Hamilton Island Active Women’s Weekend.

When I got the email inviting my family and I to attend the Hamilton Island Active Women’s weekend I was in absolute shock. I had never travelled to this part of Australia. I had always wanted to, but to be INVITED as a SPECIAL GUEST, among a panel of amazing women such as Libby Trickett (former Olympic swimmer), Eloise Wellings (current Olympic runner) and Sarah Joyce ( Editor of Women’s Running Magazine) I was beyond thrilled, and I must admit a tad apprehensive. I guess I don’t fit into this category of Olympians and elite athletes, however what Hamilton Island wanted was women that were all different, that that spoke into the lives of everyday women. We all do that in some way shape or form, and yes! I should celebrate my personal success of my running achievements to date, and at the same time have a well earned holiday with my family.

The weekend was to be held on Mothers Day weekend which was just perfect as I hadn’t planned any presents for myself! So this would be perfect!! That, AND the fact that it was taper week before the biggest race for me yet, the 50k at Ultra Trail Australia in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. This meant that I wouldn’t be running much, but focussing on resting, enjoying time with my family and what a better place to do that than on the sun kissed beaches of Hamilton Island!

The program was sent out and it was full and amazing. There would be just the perfect amount of running, Parkrun, the mothers day classic and the Dent dash on neighbouring Dent Island, mixed in with informative sessions and time for relaxation. Perfect.

The weekend came around very fast and before we knew it we were on the plane. As we landed a wave of humidity came over me and I realised that I had totally overdressed in jeans! They were to come off quick smart. We were not in Sydney anymore! The kids, hubby and I were excited as our transport arrived to take us to the Reef hotel where we were greeted by Stephen, Hamilton Islands Activities Manager. He had organised this whole weekend, along with most active events on the Island and he was so welcoming and took us down to Sails, one of the main restaurants in the resort. I was in heaven. We ate a great lunch before heading to explore the beach, our room and some of the Island.

Hubby, the kids and I headed down to the beach. The tide was out and we spent some time having some fun together before I met up with Sarah from Womens Running and we headed off to sunset yoga by the marina.

WOW. This has to be one of the highlights of the weekend. It was my first time at yoga and I was quite nervous of not looking like a complete novice and a fool. I stuck to the back, but the instructor Fran was so welcoming and lovely and took the time to speak to us and calm us before the session. As the sun set over Hamilton Island we spent the time at yoga meditating amongst what I can only describe as the most beautiful landscape. So relaxing. After my heavy training load, and my upcoming race this was EXACTLY what my body needed. I finished the session totally relaxed, refreshed and my mind was still and settled. I was in a very happy place indeed, focused and content.

After yoga Steve picked us up and dropped us up to the top of One Tree Hill for the star gazing story telling session. The guide told us all about the spectacular night sky, the meaning behind all the stars from the dreamtime and we got to enjoy the stillness of the island from this perspective. Its crazy how living in a city you never look up at the night sky. It was so beautiful in all its’ majesty.

After the star gazing, we settled in and enjoyed dinner together as a family, tucked ourselves into our beds and were ready for the activities to come the next day. It was an amazing first day.

The next morning started early with Parkrun at 7am. We headed down to the Marina, and met up with all the other keen runners who had come along. The parkrun course was along the marina, around the point, up over the hill and back into the marina, times two. Shouldn’t be too hard I thought. Boy was I wrong! Anyone who knows Hamilton Island knows that it is HILLY. And Parkrun is no exception. Right smack bang in the middle of the parkrun course is a massive long hill. One that you want over with. I embraced it knowing what was to come the following weekend, but it was tough! I did enjoy the nice downhill though once I reached the top!

(Image by Hamilton Island)

When Parkrun was over it was time to head back for breakfast at the resort and the nutrition presentation that was being presented by Leanne Cordero of Complete Performance Solutions. This was highly informative and I enjoyed a lovely breakfast listening to the presenter by the beach while trying not to let the cockatoo steal my food!

After this it was family time. The kids and hubby had decided they wanted to do some putt putt golf, there are so many activities on the island, so we were going to make the most of most of them! We played all 18 holes and it was so much fun. I reckon Im pretty good at golf!

After putt putt golf we headed to Catseye beach where we swam and got some paddle boarding done! It was so much fun, after I finally got up on my feet. I think I’m hooked!

The afternoon session was a Running Technique session hosted by Sarah Joyce and Eloise Wellings. They took the participants through some technique drills on the tennis courts. It was very informative and there was a great turnout of women and men and kids also!

After this it was time for a rest and hubby had hired a golf buggy so we drove around the island to explore some more of Hamilton Islands beauty.

In the evening we had a panel at the new local mexican restaurant, TAKO On the panel was Eloise, Libby and myself and Sarah was the host. There was a great turnout of local women and also people staying at the resort for the weekend. Sarah asked us a myriad of questions ranging from our personal achievements to issues surrounding athletic women today in sport. It was my first time on a panel and I really enjoyed hearing what the other girls had to say, learning from them and sharing my own experiences also. Following this we all stayed on and enjoyed dinner at the restaurant. It was the most interesting mexican I have ever had. A real modern twist and delicious!

The next morning was mothers day. Normally I would be lying in bed getting presents and a cooked breakfast! This year we were up early and down on the beach ready for the the Mothers Day Classic. It was so much fun seeing everyone in their pink gear. I met up with Danielle, another RMA who had come from MacKay for the weekend with her family. It was lovely over the weekend spending time with her and getting to know her and we had a great time together. The morning was very low key and exciting. No bibs or timing chips, just runners and walkers ready for some fun for a good cause. They actually more than doubled their numbers from last year so it was a huge success.

After an initial dance by the gorgeous local dance group we headed to the start line. Steve simply said “go” and we were off. There was a few options and I chose the shorter distance and was running it with Jonah and Hannah my kids and hubby was going to walk with Naomi. Well before we knew it Jonah was out of sight and Hannah and I ran along comfortably. I cherished this time with her as we ran and took in the sights of hilly Hamilton Island.  The end of the run comes along Catseye beach towards the finish tent. It was one of the most spectacular finish lines I had ever run and so lovely.

At the end we hugged, so proud of my girl and received our medals. After we all finished we headed back to the marquee where there was food, drink and activities for the kids organised. It was a very well run event, a perfect day and perfect surroundings for mothers day. We headed off for breakfast and time to spend some more quality family time together on the beach and by the pool.

The morning session was a strength session in the gym run by Libby, Eloise and Sarah. Each of them took time to take us through something. There were principles of warmup, functional exercises, running related strength and core strength. I enjoyed this session as I don’t nearly enough focus on strength and it is something I need to do more of so it gave me some great ideas.

In the afternoon we had some time free before the partner up skill session panel later in the day, so I suggested that we take a walk to Coral Cove, it was what I thought, *just over the hill* behind the resort. I was wrong. We all started off together, up, up up the trail went. I was excited as I love any trail, but it was only heading up…..the kids had run 5k that morning, so they were tired, but I thought it couldn’t be that far, only about 2k away. As we reached the top we headed towards the beach but guess what? MORE HILLS. no, MOUNTAINS. So steep…..poor Naomi was bright red.

Lucky we brought three bottles of water as it was warm, but we were what we thought almost there so we kept going. Then the trail went down….very steep down….this was good, but my thoughts were….”we have to come back up!” I was actually worried that Naomi wouldn’t make it back! We were on a tight window to get back to the session. When we finally got down there the view was well worth the tough hike, but unfortunately we only had ten minutes to enjoy it! We all stripped off and dove in the crystal clear waters of Coral Cove.

So delightful and a memory I won’t forget. Then it was time for the hike back. We all made it to the top of the climb and when Jonah and I got to the trail where it goes into a steep single track back to the resort we decided to run down. So much fun, in my element running downhill fast single track. And a lot quicker!

The next session was the partner up skilling session which was a panel discussion where Stephen put the spotlight on our hubbies, asking them what it took for them to be such awesome partners of such amazing women :P. No, really, just questions around how we all juggle our sports with our kids and how they help to keep it all flowing. It was a really good discussion and then the girls were on the couch again for some discussion on mental tools for active women. After this we had a meditation session with Fran which was a lovely time of reflection and unwinding from the business of the weekend.

Before dinner Mark and I headed up to the lookout, grabbed a cocktail at the bar and some chips and sat watching the most amazing sunset. It was just perfect. Dinner was at our leisure. Mark and I went to Coca Chu. In my opinion, one of the best restaurants on the island! We had a lovely night together enjoying each others company.

The next morning was the Dent dash, one of the most amazing experiences I had. It was an early start at 6am to catch the boat across the way to Dent Island. As soon as we disembarked there was a massive hill to walk up to the Clubhouse. Dent Island is home of the Hamilton Island Golf Club, and the run is set on the golf course! it is one of the only places you will ever get to run on the greens and not get in trouble! And it is SPECTACULAR.. The views are to die for. I spent more time taking pictures than running! After the run we all relaxed over an amazing breakfast at the golf club before hopping on the ferry and heading back over to the island.

We spent the next few hours before our flight milling about, laying by the pool and checkig out some last minute shopping before heading to the airport where we were farewelled by Steve.

It was an amazing weekend. One I will never forget. Being an active woman and experiencing one of Australia’s iconic holiday destinations all in one. Next year it promises to be even better, so put the Hamilton Island Active Womens’ weekend on mothers day weekend in your diary, bring your family, or your girlfriends, or your MUM and come and share in the fun!

For more information visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au