Coastrek saving lives one walk at a time

The mental health benefits of undertaking a long distance walk cannot be overstated as the annual Coastrek event clearly demonstrates.
Words_ Laura Waters

There was a time once when I couldn’t breathe. I tried, but only a tiny bit of the precious air I needed could make its way to my lungs. My body flinched at every noise and tears surfaced for no apparent reason. It made being a functioning human pretty much impossible.

When I was at my lowest ebb, it was a long walk that brought me back to life. I set out to hike 3,000km down the length of New Zealand and barely a month into my journey the tide began to turn. Anxiety ebbed, replaced by an ever-growing sense of self-belief, confidence and control over my life until I finished four months later blissfully calm, a relative powerhouse and forever a changed woman.

Not everyone can take five months out for such a journey but there’s another way to get the dose of endorphins and sense of confidence and achievement that comes with accomplishing a physical challenge. Since 2009, Coastrek has been running long-distance team trekking events across Australia and raising nearly $40 million for charity in the process, and with funds currently directed to Beyond Blue it’s doubly powerful.

Anxiety affects around three million Australians and tragically nine people take their lives every day (200 attempt it). Beyond Blue provides 24/7 support services to help those affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.

It’s a cause that is close to my heart so when I was asked to be a Coastrek Ambassador in 2020 and embark on my first event, I jumped at the chance. The deal is this: Teams of four (at least half of which must be women) walk 30, 45 or 60km in one day on a beautiful coastal route, finishing with a mass celebration oozing with warm and fuzzy vibes, music and maybe a glass or two of champagne. Sounds good!

I signed up for the 60km Melbourne route (events are also held in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth) and gathered my team. Our first training hike together was a modest 15km (many of which were on sand) that ended with me trying to pretend the blisters that had formed between my toes didn’t hurt while the voice in my head yelped, “what the (bleep) have I gotten myself into?!”

Over 42,000 trekkers have been inspired to take part in Coastrek since its inception and motivations vary. For 61-year old Sydney-based Ann Jenkins it’s a combination of staying fit, spending time outdoors with friends and supporting a good cause, but the mental health benefits for her personally are equally valuable. “The minute I put my runners on I feel better,” she says. “Then I open my front door, start walking and I feel free, happy and strong. Even if I just walk around the block – it is a step in the right direction.”

For 42-year old mum Georgina Mollison the motivation is personal. Since childhood she’s suffered chronic anxiety and at the age of 30 she lost her best friend to suicide. “Coastrek was a wake up call for me,” she says. “As a mother of two with special needs, I didn’t have time to process the loss. I said to myself this is something I can do as me, not as a mother or a carer.”
The connection between walking and mental health is strong.

“I credit exercise and the environment with getting me through those toughest times. Connection with nature pulled me back from the edge. I love exercise but I had to learn it wasn’t just about that, it was about watching the leaves, feeling the bark ¬– to centre myself and calm myself down,” says Georgina.

Peta O’Brien knows what it’s like to feel like there are no options. Two years ago she lost her little sister in a tragic accident, leaving her with a kind of grief she’d never dealt with before. “I went to a dark place and wanted my pain to end,” she says. “I knew in my head I needed help but I didn’t want to keep leaning on my husband and friends, so I called Beyond Blue and they put me onto a counsellor. There was a tiny bit of relief in sharing my story with others.”

Peta stumbled across Coastrek and its affiliation with Beyond Blue and knew that taking part in the event would be a win-win.

Peta had barely walked 10km before she signed up for Brisbane Coastrek two months prior to the event. For training she walked her local coastline, building in distance until she was managing 30km or more. “I didn’t realise how therapeutic walking was,” she says. “It gave me time to zone out, process my thoughts, and the beach is my happy place, it’s good for the soul.”

Whatever distance participants choose for event day it’s likely to be considerably more than the average punter’s weekend walk, but Georgina assures that anyone can do it. Experience isn’t required – just dedication and determination.

Ann puts it like this: “You can't just turn up on the day and expect to happily walk for 12 odd hours, but Coastrek provide walkers with a complete training manual that sets out weekly plans and goals to build up strength and stamina. Follow the manual, and you’ll be skipping across the finishing line!”

Read part two of our story next week and for more info on Coastrek click here.