Beanie. Most of our body heat escapes from our head.

9. Poncho. In case it rains.

10. Small towel to wipe down.
11. Some energy bars / chocolates.
12. Water. Bring about one litre and fill up along the way.

13. Hand warmers. It's a small pouch of stuff that activates when come in contact with air. You shake it and wait for it to warm up, then chuck it in your pocket or something. It heats up to 52-62 degree Celsius so it's pretty hot. You can get this product from most outdoor equipment suppliers.

14. Sandals. Sturdy ones, like Teva. When you descend, your toes will hit on the front of your shoes and some people will find this painful. So, wearing sandals would solve this problem. Having said that, having short toe nails would definitely help so cut your toe nails before you go. Otherwise, optional.

15. Counterpain. Need I say more?

here we go aclimbing again: d minus 27

10 1/2 flight o' stairs, time 3:15.

Somehow in my head, walking up to level 15 cannot be that difficult.

Then I gave up at level 6, haha. First day only, not too bad an effort la. Next week I shall attempt a bit more until I walk ALL the way up!

here we go aclimbing again: d minus 37

So the plan is to seriously get myself reasonably fit before we go aclimbing again. For the state that I'm in now, I'm no better than a potato on a couch.

TRAINING PROGRAM

Because I have weak knees and there's nothing much I can do about it, the aim is to strengthen other parts of my leg muscles, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings and the calves, to compensate for it. These are simple exercises that I can do at home.

Here's a link to an article on weak knees and the recommended exercises: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KGB/is_4_5/ai_n6033426/

Just strong legs are not enough. I also need to have certain endurance to last the whole trek. We're talking about 8-10 hrs of walking y'know. So with this in mind, I've settled on interval training on weekends and if I have the energy for it, certain weekdays too. Generally, interval training involve repetitious periods of high intensity workout followed by periods of rest/low activity. This training program is used to start off long distance runners but also good for people like me who's adverse to stressing the knees too much.

And to demonstrate how serious I am about this whole climb Mt K for the last time ever, I plan to walk the staircase from the basement parking all the way up to my office on level 15. And maybe walk down. Twice a day. Next month onwards. Must mentally prepare myself first bah.

astro dog

This is what happens to anjing yang tak dengar cakap.

Looking downright depressed

Poor boy's been biting and chewing off bits of the velvety pad on his front paw, causing him to limp slightly when walking. The vet said he's allergic to something, which she cannot pinpoint but it could be his food, floor cleaning agent, fresh paint or dusty carpet.