A couple of years ago, I had never heard of these events. A challenge for me was an 8km fun run. (which still challenges me by the way – just differently!)

I then stumbed upon “adventure racing” at a visit to my chiropractor. The flyer showed a team of three on a kayak, mountain bikes and trail running. It looked exciting and despite not owning a bike I thought, “I can do this!”

I rallied a couple of friends, borrowed a bike and registered for the “novice’ category. We were so nervous we hardly slept, but we completed the race in 1 hour 50 min and were ecstatic to find out we had come 2^nd in the Novice Women’s category! We were hooked and since then we have done about 7 races.

Through contacts and friends I have met at races, I have discovered that Sydney not only offers great adventure racing but also fantastic endurance hiking and trail running events, mountain bike events and loads of ocean swims, kayaking races and triathlons.

A team of four of us did the 100km Wild Endurance in the Blue Mountains last weekend! It took 31 hours and exhausted me for days but what an adventure! At least a few of us want to go back next year and try for under 24 hours!

Whenever someone visits me from overseas I always take them kayaking, primarily as I know the response will be something like, “wow, this is amazing” or “I can’t believe I am just a few kilometres from the city and completely surrounded by bushland”.

The Harbour is an obvious drawcard for newcomers, but I am here to tell you folks - it’s not just about the beaches in Sydney; kayaking allows you to visit little bays, rocky outcrops, mangroves and even cafes! (you can pull up your kayak near the cafe “Plonk” at the Spit for example)

It’s also a great opportunity to take a look at some very nice Sydney real estate! As I paddle round Sydney, my friends and I like to dream about which Sydney Harbourside property we will one day get our hands on. (So we can kayak from our front door step of course!)

In terms of where to kayak from - there are lots of great places to kayak in Sydney and the best thing is you can hire kayaks for a very reasonable amount – generally $15-20 an hour with discounts on additional hours.

As an outdoor gal, it’s always amazed me when people head to the gym in Sydney when the sun is shining! When I discovered yoga a few years back – I immediately thought, “this would be great to do in a park”. I looked online and found it hard to find an outdoor class so approached a yoga instructor and set up “Sydney’s outdoor yoga” group on the “Meet Up” website! I figured if I wanted an outdoor yoga class – I should organise it!

Now outdoor yoga does come with its challenges – wet grass after rain, the wind blowing when you are trying to focus on a balance and the off dog running through the middle of the class – toppling you from your “downward dog” position!

But mostly, it is just lovely. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, the grass under your feet. It clears my mind, sorts out my back and gets me ready for the day!

Now one of my favourite activities is Sunday’s morning’s down at McMahon’s Pt for a yoga class followed by brunch. I don’t get to do it all that often now but when I do, I cherish it.