Sometimes things just don't go to plan. An obstacle or a setback is placed in your path. At the time it can feel like the end of the world. Fears and doubts rush in, those feelings of not meeting expectations or not feeling good enough. I remember when I injured my knee as I neared … Continue reading How to overcome obstacles – be the river
#WalkNZ
#WalkNZ – Finally reached Bluff
I've done it! I've finally reached Bluff, the southern most point and finish of the 3,000km (1,864mile) Te Araroa Trail down the length of New Zealand. This was the final six days of the trail (plus one rest day) that I had left to complete after Covid lockdown put an end to the walk in … Continue reading #WalkNZ – Finally reached Bluff
Who are you really?
I remember meeting up with an old ex-boyfriend partway through walking the length of New Zealand and he said the weirdest thing... He said: "Where did this adventurousness come from? You weren't into the outdoors or adventure when we were going out." In other words he hadn't pegged me as someone who liked climbing mountains … Continue reading Who are you really?
You don’t have to be a superstar
One of the random I thoughts and doubts I had ahead of walking the length of New Zealand was... I'm not Bear Grylls (that epic adventure man who drinks elephant dung). So therefore, I concluded, I can't walk 3,000km. Have you seen what I did there? First, I compared myself to someone who is uncomparable … Continue reading You don’t have to be a superstar
What book editing has to do with life
I've started the editing process of the first draft of my book detailing my experience of walking the Te Araroa Trail down the length of New Zealand. I had been dreading it. How bad was my writing going to be? How much would I have to rewrite? How long was it going to take? Was … Continue reading What book editing has to do with life
Small steps to success
It's all about the small steps and taking the next one. When I first set out walking the length of New Zealand, the whole concept was so huge and overwhelming and I was filled with self-doubt and worries about what ifs. It proved to be pretty paralysing for the first couple of years I toyed … Continue reading Small steps to success
Self-doubt doesn’t have to hold you back
"If only I didn't doubt myself then I'd be able to walk the length of New Zealand." That's what I told myself over and over again when I was "trying to find" the courage to take on the adventure. I thought my self-doubt was holding me back, stopping me in my tracks, and pointing to … Continue reading Self-doubt doesn’t have to hold you back
We are all brave
I don't consider myself especially brave. Yet I've been called that a lot recently. It all started with my solo trek down the length of New Zealand. But I definitely didn't feel brave when I stood at the northern tip of New Zealand about take the first step. In fact, I was a total bundle … Continue reading We are all brave
Days 66-70 of #WalkNZ part 2 – The Motatapu Track
Calves screamed. Lightening strips of pain burned up the back of my legs. My lungs were in meltdown trying to support my muscles that sucked up the scant oxygen in my blood, while my heart seemed to be in its death throes as it attempted to keep up with the relentless uphill movement of my … Continue reading Days 66-70 of #WalkNZ part 2 – The Motatapu Track
Days 57-63 of #WalkNZ part 2 – Ahuriri River and the Breast Hill Track
Sometimes the Te Araroa throws everything at you. Hot, cold, sun, rain, uphill, downhill, stunning views, monotonous boredom, walking like a machine, hobbling and in pain. Wet underpants. That was this section. Seven days. Demanding. Challenging. Totally worth it. But it didn’t start well. A 29km walk along a flat cycle way. Sounds easy, right, … Continue reading Days 57-63 of #WalkNZ part 2 – Ahuriri River and the Breast Hill Track