Peta O’Brien is a passionate Coastrekker who brings boundless energy and generosity to the community, sharing her top training tips and creative fundraising ideas with fellow trekkers. She’s everything you could hope for in an amazing Ambassador! Here, Peta reveals what made her fall head over hiking boot heels for Coastrek…
1. You've knotched up 7 Coastreks and you won't be stopping any time soon! What brings you back each year?
I have totally fallen in love with Coastrek! The training sessions really help my fitness, my mental health and are just therapeutic for my soul. I really enjoy the lead up each year and getting out and training with my team, but of course, I absolutely love Coastrek Event Day, the exciting vibe and meeting new people. I have made lots of friends who are in my daily life now who I met through the Coastrek Community.
2. And you've always done the 50km distance - that's impressive!
I don't do things by halves! I figured if I'm going to do this I'm going to go all in - I feel it's the least I can do when I think of the pain people with mental health struggles are going through.
3. You were first drawn to Coastrek by your desire to support Beyond Blue, inspired by a personal connection to mental health and the incredible work of the Support Service.
I was having a really tough time dealing with grief over the loss of my sister a few years ago and I started walking to clear my head and it became a real healing process and routine. During this time I reached out to the Beyond Blue Support Service and they really helped me navigate through my grief and see a way forward. When I heard about the Coastrek event and its connection with Beyond Blue it just felt it wasa great way to combine my new found love of walking and hiking and give back to something that had helped me and helps so many others. The great thing about Coastrek is that it’s great for your mind and body – I need the routine of training that Coastrek gives me, it helps clear my head and keeps me energised.
4. You’ve done the Sunshine Coast, Mornington Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula events – do you have a favourite?
They were all fantastic for different reasons. The Sunshine Coast event is in my home state and it's an easy and enjoyable weekend away with my girlfriends. I grew up in Adelaide so it was great to return to that beautiful coastline on the Fleurieu Peninsula - it brought back so many memories. And the Mornington Peninsula route is stunning - what was really special is I got to hike alongside fellow Ambassador Caitie Moncur and I've convinced her to come and do the Sunshine Coast event! I definitely have Sydney and Margaret River in my sights as well! .
5. Anything hot tips you’d like to share about Coastrek?
My hot tip to get the best out of Coastrek is to condition your body, try to get in training when you can short walks, long walks, on sand, on paths/trails, chat, laugh take in all your surroundings. The right shoes, is big one, and lastly to follow the helpful training guide that Coastrek provides, so many tips and helpful options from prepping your feet to snacks on the day. But most of all - just have the best time!
Peta's not only a dedicated trekker - she's also an expert fundraiser! Read all about her fundraising tips HERE
