Wild Wishes ...

What WWOT has taught me...

I had the great fortune to go on a two week trekking holiday to Nepal in December with my family and a group of friends. While there, I thought a lot about how much Wild Women on Top has taught me, and how those lessons were invaluable in helping us get the most out of our amazing trip. We trekked through the most stunning and beautiful mountains, slept in very basic accommodation in temperatures around freezing, and met many challenges in the food and bathroom departments.

There were lots of instances where I was able to call on my WWoT skills, and these are a few examples.

The first is Rock Walking and Scrambling. I’ve always found this a challenge to my balance, and have never felt very sure-footed. At one point early on our trip, the track was closed and we had to criss-cross a river 6 times using boulders. A few years ago I would have been a gibbering wreck - this time, I could stop worrying that I was going to fall in and could lend a hand to others.

Then there is the often heard “Every Step, Every Step” advice. This mantra, repeated many times to over enthusiastic children, was particularly useful in situations like crossing rivers on boulders!

Every couple of weeks, the Friday girls get a coaching session from Di on Technical Walking. This method of climbing stairs while conserving energy sometimes can seem too slow for a training session – why am I being told to go slower?! – but it was invaluable to use on a section of track with 3280 steps going up, ascending almost 1000 metres. All the other adults in the group appreciated being taught it too. The kids, of course, just bounded up the stairs with barely a break.

Something that we are often told on WWoT trips and training sessions is to  “Expect the Unexpected”. A bad case of altitude sickness forced us to change our plans - instead of regretting what we missed, we embraced what we could do instead. Well, after a bit of moaning and groaning!

I don’t know if this has ever been adopted as an official WWoT training tip, but something that has come out of camping and overseas trips for me is “Don't be squeamish about toilet arrangements.” It’s only a couple of minutes out of each day! Even the teenage girls in our group gave up the “eeews” after a couple of days.

And lastly, the most important tip of all -“Stay Positive at all Times”. I didn’t manage it all the time, but tried to remind myself of it when facing a sense of humour failure, either in myself or in others. Walking each week with the wonderful Friday girls has taught me a great deal about tolerance and understanding, as well as the incomparable pleasure of sharing great experiences with great company.

It's so good to know that the hints and tips picked up over the years at Trek Training have stayed lodged in my brain! Thanks Wild Women!
Bridget Fell, Wild Woman

Wild News ...

NEW* CRADLE MOUNTAIN & OVERLAND TRACK TASSIE:  19 - 27 Nov 2011 
Dont miss this awesome Tassie Women's Adventure into the stunning wilderness scenery of the Cradle Mountain World Heritage Area. Climb Cradle Mountain plus Tassie's highest mountain, Mt Ossa, and delight in the hidden treasures of Pine Valley and the Labyrinth Region AND have a great training goal to get you fit and healthy.  Full itinerary available HERE! Book now cos this will be popular!

MACHU PICCHU - 8 to 26 Sept 2011 - only 4 spots left!
As a result of the popularity of this trek, we have added an extra Wild Women On Top Coach and increased the number of places available. This trek will be accompanied by Coaches Roz and Lisa as well as local guides, porters, chefs and assistants. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a truly stunning cultural, historical and spiritual trek. Journey through remote and unique valleys, through hidden secret Inca ruins and high passes via two sacred Inca Rivers. Visit Machu Picchu as the sun rises… Book HERE!

EXERCISE OUTDOORS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

"There’s good news for outdoor trainers, with a review of previous studies concluding that exercising outside provides additional mental benefits to clients.

Researchers from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry analysed data comparing the effects of exercising inside with the effects of the same activity in an outdoor setting.

The team reported an overall improvement in mental wellbeing among fresh air exercisers, compared to their indoor counterparts. Using the natural environment as a gym reportedly engendered feelings of increased energy and positive engagement, as well as decreased tension and negativity. Importantly, this greater enjoyment of the exercise setting also increased likelihood of participants repeating the experience – the personal trainer’s client retention dream!

Dr Jo Thompson-Coon, Research Fellow with the Peninsula CLAHRC, said, ‘By using the data currently available to us we have added strength to the link between mental and physical well-being and outdoor exercise’."

Source: Environmental Science and Technology

Wild Tips ...

Trek Training: Now that Coastrek is over, you might want to start planning your next goal. It's natural to feel like doing nothing for a while, after such a big investment in training and preparation for this endurance event, but look back on what you've achieved and realise that having a goal is what will keep you motivated and committed to your physical training.
Gear:  Well fitted boots and a pack can ake ALL the difference on a big trek. If you have booked in to a big trek this year, you need to start to using your gear NOW! Make sure you wear your boots and pack several times a week during training to get used to how they feel.
Nutrition: Top Ten on Lisa's shopping list: organic fresh fruit and veg (incl sprouts and lots of greens like kale and fresh spinach); almond meal; cinnamon; organic whole full cream milk; lentils; garlic; rooibos tea; cacao (for smoothies); frozen berries; fresh mint.

Training and Wild Events ...

HOLIDAY TRAINING WITH ROZ! If you are keen to keep up your fitness over the holidays, especially if you are in training for a big trek, then this holiday program will keep you motivated and on track. Training will be held Monday 9.30am-12.00pm, stay tuned for more details on the website soon!

NEW* CRADLE MOUNTAIN & OVERLAND TRACK TASSIE:  19 - 27 Nov 2011 
Dont miss this awesome Tassie Women's Adventure into the stunning wilderness scenery of the Cradle Mountain World Heritage Area. Climb Tassie's highest mountain, Mt Ossa, and delight in the hidden treasures of Pine Valley and the Labyrinth Region AND have a great training goal to get you fit and healthy.  Full itinerary available soon! Book HERE Now!
HINCHINBROOK ISLAND, JULY:  Only 1 spot left!
5 day trek on the World Class Thorsborne Trail in the tropical paradise of Hinchie, with waterfalls, champagne baths, beach camping and lush jungle terrain. Limited spots! Book HERE Now!
BUNGLE BUNGLES, MAY: FULL! Sorry ... but this unique opportunity to fly right into the remote stunning Bungle Bungles, The Kimberleys, WA,  set up base camp and explore this spiritual ancient land for a week is ALREADY FULL!. Dont miss out on our other trips ... BOOK NOW AND HAVE AN AWESOME GOAL FOR NEXT YEAR! 
* NEW! WILD WALK BLUE MOUNTAINS: SUN 3rd APRIL - 9am - 5pm: DIARISE NOW!
Dont miss this great day out, exploring the secret hidden passes of the World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park. Our Wild Women On Top coach will take you on tracks and trails that no tourist will find, with a team of delightful women. You'll be challenged physically and mentally challenged in true Wild Women On Top style while enjoying a great day out with gourmet food and stunning views. Book HERE Now!
Check out Wild Events for the latest info and itineraries...

Wild Adventures - Diary ...

25 Mar: Wild Women On Top Sydney Coastrek Award Night
3rd APRIL - 9am - 5pm: HIDDEN PASSES BLUE MOUNTAINS: 1 spot left!
Holiday Training
9-15 May: Bungle Bungles: FULL!
6-12 June: Jatbula Trek with Di: FULL
12 - 18 June: Jatbula Trek with Roz: 1 SPOT LEFT
2 - 9 July: Mum/Teen climb Mt Rinjani: 2 SPOTS LEFT
20 - 24 July: Hinchinbrook Island  -1 spot left!
Sept 2011: Machu Picchu with Lisa and Roz: Booking now! 4 Spots left!
19 - 27 Nov: Cradle Mountain & Overland Track Tassie: NEW
Book Now at our new website - visit Wild Events to find out more..  

Coaches Corner ...

Wild Women On Top Coaches: WWOT  are on the look out for some more amazing women to join our World Class Coaching Team. If you think you've got what it takes and are passionate about adventure and women's fitness, please call the office and speak to Lisa to find out more...
Another 100kms!
Lisa, Roz, Kel, Nicola, Di and Deb are now in training for the 100km Wild Endurance in the Blue Mountains in April. The team will take on 100km of the most scenic, but challenging terrain in the Blue Mountains, If you add up the number of 100km events the team have completed amongst them, you get over 2500kms (not including their training distances!)

Wild Inspirations ...

Congratulations to all our Newsbies clients who completed their first Coastrek! 

Charity ...

 COASTREK HAS RAISED $547,764.60 SO FAR TO RESTORE SIGHT

COASTREK FEEDBACK:
If you have feedback on how we can make Coastrek better for next year, please take 3 minutes and click HERE!