Lessons from the 13km Trail Hike
The MacLeHose hike is a 100-kilometre-long - named after Hong Kong’s longest-serving colonial governor. It is stunning in nature and has a beautiful scenery of the New Territories in Hong Kong.
It is also known to be quite difficult and challenging with an average hiking time of 5hrs.
I was fortunate to take part in sections 1 & part of section 2 of the hike with a few friends whilst on an internship two years ago.
This wasn't the first time I hiked but to trail the MacLeHose was not only daunting but equally exciting!
Let's also say I'd grouped with a group of young, free spirited millennials who didn't fear taking on a challenge like this!
One of the many other reasons I love about Hong Kong is that its landscape is quite incredible!
You could easily go from being in a buzzing vibrant city with sky scrapers, then in 20 mins be surrounded with beautiful landscapes of the city.
The hike definitely needed a mind shift of endurance to climb for hours but let me assure you, the views were worthwhile.
Here are 3 things I learnt that have helped me on this journey of self-development.
Hiking Works Your Mental Fitness
Not only is hiking beneficial for you physically, it also works out your mental fitness.
Beginning the MacLehose hike felt like a breeze, but as soon as the steps got steeper and the sun shone brighter, I realised this would require a mental shift.
Step by step, we had to be aware of our surrounding, using creative ways to avoid steep stones and rocks that could cause an injury.
I would also remind myself that it would be worthwhile, building core strength, both physically and mentally.
It was challenging but showed that anything rewarding like this was worth pursuing.
Studies have shown that"outdoor exercise has a direct correlation to greater feelings of positivity and energy and fewer feelings of tension, anger and depression" - Environmental Science and Technology
“There is a cognitive advantage to be realised if we spend time immersed in a natural setting." Creativity in the wild by Jan de Fockert
So whether you enjoy walking, running or doing vigorous exercises like HIIT, remember that the benefits are rewarding in both your physical and mental state.
Overcoming Obstacles is Achieved Together
Most of the time we think endurance comes naturally and in an instant.
Often, this takes self-discipline but also encouragement from others that you can reach the peak and your mountain whatever that looks like.
After hiking for almost 2 hrs, my friend and I had reached our peak. The burning sun and challenging rocks, meant that we couldn't catch up with the rest of the group.
We were sweaty, exhausted and then hit the wall in our head that we might as well turn back and go home.
However, knowing we had so much to look forward to, our group encouraged us along the way.
Cheering us on, they would wait during sections when we needed to recover (even when others were quite happy with continuing the climb), we worked as a team and endured on. #hiking #endurance
"Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes." -Gautama Buddha
STOP! Breathe and Enjoy the View
Often in my life, we forget to take the time to pause and see what is around us.
It's difficult, life happens and you find yourself on a wheel of routine trying to make it to another day.
Our physical environment, how we're feeling and the emotions running in our mind all contribute to our progress on what you're looking to achieve.
Hiking has so many benefits because it helps us detach for a moment from the digital world.
Research shows that "interactions with nature are particularly effective in replenishing depleted attentional resources."
You get the chance to breathe in all that nature offers, pause all worries of today and just allow space to relax.
Reaching mountain peaks gives a sense of achievement and resilience.
Realise today, that you can do anything you put your mind to! And Remember;
“When you get to the finish line, it will all be worth it ”
Love, Annette x
Comentários