Faith, Fitness & Fasting: A Ramadan Hiker’s Tale

Gratitude, Ramadan, and a Hike to Remember

The habits you build will keep you going, especially when you need them the most. And trust me, I put this to the test! Picture this: the first day of Ramadan, a time of fasting, and what do I decide to do? Go hiking. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Grateful for the strength to do it!

I know some people say, "I can't do anything while fasting!" Well, that’s how you train both your mind and body. Your body responds to whatever you condition it for don’t get it twisted, though. Do what works for you.

Ramadan is a special month for Muslims a time of mercy, forgiveness, and abundant love. It’s not just about staying away from food; it’s about realigning with our Creator. If you’re fasting, you’re also fasting from gossip, backbiting, shady dealings, and everything that weakens your spirit. It's a full-on cleanse body, mind, and soul. Some people use this time to break bad habits and form better ones. May Almighty strengthen all Muslims and accept our acts of worship. And let’s not forget gratitude during this period is essential. Cultivate it; it will be your armor.

Now, back to my hike.

The Adventure Begins

I woke up at my usual time 4:05 a.m. (yeah, I’m that person). My Jannah mate had already called me (missed call, of course). Said my prayers, had boiled eggs and yogurt for my suhur (predawn meal), read some Quran, and got my plants watered (yes, they got a kiss too).

Checked in with my neighbor, Beca, to see if she was hiking with me she said yes. We hopped on a bike, then got a ride to our meetup point at News Engineering.

Today’s hike had a twist it was a treasure hunt. Naturally, people came prepared, including OBO, Lizzy, and other adventure lovers. We gathered at Beautiful Plaza to wait for the rest of the crew.

Now, a little side story: I was pressed (nature called, y’all). Climbed upstairs, found a gym, and thankfully, they let me use their restroom. Bless them.

Back downstairs, I met Emen, who swore by hiking as the perfect escape from boredom. "Different mountains, different challenges unlike the gym, where it’s the same routine." Then came Tamara, a first-time hiker, excited because this was an easy hike.

I was mid-texting when I heard my name Mr. Emmirine and my fine Vivian! We had a mini throwback session about our trip to Guara-Guara and Mr. Solomon’s legendary video. Soon, our full crew arrived. 08:30 a.m.Asa, Mr. Solomon, and OVO soon joined us. By 8:30 a.m., the crew had arrived, and Mr. Jude, aka Nwoke Abacha, officially announced the treasure hunt it was time to hit the trail!

 Game time.

Up the Mountain We Go

Shoutout to the trail setters: Mr. Jossie, Hercule Eddie, Peruzzi, Sefiey, Blazzier, and yes yours truly (even though I didn’t wait till the end).

The journey kicked off with Peruzzi leading. OBO, Lizzy, Alice, and I kept up until we noticed some folks were still at the checkpoint. Turned out, they were doing a headcount and checking gate passes.

I ran into Mr. Henry and his kids, plus Ms. Claudia, who greeted me with a warm hug. Lola reminded me I hadn't shared our Guara-Guara write-up yet (guilty as charged). She also came prepared for the treasure hunt.

Once everyone was set, we moved together. At the first resting point, the treasure hunt began. OBO was all in, Lizzy too, and this tall, focused lady was determined to strike gold. Some treasures were found, and after 10 minutes, we continued to the summit a breathtaking landscape with shade, serenity, and a great view.

OBO, Lizzy, and I found a quieter spot on another mountain. I took the opportunity to say my duha prayers. OBO tried to snap a picture while I was praying, but Lizzy stopped him thank you, Lizzy!

More people joined our little retreat before we merged back with the main group. The aerobics session kicked off, and Mr. Solomon was on photography duty, capturing moments, especially for International Women’s Day.

Caught up with Adventure lord and a long-lost hiker. Then came the prize giveaway OBO, being the generous guy he is, shared his treasure stash with others. He found over ten treasures. The prizes? That was given are One-year and three-month subscriptions, airtime vouchers, water bottles, caps, Coke, energy drinks, and towels. Shoutout to the event team for putting this together! Lola and the tall lady I mentioned earlier got treasure. 

Zeebee even brought drinks and she was fasting too! 

Heading Back and Wrapping Up the Day

The hike took 35 minutes to ascend, an hour of rest, and 25 minutes to descend. That’s why they call it an easy hike (side-eyeing Peruzzi someone actually said, "Peruzzi, today I believe una say una give us easy hike!").

Alice and I walked down together. Beca was already waiting, so we found a ride and made our way home.

After a quick rest, I visited my parents (because duty calls). Then, I returned to one of my favorite places on Earth the mosque. There, I broke my fast, prayed, had an hour-long mentoring session, prayed again, and finally returned to my humble abode for the night.

Final Thoughts: Gratitude & Lessons

I am so grateful to Almighty for the strength to fast and hike on the same day. This experience reminded me that our bodies and minds are capable of more than we think.

Takeaway?

1. Train your body and mind they adapt to what you feed them.

2. Ramadan isn’t just about hunger; it’s about discipline, self-reflection, and gratitude.

3. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying "thank you" it’s about embracing life’s challenges and finding joy in them. Whether it's fasting, hiking, or simply pushing beyond your limits, appreciating your strength and the opportunities around you makes all the difference.

This Ramadan, let’s embrace gratitude, push our limits (wisely!), and cherish the moments that make the journey special. How’s your fasting going? What habit are you cultivating this month? Let’s inspire each other!

Peace be upon you.

Photos credit by @dabelle_2018