Adventures & Meaning

Over the years, I’ve chased challenges that test both the body and the mind. From climbing Kilimanjaro to tandem cycling across Ireland (and back) during lockdown, I’ve always believed that adventure is a powerful teacher.

One of my favourites was walking from Dublin’s east coast to Galway’s west in Ireland— right after a chilly swim at the iconic 40ft, and finishing with another wild dip at Salthill Strand during a hailstorm!

I’ve rowed marathon distances and am currently training for the 100k Concept 2 challenge. I still enjoy taking on the brutal 2K indoor rowing race every year — a gut-check of endurance that doesn’t get any easier after 50!

Even during lockdown, confined to a 2km radius, a group of us found a way to host an event and cycle the same stretch of road, along the shores of Lough Mask, over and over until we hit 100km one day!

Through these adventures, I’ve been lucky to have the support of communities, friends, charities, ministers, schools, artists, and athletes, helping raise significant funds along the way.

Every challenge has always had a purpose greater than myself. The tough moments — the cold, the fatigue, the doubt — have taught me lessons I now bring into my coaching: grit, humour, and the belief that we all have the power to keep moving forward.

What I’ve come to realise most, though, is that I love the fresh air, being outdoors, and sharing these journeys with others. There’s something very human in facing a challenge side by side.

Whether you’re an athlete or not — or even physically active or not — the real journey is within. The same mindset and skills apply: to move, to grow, and to take your next step with courage, choice, and a bit of realistic optimism.