My Solo Hike for Mental Health Along 330km of the Aus Alps Walking Track

The day after completing an ultramarathon in Kosciuszko National Park, Elise set out on the Australian Alps Walking Track to raise money for mental health.

I created my expedition and awareness campaign ‘Moving For The Mind’ to raise funds for Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) so it can continue to provide support to carers of people with eating disorders, after experiencing one myself.

Read more: This Woman is Trekking 300km to Raise Funds to Support People With Eating Disorders

While it took me four months of planning and training to make it to the start line of the Kosci50 Ultramarathon, it’d taken me five years of recovery to be in a place where even the idea of doing something like that was a possibility.

Soaking up the buzz of an ultramarathon (and smiling through the pain of achy legs!)

Preparing for a New Challenge

Moving For the Mind started as an idea to walk from the highest region of Australia back to my home in Bright. I honestly didn’t know just how much would be involved in making it happen. It was the furthest I had run and the furthest I had hiked so there was a rollercoaster of emotions, problem-solving, and learning involved in the planning process.

Before I set foot on the trail, I dehydrated food, prepared food drops, attained my wilderness first aid certificate and set up my communications devices – all of which were new to me.

My gear for both the run and hike

Living in Bright meant that I’d easy access to perfect training grounds. Some mornings I’d get up at 4am to run Mount Feathertop before quickly getting changed and clocking on to work. It was an intense routine each morning, with packing, training, and working to coordinate. I always looked forward to my Sunday long runs, where I’d grab water and gels and head off to explore a new trail.

Hitting the 330km Trail

When I put my runners on and stood at the start line of the Kosci50 Ultramarathon, I knew I wasn’t just at the beginning of the run, but the beginning of a bigger journey ahead. I was standing there not just for myself, but for EDFA and all the people they support. As someone with lived experience of an eating disorder, raising awareness was the reason I set out on this journey in the first place.

Still buzzing from the contagious atmosphere of the 50km ultramarathon event, I stepped into the silence and serenity of my next challenge: 330km along the Australian Alps Walking Track.

Embracing solitude at Tin Mines Hut

Each day had its own surprises. From sidestepping snakes, getting swooped by magpies, and being stuck in a storm, each curveball left me feeling more capable, and more willing to trust myself.

I navigated the trails solo for ten days, not sharing a footstep with another person for over 200km. Despite all the spreadsheets, the mapping, and the planning, I don’t think any amount of logistics could have prepared me for the solitude that came with it.

It was hard and confronting, but it brought me back to myself in a world where it’s so easy to feel lost and disconnected, despite being surrounded by people.

Solo and smiling on the AAWT

It was a truly transformative journey. Years ago I’d been under constant 24-hour supervision and now I was completely self-reliant on a remote trail in the wilderness. I think this journey was similar to the recovery process – sometimes the path is hard to navigate, the end seems out of sight, and you don’t know if you can get through it.

But somehow you find strength, and a reason within, and with one step at a time you make progress, until eventually you make it through. Ultimately my journey along the trails served as a reminder that I can find the courage to persevere when things get hard. 

Friends and Family Get Me Across the Finish Line

Once I’d reached the summit of Mount Bogong, I knew I was on the home stretch. I had friends join my trek from Falls Creek and we shared footsteps and stories, savouring the last sips of our coffees, and the last seconds of the sunsets. 

Sharing stories by the fire at Mount Feathertop | Photo by Max Reilly

Having been alone for 12 days, seeing friends again reminded me how powerful it is to have people walk the journey alongside you. It’s incredibly important to have like-minded people to build, connect, and form relationships with in the outdoors, especailly when you’re going through something tough.  

Read more: An Ode to Our Adventurous Friends

The hike finished at Mount Feathertop where I was joined by my uncle. He’d dusted off his boots, dug up some gear from the garage, and walked with weights in his pack around the block to prepare. It was a special moment sharing my last night on the trail with him at Mount Feathertop. He’s now been inspired to hike in Nepal later this year. 

My uncle and I and the beginning of the Razorback

Moving For The Mind raised awareness and funds for EDFA, who work to provide care, education, and support for carers of someone with an eating disorder. The 17-day journey threw a lot of curveballs, and it challenged me, but I had a fun time navigating the trail and reflecting on my own journey. 

I think if there’s one thing it taught me, it’s that there’s a power in solitude and an even stronger power in community. 

Uphill journeys are much easier with friends by your side

Elise hosts her own podcast, Explore Your Core, where she shares stories of purpose, passion, and resilience. She also documents her journey on Instagram. You can also support Elise’s Moving Your Mind expedition, with a one-off donation or ongoing support.