Walking in the Rain

Yesterday I walked over 30kms to raise money for the Heart Foundation, specifically to help raise awareness and funds for research around women heart health.  The event is called Coastrek and it is held all over Australia.  It is a great event for a worthy cause, and it was a huge personal challenge.  I am proud to say I successfully walked in the rain and mud, on sand, pavement and through the bush, from Mona Vale to Balgowlah Heights.  The journey took me just under 10 hours and I clocked up 54,907 steps on my smart watch. 

I know I am not unique in doing long walks for charity, but today I am feeling emotional, tired and a little sore and I wanted to reflect on how I am feeling and the lessons I have learned.  I think these lessons can be taken into our business and personal lives – they will stay with me beyond the event.

Preparation is everything

When my friend Deanne asked me to be part of the team for this year’s walk, I didn’t hesitate to jump in.  2023 was about healing and learning to be “solo” in life.  2024 is about challenging myself.  I never doubted I could walk 30kms, but I knew a challenge like this required training.

We have been training for this for months.  Friday night walks up and down the hilly streets of Beaumont Hills.  Longer walks over the weekend, usually 10—15kms, exploring different parts of Sydney.  A 25km “practice walk” for Ronald McDonald House.  Testing out our gear to make sure we were wearing the right shoes, socks, even the right underpants. 

When I went for a 8km walk 2 weeks ago and finished feeling like I had done nothing at all, I knew I was ready.  I got so much out of the time spent walking with the team in preparation for the main event, meeting new friends, having lots of chats. Appropriately our team was called Walkin & Talkin.

Lesson 1 – If you have a goal and you can share that goal with others, it makes the journey much more enjoyable.  It is as much about the journey as the destination. 

Don’t skimp on the necessities.

When I buy a laptop, I choose that laptop based on the quality, not the price.  My laptop is my tool of trade and while I am not going to buy the most expensive laptop, I am definitely not going to buy the cheapest.  In most cases, you get what you pay for.

Photo credit to Lisa Cooper for making this montage, and my team for taking the photos.

The main thing I needed to protect for this walk was always going to be my feet.  I had a practice trek early in my training in the bush around Hornsby with my friend Sophie.  The shoes I wear for netball and gym were slippery and I knew I needed to invest in something a little more heavy duty.  I invested in some trail runners (apparently running on trails is a thing!) and some decent woollen hiking socks.  Best thing I could have done.

Yesterday, during the walk it rained for at least 90% of the time. Not only did it rain during the day, it had rained for the days preceding and much of the track was a slippery, boggy, muddy mess. My feet stayed dry for about the first 10kms and then they were just wet for the rest of the day.  The socks seemed to absorb some of the water making my feet bearable. My shoes were amazing, and I am pleased to say I have no blisters at all.

Lesson 2 – Sometimes you need quality and you may need to pay a little more for it, but it is worth it in the long run.  If you are not sure do a cost/benefit analysis.  This can apply to anything – the software you are using (look at the time you are saving), your computer, or your shoes.  While price doesn’t always mean quality, do the research and pay a little more if there will be a benefit to it.

One step at a time

The rain tricked down as we crossed the starting line.  We have put our rain ponchos on and hoped that it would stop raining so we could enjoy the walk.  It didn’t stop raining, except for the last few kilometres.  The rain would ease off and get heavier and eventually it was just part of it all.  It added to the memories we will have of yesterday.

Having watched the weather for the week leading up to yesterday, we knew there would be a chance of rain – a big chance.  Our group chat was filled with pictures of the synoptic charts and panic was setting in among the team.  I chose to ignore the panic as much as possible, I can’t change the weather, and figured that it is just rain.  I continued with that attitude (as did the rest of the team) as we walked for almost 10 hours, soaked to the bone. 

When Rod first got sick we were told to not look too far into the future, to take it one step at a time.  I am trying to use this in life, and I certainly used it on the walk.  I didn’t really know what was in front of me, but I did know what the next 10 metres looked like, so I just navigated that.  And then the next, and then the next.  

At the signpost for 15kms to go, we had a little cheer.  When there was only 1km to go, another cheer, but that last kilometre seemed to take forever.  I felt a little teary when we crossed the finish line, as a team.  We pushed each other on.  One step at a time and those steps added to 30kms.

Lesson 3 – No one really knows what is ahead.  You can plan, you can follow a map, but there is always going to be some unexpected twist and turns.  Concentrate on what is immediately ahead of you and make the most of that moment, one step at a time.

Motivation is everything

I am no different to anyone else, but I do have a level of motivation that makes me want to do things outside of my comfort zone.

This morning when I woke up sore, tired and feeling like I had a hangover (I didn’t, I was asleep by 8.30pm), all I wanted to do was stay in bed.  Then I thought of those who did the 50km walk (yes, you can do an even longer walk), and I felt envious of their motivation.  What makes them get out of bed?  What made a lot of the 50km walkers actually run the track (I guess that is why they sell trail runners)?  What drives those who are really good at business to run amazing businesses, take risks and work hard to be successful?  I am sure they are not lying in bed with their head under the covers.

I got out of bed.  Although I have taken it pretty easy today, I did write this blog.  It is time for me to stop feeling sorry for myself and be motivated about life, business and working to be the best I can be.

Lesson 4 – Just do it!