Conquering the Philippine Mountains: Tips for beginners

Life’s greatest competition, and perhaps the hardest, happens within one’s self. Imagine the struggle of overcoming your ego in admitting your fault; or pride in begging for a loved one not to walk out of your life; or laziness in finishing a chore.

How much more when you try to challenge your own physical, mental, and emotional capabilities altogether? Just like in climbing a mountain. As you venture your way to the top, your body may not cooperate with you in achieving your goal. Your mind may even give up way before your body does. Therefore, to help you be equipped for your toughest battle, here are some tips:

1. Make a battle plan.

Do your preliminary research especially on what mountains are suitable for beginners. Actually, mountains may be categorized depending on the difficulty of the climb: the Major Climb and the one recommended for starters, the Minor Climb. In the Philippines, some of which includes Mount Maculot, Mount Batulao, and Mount Pulag via the Ambangeg trail. It is also handy to know the location of a potable water source, what rivers you need to cross, etc.

Acquaint yourself, especially if you are a first-timer, with the mountaineering etiquette and principles. Not only will these help save your life but also help save nature as you come in close encounter with the environment.

2. Prepare your body.

Before the date of your activity, be sure that you prepare your shoulder, back, knee, and most importantly leg muscles. You do not want to greet victory at the peak of the mountain with a lot of injuries, or worse, not meet triumph at all, right?

3. Choose your weapons wisely.

Get a pair of hiking shoes or sandals. You may not believe it, but the perfect footwear holds the comfort of your adventure. Wearing quick dry clothes will also be helpful in protecting your health. You may also want to cover your packed clothes and gadgets with plastic (preferably zip locked), since crossing bodies of water during the climb is anticipated. Finally, be sure to bring just enough food and water to make your load less heavy. A liter or two of water is normally enough for one day trekking and hiking, while carbohydrates and sweets are necessary for keeping you energized.

4. Go with a troupe and have a confidant.

Mountain climb with buddies and companions. You need them to win your battle. Also, it is important to tell someone in the city, your parent or friend, about your itinerary.

In the end, it’s winning despite feeling how your body is about to give up; winning despite defying your mind saying “I can’t do it anymore.”  Is it not the sweetest triumph? Climb the mountain and conquer yourself.

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