My year of Gulps!
Heading into the unknown, the uncomfortable and the unknown. A lot!
When I went solo bikepacking in Oman early in 2024 I noticed that being out of my comfort zone wasn’t as familiar as it used to be.
I decided to do something about it.
I’m also writing my next book: Gulp! How to Embrace Risk and Live Boldly.
Bringing these together I have embarked on a year of GULPS.
These are 52 things that’ll take me into the unknown, uncertain and uncomfortable. It’s a mix of things, from trying new sports, to abseiling (I’m scared of heights) and more. It began in July 2024 and is due to end in July 2025.
GULP#1
Sunrise to Sunset Walk (Unplugged)
My first Gulp was a sunrise-to-sunset walk in a part of the Royal National Park I hadn’t been to before. It was unplugged - no music, audiobooks or podcasts. Just enjoying the experience.
To begin it was raining, which meant there weren’t many people around and added to the experience. It was beautiful. Then the weather cleared up and turned into a sunny afternoon. It was a time to think and to be. To be present and in the moment. To explore a new place, surrounding by some of Mother' Nature’s great work. It was physically testing - tiring and my feet were very sore but I loved it.
COST: Petrol and snacks (maybe A$20 in total)
Gulp#2
Speaking at Sydney International Boat Show
Speaking is part of my work, but I think I’ll always be nervous before. And that’s ok. Compared to how I used to be - the nerves are so much less!
I spent my professional career ducking and weaving to avoid any kind of public speaking. The nerves were completely debilitating. Things have definitely improved, and I’m hoping they’ll continue to get better.
It’s something I really enjoy doing - always buzzing after. So I’ve just gotta keep putting in the reps. Speaking here in such a beautiful location was pretty cool. And got to be on a panel led by Katie Spithill with 8x world record holder Lisa Blair, Annie Wilmer and Laura Harding, two of our Americas cup team and Lily Peel was a privilege and fun!
COST: parking and public transport- approx A$50
Gulp#3
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
This one was having a crack at Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, something I’ve never tried before. I did an intro session and then an all-levels class. In a nutshell - heaps of fun and a good workout despite having no idea what I was doing.
I love trying new sports and hobbies. It’s opening new doors and you never know where it might take you. I had a go at kayaking (on surf skis) in my late 30s. If I hadn’t done that I would never have gone on my life-changing expedition down the Nile.
Sometimes, with diaries already crammed full, we might only try things if we can justify it. When we can see where it might take us or the value it will bring. Rather than having a go, just because. In which case, we might miss out on discovering new passions, meeting people we otherwise wouldn’t and potentially a whole raft of other opportunities and experiences.
COST: A$20 for the trial.
Gulp#4
Getting up at 4:30am and getting in the water
For 7 days I was up at 4:30am and other than one day when I was paddling I walked down to Mahon Pool in Maroubra and got in the very refreshing water (this was during winter and the mornings were cold!).
To begin it was tough - going to bed early (I’m a night owl), getting up and then getting in. But it got easier. This was about toughening up a little and getting out of bad habits (snoozing and staying trapped under my doona).
Being in the water - floating and looking up at the stars with an orange glow on the horizon- feeling the water - hearing the waves and the birds - it was heaven.
And I met and connected with people there I otherwise wouldn’t. It was gold. So glad I did this. It helped me break the bad habits, I got some evidence I can still do uncomfortable things. I've continued doing this a couple of times a week - I love the physical and mental benefits I get from it.
This experience reminded me of the power of embracing discomfort and changing routines, even in small doses.
COST: A$0
GULP#5
GULP#6
GULP#7
GULP#8
GULP#9
GULP#10
GULP#11
FLYING TRAPEZE
I have a fear of heights, so while I like the idea of trapeze, it scares the crap out of me. But that’s what this is all about. Facing fears. So off I headed, on a Saturday afternoon when really all I wanted to do was hang out at home.
It was so much better than I expected. Yes, it was scary - standing on the platform 7m up, one hand on the bar, being told to grab the other, at which point there was only one way off. But I trusted in the instructors and I forced myself to trust in me and jumped. The first run through I wasn’t listening to what the instructor was saying - I was completely focused on what we’d been told to do on the static bar.
It was hard, but so cool. We had another go and then told the next one we’d do a back somersault dismount. You what?! And then the next one was being grabbed by one of the instructors. It was heaps of fun. I was buzzing after - the adrenaline still in my system might have had something to do with it. But it was also feeling chuffed at what I done (put a lot of that down to the instructors). So much better than hanging at home!
COST: A$80
SPEED DATING
The expectations were low coming into this. Surprisingly there were some takeaways (a future husband not being one of them).
Since the event conversations about the night have led to one possible business opportunity related to online dating and separately a business idea. It was a reminder of the value of opening new doors - even those we really don’t think will lead anywhere. We have no idea what might come of it. Our brains try to connect the dots between experiences and challenges encountered sometimes resulting in creative ideas and seeing new opportunities leading to unexpected results.
COST: A$49
TECHNOLOGY FAST
This was 24 hours of no phone, computer or TV. This was vastly more enjoyable than I expected. I got to completely switch off and enjoy some training, meditating, reading, cooking and being mindful throughout. The time went much quicker than expected - I thought it would drag, but quite the contrary.
One that I’ll repeat.
COST: $0
3-HOURS EXERCISE DAILY FOR A WEEK
There was lots of walking on top of paddling, cycling and gym sessions.
It was a stretch. Going out and moving when I was tired and wanted to stay in. The result was a reminder I can push myself, and take discomfort over ease. Perspectives shifted too - for one it made my normal training schedule seem easier. And then I’ve added some extra walks into my regime.
It increased my trust in myself to do the harder things when I don’t want to, and gave my self-esteem a little boost. Saying that, I was very happy to enjoy a rest day and sleep-in when it was done!
COST: A$0 (nothing extra - already have a gym membership and equipment e.g. bike and surf ski)
GO TO A GIG SOLO
This was a great reminder to break out of routines. Normally by 9pm on a Friday night (or any night for that matter) I’d be going to bed 👵🏼
Certainly not heading off to a gig. But I was so happy I did. To be back seeing music live - something I used to do pretty regularly but stopped doing.
The shift in my energy at the start vs the end is clear. I’m so glad I went. Here’s to heading off to see music live more often.
COST: A$45 (plus bus fares)
VEGAN FOR A WEKK
This was my least favourite so far. I’ve been vegetarian before and didn’t find that too challenging. But it no milk, yoghurt and eggs made this tougher. The food was fine, but it was pretty much impossible to hit my macros. I’m currently having quite a high protein diet and I found this tricky on a vegan diet.
I did manage to find a protein powder that wasn’t too bad - in fact the consistency was better than my normal protein powder. I used Emrald Labs plant protein powder.
I was very happy to get to the end of this. One positive - my coffee tasted especially good when I was able to have cow’s milk once again - oh the joy!
COST: Nothing extra (there was the protein powder, but it’s no more expensive than my usual one)
SALSA DANCING
This was trying something new. Salsa dancing.
I hung up my ballet shoes when I was four and any dancing since then has generally been under the influence and late at night. And that was a while ago.
It ended up being so much fun! There is something incredibly liberating about being a complete beginner. There are no expectations, you open yourself to the new experience and get to go, simply have fun and learn.
The first half hour was learning the basic steps. Then it was into the beginner class. The energy was high - everyone was there to have fun. The steps were built up gradually, changing partners every few minutes. I made lots of mistakes, but that’s what it’s all about. This is one I’d like to keep going with!
COST: $15 for a two week trial
GULP#12
GULP#13
GULP#14
GULP#15
GULP#16
GULP#17
IMPROV
I really didn’t want to do this, this was stepping way out of my comfort zone. But, as has been the case, it was so much better than expected and actually a lot of fun.
There were about 20 of us in a small theatre. We built up gradually starting with simple movement (standing in a circle and effectively passing a clap around). Then brought in speaking with word association and building from there. The goal was to bring us into the moment, to not overthink what we were saying or doing and to embrace messing up. So good!
COST: $15
ADULT KEEPER DAY - AUSTRALIAN REPTILE PARK
Gulp#13 a trip to @australianreptilepark for one of their Adult Keeper Days and facing my very deep fear of snakes. It was fantastic - Neville and Jess who took us around were brilliant - learnt so much from them.
There were the cute koalas and Roos before what I dreaded - the snakes. I have never been quite so close (or ever wanted to)! But it was a fabulous experience and one I highly recommend!
COST: $225
INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING
Time to face another healthy fear - my fear of heights. They scare the crap out of me. So this had to be on the list and I joined a Meet Up group at Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym.
We were shown the ropes…quite literally, beginning on the training wall. Climbing up a short distance was enough to fully trigger my fear response. We paired up and hit the main walls. First attempt and me and my new buddy failed hopelessly. So we headed to the kids walls to build some confidence. And actually had some fun! Then back to the main walls. Now we had success and made it to the top. Managed a few more climbs before calling it a day. Can’t say I’m over my fear of heights but definitely a step closer.
COST: $37 (gym entry and harness and shoe hire)
CRYOTHERAPY
I’m not a fan of the cold or confined spaces. This combined the two. A new recovery centre had an opening day in Maroubra - I went in to have a look and was invited to try the cryotherapy. With damp hair having just been paddling I wasn’t best prepared, but gave it a shot. Three-minutes at less than 100 degrees Celsius. The cold kind of detracted me from the small space. What surprised me was how I felt after - my whole body felt energised and refreshed. If it wasn’t so expensive, I’d definitely do this more often.
COST: $0 (normally $70)
MOTORBIKE LEARNERS PERMIT
I have spent time pillion and decided to try shifting forward and actually learning how to ride a motorbike. I have to say it was way more scary than expected, thanks to the very solid perimeter we were riding close to on the endless laps to get proficient. I had to use many of my tools to deal with fear. Overcoming fear is harder when it’s embedded in something that you can take or leave. Anyho, I got there and am now the proud owner of a learner’s permit.
COST: $111
VOLUNTEERING
I’ve volunteered as a surf lifesaver for a long time - it’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. So I decided to add to the volunteering and signed up to be a mentor at Success Works. They are an organisation that helps women with a criminal record to gain employment. They have a great onboarding and training process for mentors and I go paired with a lovely woman and we talk regularly as she navigates the process of updating her resume, applying for jobs and practising interview skills. I’ve also signed up to be a mentor for a leadership program being run by Outdoors NSW+ACT for women to try and get more women into leadership in the outdoors industry.
COST: $0
GULP#18
GULP#19
GULP#20
GULP#21
GULP#22
GULP#23
GULP#24
GULP#25
GULP#26
GULP#27
GULP#28
GULP#29
GULP#30
GULP#31
GULP#32
STARTING A MASTERS
I’ve thought about doing a masters for a while. Now my gut said it was the right time, so I applied to do a Masters in Global Security at King’s College London, where I did my undergraduate degree (in physiology). It’s part time and online. I don’t know how I’m going to find the time or money…
COST: $3,400 per module
COMEDY CLASS
Quite a few people suggested this - not because they think I’m funny - because it’s one of the worst things they can think of. I’d had it on the list, at the bottom, secretly thinking it was something I’d never do. But after all the Gulps, in particular improv, suddenly it wasn’t so scary or intimidating. This was a full-day class. Was I funny? No. Was it funny? Yes, it was fun day.
COST $149
20,000 STEPS A DAY FOR A WEEK
This was a tough one - harder than I thought. Turns out this is a lot of steps, particularly when it’s on top of my other training, but I got through it…
COST: $0
52x100m SWIMMING
This was how I started 2025. It felt fitting to begin the year with a Gulp. So I headed down to Des Renford Leisure Centre and went up and down. A lot. I used smarties to count laps - I had a smarty at the end of each 100m. Then at the end of each 1km or 1.1km I had a couple of Oreo cookies. Food of champions. Having done no regular swim training for over a year I wasn’t sure how this would go. Better than expected as it turns out. Though my shoulders were ready to divorce me by the end.
COST: $7 swim entry
500 WORDS A DAY FOR A MONTH
With my masters upcoming and available time dropping I needed to get quicker at writing things like newletters and posts for LinkedIn and build up a bunch of draft articles. The daily writing made a big difference, I definitely got quicker. I might have missed a few days but pretty much hit the target. Total words written were over an average of 500 per day.
COST: $0
FRENCH LESSONS
I stopped French lessons when I was 15, but decided now was a good time to pick this up again. Plus my next expedition will be going through some French speaking countries. I went onto Preply.com and picked Nji from Cameroon to begin parler Francais. I’m still going with it, supplemented by Duolingo.
COST: $31 per lesson on Preply
GYMNASTICS
I stopped gymnastics before I gave up French. And I have a body that no longer bounces and instead goes snap or pop quite easily. So of course, let’s try adult gymnastics. What could possibly go wrong? It began with a long warm up, core work that got my abs screaming and then some handstands and various drills and some beam work. And then we were told we could do whatever we wanted…I felt like a kid in a playground. I buddies up with another woman and off we went - to the bars, then to the trampoline, back to beam. It was SO much fun!!!
COST: $36
SURFCLUB COMPETITION
It’s a while since I’ve done any surf club competition, particularly March Past. I was subbing for someone who couldn’t make the competition. While this wasn’t a major competition I felt the pressure, not wanting to let the rest of the team down. The weekend after I joined South Maroubra Surf Club for their Club Championships. I haven’t joined them before for this, so was a little intimidated.
In both cases it was a lot of fun, getting to hang out with fellow clubbies.
COST: $0
5KM OCEAN SWIM
My 52x100m gave me confidence in my swimming, so I decided to sign up for the Malabar Magic Ocean Swim. 5km in the pool is obviously different to an ocean swim. This would be the furthest I’d swum in the ocean. The conditions were hard, so they pulled the cans in and made it 4km. It was tricky out the back and that made it fun. Being a tiny bit OCD I signed up to the 1km to make the day up to 5km. Got 2nd in my age group in the 4km and 3rd in the 1km.
COST: $85 entry fees
ABSEILING
As mentioned before heights aren’t my things. Dangling from a rope 30m above the ground int he Blue Mountains is definitely not my thing! But I gave it a crack. It’s a long time since I’ve felt that terrified, but got there…
COST: $250 (included the canyoning)
CANYONING
After a morning of abseiling I did an afternoon of canyoning. This included jumping into water from high up, swimming and walking through the canyon, and more. It was stunning. And finished off with a tricky abseil down a waterfall. It was slippery and like be under a power hose! I was relieved when I got to the bottom! And then it was a long climb out…
COST: $250 (included the abseiling)
HUNTSMAN
Another fear is spiders. And of course here in Oz we are not sure of some scary eight-legged arachnids. My general response when faced with spiders is to get help. While huntsmen aren’t poisonous they are big and more bloody fast. I came back from a walk to find one next to my front door. I resisted the urge to knock on my neighbours door and instead got a large glass and put my big girl pants on. And what do you know, I got it. And put it outside a long way from the block! I' call this a mini-gulp. Sometimes we have to grab the opportunity to get out of comfort zones!
COST: $0
OUTDOOR ROCKCLIMBING
In my mission to learn to tolerate heights better it was back out to the Blue Mountains to see I could find my inner spiderwoman. I didn’t but did (eventually) manage to make one of the easiest climbs. And then a slightly harder one, with lots of failed attempts in between!
COST: $250 for a full day of climbing
PUTTING MYSELF FORWARD FOR A BIG EVENT
I am building my speaking business and found an even to put myself forward for. It was a big conference and I started talking myself out of it - I’m not ready, perhaps when I’ve had more experience. And then I said no. Just go for it and so I applied and will worry about it if I get it. Too often I’ve talked myself out of things, saying I’m not ready. It’s time to stop doing that. Got to live what I preach - be BOLD!
COST: $0
SPEAKING UP
This was another micro-gulp - asking a question in my masters webinar. I couldn’t count the amount of times I have spoken up in a meeting or asked my question, only for someone else to ask it. And then kick myself. In my masters most people seem to be working in the industry and very knowledgeable, so asking a question felt intimidating. It’s easier to just listen, but I decided I had to step up. I focused on being curious - listening and letting my curiosity guide me, rather than ‘trying to be clever’. And it worked. Having asked one, it was easy to engage deeper in the content and ask more questions.
COST: $0