Travel Play Live Mini Mag 2015

Travel Play Live

MINI EDITION 2015

The Heartbeat of Australian Women’s Adventure & Travel

ADVENTURE

x

EMPOWER

x

INSPIRE

x

DREAM

x

CHANGE

@growto love photograph by Lyndon Marceau

c ontents

6 ADVENTURE MUST HAVES

9

14

RECIPE

DELICIOUS ADVENTURES

Autumn Product Guide

Garlic Prawn & Haloumi Skewers

7

10

16

ADVENTUROUS EVENTS

WOMEN WANT ADVENTURE

ONE TOUGH CHICKS

in the Apple Isle

Transformation

Calendar for Autumn & Winter

Autumn Product Guide

8

12

18

5 MICRO ADVENTURES

STAYING ACTIVE

BEST OF TASMANIA

despite your busy schedule

you can have this weekend

Wilderness Walk

www.travelplaylive.com.au CHIEF EDITOR. CREATIVE.

Amy Heague

Two Minds Creative COVER IMAGE.

DIRECTOR OF ADVENTURE.

PHOTOGRAPHY.

Kerryann Hayes

James Pitman, Ben Cirulis & Brett Rutkowski

Hayden Griffith with thanks to @growtolove

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES.

sales@travelplaylive.com.au

STAY CONNECTED

Travel Play Live

WOMEN'S ADVENTURE tory

direc

If you are ready to break your routine, expand your horizons, challenge yourself and meet new friends, you've come to the right place; no matter what state of Australia you live in.

JOIN NOW

The Travel Play Live Adventure Directory is a network of adventure groups and active individuals dedicated to creating new friendships and helping all women add zest to their lives by trying something new, interesting or challenging. These groups Australia wide are encouraging women to leave their comfort zones and pursue their dreams.

Join the Adventure! www.travelplaylive.com.au/adventure-directory

www.travelplaylive.com.au

BECOME A

PIONEERING ADVENTURESS We need your help make this adventure soar and get this magazine into as many peoples hands as possible!

Head over to our website & check out our Pozible Campaign where you can help us crowd fund to support this venture.

You could even become a Pioneering Adventuress and join us at our Launch Event!

Letter from the team.

Welcome to Travel Play Live and our Mini Mag! We are extremely excited about the next phase of our adventure - launching an Australian Women's Adventure & Travel Magazine, and we wanted to give you a tiny taste of what is to come!

When we received the first drafts of our style guides, we couldn't quite believe how far we had actually come in a year! Especially considering we are mums, business owners and never say no to an adventure if one comes calling.

just

$47

If this is your first introduction to us, we want you to know that we are more than just an awesome magazine. We are a community with a passion to empower and inspire women to live full, fun and passionate lives through active pursuits, no matter what their style or preference of outdoor adventure. Yep, adventure for all - not just the elite sports woman or the “sexy” people!

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER: FREE POSTAGE * Subscribe for just $47

We want to share the inspiration that’s out there and introduce you to the incredibly inspiring women who make up the adventurous community. Women of all ages, walks of life, shapes and sizes, and like you, all pursuing the dream to live life to the full and with a passionate sense of adventure.

That’s four beautifully inspiring, empowering and adventurous copies of our magazine delivered to your door - full of great seasonal ideas to inspire you to travel, play, live!

With your help, our goal is to become the leading voice for women's adventure in Australia. We want to connect you with the people, the companies, the products, the adventures and travel options that leave you empowered as a woman to get outdoors and to travel, play, live.

Head over to our website & join the adventure. *free postage available within Australia only

Travel Play Live magazine www.travelplaylive.com.au

Over and Out-'side' Amy & Kerryann

ADVENTURE MUST HAVES

e r u t n e v d Amust haves

AS THE WEATHER COOLS DOWN, ADVENTURES ARE JUST WARMING UP. WE’VE SCOUTED OUT SOME PERFECT GEAR FOR THE WOMAN WHO LOVES ADVENTURE, TRAVELLING & THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE.

A NEW MET HELMET

Osprey Aura AG 65 Marmot Minimalist Women’s

GORETEX WATERPROOF RAIN JACKET Rainwear for the dedicated outdoors woman, the Minimalist starts with a lightweight GORE-TEX® Paclite® shell, making it waterproof, windproof and breathable. Allows full range of motion, and the adjustable hood and elastic draw cord let you adapt to changing weather. $299.50 wildearth.com.au

WOMENS HIKING RUCKSACK

The fourth generation of Osprey’s women’s specific Aura ventilated backpack series features the AntiGravity™Suspension. This 3D suspension system provides seamless comfort that contours the body allowing a trail experience like no other. Combined with custom capability and a full set of features, this pack sets a new standard in ventilated backpacking. $279.50 www.wildearth.com.au

Let’s keep our pretty little heads safe as we take to the tracks in a MET Helmet.

MET S.p.A is one of the world’s leading high quality bicycle helmet makers.

Designed, developed and manufactured in the heart of the Italian Alps, MET is synonymous with their Alpine heritage: care, reliability, efficiency and sustainable development. Profound design, cutting-edge materials, manufacturing procedures and sharp looks put MET helmets into the forefront, but they are primarily about safety. The helmets’ objective is to minimise impact on your head in case of an accident. Even Libby Tricket Olympic Gold Medalist wore one during her very first Triathlon! Met Helmets are available at leading bikes stores across Australia. www.met-helmets.com

SALOMON SPEEDCROSS 3 CS

Womens Weather proof Trail Running Shoes This shoe is built to be fast with its minimal construction and lightweight upper, and still has full-length cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and protected through any distance. Its breathable and provides quick drying weather protection in the forefoot area along with excellent traction over soft and tough surface. $159.50 wildearth.com.au

HSB SKATEBOARDS Skateboards with Soul

What happens when a young brother & sister duo from Sydney decide that they want to make the world a better place?

They launch their own range of skateboards of course! HSB Skateboards are raising money to support the awesome A21 Campaign and Vision Rescue India. You can support these adventurous entrepreneurs buy purchasing one of their boards and help them raise this $2,500 by end of June 2015. www.hsbskateboards.com

06

10% Off

your first order from our friends at wildearth.com.au Discount code TPL10 (valid from May to June 30 2015) “Wild Earth – Australia’s only outdoor store for women who truly crave adventure”

Travel Play Live

EVENTS

MISS MUDDY Looking for a fun way to dive into some crazy adventure? Miss Muddy events is a women's only 4-6km obstacle and mud festival for women over 18. The ultimate ‘Girls Dirty Day Out’ Locations: Various locations across Australia Dates: Check the website for dates at your chosen location More information: www.missmuddy.com.au

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS CHALLENGE

Jeff Wilcox Memorial

BODYBOARDING COMPETITION.

Trail running festival offering runners the experience of hammering single & forest tracks, dirt roads and no asphalt whatsoever. Short, medium, long and ultra distances are available for runners of all abilities.

For all the girls who love the ocean; a mix of up and coming shredders, girls at the top of their game and women returning to competitive bodyboarding. For ages from 16yrs to mid 50s.

Dates: 24 – 26th July 2015 Where: Great Lakes NSW More information: www.jeffwilcox.com.au

Dates: 30 August 2015 Where: Southern Highlands NSW More information: www.southernhighlandschallenge.com

D L I W E SID N E V D A URE T CE RA 5 FULLY RA

12/24

D

ENTURES ADV

ON

EDITI

ate • navig

201

paddle ike • tain b

moun trek •

This is adventure racing.

You will navigate through spaces rarely visited as you traverse demanding landscapes in all weather conditions, day and night.

You will have 12 or 24 hours to complete the journey, navigating from checkpoint to checkpoint by foot, mountain bike and kayak set against a magnificent backdrop, where you will be a part of nature.

If you have been searching for that next big challenge or for an adventure that will create memories that will last a lifetime then this is your event.

OBER 4 T C O 5 OR 3,4 & E NSW • TEAMS OF 2 HOP

WAUC

m.au ace.co AR r e r u t en ide deadv #W ilds wildsi

07

Travel Play Live

5

MICRO ADVENTURES you can have this weekend.

1

2

BUSH WALKING BIKE Most towns have their own well marked bike paths or trails. You won't have to go far to discover magical trails between small villages or around local parks and markets. Fill your basket with fresh, organic and homemade goodies and have a picnic, or track down a local bike friendly café for a pit stop. Invite some girlfriends and pedal away to your heart's content. If you are not sure where your local tracks are, ask your local bike shop or sports store.

Whether it’s hiking, bushwalking or trail running, you can’t help but admire the stunning scenery and the extensive network of tracks and trails through Australia’s National Parks & State Forests. Coastal views and stunning bushland peaks offer delights galore for those setting out on foot. It’s great for family fun and fitness. With the inclusion of a yummy picnic with a beautiful lunch spot with a view, everyone will be happy!

The National Parks authority in your state usually has an extensive list of safe, well-marked trails on their website.

3

4

CAMPING Spend the night under the stars. Pack the tent and head out with your swag, light a fire and roast marshmallows. You don’t need flashy equipment to get adventurous. Set aside an afternoon to explore a national park, set up camp with the kids and watch out for local wildlife.

Don’t have any kit? There are some great budget “glamping” options available, like the beautiful Kings Creek Retreat www.kingscreekretreat.com.au

5

HIT THE BEACH Just because summer has faded, that's no reason not to head to the beach to explore. We are so blessed here in Australia with kilometres of stunning beaches and coastline, so get some friends together and head on down to the beach with a picnic, a cricket set or football and play in the sand. Explore the rock pools and surrounding dunes. Even on the blusteriest days, the beach is a great place for adventure.

TAKE A ROAD TRIP Discover many well kept secrets when you embark on this age old tradition of taking a road trip - you don’t even have to venture that far. Relive your childhood memories of the early morning start to miss the traffic, morning tea on the side of the road. Enjoy stretches of big open skies and green Aussie bush, stunning coastal views and little out of the way towns with atmospheres and secrets unexpected. Roll down the window, turn up the music and follow your nose.

08

Travel Play Live

Recipe

GARLIC PRAWN & HALOUMI SKEWERS. A family favourite, these skewers are always a popular menu item and perfect for your Micro Adventure Weekend. Just because the weather is cooling down, don’t let that stop you from gathering some friends around a campfire or BBQ. This delicious recipe is perfect for the grill and hints back to Summer past.

SERVES 6

NUTRITION GF

METHOD 1. Peel the prawns, leaving the tails on. Using

space them well apart to avoid overcrowding

a small sharp knife or scissors, cut down

and stewing the prawns (cook in two

the back of the prawn from top to tail and

batches if necessary). Cook for 2-3 minutes

remove waste tract. Combine the prawns,

each side, until golden brown and cooked

garlic and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Cover

through.

180g haloumi

and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

12 cherry tomatoes

5. Transfer to a serving platter, season with

2. Soak 12 bamboo skewers in cold water for

pepper as desired and serve immediately

freshly ground black pepper and lemon wedges,

15 minutes, to prevent them burning while

with lemon wedges.

to serve

cooking. Cut the haloumi into pieces about

Haloumi is a soft or semi-hard Cypriot cheese

3cm x 2cm x 1cm.

with a salty flavour, made from either sheep

3. Thread 2 prawns and a piece of haloumi

or goats’ milk. It has a high melting point and

alternately onto each skewer, and finish with

so can easily be fried, grilled or barbequed.

a cherry tomato.

It is a good source of calcium and protein. It

4. Preheat the bbq on high heat. Place the

can be soaked in milk to remove some of the

skewers onto the bbq plate, making sure to

saltiness prior to use.

INGREDIENTS 1kg green prawns (medium king or banana) 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil

SPECIAL THANKS ©Jane Grover – Recipe from Jane’s cookbook ‘NAKED FOOD the way food was meant to be’ w: www.janegrover.net

09

Travel Play Live

ADVENTURE

e r u t n e v d A WOMEN WANT

010

Travel Play Live

ADVENTURE

Adventure as it is seen today is primarily marketed to and aimed at a male domain. Think about it. Most adventure orientated media in all forms is of the Bear Grylls, “Survivor” variety, or the sexy near naked images of young females type - once again appealing to men. As a fit and active adventuress in her forties, I have to ask, ‘why is adventure deemed less appropriate for females?’

IMAGES BY BEN CIRULIS

It’s not because we like adventure less,

S T ORY BY K E R RYA N N H AY E S

Let’s face it though, some outdoor activities

valuable avenues of “Women Only” type

but because our culture doesn’t encourage

do appeal to males more than females. As a

programs, to get females involved in various

women to be physical in the same way it does

female involved in many outdoor recreational

outdoor pursuits. These are often the first step

for men, so we miss out on all the positive

pursuits over a 20 year period, I have seen

for females to get involved when it comes to

consequences that come with using our bodies

many girls and women flourish while engaging

regular participation in outdoor activities.

for reasons other than satisfying the male gaze.

in properly managed outdoor activities

In a time when media influences children as

simply because someone ‘gave them the

much as adults, it’s important to strive for a fair

Travel Play Live is a dedicated magazine on the

encouragement to get started’. As an outdoor

and equal representation of active women to

topic. But before deeming women-specific

lover with a passion to encourage other females

help young girls get excited about outdoor

media an over-kill, think about this: To be

to ‘just give it a go’ it’s a real disappointment to

physical activity and adventure. Everyone,

involved in any adventure activity, to train

me that some may be turned off by one or more

man, woman and child can gain immense

or to write adventure media content, is just

of the reasons above!

as important for women as it is for men. No

benefits socially, mentally and physically from the outdoors. Not only is it a place to gain environmental awareness and to learn about yourself and others, adventure allows you to challenge yourself according to your personal skill level, whatever that might be and gain a sense of accomplishment.

The women’s adventure market is rapidly growing. There are increasingly large numbers of women now participating in outdoor activities. Everything from competitive events such as ultra distance trail runs, obstacle races and mountain bike events to the more freespirited ocean water sports & multi day trekking & cycling travel holidays.

Research still shows that even with increased participation, adventure is still a male dominated arena. It also suggests it’s due to the following reasons; • Masculine portrayal of the activities via the media • Predominance of men participating • Lack of female instructors, mentors and role models • Lack of knowledge of techniques and strategies for effectively educating women in the outdoors.

In order for women to gain the benefits of

We are in the business women’s adventure,

more, and no less. It’s time to help women in

outdoor activities, there’s a need for an equal

this pursuit with fair and balanced media that

opportunity to engage. Researchers have

inspires women toward athletic, not aesthetic,

also given us the following insights into the

goals.

education of women in the outdoors:

I also personally believe there is a huge

• Females often require education and

potential for adventure companies, adventure

instruction that is designed specifically for

suppliers and event coordinators who first

women.

understand the points listed above.

• Women tend to need encouragement

The girls on the sidelines, the girls at this

to participate, support while learning and

time unsure about their abilities, their skills,

exposure to female role models and mentors.

because they were never encouraged to play

• Women need instruction from leaders who

sport, the ones who watch their husbands and

support the learning pace and style of women.

children participate every weekend, these are

• Single gender groups can be beneficial for

the girls who are the potential future customers

female beginners.

of outdoor brands. Their average age is 35-55,

• Females working in outdoor education and

they make the majority of the families travel

recreation should be supported in order to

and recreational decisions, they have income

boost the number of women in the industry.

that they are willing to invest into diverse

Of course, there are many amazing women out there already involved and doing incredible things. It is many of these women, the girls who

experiences and the products that they need to participate in them.

So to the marketers out there, we are

have been there and done a bit, who mostly

definitely interested in your services and

recognise the above points and are doing

products, you may have to attract us a little

something about it.

differently but we are here, willing, able and

Many of the women’s groups and businesses we have aligned ourselves with have created

011

Travel Play Live

most definitely ready.

So do your best sell me a great adventure!

EMPOWER

y th l g a n e i y H a t S DESPITE YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE

You know this point, we have

Things like pulling an all-nighter, working

normal keep eating every 3 hours. Depending

third shift on call, or an evening that becomes

on the mental clarity and activity level required

all been here. Everything in life

way later than planned can seemingly wreak

these meals may consist of just protein, protein

is going great, your health and

havoc on our sleep schedules, our stress

and fat, or protein and carbs. For activities

levels, our exercise routine and unfortunately,

like studying, protein and fat, are best while

our waistline. It’s not inflexibility or poor

protein and carbs are best for things like

long while, your exercise routine

planning on your part, but more that we get

running around a busy hospital.

is flawless, your work life balance

used to doing things a certain way, a way

energy is the best it’s been in a

is… well actually balancing.

However, just when you begin to

that we know works, and then suddenly BAM something gets in the way.

So what do we do? How do we live the life

think that you have it together

of an active, healthy, vibrant woman 24/7?

something throws a spanner in

I wish I had a tried and true answer that

the works of your ‘dare you say easy life’ your happy, healthy, fit and vibrant self comes to a BIG halt.

We all know practice makes perfect. As you adjust to your new schedule check in with your energy, cravings and hunger. If you are having intense cravings or feel extremely lethargic then your body likely needs more fuel. Review your day and see if you skipped

worked for everyone, but sadly I do not.

or ate unbalanced meals, they were the likely

Adjusting to a new schedule or adapting to an

cause. Awareness of your daily schedule can

unforeseen circumstance takes practice. Below

highlight some major nutritional flaws that can

are some tips that can help to readjust your

be corrected easily.

formula for late nights and/or very long days.

If you are going to be awake much later than

012

Travel Play Live

If your schedule is unpredictable, keep healthy snacks close by. Single servings of

EMPOWER

CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK. EVEN THE MOST PREPARED, ORGANIZED AND COMMITTED WOMEN WILL HAVE MOMENTS AND DAYS AND SOMETIMES WEEKS THAT WILL CATCH US OFF GUARD

If you are having a particularly difficult

to go to bed an hour early for a few nights

can be life savers. Leave a few in your car,

week schedule wise then maintenance is a

following a late night to counteract these

backpack, purse, and/or desk drawer so that

reasonable goal. If you work late or do casual

you are always prepared.

effects. If you find yourself working nights

long shifts on a regular basis try to keep your

nuts, protein bars, beef jerkey and fresh fruit

Stay hydrated. Maybe even more important

meal schedule as regular as possible. You

regularly try to maintain the same sleep ritual in preparation for your sleep hours.

than food, your body needs water when it is

may have your “breakfast” at noon and dinner

tired, drained, and over worked. If you are not

at midnight or later but following the same

in the position that you can sip all day or night

balance of macronutrients during YOUR regular

or even months of schedule turmoil that

then drink whenever you have a free moment.

day will help keep you on track. During longer

threaten our results and our happy place. Our

Consume as much water as possible.

days you may end up eating 7 small meals

fast paced 24/7 culture makes it that much

rather than 5 or 6 in order to support the extra

more difficult. Often times we have no choice

Cut yourself some slack. Even the most prepared, organized and committed women will have moments, days and sometimes weeks

energy demands of the body.

Prioritize sleep. Even one night without a

Unfortunately, many of us face days, weeks,

but to suck it up and keep moving late into the night. Accept that this will sometimes happen

that will catch them off guard. Remember

good night’s rest can throw us off balance.

something is better than nothing, even if you

Hormone levels can quickly become

have to make the best choice available in a

unbalanced triggering all sorts of negative

greasy late night mobile service station. Do the

effects from compromised immunity to intense

health and well being is based on long term

best you can with what you have available then

cravings. Unfortunately we cannot really “catch

commitment, accepting and embracing each

learn and move on to the next day.

up” on sleep over the weekend so make sure

step of the journey, and sticking to the basics.

013

Travel Play Live

and try to allow yourself some flexibility .

Remember, like most things in life, your body,

DREAM ADVENTURE / TASMANIA

1

2

3

4

4

5

6

7

8

9

9

10

014

Travel Play Live

DREAM

Delicious Adventures in the Apple Isle.

WITH JANE GROVER Jane Grover is passionate about food and cooking it well, using wholefoods, home and locally grown, in season and where possible organic and biodynamic produce. She is a qualified chef now home cook, a wife, mother, cookbook author and dynamic presenter. Earlier this year she headed off to Tasmania with her family for a delicious adventure of the apple isle.

IMAGES JANE GROVER & MR G

EXERPTS FROM WWW.JANEGROVER.NET

way to Berridale and the MONA(Museum

complete with a winding bush track, starting

to walk the Wineglass Bay/Hazards circuit. It

of Old and New Art) was a great start. A

from our back garden gate and finishing on

was a four hour bush walk, taking in a visit to

casual lunch at The Source Bar and Grill

the shores of Sandpiper beach. A daily walk

the Wineglass Bay lookout, a picnic lunch on

was delightful. It was proving to be quite a

to the beach in the early morning or late

the beach and an icy cold swim in the aqua

hot day in Hobart, so an ice cold Tasmanian

afternoon for a swim, was not to be missed…

waters of Wineglass Bay. You just cannot

apple juice and the smokey BBQ beef brisket

the magnificence of the Hazards mountain

travel all that distance, to arrive at one of the

rolls with a decadent cheesy sauce and

range looming in the distance.

most spectacular bays in the world and not

pickled vegetables were a great choice, they

dive in - it was freezing!

hit the thirst and hunger spot after all that

1 We ventured to Freycinet National Park

2 How absolutely perfect, and rumours of

crayfish, flathead, black bream, harvesting

pedalling.

Not far from our holiday cottage, at the base of the Hazard mountains was 'the shack' belonging to our new friends. Conveniently

5 Our time on Bruny was spent close to

they had a fishing boat, cray pots and a liking

our own mussels and the beauty of the

nature, waking to the sound of the waves

for flathead. We had a wonderful couple of

Freycinet National Park...

lapping on the shore, in front of our campsite.

days sharing food and conversation with a

We harvested wild oysters from remote bays,

taste of freshly caught and perfectly cooked

walked the South Bruny National Park and

cray, a pot of mussels harvested from the

picnicked at the lighthouse... I cooked other

rocks below, cooked in tomato, garlic and

simple food which we ate together by our

white wine and a summer barbecue of lamb,

evening camp fire for two.

enjoyed around the old red wooden table...

3 Whether it be the stunning scenery, the

size of the bream caught, the wandering walks or the refreshing swims at the foot of the mountains, maybe it was the licking of our fingers after eating a pot of succulent mussels, that had been caught just hours

6 We defrosted, redressed and continued

9 Camping by the Huon River was a perfect

before or the cherished memories made

on walking through expansive wetlands, then

base to explore even further south. A day

together as a family on holidays. No doubt

climbed our way back to the coast and down

trip past the towns of Franklin, Port Huon,

the soothing sight of the sun sinking below

to the white sands of Hazards beach. We

Geeveston, Dover, Southport and Ida Bay,

the horizon each afternoon had captivated us

enjoyed the long walk along the beach, then

all the way to Cockle Creek and to the end

and precious times shared with like minded

passing through a stunning forest of dead

of the southern most street in Australia. We

friends will be treasured.

wood trees, we continued along the coast

did an invigorating four hour return walk in

on a rocky path at the waters edge, taking in

the South East National Park, along the south

spectacular 180 degree views of Coles Bay

track to South Cape Bay.

4 Hobart really is such a pretty place,

wedged between extensive mountain ranges, with older style houses and shacks

and beyond.

10 …us girls went for an afternoon drive

sprawled along the hillsides, lots of hipster

8 The coastal town of Swanwick is just ten

in the farmers' ute to the nearby town of

cafes and a bustling city market, with a

minutes drive from the better known east

Triabunna to grab some award winning

stunning harbour and waterfront taking

coast town of Coles Bay. From Coles Bay it is

Spring Bay mussels. Back at the farm house

centre stage. Hiring bikes seemed like a

a short drive to the entrance of the Freycinet

kitchen, our evening began with a cheese

good way to get around and we ended up

National Park, where you'll find the world

board and local wine, along with a starter

with electric powered bikes which just added

renowned and most popular East Coast

of mussels cooked in tomatoes, garlic,

to the fun. An exhilarating ride along the bike

tourist destination, Wineglass Bay. We had

white wine and parsley, with fresh bread for

track that follows the Derwent River, all the

rented a spacious, weatherboard cottage,

dipping. (For the recipe, head to Jane’s Blog.

015

Travel Play Live

INSPIRE

ONE TOUGH CHICKS TRANSORMATION IMAGES JAMES PITMAN

STORY TAMARA HOWLETT

My name is Tamara Howlett I am 38 years old have

me so many drugs I was more like a zombie than a

For one competitor in the inaugural Wildside Adventure Race, leaving the safety of her comfort zone started long before the race even began.

two beautiful teenage daughters and am married

healthy living woman. The few people I socialised

to my High School sweet heart.

with just fed my negative thoughts. In a word I

The Wildside Adventure Race™ is about the journey - discovering that adventure is everywhere. It is about challenging competitors, taking them to new places and out of their comfort zone. Tamara Howlett shares with us her very personal and inspirational transformation story in the lead up to the race.

While driving today I started thinking aboutmy upcoming adventure. In two weeks I will bein

was sad.

One day in August of 2011 I woke up and

Forster preparing for the Wildside Adventure

made a decision to change my life. I started

Race. This is a five day, non-stop, multisport race

my transformation. In December 2011 I went

that includes navigation, MTB, trekking, kayaking

to a gym for the first time in my life. I met

and mystery disciplines.

some amazing people who were positive and

Just a few short years ago who would have thought I would be getting ready for an expedition Adventure Race.

encouraged me to make more positive changes to my life. I began to live again.

Since then I have learned a lot about life,

Three years ago I was 30kg overweight and

people and myself. Along the way I learned many

severely depressed. I had never been physically

new skills including how to ride a mountain bike,

active. The thought of enjoying exercise was

how to kayak and navigate and I also learned

totally foreign to me. I couldn’t work, drank a

some basic roping skills. Most importantly, I

bottle or two of wine a day and was seriously

learned not to be scared of attempting new

contemplating suicide. The doctor’s were giving

things. I also learnt how to enjoy myself.

016

Travel Play Live

INSPIRE

I AM PHYSICALLY PREPARED STRONGER AND FITTER THAN I EVER IMAGINED I COULD BE, I AM MENTALLY STRONGER THAN I EVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE. I AM READY. By mid 2012 after much encouragement and with much apprehension I entered my first short course adventure race. My nerves and anxiety nearly got the better of me both before the race even started and several times during the race but I completed the race and fell in love with Adventure Racing. Everything about it from the comradery with other competitors, the teammanship and being outdoors, to contributing to the team when I was the only person who knew how to complete the sudoko which had to be successfully completed before

keen Rogainer competing in events lasting

myself to a bike race let alone an Expedition

anywhere from 6 to 24hrs.

Adventure Race.

Eight months ago I commenced training

It is amazing what you can do when you

under the guidance of Jan Laverton from Tri

try hard. I am definitely not the best or fastest

Adventure; an experience multisport athlete

athlete on the Adventure Racing circuit but I am

and coach. Thanks to Jan’s patience and

capable of doing what is needed to be done

mentoring I have gained a lot of experience

in order to be successful in an adventure race.

and broadened my skills. She has encouraged

I am not a naturally gifted or talented athlete.

me to train outside my comfort zone and train a

I have to train and work hard just to have the

lot harder than I would have on my own.

basic understandings of each discipline but I

Fast forward to today, even though I am

love it and enjoy every minute. I am happy and

you could commence leg - and especially, just

nervous and excited about this race I am

look forward to more adventures great and

finishing, made me feel amazing.

physically prepared, stronger and fitter than

small.

Since then I have completed several more sprint races and five 24hr adventure races. On the side I have completed a trail marathon, an off-road multisport race, several obstacle

I ever imagined I could be, I am mentally

By telling you this, some of which still upsets

stronger than I ever thought possible. I AM

me to think about, I hope to inspire you to DO.

READY.

I want you to believe. I want you to get out

It is almost unbelievable how far I have come

there and do what you can’t believe possible.

course races, and a few MTB endurance

in three years. Three years ago I would never

If I can YOU can.

races. To round things off I have become a

have thought it possible that I would commit

Well done Tamara!

017

Travel Play Live

BEST OF TASMANIA WILDERNESS WALK Jan 26 - Feb 1 2016 Tasmania Australia

Download the full

itinerary

Tasmania is a magnet for walkers from all over the world. Boasting several World Heritage Areas, this is the world’s last great temperate wilderness. Vast tracts of isolated forests, alpine meadows studded with a sparkling mosaic of crystal-clear lakes, wild rivers and rugged mountains – unspoilt beauty abounds in all directions. This is a privately guided trip designed for women who would like to get a fabulous overview of what Tasmania has to offer walkers. There is also time for sightseeing en route.

Experienced Female Auswalks Guides & Travel Play Live Sparkle Our Travel Play Live Adventure Director will also join the group once we have 11 participants.

INCLU SIONS.

Fine dining and quality eco lodge accommodations Picturesque walks (approx 4-6 hours most days) to and around the following: Freycinet National Park & Wine Glass Bay, Launceston's Cataract Gorge, Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair World Heritage area and a section of the famous long distance Overland Track Plus plenty of wildlife viewing in the wild!

See our website for more details: www.travelplaylive.com.au/travel

Travel Play Live adventures www.travelplaylive.com.au