Fitness group takes on trek

A Peninsula fitness group has set themselves a New Year's challenge with a difference.

The Smooth Running fitness group, led by Umina trainer Ms Amanda Falvey, will compete in the Wild Endurance challenge in early May against hundreds of fitness and adventure enthusiasts for a 100 km, 48-hour team trek through the Blue Mountains.

Ms Falvey said the local group was the first Central Coast team to register for the challenge event that gives groups of four to six people the opportunity to test their stamina and fitness as well as helping raise funds for The Wilderness Society.

She said the Smooth Running team consisted of all hard working mums with a desire to get fit and be healthy.

"The women all train with me, so I think we'll work really well together as a team," Ms Falvey said.

"We train outdoors because we love it, so this challenge is perfect for us.

"We've never done anything like this before, but one of our team members knew about the event, and it sounded really exciting.

"It is way out of my comfort zone - but I love the idea that ordinary people can have the chance to participate in something extraordinary and I thought it would be a great thing to do as a team.

"I think for most it's a great way to get fit with all the training we will be doing and it's a huge personal achievement to be able to complete something like this and do something amazing for ourselves.

"And I love an adventure."

With Brisbane Water and Bouddi national parks on the team's doorstep, Ms Falvey is planning a thorough yet gradual training program to build up endurance and stamina.

Press release, 14 Jan 2010 Sarah Tolmie, Wild Endurance