The last two years have been filled with nothing but activewear uniforms, unmuting ourselves on zoom, mental health walks, and of course that all too familiar banana bread-making phase.
However, there have also been plenty of positives to come out of this period, not least of all a greater awareness of the importance of talking to your friends, family, and where appropriate, mental health professionals when something doesn’t feel right.
One event that recognises this and has positively impacted the community here in Victoria is the Great Aussie Hike. The Great Aussie Hike is a team challenge completing either 30km, 43km, 57km or 100km courses distance through the lush hidden treasures of the Mornington Peninsula.
The Great Aussie Hike has been specifically developed to give Aussies a tool they can use to help their mates. Something to follow up with after checking ‘Are you okay?’.
This program utilises evidence-based treatment for depression and anxiety – such as exercise in nature, goal setting and human connection.
When we asked some teammates who are training for the Great Aussie Hike, what they were most looking forward to, the collective response was “being with my team and seeing how far we can push ourselves and each other.
However, when they reflected deeper on this, they said “actually the most critical aspect of the GAH was getting everyone over the finish line together”.
The team bonding and emotional strength built from this experience are second to none, and that’s why at Brooks, the minor details mean the most. Whether it be the cushioning that supports your feet on long, exhausting days, or maybe it’s the way we encourage our Run Happy motto. Either way, we are about community, connection, and support.
To find out more about the Great Aussie Hike, click here.
