Diane Westaway, Coastrek founder. Photo: Joanne Gittoes.
Anything past five kilometres seems like nothing but a hassle to most in the hustle of modern life, yet Coastrek has been pushing teams well beyond their limits for decades. Now the organisation is looking to help create more healthy workplaces for Canberrans with their new 30 km hike circumnavigating Lake Burley Griffin.
CEO and co-founder of Coastrek and Wild Women on Top Diane Westaway grew up walking and riding around the lake with her dad, but lost her active lifestyle as time went on. As a working parent, she was struggling to find the time and motivation to care for her own health and fitness, before she was struck by an idea.
“I was approaching 40 and despite everything looking perfect from the outside, it actually wasn’t. I was in an unhealthy marriage, had three kids, felt very stuck and quite miserable. After questioning whether this was all there was to life, I was invited to go and climb the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere,” Diane said.
“It sounds very trite and overused, but after the lifechanging adventure up this mountain in the Andes, I felt like nothing was ever going to be the same. I had this taste of freedom which taught me there actually was a life after children, and bigger world out there still waiting for me to explore.
“That was really the birth of the idea. If you have a big compelling goal to look forward to and prepare for with your friends, it’s particularly motivating to get fitter, stronger and healthier than you’ve ever been. But rather than having to go to some far-flung corner of the planet like I did, create a goal close to home.”
Initially Diane started a small women’s hiking group who, after putting the kids to bed and getting their mum stuff done, would go out for a three-hour exploration of Sydney Harbour National Park with 25 kg backpacks on. As time went on, the idea developed into Coastrek, taking teams of four through a 12-week structured training program to prepare them for a big hike near their city.
“The program ensures they don’t get injured, but also helps them develop active lifestyles with little tips and tricks which they can integrate into their day without having to make extra time for it,” she said.
“We’ve got hikes around the Heads in Sydney, Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne, and Margaret River in Perth. But for the 30 km Canberra hike around Lake Burley Griffin, the first of its kind, we’ve partnered with the Heart Foundation so friend groups can get fit and raise money towards our $600,000 goal.
“The event is run on a Friday so people can get a day off more easily. There’s also a 20 km track for those just getting going, but it doesn’t get the lovely Jerrabomberra wetlands or cow pastures on that side of the lake. We’re hoping workplaces will get behind it and support their staff that day so they can do something good for themselves and charity.”
Geocon already has a team training for the Canberra hike next year in March.
“We know for the team to perform at their best, they need to be healthy both mentally and physically,” Geocon head of human resources and corporate services Carly Devine said. “This is why we partner with many people like Di and Lauren to talk to our team and help them along their health journey.
“We are over the moon to have a team coming along to the Coastrek in March next year and are happy to report training is well and truly underway.”
Diane said although the events were closely suited to women’s love for walking and talking, everyone was welcome to do Coastrek. But she said men should be aware it wasn’t a race, “which curiously can make men a little sceptical until they see the value and enjoyment of an endurance event without the pressure to win”.
For those interested in participating in the Canberra hike on Friday 15 March 2024, you can sign up at Coastrek.
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