Tag Archives: Inspired Adventures

Choosing The Right Gear For Your Adventure

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Planning on embarking on an exciting adventure off the beaten track? Congratulations! There’s no better feeling than swapping the hustle and bustle of the city for the fresh, invigorating air that Mother Nature has to offer. But first, you will need to invest in some key items to ensure you have a comfortable and safe trip.

Here, we’ve provided some essential tips to ensure you have the right equipment for your epic outdoor escape.

Boots

There is nothing worse than blisters on a trekking adventure. They are painful and can lead to more serious injury if left untreated. Possibly worse is enduring the pain of breaking your boots in, only to have them fall apart halfway into your trek. Ensuring your boots are well-made and are the correct fit is imperative before setting off on your Inspired Adventure. Be sure to check the seams of your new boots, including the stitching and shoelace eyelets. These areas should be reinforced and the stitching should appear solid. Next, inspect the area where the sole meets the upper material. There should be no gaps! Gaps equals water, water equals soggy socks and soggy socks equals unhappy trekkers.

Whether you’ve purchased your boots especially for your adventure or you’ve had them for years, how you care for them primarily determines how well they will hold up as you take on the world. Chris Mein from Paddy Pallin shares his best tips for keeping your boots in tip top shape:

  1. Clean your boots thoroughly after every trek. Many foreign substances can affects the rubber, glue and leather of your boots.
  2. To dry your boots, stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry. Store them in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
  3. Treat your boots with a conditioner before and after long treks to keep them supple and protected.

Trekking Poles

There are many benefits to using trekking poles. They significantly reduce the pressure strain on the opposite leg and allow you to lengthen your stride while protecting your knees. While the use of trekking poles is a personal decision, using them correctly is imperative.

The number one reason for complaints about trekking poles is that most people do not know how to use them. As a result, it is easy to believe there is no benefit to them or that they get in the way. Fortunately the proper technique is easy to pick up and can be mastered with a little practice. So how do you ensure you are getting the most from your poles?

  • Set the correct height: Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Place the pole under your arm, then adjust it so the top of the pole is halfway between your armpit and your elbow. You will find that generally this height will work for the duration of your adventure.
  • Wrist straps: To get the maximum efficiency from your poles, you should place your hands through the loop, your thumb and forefinger forming a “U” or an “O” shape around the grip.
  • Terrain: Terrain impacts the way you will position your poles while trekking.

Hydration

There’s not enough and there’s too much. So how do you know how to maintain optimum hydration while trekking? Adventurer, Lucas Trihey explains how you can achieve the perfect balance:

  • Dehydration seriously affects performance and if not rectified can lead to fatigue, heatstroke and tissue damage. Taking small sips of water before you become thirsty and adding electrolytes will assist in preventing dehydration.
  • To avoid water intoxication, don’t drink more than your thirst level indicates and remember that the maximum amount of water that your gastrointestinal tract can absorb is about 800 mls per hour.
  • The right fabrics and garments play an important role in keeping your body temperature and fluid balance right. Covering up with technical fabrics on hot days helps conserve your fluids and using wicking fabrics helps your body’s evaporative cooling mechanism.

 

Feeling inspired?

Check out our calendar for your chance to take on an incredible adventure!

Adventurer of The Month: Sam Kaytar

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Sam Kaytar

Cause: ShelterBox Australia
Adventure: ShelterBox Australia Nepal Trek 2018

As our Adventurer of the Month, Sam has scored herself a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What motivated you to take on your Inspired Adventure?

I’ve always committed myself to charity work, but I was looking for something that was going to challenge me mentally and physically. I was looking for something completely different to what I’ve done before, and Nepal certainly is it! I also love the outdoors!

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Nepal before?

I’ve never been to Nepal before, however it certainly has been on my list of places to see. I’m extremely excited and also a little nervous. I’m certainly fit, but being in a different altitude is what may be challenging to me.

What have been some of the highlights of your Inspired journey so far?

The highlight so far for me has been the amount of wonderfully kind, generous and supportive people that have contributed to my cause/journey in various ways.

The beautiful thing also, is hearing other people say that “it’s one of the things I’d like to do but I never seem to get around to doing it”, followed by some of them being inspired to look into completing something similar.

"I’ve always committed myself to charity work, but I was looking for something that was going to challenge me mentally and physically."

Do you have any tips for other people currently training for their Inspired Adventure?

I think the best advice would be to talk to people who have done something similar, and putting a set plan in place for training. Websites have also been a great go-to, such as Smart Traveler, and being a nurse I also love Travel Dr to help ensure you’re ready for your trip and also medically educated and vaccinated.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

The changes I’ve noticed personally is with being persistent with my training goals and challenges. It has given me great drive and determination both mentally and physically.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Don’t hesitate at the idea of the challenge. Fully commit yourself and put a set plan in place. Otherwise one day it will be one of those things you wish you would have done!

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Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher

Take a picture whilst on your adventure or when you’re training and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with an adventure, and fitness focus will be our Adventurer of the Month – it’s that easy!

Fundraisers of The Month: Sonia & Charlton Braganza

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Sonia & Charlton Braganza

Cause: Edgar’s Mission
Adventure: Edgar’s Mission Trek for Kindness Sumatra 2018

As our Fundraisers of the Month, Sonia and Charlton have scored themselves a $50 donation to their fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to sign up to the Sumatra Trek for Edgar's Mission?

We have been volunteering at Edgar’s Mission for the last 3 years and it’s had a huge impact on our lives. We love travelling, and over the last few years, we have been looking for ways to make our travels more meaningful. When this came along it was the perfect catalyst to allow us to combine two of our passions – Edgar’s Mission and travel together. This trek also gives us the opportunity to see first hand, the impacts that palm oil has had on this amazing part of the world. Through this trek, we are hoping to raise awareness for Edgar’s Mission and the rainforests. Through our eyes and experiences on this journey we are hoping to connect with peoples hearts and minds.

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead and what are you most looking forward to?

To be honest, it’s a mixture of things! We are feeling pretty pumped!! It’s something new to us, it’s daunting and we know it will be tough, but we are really excited!

What were some of your more successful fundraising ideas?

We decided our major fundraiser would be a “dinner dance’ with a full Sri Lanken plant-based buffet, live band etc. We thought it would be easy… 3 weeks out we thought we would have to cancel with only 30 tickets bought in a venue that held nearly 200! But we somehow persevered and within those 3 weeks, we went from 30 people to 170 people!! It was incredible! We had to close the ticketing early and even had people calling right up until the start of the event asking for tickets! It was such an awesome night, as we got to share with 170 people the amazingness that is Edgar’s Mission, and how and why Edgar’s Mission has changed our lives. The event gave us the chance to introduce people to another way of thinking about things in a more conscious, kinder way. We also were able to share the deliciousness that is Sri Lanken food, and people were blown away with the variety and (spiciness) that plant-based food can offer!
The vibe through the whole night was happiness and you could feel it throughout the whole venue, which was just awesome! We ended up raising nearly $6K just from this night alone!

The whole journey in fundraising has taught us so many amazing life lessons. We went from thinking “what did we get ourselves into” as raising 7,000 was really daunting. We moved from a place of doubting ourselves to believing in ourselves. It really reiterated that if you are passionate about something and put your all into it, it radiates and people will connect and want to be part of your journey!

We had so many people on the night and after ask if we could do the event again! Maybe a change in career is on the horizon!

"Through this trek, we are hoping to raise awareness for Edgar’s Mission and the rainforests."

Have you noticed any changes in your life since taking on your first adventure?

This is our first one, and it has already changed our lives. It has really showed us a side and part of ourselves that we didn’t know was there. In just two months we decided upon and somehow executed our main event. From planning and approaching business for donations and prizes to designing and doing the event set up, we really had to put ourselves out there in ways we never would have. Throughout the journey, we have made connections with amazing people and businesses that we will no doubt continue with. Through the challenges, highs, lows and thrills of this journey, we have grown so much and it has helped us realise that even with all the bad that happens in the world, there are just as many people doing good, spreading light and being the change they want to see in the world!

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

Spring into Fundraising

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Thinking about fundraising for a cause close to your heart? Incredible! We salute you. If you decide to fundraise for your chosen charity, you will soon discover that there is no greater feeling than knowing you have helped changed someone else’s life and made a positive difference in the world.

With Spring on the horizon, there’s no better time than now to start planning your warm weather fundraising events. To help you kickstart your journey, we’ve rounded up some great event ideas that are guaranteed to put fun back into fundraising this Spring.

Outdoor Movie Night

If you’ve got a big enough yard, you can host an outdoor cinema at home. Hire a projector, get some pillows for your guests to relax on and pick a few movies you know your guests will enjoy. Otherwise, you can hire or reserve a section of your public park to host the fundraiser, and this way you can bring more people in. Be sure to get approval to show the film in a public space.

Bake Sale

Put your baking skills to the test by hosting a bake sale! With an endless selection of culinary treats to whisk and serve – from cookies, cupcakes and pies to more bespoke celebration cakes – a bake sale is a sure way to take your fundraising goals to sweet new heights.

Wine Tasting Afternoon

Hosts and hostesses, rejoice! A fun-filled afternoon in the sun with tasty finger food paired with some delicious wine will guarantee smiles and donations all round.

Picnic

Nothing beats a feast in your favourite park. Ask everyone to bring a dish (potluck) or recruit a local caterer on board for something a little different.

BBQ

A barbecue is a fun and affordable way to take your fundraising to delicious new heights, raise awareness of your cause and target a wider demographic.

Camping Trip

If you and your friends love the outdoors, why not organise a camping trip with games and other activities, like kayak racing or tin can bowling.

Market Stall

Australians purchase around 27 kilograms of new clothing each year and then discard around 23 kilograms, which end up in landfill. Why not take your fundraising to new heights by turning your unwanted “trash” into cash by holding a weekend market stall? Research popular markets in your local area to find out which market is right for you and your items. Often you will be able to secure a stall spot online via the market’s website.

Garage Sale

Got a garage or spacious area at home to set up shop? A garage sale is a great way to declutter and sell big-ticket items such as furniture, kitchenware  and electricals. Ask friends and family to donate goods that you can sell on the day as well.

Feeling Inspired?
Check out the upcoming adventures on our calendar!

Physically and Mentally Preparing For Your Inspired Adventure

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Itching to take on an Inspired Adventure but a little concerned about the physical challenge? You’re not alone!

Taking on a physically demanding challenge can be daunting at first, but just imagine the incredible sense of achievement you will feel after conquering your goal for a cause close to your heart.

Before you embark on your nomadic journey, you will need to physically and mentally prepare for what’s to come. Whether you’re climbing the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, conquering the Kokoda Track or cycling around South East Asia, we’ve rounded up some key training tips to help you transition from the ordinary to the extraordinary with ease.

Physical Preparation

Without a little pre-trip training, or a good basic level of fitness, trekking is hard work. It’s often hard work anyway. The toll for a great trek is paid in sweat. Sore calves and aching quads are your badges of honour. The trade off? Some of the most untouched, pristine and jaw-dropping scenery on the planet. And the best part? The more you train, the easier it is.

  • Go For Walks: Push yourself to do long walks. Start small and build up slowly to the actual length you’ll be trekking on the trip. We recommend training until you can walk 4-6 hours comfortably before you leave.
  • Cardio Workouts: Basically any leg-based cardio is going to help you prepare. Soccer, football, squash and swimming are all great, but cycling will help build your leg muscles faster. If you’re more of a gym junkie, mix up cycling sets with weighted squats and lunges.
  • Train on Different Terrains: Try and mimic the conditions of your trek. If it’s Everest or Kili, you’ll be looking for steep, rocky terrain or loose shale. If it’s Kokoda, try to find muddy paths covered with roots and leaf mould. It’s all about preparing your feet, ankles and knees for the kind on stress they’ll experience on the trip.
  • Train With a Backpack: When you’re training, make it challenging by bringing your backpack along. You can fill it with Gatorade and chocolate if you want, as long as there’s a solid weight on your back. If you really want to push it, try loading your pack a little heavier than you’re planning to on the trip – it’ll make the eventual trek feel like a walk in the park.
  • Choose the Right Footwear: Invest in a good-quality set of hiking boots, preferably with good water resistance and plenty of support and ventilation. Wear them in the months leading up to the trek. Take them on every training run. It’ll help wear them in and avoid blisters. Pair them with dedicated hiking socks (usually a nylon/wool blend) that will keep out the moisture. Wear two pairs while walking to further reduce the chance of blisters.

Mental Preparation

Every goal we make begins in our heads – as a dream, wish or ambition. We often dream of completing challenges we may not feel confident finishing. The initial fear of failure can sometimes delay the process of turning an achievable dream into a reality. To combat those elements of self-doubt and fear, we must let go of those negative thoughts and feelings wreaking havoc on our dreams. Do not lose sight of the big picture.

  • Study Your Itinerary: To manage stress or anxiety in the preparatory phase of your challenge, we recommend doing plenty of research on your destination and challenge. By staying informed and engaged during the months leading up to your challenge, you will see a wealth of benefits for your health and well being.
  • Love Yourself: You may encounter a few uphill challenges prior to your adventure (and even during your adventure). During the months leading up to your trip, we encourage you practice some extra self-love. Remember, when things go wrong, don’t be too hard on yourself, take things as they come and learn how to be your own (and greatest) motivator. Meditating is a great way to train your brain. You will not only clear fuzzy thoughts; you will learn about mindfulness and how to better control your emotions.
  • Eat Foods for Your Mood: While there is no dietary cure for stress and anxiety, research has revealed that a healthier diet may help improve the physical and psychological health of those suffering from depression/or anxiety and ultimately fight to prevent it. If you’re feeling down, stressed or anxious, why not try improving your eating habits? As the old adage goes, “you are what you eat”! Check out our article here for more tips around eating well for mental health.
  • Learn How to Deal With Setbacks: Life can be, for lack of a better word, unpredictable. No matter how well thought-out your training plan is, unexpected events such as weather, illness, family emergences, etc. can cause some roadblocks throughout your physical journey. Before you start your training, it’s important to accept that things may not go perfectly to plan and that that’s okay! If things do go wrong, just keep your overall goal in mind, accept the inevitable and get back on track.

 

Feeling inspired?

Check out the upcoming adventures on our calendar!

Majestic China in Pictures

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Leave your expectations and preconceptions behind. A country of complete contradiction, China is inviting yet unfamiliar, modern yet steeped in tradition.

From simple rural villages to bustling urban cities, China simultaneously takes you back to a time of ancient civilisations and transports you to a technologically charged future. Beijing, the Forbidden City at its heart, is dominated by modern skyscrapers and crisscrossed by charming ancient alleyways, bustling with the vivacity of a thousand years’ past.

Skyscrapers make way for natural and ancient wonders as you travel beyond crowded cities. From vast deserts and snow-capped peaks, to boundless grasslands, voyage into the rich natural history of one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations. Whether trekking the Great Wall or pondering the timeless expressions of the Terracotta Warriors, China is sure to inspire, excite and humble any visitor.

Feeling inspired?

Check out the calendar to join one of our incredible China adventures!

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Influential Indigenous Australians Who Changed History

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In the spirit of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we wanted to highlight some of the most influential and inspiring Indigenous Australians who have had an extraordinary impact on not only their communities, but also Australia and the rest of the world.

Edie Mabo

In 1974, while working as a grounds keeper at James Cook University, Eddie Mabo learned that what he thought of as his people’s traditional land was actually owned by the Government. This discovery lead him to challenge the land ownership laws in Australia.

It took ten years, but finally on 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia ruled that the lands were not terra nullius and that the Meriam people were “entitled as against the whole world to possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of (most of) the lands of the Murray Islands”.

The High Court recognised the fact that Indigenous peoples had lived in Australia for thousands of years and enjoyed rights to their land according to their own laws and customs. Unfortunately, Mabo died of cancer just months before the ruling was made.

The new law of native title replaced the former concept of terra nullius. In recognition, the High Court changed the law in Australia to establish the Native Title Act 1993, paving way for claims by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take back their traditional rights to their land.

Joyce Clague

Joyce Clague is a Yaegl elder and one of Australia’s most influential female political activists who has spent her life trying to revolutionise the nation and create social change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. With a strong passion for bettering indigenous welfare, Clague helped instigate the 1967 Constitutional Referendum and fought against the inequalities that run deep within Indigenous Australia as the convener of the 1969 Federation Council for Advancement of Aborigines.

Her tireless efforts to fight for what’s right did not go unacknowledged as she was appointed a representative of the World Churches Commission to Combat Racism.

Evelyn Scott

Evelyn Scott was a social activist and educator who first made her mark working in the Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advancement League in the 1960s. A strong advocate for social change, Evelyn campaigned in the 1967 Constitutional Referendum to include indigenous people in the national census and push the government to create laws for Indigenous Australians.

Albert Namatjira

Albert Namatjira was an award winning Arrente artist who grew up in the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. While he was widely renowned for his vivid watercolours of dessert landscapes that were synonymous with the Australian Outback, he was also the first indigenous person to be granted Australian citizenship. Prior to this, Namatjira was, by law, a “ward of the state” and denied the normal rights of a citizen. He dedicated much of his life to raising awareness of indigenous inequalities and fought for all Aboriginal people to have citizenship rights.

“Namatjira wasn’t just a key figure in our history, he changed our history.” – Hetti Perkins

Want to change the world?

You can create your own adventure! Visit our calendar to see our latest challenges!

Outdoor Clothing: The Art of Layering

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Whether you’re hitting the trails, camping under the stars or carving up the slopes, winter is a great time to soak up the plentiful benefits of the great outdoors. To ensure your outdoor pursuits are experienced to their maximum potential, keeping warm and staying comfortable is key, especially if the weather turns grim without warning.

So without further ado, meet your new winter bestie: the famed 3 layer system.

Base Layer

Base layers, otherwise known as thermals, are the articles of clothing that are worn directly against your skin. These layers are essential as they will draw moisture away from your skin, allowing you to move around while still staying warm. When choosing your base layers, steer clear of cotton as cotton will not dry or absorb your body’s moisture, and instead, leave you feeling cold, clammy and uncomfortable underneath your top layers. Merino wool is a great base layer, as well a plethora of vegan-friendly synthetic fabrics.

Middle Layer

The middle layer is your ticket to long lasting warmth! We recommend opting for something that’s breathable and has great insulation properties, such as a wool jumper or a synthetic fleece shirt. If the temperature is at an all time low, down insulated jackets and vests will be your saviour. What’s more, down clothing is lightweight and a dream to pack!

Outer Layer

The outer layer is the protective shell your other layers need to do their job, especially if strong winds take hold and rain-filled clouds looms above. When choosing a shell, ensure you do your homework as you’ll need something that will properly shield you from natural elements, such as rain and wind. We recommend investing in an outer layer that is high level water and wind resistant, lightweight and comfortable.

Feeling inspired?

Check out the upcoming adventures on our calendar!

Fundraiser of the Month: Jen Deneefe

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Jen Deneefe

Cause: beyondblue
Adventure: Walk for Wellbeing: Great Wall of China Trek

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Jen has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What motivated you to take on your Inspired Adventure?

My dad and I had always talked about seeing the Great Wall together. In December 2017, he was diagnosed with Vascular dementia and was highly anxious about it. Around the same time, the Inspired Adventure was posted on my Facebook page and I signed up without a second thought. I felt it was the universe calling out to me to do something to highlight men’s mental health.

Had you ever been to China before?

I had only transited in various airports when I lived in Singapore.

What have been some of the highlights of your Inspired journey?

  • The people of China and my tour companions. Each person had a story, and over the few days we were together many stories were generously shared.
  • Seeing Tiananmen Square.
  • Standing on the wall for the first time.
  • The women who assisted us on day 3 of the walk. They were unbelievable and fantastic in their encouragement and support.
  • Tim, the Australian guide with us! He was also a fabulously supportive and kind man.

"I felt it was the universe calling out to me to do something to highlight men's mental health."

Do you have any tips for other people currently fundraising for their Inspired Adventure?

Using social media all the time with regular posts and updates. All of my fundraising was done that way. Contact local papers, journalists, TV shows etc. Be prepared to present talks afterwards. I’ve presented at my previous school.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

Considering the physical challenge of the Walk on the Wall, I think I had time to consider my body in place and time. Over the years, as I became less interested in caring for my body, I gained weight and became very unfit. I returned from the walk with renewed enthusiasm for walking and pushing my body to its limits. I have joined a local gym in Torquay and use the services of a personal instructor in order to develop strength and flexibility. I wanted to be able to focus on my legs and upper body strength, so the personal trainer designed a program of low impact cardio and resistance training for me. I am having a ball being physical again. I go to the gym 3 times a week and I walk every day. I am considering another Inspired Adventures for 2019.

"An Inspired adventure is a great way for you to feel as though you are doing something useful for society and also to help you develop yourself."

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Listen to the advice of others, especially those who have completed this particular challenge. Friends who walk regularly advised me not to go, as I am unfit and have led a fairly inactive lifestyle. Do lots of stair climbing and rock walking in preparation. This walk is not a stroll on a path, but a highly demanding physical challenge that I was ill prepared for. An Inspired adventure is a great way for you to feel as though you are doing something useful for society and also to help you develop yourself. I say go for it!!

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

@INSPIREDADVENTURES

Adventurer of The Month: John Day

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John Day

Cause: Melanoma Institute Australia
Adventure: Melanoma Institute Australia’s Outback Trek 2018

As our Adventurer of the Month, John has scored himself a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What motivated you to take on your Inspired Adventure?

My motivation for undertaking the Melanoma Institute of Australia’s (MIA) Outback Trek 2018 on the Larapinta Trail is the death of my son, David, in August 2017. David was diagnosed with Stage Three Melanoma in December 2016 just weeks before the birth of his third daughter. David was only 33 years old. He did not respond to the latest immunotherapy treatment. He has been designated as a “super progressor” and a new research project is being established by MIA to find out why and, hopefully, find a cure for people like David. The funds raised by my walk are being directed to this new research project.

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Central Australia before?

I’m feeling fairly relaxed about the challenge – I know that there will be sections that I will find very challenging, such as the ascent to Mount Sonder, but I think that my preparation and my previous experience will stand in me in good stead. Listening to others who have done this trek, I think that my major challenge will be caring for my feet, preventing blisters and the like, and stretching those tired muscles at the end of each day’s walk.

I’ve never been to Central Australia before. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to experience it first-hand. I’ve heard that some people regard the Larapinta trail as the “Camino of the Southern Hemisphere”. I’m very interested what insights into this I might glean from my trek.

What have been some of the highlights of your Inspired journey so far?

One of the main highlights has been the wonderfully inspiring people that I have met on my training walks. It has been a privilege to get to know these people in some small way, to listen to their stories and their hopes for the causes for which they are walking. The other highlight has been the enthusiastic way in which people have responded to my queries or requests for help – this has been uplifting.

"I know that there will be sections that I will find very challenging, such as the ascent to Mount Sonder, but I think that my preparation and my previous experience will stand in me in good stead."

Do you have any tips for other people currently training for their Inspired Adventure?

I have three tips. Firstly, draw up a walking and exercise program with weekly goals, write it down and stick to it! Secondly, get your gear as early as possible and use it in all preparation walks. Lastly, start taking care of your feet now and develop a good stretching regime to use at the end of each day’s walk.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

I think that the most significant change for me has been dipping my toe into the ‘social media’ arena. I’ve not been one for Facebook and the like, but my tentative steps in this area has shown me what a valuable and powerful tool for communication and connection that this can be.

"One of the main highlights has been the wonderfully inspiring people that I have met on my training walks."

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Be realistic about your capabilities and research the challenge to ensure that its demands are compatible with your abilities and limitations. Once this is done, don’t look back!

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Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher

Take a picture whilst on your adventure or when you’re training and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with an adventure, and fitness focus will be our Adventurer of the Month – it’s that easy!

@INSPIREDADVENTURES