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5 Things I Learned From Hiking Mountains


Just last March I did my very first hike for 2019. It was a surreal experience, more so because I have my high school friends with me whom I haven't seen for some time.  

Hiking has always been happy experience for me. I see it as a cheap way to take on an adventure and be close to nature. I like the thrill of the trail and the funny stories shared while climbing.

The happiness you feel once you reach the summit is beyond explanation too. You just marvel at the scenery below and think how great our God is for such a picturesque view.

Today, after about four climbs I thought of sharing with you five things I learned so far. Here are real life lessons that hiking mountains taught me.

 



 

The more you do it, the better you will be


The first hike I did was back in 2016 and boy am I the most inexperienced and unprepared person ever. I wore a white t-shirt and even brought a hardbound book with me. Haha.

Back then I just wanted to experience hiking since I had seen other friends do it on my newsfeed. I was just after the photos, to be honest.

Mt. Manabu was supposed to be an easy trail perfect for beginners. There were 8 stations until you reach the summit and the distance is around 15-20 minutes. But as we reach Station 3, I was on the verge already of quitting. I was sweating so much and it felt like 10 years was added to my age.

But truly experience is the best teacher. On my second hike I got better. I wore a better outfit and I pack lighter too. I didn't get as easily tired as before and was able to enjoy the climb more.

So yeah, the more you do it the better you will be. Your first hike may be a disaster (or may seem like one) but your second and third will surely be a success.

Me at Mt. Manabu, my very first hike!



The world is such a beautiful place


I consider myself as a homebody. I take pleasure in staying at home and either blogging or planning. A hike is far from what I want to spend my weekend on. But when I started doing it, I will always miss the scenery. I realized the world is such a beautiful place and there’s more I have to see.

I will never forget the side trip we did at Tinipak RIver during my Mt. Daraitan experience. The humongous boulders of white rocks really captured my eyes. I also enjoyed the vast plain terrain in Mt. Talamitam. And recently I got super amazed at the summit of Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Gola.

When you hike it’s impossible to ignore how beautiful our planet is. You will just be astonished.

At Mt. Daraitan Summit

At. Mt. Talamitam Summit

At. Mt. Manalmon Summit

 



 

It’s okay to slow down


Sometimes you will get too excited and burn all your energy in the beginning of the climb. When this happens, do not be afraid to slow down for awhile. Take deep breaths and have moderate climb instead of rushing or you could get hurt. Learn to listen to your body, especially if it is your first time.

Go on a pace that you are comfortable with. It’s okay to admit you are tired to the group and take rest rather than forcing yourself to keep going. That’s why there is a term “take five” which means  to take a five-minute break from the activity.

I think another great by-product of slowing down is you get to enjoy the journey more. And who would say no to that, correct?




Challenge yourself


Hiking is a good opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and face your fears for once. Adventures bring out noticeable changes in your own personal life. I felt it right after my first climb. It seems like I got stronger not just physically but mentally. Hiking is a good way to destress, to be honest, especially if you are locked in a 9 to 5 work all the time. The feeling of accomplishment as you reach the summit is incomprehensible.

 



 

I can do it


Whenever I reached the summit there's one thing I realized - I can do it. I just need to keep going. No matter how slow my climb is, I can reach the summit too. Continue pushing yourself for it will always be worth it in the end. As soon as you reach the summit, all your tiredness will instantly fade away.

You’ll experience a sea of clouds, you’ll catch the best sunset and/or you’ll meet strangers who will not hesitate to say congratulations to you at the top. All efforts you put in will be rewarded.

I never thought I would be that person who could climb a mountain and actually reach the summit. But now I did it four times already. Isn’t it wonderful?

This post will not be complete without thanking all these amazing people who made hiking fun for me.






Overall


Hiking can be a dangerous activity and there are horror stories out there. Make sure you have an experienced guide with you. Pray before, during and after the hike. Feed yourself with gratitude for the newfound experience, memories and friends.

If you haven’t hiked yet, I encourage you to do so. You will be surprised how normal it is for everyone to say “hello, good morning” to every fellow climber you encounter on the trail.


When was the last time you hiked?

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