It was just a random remark someone made at our ROCKbbq last August and seven months later, the climb to the peak of Mount Kinabalu materalised with a brave group of eight ROCKrunners – Connie, Yanee, Lynn, Shan Ming, Joshua, Meng Hui, Berlin and her mum.

Here are their individual reflections:

Connie

What started out as an impulse decision to climb Mount Kinabalu became a surreal experience after all those months. I procrastinated on my training and only began serious preparation three weeks to the hike.

The day finally came and it was a real test for my stamina as I made every step up. Thankfully, I had lots of encouragement from my fellow ROCKrunners, who nudged me forward each time I fell back. The terrain was daunting and I was scared of falling, but I know they will be there to hold me if I fall.

The ascent to the summit was extremely challenging. It was pitch dark and the only light source I had was from my headlamp. That’s when I realised my greatest fear: Darkness.

The amount of fear and insecurity was overwhelming. There was a point where I got so scared I just sat on the ground and started tearing. Some of them tried to pull me up but I just didn’t want to. I wanted to give up the climb.

But the thought of not being able to meet the rest of the RR squad at the summit was extremely upsetting. I really did not want to disappoint them,  so I decided to let go of my fear and pushed myself up to the summit with the help of my guide, who is the best ever. I was just so happy to see everyone at the summit and the view that greeted me was marvellous. The pain was worth it.

I want to give a shoutout to Meng Hui, who waited for me throughout the hike, for paving the route and always finding the easiest path for me to take. Also, thank you to Yanee who constantly motivated me, telling me that giving up is never an option and for entertaining me with your nonsense – in return, for putting up with mine too.

Thanks Joshua for putting this trip together – we conquered our fear Josh, we did it! Thanks Shan Ming for all the advice and special thanks to my dearest friend Minyi for lending all your precious gear to me so that I could hike safely and comfortably. A big thank you to the rest of the squad for making this trip so fun and enjoyable. I wouldn’t be able to finish it successfully without you guys!

Since joining ROCKrunners, I have learnt the true meaning of FEARLESS. I have overcome countless obstacles and achieved many goals with them beside me, encouraging me and always never failing to reassure me that I am stronger than I think. The positive vibes are abundant and contagious, and I know there isn’t a single dull moment with them around. Thank you my dearest ROCKfam – I am happy and contented. I am here because of you guys!

Meng Hui

Achievement unlocked. Climbing a mountain has been something on my bucket list and I’m glad that I ticked this off with the ROCKrunners. It was not an easy climb, with the hilly upslopes and the wet descent in the rain, but it was an invigorating experience. If you have been thinking about doing something but have not gotten about doing it, come join us and we will do it with you!

Yanee

Living life is to constantly reach new heights.

Never in my wildest dream did I imagine myself to be climbing up a mountain. It was a crazy plan with last-minute training. I was not prepared at all until the very last day before the flight out, and I left Singapore feeling nervous and uncertain of what to expect. But with the right mindset, great support from the ROCKrunners and blessed with good weather, I made it to the summit!

The ascend to the summit was a huge mental test! It was no longer about the strength in your legs or upper body – it’s all mental! And this is just what I needed to work on at this point of my life.

This goes down as one of the best experiences in my life – I enjoyed the spectacular view of the sunrise from the summit, with the sun rays peeking through the dark sky. As the sunlight slowly lit up the entire horizon, I felt I was on cloud nine! An effort that is all worth it. I came back stronger, mentally and physically, which was the main objective of me plunging into this challenge. I became a better Yanee!

Thank you Meng Hui for constantly looking out for me throughout the hike and taking over the sweeper role. Thank you Josh for planning and coordinating to make this trip possible. Thank you Connie for putting up with all my nonsense. Thank you to my sister @kateazlin, who crazily attempted this together with me. Thank you Berlin and mum for adding laughter and life to the trip.

Lastly and most importantly, thank you Shan Ming for being the best adviser I could possibly have, who patiently recommended good hiking gear and continuously entertained my endless questions.

It’s really a blessing to have such friends around who are always so helpful in every ways. This is why I love ROCKrunners!

Joshua

Imagine hoisting yourself up smooth rock walls, with your sweaty and shaky grip on thick ropes being the only thing keeping you from falling 4,000m down to your demise. And the elements battering at your face at the same time. With strained legs and arms, you steadily climb one step at a time, reaching the summit just in time to see the orange rays of dawn peak out through a cloudless sky.

Yup, that was how my first-ever multi-day hike to climb Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia. This mountain is 4,000m above sea level and even though I had hiked before, this was the first time I’ve done a multi-day climb.

I can file this experience under “doing something ridiculous.” You wonder why you do this to yourself when your quads and legs are aching. But when you reach the summit and descend safely – though you are thoroughly exhausted to the bone and you know you won’t be able to walk properly for a while – you smile, knowing what you’ve just done and experienced is one of those character-defining moments.

Shan Ming

ROCKhike to Mount Kinabalu started off with a random conversation at the BBQ at Cheryl’s place last year….Who knew eight months later we really made it to Kinabalu.

This trip was extremely meaningful to me being my first hike six months after I broke my ankle.

We made it to the Mount Kinabalu summit at around 5:45am, after three hours of crazy climb… and at every steep rocky part I thought I might lose my life if I let go of the rope. It was the ROCKfam spirit which constantly reminded me not to let go and kept me going!

The day when I made it to the summit, it was exactly the 180th day post-op. I was greeted with the crack of dawn on the tallest mountain in my home country. It was probably the best gift that I have ever received in my life.

Standing on top of the mountain, I fell in love with the world beneath my feet. We conquered the mountain together and overcame our fear, while enduring the pain along the way.

So grateful for the beautiful weather and the kind souls that made this trip come true! The trip wouldn’t have been the same without my awesome ROCKhikers – THANK YOU Joshua, Connie, Yanee, Lynn, Meng Hui, Berlin and Sherlyn who made the trip possible.

Berlin

Some time back in August, a couple of ROCKrunners floated the idea of visiting Kota Kinabalu to climb Mount Kinabalu. Personally, hiking was never my cup of tea but knowing that my mum enjoys such outdoor activities, I asked my mum if she was keen and we registered our interest with other like-minded ROCKrunners.

As the trip was only going to materialise almost seven months later, I did not do any research prior to signing up knowing that I would back out because I was afraid of the long hours of hiking and tremendous fortitude.

Months crept by and suddenly, we were approaching the day of departure. Two weeks before the departure date, I started to panic. Not knowing what to expect, having absolutely no idea what equipment and items I would be needing for the climb, I turned to trusty ROCKrunners, some of them being seasoned hikers. Thanks to Shan Ming’s detailed and comprehensive list of things to pack, Meng Hui’s offer to drop by camping shops together and of course my mum’s assistance in purchasing necessities, I managed to pack a day before our departure.

Upon arrival at Kinabalu park, it dawned on me that it was no walk in the park! We started the journey with high spirits, discussing the checkpoints and targets to meet. The hike became exhausting and I decided to ditch my bag as it was slowing down my progress and caused dizziness. I started blaming myself for not training for the hike, thinking that it was just going to be hours of walking and chit chatting. The hike became progressively tougher but I managed to preserve with encouragement from fellow ROCKrunners and we managed to make it to the base camp as scheduled.

The next morning, we woke up at 1am for our breakfast and started our climb to the summit at 2.45am in darkness. All we could see were the steps in front of us and it was a pretty steep climb compared to the day before. It was pretty challenging and I was breathless at many points and resorted to sitting down to catch my breath once in a while. Thankfully, with guidance and encouragement from everyone, we managed to reach the peak just before the sun peeked over the horizon and lit the sky. It was breathtaking, and suddenly all the fatigue and aches disappeared. Then we looked down and realised how damn far we climbed, and shit, we had another seven hours to go.

That being said, I’m glad to have awesome travel companions who made this trip less torturous and for enduring my constant whining about the never-ending hike. It was an amazing experience and I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else, but once is enough!

P.S. I ached for five full days thereafter. Moral of the story: Please please train before attempting any activity which requires a decent fitness level!!

Sherlyn

A huge bear hug to all who made it out for this trip! Joshua did a great job with the admin that ran like clock work, ensuring an extremely smooth trip. Meng Hui has a golden heart and extends his hand to whoever, whenever there is a need to. I would love to hold his hand again; excellent hand!

The beautiful Yanee was our official photographer, taking all the photos for us. I will always cherish these wonderful photos. You are such an angel! With her kakak Lynn, both of them have a touching sisterhood that we all wish to have too. Shan Ming, the motherly Shan Ming, sees to the minute details that need to be fixed as every gram counts. This is a great pointer! And thank you Connie for giving us such a succulent dinner.

Last but not least, thank you my precious Berlin for introducing this amazing group to me. A big round of applause for ROCKrunners!