How to Keep Hiking (Even When There’s No Coastrek Coming Up!)

By Charlotte Horne


You crossed the Finish Line. You celebrated. You swapped stories, rubbed your calves, soaked your feet, and probably devoured something delicious. Your camera roll is overflowing with coastal views and sweaty kilometres. And now… your calendar is looking a little empty.

The event high has faded and you might be wondering: “So… now what?”

Here’s the secret no one tells you: the best part of Coastrek isn’t just Event Day – it’s what happens after.

Because you didn’t just walk 20km, 35km or 50km. You built confidence. You built strength. You built a hiking habit – even if it doesn’t feel like one yet.

So, let’s keep that Coastrek feeling alive all year round. No start line required!

Why Keep Hiking? (Even When There’s No Medal Involved)

Think back to how you felt after your training walks. Lighter. Calmer. Happier. Like you had space to breathe again.

That’s not a coincidence! Hiking gives you:

• A mood boost (hello, nature therapy)
• Fresh air and vitamin D
• A reason to spend time with people you adore
• A break from screens, noise and busy brains
• Strength and fitness without feeling like a gym punishment

And most importantly – it’s time for you.

Even 30 minutes counts. Even a short trail. Even a stroll around your local headland. Hiking isn’t about distance – it’s about presence.   

So.. How Do You Make Hiking a Habit?

Here are some fun, simple ways to keep your Coastrek adventure rolling allll year long:

1. Lock in a Weekly Walk Date

Choose one time each week that becomes your non-negotiable ‘walking hour’.

• Wednesday sunrise walk
• Sunday coast coffee + stroll
• Friday afternoon de-stress loop

Your routine becomes your reality. Treat it like you would a hair appointment. Or your favourite Pilates class. Only cheaper...and with much better views. ;)

2. Make it Social (Or Not!)

Hiking hits differently depending on your mood, so switch it up:

• Teammate catch-ups on your old training track
• Solo nature time when you need to unplug
• Dog walks that become mini adventures
• Partner strolls (bonus points if there’s coffee involved)

3. Choose a Signature Track

Find one trail near you that becomes “your trail”. The one you return to when you need to reset. When it becomes familiar, the decision-making barrier disappears – and it becomes easier to just go.

Plus, you’ll notice the seasons change beautifully: new flowers, low tides, early sunrises, migrating birds. It’s magical.

Not every hike needs to be 20km. In fact – please don’t. Some days, 30 minutes is all you need. We call them micro-hikes: 30-60 minutes on a local track. Voilà! Rememeber, the distance doesn’t matter – the habit does.

Soft goals keep things fresh (and fun!):

• One new trail each month
• One sunrise walk a week
• Do your favourite track in reverse
• Try an evening headtorch walk (it’s surprisingly magical!)

No pressure. Just curiosity.

6. Track How It Feels (Not How Far You Go)

Forget obsession with steps or kilometres. Instead, ask yourself:

• How did I feel before I went?
• How do I feel now?

You’ll start to notice a pattern. (Hint: you almost always feel better after you walk). Intrinsic motivation is the key to a lasting habit.

Lean into the Coastrek Community

Just because Event Day is over, it doesn’t mean the Coastrek magic stops. We have thousands of trekkers around the country who are still getting outside, connecting and cheering each other on.

Join our Coastrek Facebook Community. Share your hikes, find local buddies and stay inspired. Share your walks on socials with @coastrek. We love seeing where your shoes take you! If you're in need of some accountability, message your old Coastrek team: “Same time Sunday?” They’ll say yes. You know they will. ;) 

You’re a Hiker Now – Not just a One-Day Wanderer

Coastrek isn’t about a medal or a Finish Line. It’s about the feeling you get when you’re outside. The conversations that only seem to happen on a trail.The way nature makes you feel more like yourself.

So keep lacing up girl. Keep saying yes to the coastline, the bush racks, the clifftops, the ocean breeze. You don’t need an event to take the next step. You just need to take it.

See you out there, trekkers.
The trail is waiting!

Charlotte is Coastrek’s Resident Content Expert and creative storyteller. She spends her days writing, editing, and shaping Coastrek’s voice online, crafting stories that inspire people to lace up and get outside. By weekend she’s usually exploring, scribbling ideas into a notebook or plotting her next outdoor adventure – ideally with fresh air in her lungs and a strong coffee in hand.  


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