Q'n'A:
What made you decide to participate in the Harcourts Foundation Kokoda Challenge?
I consider myself to lead a relatively fortunate life therefore I thought this was a good opportunity to give something back to the community. From a personal point of view, I also have family and friends that suffer from various forms of depression and thus believe raising money and awareness of depression and its related illnesses through Beyond Blue is a great cause.
What do you hope to get out of the Trek?
I am a history buff and the Kokoda Track is steeped in history therefore I am hoping to gain a greater understanding of the challenges and hardships the Diggers withstood whilst trying to prevent the advancement of the Japanese Army. I also look forward to the great physical and mental challenge it involves, one I have always wanted to accomplish.
What do you think you will miss the most?
My two children Patrick (aged 6) and Piper (aged 3).
How will you mentally prepare for this experience?
I meditate regularly and will expand on this in the lead up to the commencement of the Trek.
What are you mainly looking forward to?
I really look forward to gaining a greater understanding of whether the physical challenge of the Kokoda Track is as onerous as I have been led to believe. Obviously conquering the challenge will also be a very rewarding experience on so many levels.
What are you most afraid of?
To be tested mentally and physically in front of a group of work acquaintances and being fully aware that I will need to rely on their support and camaraderie to help complete the Trek.
How will you overcome this fear?
I hope to establish a bond / friendship amongst the group that I can rely on to help pull me through the challenge and complete the trek successfully.
What sort of training are you doing to help prepare yourself for the journey?
Weight training 3 times a week and cardio training 3 times a week. I also hope to shed a few kilos before the Trek to save the joints!
If you could take one luxury from home, what would it be?
My mobile phone!
What will be your primary motivating force to keep going?
Fear of failure and the wish to help a dedicated group of people complete an extremely physical challenge and raise some money for a great cause.
