After a few slow glimmerings that turned into a thick orange band around the horizon, the sun came up fast at Mt Sonder. That I was on top of a mountain in the heart of Australia to see it happen on a May weekday was a high point in my life. I wasn’t just on top of a big rocky pile. I was on top of the world.
Nailing the final climb of the really tough Larapinta Trail was even more breathtaking because of the lows which had led to me—a mum of three with a love of comfort and a nodding acquaintance with cardio—deciding without much notice to tackle my version of the Hawaiian Ironman.
2021 was awful for a lot of people. My own year was truly devastating. In quick succession, I was hit with the suicide of a family member, the ending of my 27-year relationship and managing the poor mental health of a child.
Since then, I’ve sold the family house, found somewhere new to live, had my eldest daughter leave home for uni, been mired in mediation where the memories and triumphs of a long marriage are commoditised and broken down. Hard.
So the Larapinta Trail represented an opportunity to process everything that had happened and find space to think. To get out of my everyday life, reset without phones and responsibility. Walking it was about walking into my next chapter.
And there was a lot of walking. 130kms of it over six days!
Along the way I did a lot of thinking. One endless day that will stay with me was day four. Somewhere around the five-hour mark I got the cranks and walked by myself to really reflect on where my life is at and whether I’m comfortable with decisions I’ve made.
That day, I kind of said goodbye to my husband. That night, I dreamed we became friends again and he got remarried, with me wishing him well on the morning of his vows. I felt great.
When I got home from the Larapinta, I bumped into him for real in the supermarket. It was like seeing an old friend: hi, how are you? No animosity. I feel I’ve done my letting go.
And that’s what the whole life changing trip was about. Letting go rather than dreaming of the new life. That’s the next stage. On the final morning, up Mt Sonder, someone said, “Katrina, you look so happy’. I was giggling (and singing a Muppet Show song!) Why wouldn’t I be happy? The sun was rising on a woman with a clean slate and desire for change.
Before I left, I had a conscious desire to uplevel my personal life because I know when you do, it flows into everything else—business, connections, health. It’s so powerful. Uplevelling gave me perspective devoid of distractions—I feel stronger, creative and completely energised with a zest for challenges.
Yes, I learned a lot about myself on the trail.
On a superficial level, I finally discovered those elusive glutes. And I’m not letting them out of my sight. To keep working them, I’ve signed up for a couple more hikes later this year. I’ve enjoyed the forced self-care that training gave me and the way it taught me to prioritise my own needs.
I found I can do hard things. 2021 and the decades before it proved I can handle stress but the Larapinta tested me in new ways. It’s created self-confidence. I’ve come home a foot taller, so deeply proud of how I stretched my capabilities physically, mentally and emotionally.
I learned the magic happens when we step out of our comfort zone and stretch ourselves. Actually, I’ve always believed this but stepping so far out of my comfort zone really reinforced it and has me intrigued by the idea that the further we leave behind our comfort zone, the greater the reward. Risk more for a bigger pay off.
I fell in love with simplicity—early nights, proper hydration, great healthy food, whole days of exercise. Getting the basics right made me feel incredible. I want more of it. I want to be able to maintain some of the great changes I made out in the desert. That starts with sticking to a baseline of 10K steps a day and drinking at least two litres of water. My hair is fabulous, my wrinkles and rosacea have disappeared! I feel stronger and rested. Slowing down feels good.
I’m aware of impact. Trek Tours made sure everything we brought to camp each night came out. And I mean everything. We recycled, composted and minimised use. It made me reflect on my own impact and I’m working through what I can do at home to contribute in a bigger way.
Overall, I feel like I’m back in the driver’s seat. I’m creating a great lifestyle with an awesome balance of working with great clients and having fun adventures.
I feel empowered to step into my second act knowing I’m capable of anything.
I feel more open and confident to do things I’ve never done before. Hell, if I can do the Larapinta I really think I can have a go at tackling most things.
The Larapinta taught me to be more in the moment. To be truly present and not distracted. I absolutely loved not being able to be contacted and to focus on enjoying this once in a lifetime experience.
I’m crying tears of empathy, heartfulness, gratitude at your vulnerability, and jeez Katrina that
S M I L E !!!! It’s big and shining enough to light a whole darn desert all on it’s own.
So much happiness for you, for the outcome of your retreat to self and nature. Impressed at your commitment to the purpose.
What is coming to me, and I feel to share but also feel a little awkward about is – maybe it was never about the walk, but was always about the space to come home to your Self. Well, that’s easy for me to say -I didn’t do the walk.
But – I have been in similar very hard spaces. I’ve taken myself off to multiple retreats in which I did not speak for whole fortnights except for in session, with only had miso to eat and water to drink and deeply confronting meetings with my Self. Which I repeated for a year or more, in my quest for finding home. That was all some long time ago.
I am deeply grateful I’m connected in this way with you Katrina. Grateful for your generosity of sharing all the really tough stuff which 21 brought your way.
Your story has heartened me. Has given me pause for thought about my current beliefs about myself, about how I do not honour this precious vessel enough. Not enough water, not enough steps, too much coffee, not enough challenging. I was already thinking about this earlier today. Your story has really underscored this, like circling a passage in a book or margin notes.
All power to maintaining those precious glutes – and I look forward to reading seeing what emerges from this extraordinary experience. You are a brilliant role model and mentor.
Take good care
Thanks for sharing with me Dassana. I was very nervous being so vulnerable so your response is really moving.
Katrina, I feel so deeply for you and this incredible journey you have embarked upon. Bravo to you. You are so right, pushing ourselves outside our comfort zone, especially after everything we have known as security around us breaks down, is one of life’s greatest challenges and greatest rewards . Thank you so much for sharing and being so brutally honest. You truly are an inspiration
Thanks for all the lovely support Dijana. I’m very much looking forward to creating a fabulous next chapter.
Oh Katrina what difficult times. Thank you for sharing what really happened in your year. The profound experience of the trail is so very inspiring. I am sending you all the love in the world. XOXO
Thanks so much Karen. It was without doubt my toughest year but the Larapinta was a key turning point in moving forward.
Katrina, thank you for sharing your story in such a moving article. You should be so proud of yourself, and you must grab hold of those highs and not let go.
I completed the Great Ocean Walk in Victoria two weeks ago, done for pretty similar reasons as you: my parents both died over the last 4 years; divorced after 20 years 3 years ago, and punished relentlessly for it; alienated from my children (age 12 and 15) since March ‘19; expelled from my job for, I guess, becoming too awkward to deal with. And let’s not forget the isolation of Covid.
I just needed to reset. And boy did I ever do that on my walk. I’m sharing my reflections on LinkedIn if you’re interested. But much more importantly, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your beautiful story.
All the best,
Thank you for reaching out. I’m so sorry to hear of your challenges. Knowing how transformative my Larapinta trek was, I can only imagine the gains made from walking the Great Ocean Road. Big congratulations to you. You too should be very proud of yourself.
How powerful! There’s so much to this, which you’ve said so beautifully.
You’re beaming through your eyes. You deserve all the love and happiness that you can give to yourself.
Thank you for sharing this, Katrina. You continue to inspire me and all women reading this!
Oh Steph, thank you so much. There’s a lot of feeling in that picture. It was taken as I was consciously thinking about starting my second act.
Such an inspiring read Katrina and that smile says it all!
Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your challenges as well as your triumphs and sorry to hear 2021 was so difficult.
It’s lovely to read all the realisations that being in nature has provided and the self-care that has come from it all.
Thanks for the wonderful support Tarryn. The red dirt and the lack of digital distractions was incredibly powerful for me. Such a wonderful adventure!
Truly moving.
Thank you Irene.
I loved reading this, Katrina.
We’ve only met one or two times, but, I had tears in my eyes.
Wonderful, inspiring words.
Thank you for sharing this perfect experience.
Oh wow Julie. I am so happy my journey has resonated. I was quite nervous about sharing it but I’m determined to sit well out of my comfort zone as often as I can these days.
Trying again. Wanted to add I admire you adding your story from last year. So important for many f us to read it and realise this terrible stuff can be part of many lives. Briefly my husband years ago was arrested.. for corporate crime. Trial
Took years , we split up then divorced. He got a suspended sentance and then found out he had terminal
Prostate cancer. Financially lost heaps.. As a woman you have been through heaps and look forward to seeing your new opportunities. As they say over here be Kind.. to yourself. Xx
Oh wow Sally I didn’t know. Life can really throw some curveballs. I love how you have gone on to create an amazing life and business for yourself. It’s very inspiring to me. Thank you for sharing with me (and enjoy that overseas trip…. it looks like you are having a great time).
Katrina you are still an extraordinary human. Life throws up different challenges and it’s the way we navigate these and the lessons we learn that reveals the gifts ahead. Hugs for the tough times and Well done you for navigating to breath. Can’t wait to see you again. Sending love.
Big thanks Lesley. I really appreciate your wise words and support. I look forward to catching up again sometime.
Dear Katrina. Thank you for sharing your personal and moving story. I am thinking of you. And I am thinking of Dave. Like the Larapinta, life is a trail with many twists and turns, some in clear sight, some emerging with no warning and with such life-changing force. I like to think that for all of us, as we grow older and hopefully wiser, that the creases on our faces are the positive signs of personal growth. And as for your smile, well, it is such a treat for everyone. Your smile lifts the spirits of others. Keep smiling. Keep sharing stories. And stay well. Paul
Thanks Paul. I’m working hard on those wrinkles and creases 🙂
Your post was inspiring. Take Care
Thanks Cinci. Lovely to hear from you. I appreciate your support.
Loved your journey of self reflection, especially your joy at the top! About to do mine to Larapinta in June 🚶♀️
You will love it Susie. Watch out for my next article which gives a day by day account of my Larapinta adventure.
Awesome Koo, thank you for sharing
Thanks Kerrine. I’m off on a walk with Cathers in a few weeks time.
This was stunning to read. It resonated so much. Thank you
Thank you Mel. It felt very nervous releasing this article to the world. I’m glad it resonated with you.
Loved your journey, especially your joy at the top. About to do mine to Larapinta in June.🚶♀️
❤️❤️❤️
Big love to you Stais. I’m going to find a walk for us to walk and play Joe soon!
I am so proud of you Katie. You have always shown such courage, strength and compassion. Much love Mum ❤️
A huge, heartfelt thanks to you mum for being an incredible role model for me and being an ear for me. Love you.
You are amazing Koo . I loved reading all you had done on your retreat.
You are such an inspiration darling and I love the photo on the highest point .
Love Sylv ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Ah thanks Sylv. I do like this picture of me. It captures the moment in time so perfectly.
You Queen
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Oh Koo, It seems the strongest among us are those whose shoulders can bear the burden of tragedy and sadness without revealing the pain it causes us. For you to share your story takes sheer bloody guts, and you’ve got that in truck-loads. I love and admire you for all that you are, all that you do, all that you go through and all that you have to look forward to. You’re all class x
Big thanks Rochelle. It’s been a bloody tough year. Would love to catch up again in the next year or two. I adored our night a few years back when you got me ready for my awards night. xx
You are a brave, inspirational, kind and fun woman, I know this is just the start of many new beginnings and adventures for you. Love ya Koo!
Thanks Fi. Can’t wait to see you on my next visit west. So much has happened to both of us. Love you too.
Such an awesome effort to do it.
Beautiful post.
Never lose those glutes again.