Climbing up Kondhana

I finally climbed up Kondhana during monsoon this year. Kondhana (remember the movie Tanhaji) a.k.a. Sinhgadh fort is a moderately tough trek. The Fort is a popular weekend destination for many residents of Pune, including trekking enthusiasts with access to the top of the fort from the base of the Sinhagad village. The trek involves a one-way walk of 2.7?km over which the walker gains about 600 m (1950 feet) in elevation. The trek was more difficult than I imagined. My lack of preparation and the intermittent rains made it worse.

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I learnt that hiking makes you humble and gives instant gratification. Standing on the highest point, you feel like a winner. Climbing up Kondhana was a delightful experience and gave me some precious life lessons.

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Know what you are signing up for

While taking a plunge is good but you should also know the depth of waters. Preparation is the key, to which the pre-requisite is information. Gather as much information as possible by reading and speaking to other fellows. I realize

d this when I put my first step on the trek without knowing how far is the summit. By the time I learnt about this, it was too late.

First learning of the day : Be brave to dare but take informed decision.

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Overcome self-doubt

Believe in yourself. It is easier said than done. The first step is the hardest. Seek help, there is nothing wrong in it. Make up your mind and then don’t think twice. Being in double mind diminishes your self-confidence and also your chances of winning. Once you decide, that’s it. No more thinking. That’s what I did.

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Focus on one step at a time

Once you start climbing up don’t look at the peak (it is somewhere hidden in the clouds). Focus on the next step and then the next and the next. My fellow trekker said, put the left foot forward, and then the right foot, then the left foot and then the right. Don’t count the steps, just focus on the next step. The goal may be too far but it can be achieved only if we take the first step and the next.

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Gain confidence and motivation by achieving smaller milestones and short term goals

Hiking can be very exhausting for the beginners and it is vital to keep your motivation and confidence high. The trick is to break down your goal into smaller and short term goals. With achievement of each smaller goal, take a breath, refresh and reward yourself and pat your back for coming so far. You’ll eventually reach your target.

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Remember the equation: (1.01)3?? = 37.78 & (0.99)3?? = 0.0255

Push yourself a little more. A little improvement everyday will give a huge cumulative result. The key is to push for just a little more every time. For me the first pit-stop was at just some 100 steps while the last pit-stop was almost at 1000 steps. Mind plays with you in the beginning but once you start pushing your mind, the mind and body follows your belief. Our mind and body is capable of much more than what we think and believe.

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Challenge yourself

“Can’t you walk just up to that rock?” “You just have to walk up to that tree.” I told myself every time I felt tired. I understood that the threshold of pushing and challenging yourself is always too far. Everything seems difficult at first. And once you do something, the next time it feels easier.

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Keep walking. Will keep you ahead of anyone who is not moving.

Take baby steps, walk slowly, take breaks but keep moving. The easiest option is to give up. I saw many hikers who started to return once they encountered heavy rains. But it was momentary, the rain disappeared after few minutes but their determination was washed away forever. Persist a bit longer and if nothing else, then just hang on and hold your ground. It is far better than returning back. At least you keep your chances of winning alive.

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Team up and achieve goals together

Since ancient times, our ancestors used to live in groups. Working in groups is fun and motivating. Group members hold each other during tough times and push each other when the other is slowing down. We all have experienced that any task appears easier when we are in a group. There are some experts and some novice but everyone has weaknesses. We learn to cope up with our weaknesses and build upon others’ strengths to win as a team. Individual achievements are good but the fun and motivation is doubled when you achieve something as a team. Whenever I was tired and didn’t want to move forward, my team mate held my hand and pulled me to walk further.

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Treat yourself on every small success

We must not forget to treat ourselves on every small victory as it gives a sense of immense satisfaction. Everyone likes gratification. My reward was Tea with Parle-G biscuits at each milestone. Reward, howsoever small, helps you recognize your hard work and determination.

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View from the top is breath taking

That indeed is the ultimate reward. Entire effort seems worthwhile once you start seeing the result. All your tiredness and fatigue disappears instantly once you reach the summit, the pinnacle…. YOUR Goal.

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Celebrate the Victory

Shout out, even if your throat hurts badly,

Dance, even if you are the worst dancer,

Sing, howsoever out of tune you may be,

Just celebrate.

It is your moment.

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Lastly, there is no substitute to training

I learnt that if I really want to continue hiking, I definitely need more training and consistency.

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That’s all with my one off adventure. And yes, these learnings will help you in corporate world too.