We protect what we love

FRIDAY . 02 . 07 . 21 .

My name is Sam Martin and I’m happy to be here and hosting this

weeks FWP newsletter.

I’m very lucky to call the Northern Rivers home. The abundance of nature and access to outdoors pursuits is endless. I’m also lucky to have a bunch of friends who are curious and always looking for new adventures and challenges. One of those people is Tom Milledge, a good friend and colleague. Over the past few years, I noticed that he was coming to work in the morning, pumped from an early run instead of a surf often. I think he was stoked that running the trails guaranteed solitude, a nature hit and a release of endorphins, which is becoming increasingly rare after a surf in these parts. 

So, I finally gave in and decided to see what it was all about. The first month or two was just so tough. I couldn’t run more than a few km’s, my joints and back were killing me. I nearly gave up. Then curiosity and some guidance from mates took over. I changed my running style, read some books, watched tutorials, changed my diet, and changed my strength training to suit running...Everything clicked into gear. 

Endurance running is still tough for me today, as running takes the back seat when the waves are on…But it’s a great additional option to spend time in nature, keep fit, meet new crew and raise awareness and funds for great causes like the Takayna and Pilliga Ultra events. Trail running is now an important part of my life.

A big congratulations must go out to all the people who manage organisations like For Wild Places. It’s an uphill battle but you’re making positive change daily.  

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A little of round up of things to that I’ve been into lately:

WHAT I'M READING

"How to Live: 27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusion" by Derek Sivers.

I like the simplicity but deeper meanings of Derek’s words. If you liked ‘The War of Art’ you’ll like his new book, ‘How to Live’. Can be found here.

WHAT I'M (ALSO) READING

Surfing World Magazine

A revived Surfing World mag with Sean Doherty steering the ship is a good read, even for non-surfers.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO

The Kyle Thiermann show

I like Kyle’s enthusiasm for life and the broad range of guests he interviews. You can follow his stories here.

WHAT I'M WATCHING

Changing paradigms: the power of regenerative agriculture

I’ve been spending a lot of time on YouTube lately, there is a lot of good content in one place. Although not a new concept, documentaries like ‘Changing Paradigms | Regenerative Agriculture: a solution to our global crisis?’ are reaching new audiences in the hundreds of thousands.

WHAT I'M DOING

Gibraltar Range National Park trail

One of the better camping/trail combos from the past 12 months for me, was the Gibraltar Range National Park, which has multiple long run and walking trails to choose from base camp.

WHO I'M SUPPORTING

Surfers for Climate

I love what Surfers for Climate stands for.

Keep up the good works guys! Join up as a member here.

And finally..

JOIN 'HEAL COUNTRY' VIRTUAL RUN

Your last chance to sign up!

Sunday marks day one of NAIDOC Week (did you know - the acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee?) with a whole bunch of events happening in person and virtually across the country. With many races being cancelled due to restrictions (shout out to all those missing out on the GC Marathon this weekend - we feel you! ✊🏽) we encourage you to channel all that hard work into HEAL COUNTRY - A virtual running event organised by the legends at Clothing the Gaps Foundation.

Use this link to sign up to team FWP and get $20 off your registration (Please note the discount will be applied at final checkout and 42km medals are sold out - you can just ask for 'no medal' and run a dang Ultra if the vibe moves you!). Get out there during NAIDOC week and tackle your chosen distance, and during your run, acknoledge the Tradititional Owners of the lands you are on and reflect on how you can better care for Country.

This years NAIDOC theme, Heal Country "calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. Country that is more than a place and inherent to our identity. Country that we speak about like a person, sustaining our lives in every aspect - spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally."

We would love to see what Country you're running/walking/cycling on - be sure to tag @forwildplaces when out experiencing your wild (and not so wild) places! 🏃🏽

Have a wonderful weekend folks.

And as always, thank you for taking the time for wild places

Sam, Elanor & the For Wild Places crew.

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We acknowledge the the First Nations people who have been custodians of land, waters and culture for tens of thousands of years. We pay respects to First Nations Elders past, present and emerging.

We acknowledge the First Nations people of the Bundjalung Nation, the lands where where this newsletter was written. We also acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the lands where this newsletter was compiled.

Always was, always will be.

By For Wild Places

We're a group of adventurers who love to

protect wild places we run on