What Do Hiking and Writing an Academic Article Have in Common?

Before diving into the similarities between hiking and writing an academic article, let me share my experience on a challenging hike in Kenya’s Aberdare Range, one of the country’s premier hiking spots.

Kenya is home to several fantastic hiking spots, starting with Karura Forest at the heart of Nairobi for relaxing weekend walks, day trips to the Aberdare Range and Hell's Gate, and even multi-day climbs up Mount Kenya.

Yesterday, I took on a particularly demanding adventure, aiming for the summit of Table Mountain in the Aberdare Range. It was my first serious hike and I have never been more than 2600 meters above sea level in my life.

Our journey started in a beautiful village called Mikeu, with a 6-kilometer ascent to the summit and a total of 12 kilometers roundtrip, involving a 1,072-meter elevation gain (according to my Garmin Watch). The maximum elevation is 3,971 meters above sea level. For those of us in the leading group, the hike took us about 3 hours to reach the top and about 2 hours to descend, excluding the resting and recharging time at the top. The last group, however, took nearly 8 hours to finish the hike; imagine the endurance required for this terrain.

Reflecting on the trail, I feel it has five distinct segments, each with its own challenges and scenery:

1. Start: This section is easy—a gentle path along the forest and farmland fence lines that leads to a river crossing. The only challenge here is a slippery, tricky passage beneath a water pipe near the river.
2. Steep Ascent: From the river, the trail becomes steep and almost vertical, climbing to the first summit through dense, short trees. Only on the descent do you truly grasp the shocking steepness of this section.
3. Brief Break: A short, level stretch provides a temporary break, leading into another steep climb shaded by tall trees. Here, you catch a glimpse of rocky areas high up on your left, and for a moment, you might mistake them for the summit—until the path reveals there’s more climbing ahead.
4. Marshland Challenge: This section resembles a Ninja Warrior course, requiring balance and agility to navigate the marshy, slippery terrain. This segment effectively reminds you that proper hiking boots are essential for this trail. Falling is inevitable in this segment, especially on the way down.
5. Final Push: The last stretch to the summit is a gentler slope, but with energy levels running low and morale down, it feels tough. Thankfully, the sight of the summit on the horizon restores motivation, helping you make that final push.

Now, what does this hike have in common with writing an academic article?

Much like a hike that begins with excitement and energy, writing an academic article often starts with clarity and enthusiasm for a new research idea. But as the hike grows steeper, so does the research and writing process. Along the trail, when fatigue sets in, breathing gets harder, and you start to question why you are even doing this, you may face similar moments in writing when unexpected data results obscure what once seemed like a clear research path.

When you stumble or fall on a hike, the summit feels distant, casting doubt on whether you will make it. In academic writing, too, moments of frustration—especially when results do not align with your hypotheses—can make the goal seem out of reach. Yet, persistence and focus carry you forward. Reaching the summit, like finishing an article, brings a unique sense of achievement. The journey becomes meaningful, as the article, through its challenges and revisions, finally takes shape.

After finishing the trail, you begin thinking about the next hike. Similarly, completing an academic article opens the door to new research questions, reminding you that each article is just one step toward the next.

Yesterday’s hike tested my endurance and reminded me of the resilience needed in both hiking and academic writing. I look forward to the next challenge!

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Other Observations:

Small business: The locals make the most of hiking tourism, selling hiking sticks at the start and fresh fruits, tea, porridge, warm showers, and even shoe-cleaning services at the end.        

Farming Life: The local livelihood centers on mixed farming, including agroforestry, livestock, honey, vegetables, beans, and maize—showing how the farmers effectively use the land.        

Group Hike: I wrote this article on my phone while waiting for my hiking buddies. I was with the leading group, so after descending, we ended up waiting for hours for the last group to catch up. One thing I’ve learned about group hikes: always bring something to read, especially if you think you’ll finish the trail before some of your hiking mates. The waiting could be long and boring.        

This experience was unforgettable—physically and mentally challenging, with many parallels to my academic journey. In the end, the struggle transforms into something beautiful and fulfilling, a feeling that words alone cannot capture. It was a reminder that in such hikes, you’re testing not just the strength of your body but the determination of your mind. Every step makes you want to stop, questioning why you’re doing it. But when you finally reach the summit, that same body feels a happiness you’ve never known before.

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