Grace Kinyua’s Biggest Life Conquests on Hiking Trail

What does it mean to conquer not just mountains but your own fears and limitations? For me, the journey of hiking has evolved into much more than a physical challenge; it has become a nurturing ground for personal growth, resilience, and joy. Let me take you through some of the conquests I have made along the hiking trails—especially my biggest life achievements that have shaped who I am today.

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The Roots of My Adventure

I didn’t start my journey into hiking simply because I wanted to reach the peaks of mountains or find the thrill of adventure. My passion for the outdoors seems woven into my very being. My grandfather was a trailblazer among the first locals to climb Mount Kenya, working alongside white settlers. He instilled this love for the wild in my late father, an enthusiastic hiker. Now, here I am, at 42 years old, chasing trails and summits, a testament to the heritage I carry.

It was a natural evolution for me. From a young age, I immersed myself in the beauty of nature and the thrill of climbing, taking my first tentative steps on a hiking trail in 2018 by joining a hiking group. It was here that my desire to conquer mountains really took flight.

My First Steps into Hiking

I vividly remember my first hiking attempt at Mount Kinangup. It was an experience laced with thrill and nervousness. I was a newbie, and like most beginners, I was worried about what to wear. The advice was simple: bring sturdy boots as Kinangup can be slippery. I decided to sport my eye-catching red boots, which led to my nickname among trekkers—Gucci Grace. Much to my amusement, this title stuck, and in hiking circles, I’m well known for it.

What I quickly learned, and what has stuck with me throughout my hiking journey, is that initial fears can often give way to unexpected joys. That first trek ignited a lifelong obsession. From there, I scaled Mount Kenya numerous times, stepped foot on Mount Kilimanjaro, and ventured into the Rwenzori Mountains. My unquenchable thirst for adventure transformed into a dedicated hobby.

The Shift to Professionalism

As time progressed, hiking became my passion, but it also morphed into something deeper. I became more than a weekend hiker; I evolved into a more seasoned and professional climber. I went on solo hikes and trips locally so frequently that I lost count. It was during the pandemic, when hiking groups were limited and movement felt constrained, that I truly found my own rhythm and style.

I recall substituting group hikes with solo reconnaissance missions. I found solace in running. While I started with a modest five-kilometer distance, I soon progressed to ten kilometers and tackled a half marathon by the time life resumed its normal pace. The allure of running augmented my love for hiking, and before I realized it, the mountains were becoming my second home.

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Challenging Mt. Kilimanjaro

One of the most notable challenges I took on was the Mount Kilimanjaro race and the Kili Marathon, both within 36 hours. Would you believe we started our ascent at 5 AM? I still remember the exhilarating rush of reaching the base camp by early afternoon, culminating in our summit achievement at 7:43 PM. The thought of completing both the climb and the marathon fueled my desire.

“Doing such an activity is like going to war,” I often reflect. “The focus on victory becomes the best strategy.” Each time I look back, I recognize that the climb not only challenged my body but tested the limits of my mind. Without this mental resilience, I wouldn’t have made it to the top.

Embracing Risks and Rewards

Despite this passion, there were moments of apprehension. I didn’t disclose my ambitious plans to my family until after I left for the hike and marathon due to fear of their discouragement. As a parent, the conversations around my activities often revolve around concerns for my safety and well-being.

I concede that their worries stem from genuine love; the inherent risks of mountain climbing are real. And yet, I believe that true joy and fulfillment often emerge where fear exists. My approach is thorough preparation. I ensure my body is fit, my work is covered, and my home is in order before I embark on such journeys. Only then can I truly enjoy the climb.

Confronting Fear: A Personal Cost

Hiking has its consequences; I lost two toenails during my ascent on Mount Kilimanjaro. Laughing, I often say this has inadvertently reduced my pedicure expenses. Funny how nature has a way of skirting the costs, right?

However, there is an undercurrent of fear that I must confront continually. Reports of tragedies, like the untimely death of my dear friend Joshua Cheruiyot while climbing Mount Everest, grip my heart. Each time I venture out, I carry that fear with me but remind myself it exists alongside my love for the mountains.

Yes, fear is part of the journey, but it’s vital to navigate through it. Every time I lace on my boots, I recognize that while fate can be unpredictable, I can strategically reduce the risks with plans, the right equipment, and sound safety protocols.

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Beyond the Mountains: Marathons and More

My passion for endurance doesn’t solely reside in the mountains. One of my standout achievements was completing a grueling 100-kilometer circuit around Nairobi’s main bypasses in a day. This was both a test of endurance and an opportunity to break free from the ordinary.

Furthermore, some of my adventures include my two sons, aged 14 and 10. Last year, they joined me on a race where they walked two kilometers back to base camp while I made my way to the summit. Watching them get medals for their participation filled me with pride—I can only hope they carry this love for nature into their adulthood, conquering challenges of their own.

Generating Change: Women and Hiking

With each hike, I feel a growing desire to encourage other women to embrace outdoor adventures. Every time I glance at my Strava rankings, I wish more women would join the ranks of outdoor enthusiasts. I find inspiration in athletes like Courtney Dowwalter, who has smashed barriers in ultra-running, demonstrating that women can excel.

Motherhood often presents challenges that may deter women from pursuing their passions. I contend it is possible to maintain one’s identity alongside parenting. Mothers must prioritize their joy even amidst responsibilities.

“Do things for yourself too,” I frequently remind fellow mothers. It’s a gentle nudge to rediscover oneself, to honor the woman they were before children dictated their lives.

A Look Toward the Future

Through every conquest on the hiking trail, I have gathered not just experiences but lessons that linger beyond the physical achievements. My journey is a testament to resilience, the beauty of pushing past fears, and the embrace of life’s adventures at every level.

As I look ahead to the future, particularly the upcoming Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon this October, my spirit remains unyielded. Regardless of the challenges that lie ahead, I’m ready for whatever the mountains—or life—throw my way.

In the end, we conjure our own paths. Each step on the trail, each summit achieved, becomes part of our story. I welcome you to share in my journey, curious about how our own stories may intertwine. What mountains are you building the courage to climb next?

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