KOTA KINABALU: There have been many records set on Mount Kinabalu but until none (to our knowledge) that includes taking on the bitter cold. Come April, a young man intends to rise to the top, in just singlets and shorts.
Alan Thong, 26, from Kuala Lumpur will scale Malaysia’s highest mountain with several other hikers including a friend in her 50s, on April 2 and 3, garb in just singlets and shorts.
The man, who is a movement and posture coach, has wanted to do the challenge for years but only decided embark on it this year.
Inspired to understand the human potential better, he hoped the challenge would be able to prove to others that human beings can adapt to extreme conditions.
“We have been bombarded by the idea that as time passes, we age and our physical and mental ability have to deteriorate, and our immune system will have to decrease.
“The fact is with the right training method, human beings are able to prevent (themselves) from getting sick due to stressful conditions,” said Thong, who intends to set his second world record on the mountain.
In 2013, Thong, in an upside down position managed to do four continuous push-ups on his fist, setting a record for the “most consecutive 90-degree push-ups on fist”.
Although this would be his first attempt taking on Mount Kinabalu, Thong said he is well-aware of the low temperature at the peak, where it could possibly drop to a -3 degree Celsius with the strong winds, which could cause a greater loss of body heat.
He added that it was crucial for him to maintain his body temperature at 37 degree Celsius as anything lower than that would lead to hypothermia and endanger his life.
“But it is possible to control the core temperature through the right breathing technique, posture and pace.
“On preparations, besides jogging, meditation and breathing exercises, I also immerse myself in ice-cold water at a temperature between 5 and 8 degree Celsius for about 10 minutes to challenge my mental strength and physical tolerance,” said the Movement Master founder, who is also a black belt taekwondo practitioner.
Thong added he is confident he can accomplish the quest and would then aim for another challenge at the Arctic Circle in Norway next.