Today Siulek attempt to have a tough training to tackle the height fear for the coming TMBT. Starting from sea level, I aimed at going to the highest hills in Hong Kong, Lantau Peak (Phoneix Peak) (934m) and Sunset Peak Stone Chalets (~800m) twice.
The famous route was called M&M (2 Mountains) and was introduced by KK CHAN, father of Trailwalker Hong Kong. Siulek was so lucky to join his Cosmoboys team in 2005 and learnt a lot of useful skills in trail running. When the first time Siulek attended this training, I was totally scared. However, no matter I was tired, I felt sick or I tiwsted my ankles, I had to complete the pre-set training route. KK believed that we could train up and got powe on our thighs after the progressive tough trainings in several months. As a result, I became familar with the training style and no longer scare of the devil route M&M.
However, Siulek haven't tried M&M for years. This time, I had to overcome my fearness on my own. Kenneth followed KK and Trailwalker teaching room to have the M&M training. However, Siulek was late and started on my own. It suddenly rained heavily when I started.
Siulek started slowly but I found my previous trainings on staircases was usefully. I didn't felt any fatique on my thighs when going up continuously.
The big steps at Wong Lung Hang Country Trail was still hateful. Soon I reached top at Sunset peak, followed the Lantau Trail section 2 and going down to Pak Kung Au.
Sunset Peak was also called Tai Tung Shan in Chinese. It's the 3rd highest peak in the territory, at 869m. But the trail followed the grass slopes at around 800m and didn't go to the top. There are several stone chalets which were constructed in 1930s. The construction materials, sands and stones were transported from Mui Wo. It's so amusing for the ancient builders!
From Pak Kung Au, here's come to Section 3 of Lantau Trail. From here to Ngong Ping, it's only 4.5km, but it's the toughest part of today! Stone steps directing us to the peak and seems to reach the sky. Going along the Lantau Trail to the west, the terrain becomes steeper. Phoneix Peak, the chinese name of Lantau Peak, means 'cleft head'. It's named because of the distinctive split rocks on the summit. It's the 2nd highest Peak in Hong Kong. It's famous of viewing sunrise or sunset and the views are majestic.
From the northwest of Lantau Peak, the internationally well-known Giant Buddha can be seen, situated at Ngong Ping plateau. It's one of the largest bronze Buddha in the world.
It took just about 45minutes from the top of Lantau Peak to Ngong Ping, but it was painfull. The path was at around 60 to 80 degress and made up of giant stones. My knees and heels felt special stress to jump on and off at those stones. Moreover, it was very slippery after the rain. With the 2nd time used Raillight shoes, I was not so familar with them and fell down for a few times. It was so luck that my ankle didn't got twisted.
Arrived Ngong Ping, I immediately u-turned to left and followed Shek Pik Country Trail to the sea level Shek Pik Reservoir near Tong Fok. I guessed the route was more or less the same like the trail in TMBT. I had to cross the streams for several times. The trail was muddy and slippery. It seems that no one passed through the trail since the Typhoon No. 8 on last Wednesday. Lots of broken trees and branches were in the middle of the trail and my hair was caught into the spider web for several times... I felt so bad!
Moreover, orignial I wanna to follow the Lantau Trail Section 4 but I've got the wrong turn since I didn't step on Lantau Trail for a long long time. Therefore, I had to slow down and find my way. Eventually I decied to follow the Shek Pik Country Trail.
After 5 to 6km I reached the Shek Pik Reservoir and Siulek returned to the coming route as I found it was better than going onto the concrete road at Sum Wat Road.
The weather became better now and it was a bit hot. However, my steps felt easier when coming back. I stopped at the rivers and refilled my water bottles. Then I continued and reached Ngong Ping again. From here, I set a target to complete the first part of staircases in half an hour and it was so happy that Siulek was successful! And I reached the Lantau top in 50 minutes. It was so amazing!
It became a bit dark when Siulek was going downhill. The eyesight was still OK but Siulek felt a bit tired to jump on the stones again and again.
Siulek reached Pak Kung Au just before 6pm. From here I expected around 1.5hr to complete today's training. However, it became foggy and dark. I took out my headlamp to the outside pocket and decided to race with the time.
Now Siulek continued my steps firmly. I didn't stop for photos or rest. However, the trail became much longer. I started to confuse whether I had got lost? Eventually I saw the Lantau stone chalets again and confirm my position. Starting from the Wong Lung Country Trail, the sky was grey, I had to open my headlamp. However, it was foggy and my sight was short. The uneven stone steps made it more difficult and dangerous to run. Then I slowed down and simply focus onto my every steps. Finally, I conqeuor the devil steps and reached Chek Lap Kok village. Kenneth and another hiking friend Anson was so kind to wait for me. The bread and coke at the end point was so refresh and delicious!
Anyway, it was tough and hurt my feet. I prefer not to run down the Wong Lung Hang Country Trail at night anymore!
Finally, Kenneth and me had big meal at a restaurant to have a satisfory end for today.
Here is the map and elevation of today's training. I beleive that's a good back up for the coming TMBT!
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