Beyond the finish line
Discover the inspiring journey of Disabela Tusin, a trail runner who turns challenges into strength and finds pure joy in nature. From conquering Sabah’s gruelling TMBT trails to cherishing post-run coffee moments with friends, her story is one of grit, gratitude, and the beauty of embracing life’s climbs.
Finding joy in the journey
Born in Dalat, a coastal town in Sarawak, Disabela never imagined herself navigating steep ascents or sweating through hours of gruelling trail runs.
Growing up, the world of mountain peaks and forest trails seemed far removed from her daily life, yet today, those same rugged paths are where she finds both challenge and peace.
When Disabela first laced up her running shoes and stepped onto the trails, she was unsure of what lay ahead. The jagged rocks, unpredictable weather, and relentless climbs seemed intimidating. Yet, with every step, she found herself more connected to the trails — and to herself.
She learnt that trail running is not just about physical endurance but mental fortitude.
“I never thought I’d willingly return to trails that left me exhausted, but the sense of achievement after conquering those challenges is addictive.
“It’s about embracing the challenge, staying present in the moment, and pushing through when you feel like giving up,” she shared with a smile.
Preparation for a trail run, especially the most demanding races, began long before the starting line.
Her training routine is meticulous, a blend of physical conditioning and mental preparation.
She spent countless hours studying the terrain, the elevation patterns, and the obstacles she might face.
“You need to know what you’re getting into. You need to understand the course and be ready to meet it head-on. It’s not just about how fit you are; it’s about how mentally prepared you are to face the unexpected,” she stressed.
Her approach to training is grounded in consistency. She knew that without commitment, the tough trails would remain out of reach.
She’s learned the importance of balancing rest and recovery with relentless training and the value of perseverance, even on the most difficult days.
For this 37-year-old Melanau lass, the payoff is not just in crossing the finish line — it’s in every drop of sweat and every bruise that signifies progress.
“I remind myself that trail running is about connecting with nature, finishing strong, and celebrating the journey — preferably over coffee the next day, wearing a finisher T-shirt,” she said, laughing.
But it’s clear that the rewards of trail running go far beyond any tangible prize. It’s about the personal victories, the quiet moments of triumph when she realised she had pushed through to the other side of something difficult.
And these victories extend beyond the trails into her daily life, where determination and self-belief have become second nature.
A trail through nature and self
As much as trail running is about the physical and mental grind, it’s also about the profound connection to nature.
For Disabela, this connection is what makes each run worth it, even when the route is brutal. She found herself entranced by the sounds of the forest, the feel of the wind on her face, and the sight of towering trees and distant peaks.
“I don’t need music on the trails. The sound of nature, even when it’s drowned out by my laboured breathing on uphill climbs, is enough,” she said.
Her favourite trail, The Most Beautiful Thing (TMBT) in Sabah, encapsulated everything she loved about trail running.
The route is gruelling, testing even the most seasoned runners, but it offers some of the most breathtaking views in Malaysia.
“The beauty of Mount Kinabalu, visible from so many angles, is like nothing else. It makes every ounce of effort worth it. Even the hardest climbs have a reward,” she reflected.
Even the wildlife encounters, often a source of anxiety for trail runners, have not been as extreme as she expected.
Small snakes, the occasional lizard and the relentless heat are her primary obstacles — nothing too dangerous, though she remains grateful for her good fortune.
“I’m thankful for that and hope it stays that way,” she joked.
Finding strength in community
Trail running is often seen as a solitary endeavour, a race between an individual and the clock, but for Disabela, the community aspect of the sport is just as important.
While many runners focus on speed and personal bests, she found joy in sharing the experience with others.
Whether it’s stopping to take pictures of awe-inspiring views or chatting with fellow runners at a water station, the social aspect of trail running enriched her journey.
“I set goals, but I also stop to take pictures or videos whenever something takes my breath away. After all, I’m here for the experience, not just the finish line,” she noted.
The camaraderie among trail runners is something Disabela valued deeply.
The mutual encouragement, the shared struggle, and the laughter at the end of a long run all contribute to the experience.
Even when running alone, she knew that the support of the community is always there — whether in person or through the quiet solidarity of fellow runners.
Apart from that, the unpredictable weather became part of her story as well.
“A light rain during a hot day can feel like a gift. Sure, it makes the trail slippery, but it cools you down and reminds you that every challenge has its silver lining,” she reminded herself, finding the beauty in moments when others might see only discomfort.
If given the chance, Disabela would design her dream trail in her home state of Sarawak.
“I imagine a course filled with hills, rivers to cross, caves, and villages — less asphalt, more adventure,” she said.
Her vision for the perfect trail speaks to her deep love of the outdoors, her desire to experience nature in its rawest form, and her belief that the true reward of trail running is not the race itself but the journey.
In the meantime, for those new to the world of trail running, Disabela has one simple piece of advice: “Start slow — trail running isn’t just road running on uneven ground. Respect the terrain, learn it, and don’t rush. Build your skills step by step.”
Her approach is grounded in patience and mindfulness, understanding that the journey is just as important as the destination.
As World Mountain Day arrives, Disabela’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that mountains, like life itself, challenge us to rise above.
The peaks we climb are not just physical challenges; they are lessons in perseverance, patience, and self-discovery.
For Disabela, trail running is not about simply crossing the finish line — it’s about embracing the climb, savouring every step, and finding joy in the journey.
Her journey is proof that when we face life’s obstacles with resilience, humility, and gratitude, the view from the top is always worth it.
Bear in mind that the true beauty of the mountains is not just in the heights we reach, but in the lessons we learn along the way.
