Participating in the "Challenge 8 Hours — 2013 Charity Hiking & Trail Running Race" was a continuation of my joyful travel life...
Four ordinary office workers, only one of whom had any experience with outdoor hiking, some of whom didn’t even know each other beforehand, managed to support and encourage each other to complete a 24.9-kilometer journey.
The reason behind it all was a "Happy Hike 3000 Meters" experience by "Doraemon," which was an event organized by GORE-TEX
The reason behind it all was a "Happy Hike 3000 Meters" experience by "Doraemon," which was an event organized by GORE-TEX
Full of confidence and ready to set off
The road conditions grew worse, shifting from country paths to overgrown thickets, and a section of uphill climbing began to take its toll on the group’s stamina. Due to their busy work schedules, the four had only met as a team once before the trip, and none of the planned pre-trip training sessions ever materialized. They hadn’t prepared knee pads or trekking poles, and some members didn’t even have time to buy proper hiking shoes, ending up wearing their everyday sneakers. The mountain path became increasingly treacherous, with narrow trails only wide enough for one person that ran right along cliffs. Everyone had to grip the mountainside and walk with extra caution. What had started as lively chatter gradually faded into the sound of heavy breathing. The most common phrases among the team were “Watch your step!” “Look where you’re going!” “Stay close to the inside!” “Be careful of this rock…” Loose gravel caused “An Zai” to slip several times during the descent, scraping his hands.
One centimeter on the map equals one mountain to climb in reality
The real challenge came with climbing the 12-kilometer section of the Jinshanling Great Wall. Having already exhausted much of their energy during the earlier ascent, they reached the wall at noon. Under the warm sun, sweat began to form, but the wind blowing out from the watchtowers was extremely strong, making the clamminess in their feet especially uncomfortable. The previous experience of the “LeXing 3000 Meters” hike had taught “Doraemon” a lot about professional outdoor knowledge, so he was the only one in the group wearing gear made with Gore-Tex
It was definitely not ability but perseverance that enabled the four to complete the race.
"Pain and joy at the same time" was their genuine feeling throughout the journey. The whole way was exhausting and tough, yet no one complained; someone got injured, but no one gave up. Choosing to take part in the race was a crazy thing to do, and it wasn’t until halfway through that they realized just how physically demanding outdoor challenges can be — and yet how joyful. Tired in the body, joyful in the heart — this is the continuation of the "Happy Hiking" spirit: enjoying the pleasure of walking on all kinds of paths, enduring the test of willpower, strengthening friendships, and contributing a little bit of care for disaster-stricken areas.
Seven hours and one minute — an unexpected result. The four outdoor rookies finished the race within the allotted time, the donation was successfully made, and they got to know each other well, promising to keep walking together happily. There’s an irresistible charm to outdoor hiking that allows people to forget their original reasons for getting into the activity and simply enjoy the physical and mental experiences and pleasures it brings — Gore-Tex.