watch the magic unfold when you welcome it in.

015. Bali Hope Swim Run recap and leaning into new experiences

Oct 01, 2023

"If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don't hesitate. Give in to it... Joy is not made to be a crumb."
- Mary Oliver.

This week, I welcomed my second visit to Bali for the year. A sense of 'I'm home' feeling washes over me when I arrive here. There are many reasons for this, one being that it was likely my first overseas trip with my family when I was young. Another is the inspiring people I've been fortunate enough to call family over the last 18 months of consistently coming to Bali. The main reason, however, is to be a part of a unique and powerful event, Bali Hope. This year, I've attended both Bali Hope events. In May, I was a part of the ops team and watched in complete awe as 28 incredible human beings ran from the northernmost to the southernmost point of Bali, covering a total of 84 kilometres overnight. This experience was completely different from when I took on the huge task back in September 2022. Switching roles and serving others, offering advice to those who were understandably nervous, filled my heart.
I walked away from that week with more than I probably gained when I was a guest and athlete.

Join the 2024 Bali Hope Ultra team.

In September, I met a great man, a stranger who you just know will be around for a while. Harry and I both grew up in Adelaide, and had many mutual friends in the running world, but never crossed paths. I love how the world works.
Over the past 12 months, with my life revolving around Adelaide, he graciously offered me his spare room, and for the past 2-3 months, we've been full-time roommates. With similar interests in the world of endurance sports and adventure racing, signing up for the Bali Hope Swim Run event was a no-brainer. I owe a lot to Tom Hickman, the founder of Bali Hope, and this friendship Harry and I have built would be one of those debts.

Go out into the world and watch the magic unfold.

After being a part of and involved in five Bali Hope events, I can attest that magic happens in these events. It's a week of joy, a week of reconnection with old friends, and the welcoming of a new batch. Some may play a significant role in your experience, while others may just sprinkle a bit of inspiration, but each and everyone has a role in your personal journey. This past week has been no different. It was the push I didn't know I needed to return to the pool, reminding me how much I love swimming and the lessons it imparts. It reinforced how much I enjoy meeting new people and listening to their stories.

Something I've paid close attention to the past week is making sure I leave my 'I's' on the page. What I mean is that's what my journal is for. We leave the "how am I's," "what do I do's," and "what I'm feeling" on the page and create space for others to open up and share what they're going through or what they feel like sharing. This doesn't mean I'm not sharing my stories or not talking about myself, but perhaps it's in a way that relates to the topic or only when a question is asked in a conversation.

What makes this event unique, among many things, is how everything ties together. When you sign up for a Bali Hope event, you're not only signing up for a week of adventure and racing but also to join a new community and be a part of the fundraising efforts. All donations go toward educating local Balinese children, as well as those on the surrounding islands.

Race Day

Knowing we were standing on the start line with 5-time swim-run world champs and 2 elite endurance swimmers from Russia was exhilarating. I love arriving at a race and discovering where I stand within my own fitness level. With all the training I've done on the legs and in the pool, it's interesting to see what it takes to reach that next level. Race days are a celebration of the work you've put in.
The first leg was a 10km run before heading into the mangroves for our first swim leg. I knew running was Harry and my stronger suit, so we took the lead with the Russians in that first 10km. By the fourth swim, the distance between us slowly widened, and the 5-time world champs gracefully glided past us. Knowing that Harry hadn't swum since high school and I hadn't been in the pool since 2020, we understood it was only a matter of time before they overtook us.
The final swim of the day had us in 4th place, with a competitor right on our heels. It was close. Of course, the last swim was the toughest. Swimming against the tide from the Ceningan side back to Lembongan was gruelling. If you stopped paddling, you'd be pulled back swiftly. So, all you could do was lower your head and dig deep to cross that channel. Unfortunately for us, 4th place was held by Ange and Nick, both elite triathletes who got ahead of us in that final swim.
We settled for 4th, all smiles, of course. It was satisfying to check off one of the many adventure races to come with Harry.
I'm looking forward to the next silly adventure we take on.

Magic happens when we step out of our comfort zones.
Challenge yourself.
Whether it's this week or if you have your sights set on something in the near future.

My challenge to you this week is to lean into it.
And watch the magic unfold.
Play the long game.

Frames from the past week here in Bali;

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