More senior citizens take to hiking in Sibu after the Covid-19 pandemic.
AGE is just a number when it comes to hiking, as attested by the spike in the number of elderly hikers in Sibu after the Covid-19 pandemic.
One of them is Kong Kok Siong, 50, who recently challenged himself in a 50km Ball Breaker run. The watch shop operator has also made new hiking friends who are above 60 years old.
“Some people say the elderly should refrain from hiking as they will develop knee pain.
“This is quite subjective, as one can avoid having knee pain by taking several measures. You need to have enough calcium in your diet.
“When ascending a hill, especially, don’t run but walk leisurely. When you are tired, take a short rest,” he advised.
Kong also encouraged hikers to use hiking sticks for better balance and increased stability. The use of a hiking stick would also put less pressure on the knees.
Ironically, the affable Kong never took up any sporting events during his school days.
He only started jogging eight years ago to lose weight from his then oversized 86kg. Jogging and later hiking reduced his weight to 72kg.
“I go jogging three times a week and hiking twice. After the movement control order, I participated in full marathons in Kuching and outside the state.
“Up to now, I have done seven full marathons. There are more to come for me,” he said.
Kong’s first competitive hiking event was the Kemuyang Nature Challenge in December last year. He came in 10th in the 7km veteran category.
Next was the 25km Kampung Bobak Run in Kuching, which he completed in six hours and 58 minutes. Following that was the 50km Silabur Ultra Trail in Matang, Kuching, where he finished in a credible sixth position in nine hours.
With this experience in competitive hiking, the physically fit Kong jumped at the chance to take part in the 50km Ball Breaker Borneo Ultra Blue Trail in Padawan, Kuching, on July 6.
In this race, runners had to traverse jungle, motorised roads, and bamboo paths, testing their mental and physical endurance.
Joining Kong were 15 teammates from the Permai Trail and Running Club, most of them participating in the 30km run.
Kong went fully prepared with all the required items, including a hydration vest, headlamp, trail shoes, electrolyte tablets, hydration salt, additional drinking water storage, energy food, and a hiking stick.
“The race started at 6am. I completed it in almost 12 hours. It was an energy-sapping run under the scorching heat,” he said. “My only food was an energy bar and dates that I had brought along. I took several packets of hydration salt along the way to prevent leg cramps.”
Kong gave his all to finish in third position, receiving a medal but no prize money.
“We gained satisfaction from being able to compete and challenge ourselves. It was also fun,” he said.
For those who want to hike or join competitions, Kong advised them to ensure they are physically healthy.
“I go for a medical check-up once a year. I make sure that I am really fit before entering any race,” he stressed.
