Lisa Marshall on going wild
Q:Growing up, how did your childhood shape your love of wild places?
A: I grew up in Africa, and spent most of our school holidays hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains to Loteni and Giants Castle, with my family. As a young child I recall long days spent walking the trails, swimming the cold mountain rivers and exploring the caves that held historical bushman paintings in them. Even at home during the week, my parents would take us all for a walk after dinner round the neighbourhood, and we would decompress from the day, share stories and then go back home ready for a good night's sleep. I think my family fostered in me a love of walking and I truly believe in the health benefits both physical and mental, so it has always been a part of my life no matter here I have lived in the world.
Q:As a mum of young kids how do you juggle fitness and family?
A: My health and fitness is a number one priority for me. I prioritise it by making sure I allocate time each week to my fitness activities. I also try incorporate movement into my work and play - so no 2 weeks are the same for me. I ocean swim, I trail run, I hike, I go to the gym, I balance this all out with three ice baths and a couple of sauna sessions a week. I keep my workouts short and time efficient wherever possible unless I am training for an endurance hike. I use reci's for new hikes and GirlsTreks as a chance to exercise and be out in nature. My family know that I value movement and being outdoors. We discuss each night what the plan is for the next day. I am lucky to be able to get out early in the mornings and fit in my exercise before it is time for school drops off and work etc. This gives me the best chance of being consistent with my training. For family holidays I typically choose adventures in the outdoors which give us a chance to move and be out in nature but also to have quiet time together. I work on outdoor trail events too, which mean I spend many hours on my mountain bike or on foot marking routes and working out logistics. As my children get older I invite them to join me on these reci's and events, so we can send active time together.
Q:What is this new GO WILD offering all about?
A: GirlsTrek GOWILD has been created to bring you the best wilderness hiking in easy to get to locations, that offer a comfortable, casual base for a weekend of adventure. As a busy mum, I appreciate the challenge that many women face, finding windows of opportunity to get away with friends for a walking adventure, as well as the means to do so, without it being put in the too hard basket. If you love long days of hiking and want something to train for, this is it! We will immerse ourselves in the wilderness during the day and take on some challenging trails. At night we return to our casual accommodation for a sundowner, relaxing by the fire pit and a hearty dinner. If you love walking, you're comfortable sharing casual safari tent style accommodation, but don't want to have to think about preparing food or planning the day, then this is for you! GO WILD weekends can also form an integral part of your training if you are preparing for one of our longer Lv 4 or 5 GirlsTrek trips.
Q: What are the most important ingredients for you on a weekend hike?
A: Beautiful natural locations and National Parks that I can access within 3 hours or so. A variety of long and short trails and circuits that can be explored over a weekend. Features and highlights like lookouts, waterfalls, mountain summits or rivers for those "wow" moments. Enough of a challenge that it motivates me to train for the weekend! But that I leave feeling fulfilled. Easy, casual meals that mean I don't have to prep or think about food. Some quiet time at the end of the day to decompress. A team that come with great energy and appreciation for sharing the magic of walking in nature with other women.
Q: Where do you find the energy and passion to lead these weekends?
A: I thrive on having adventures to look forward to. I love exploring new places, and for me the trip is not just an end goal, I spend months getting ready for the trip, doing reci's on the trails and planning the days so that they flow well for the team. My daily training revolves around being fit and strong enough to manage my own physical and mental capabilities in the wilderness, plus have enough reserve to be able to support and nurture a team of women through their journey. I always see a GirlsTrek as a journey - committing to training and getting to know the team, is an important part of the recipe for enjoyment.