Short days mean less time to get out and do your thing – and sometimes motivation flags. We asked Walk1200km participants what gets them going: is it goals they want to reach for themselves, for others, or both?

Motivation comes from personal goals, inspiration comes from others in this group

“We lost a dear friend to suicide last year and I was in a bad place mentally and physically. I saw the Walk1200km challenge and decided that’s what I needed. It’s been brilliant. Raising money for the Mental Health Foundation is an added bonus, and I don’t want to let down those people who supported me by donating. I feel so much stronger now and the hours walking and thinking have helped me deal with grief.”

– Rebecca Jago

Motivation sometimes comes from the doggos!

“They find bad weather irrelevant.”

– Kari Fairweather

Doing it with friends

“I love challenges that my friends and I can do together to encourage each other. I am enjoying having this personal goal of Walk1200km. It feels like I’m doing something for myself for once.”

– Karen Harper

In the beginning it was a personal goal, but I drew inspiration from stories others posted

“I am turning 80 at the end of the year and have been told to keep moving because of arthritis. My partner died in November 2022 and I struggled. I read (March) Wilderness and signed up for the challenge. It gave me a reason to get up each morning and a goal to achieve. Then it became important to add my encouragement to help motivate others to succeed. Three months into my personal challenge, I am fitter, happier and looking forward rather than back.”

– Jenny Christensen

Day to day works best for me

“Mostly personal goals, but … it is the cherry on top when I do a better time than my hubby at an event.”

– Bronwyn Eeles

Personal goals work the best for me

“Particularly with maintaining an unbroken streak of achievement. Makes me head out even in the dark and the rain if I need to get a bit more done.”

– Jenny Weston

I like to challenge myself …

“It’s also cool when friends think you’re amazing doing what you’re doing.”

– Jeanette Rybinski

For myself … but also for my baby boys

“I want to be fit and strong and continue to get into the outdoors and be active with them as they get older. And to be a role model to them.”

– Leanne Watson

It’s part of my long-term plan

“I enjoy getting out but also it’s helping me get fitter for my longer-term goal of completing all the Great Walks before I turn 50. And with that I now have a group of friends who are coming along on the journey with me!”

– Trine Kilduff