From Diamonte to Diamond. Finding confidence and renewed sparkle!
“With 50 years of life experience under my belt, I needed to prove that I was still the spritely gazelle that I believed myself to be!
Okay, lets’ do a google search, hmmm…outdoors, exercise, The Shire…Diamonds In the Rough popped up on my screen…Wow! Sounds amazing, lets do it! Oh they have an upcoming hiking trip to NZ, great lets book it…something to work towards! Done.
Right, I’m a mermaid at heart, so my land based hiking experience was minimal to say the least. I arrived at my first session with a fresh sense of enthusiasm, nerves and lots of trepidation, welcomed by a bench full of ladies enjoying morning tea. Shortly after beginning our hike we approached a rather feeble looking hill (well at the time it was) and for some ungodly reason, I decided to power up it with all my might! Bad idea. Nausea, lightheaded-ness and absolute mortification ensued and I urgently needed a quick sick and a lie down. Surrounded by concerned and supportive women giving me the most excellent care, I lay on my back wishing the overgrowth would swallow me up. With a bruised ego and begrudgingly agreeing to the fussing, I was soon back on my feet. First lesson…there is a big difference between “active in life fit” and “hike fit”. My next few sessions were peppered with the usual bush mishaps…red ant bites, dropped phone debacles, leeches…all the fun stuff… perhaps hiking wasn’t for me after all, so I decided to subsequently withdraw my membership.
After a few days, my embarrassment began to subside and I couldn’t stop thinking about what “hike fit” would look and feel like…to be unphased by things most people repelled…hills, stairs and anything on an incline! I soon found myself driving down a dark road in the early hours of the morning to an unfamiliar location… with a renewed membership in hand...I still wasn’t sure why but decided to go with it… a glutton for punishment maybe? Bringing a slightly less fresher sense of enthusiasm, I again was warmly welcomed as we set off for the hills. I felt that day would be a “make or break” kind of day for me. I was showered with advice, information, tips & tricks and lots of funny stories. No judgement just support. I was taught to technical walk, swap the “baby giraffe pole look” for a more “fluid fit hiker look”, to regulate breathing and to hydrate properly….low and behold I actually began enjoying myself!
This was a good sign. Soon, a certain type of sock mattered, gosh do I buy a swig rig or a bladder and before I knew it, I was well & truly down that rabbit hole. I began to form a routine, make myself unavailable on hiking days, got addicted to those intense dopamine hits, loved introspective moments on the trails and all that delicious serenity in the bush. Fast forward 16 months, I love hiking. I love everything about it. It makes me happy. I believe it’s a supreme act of self care…its’ not pretty…but its’ worth that powerful sense of accomplishment and connection you feel afterwards! I learnt to set a tent up last year on a riverbank and recently woke up in a tent in the snow! Who would have thought!? 2 adventures in 2025 and 4 upcoming adventures planned for 2026!
Hiking is a good metaphor for life…packing light, keeping ourselves in good mental, physical and spiritual condition…perfect conditions to thrive.
Fast forward to now…this spritely gazelle has made some beautiful new friends, is 8kgs lighter, enjoys being part of the ever inclusive Diamond community and feels she has finally transformed from a Diamonte into a Diamond!
Much gratitude to you amazing ladies that have helped me on my journey Xx”
- Malisa
Embracing the climb, Conquering the mind
“I recently completed a week of hiking with friends in the stunning Flinders Ranges in South Australia—and I loved every minute of it.
I always get a bit nervous before a multi-day hike, doubting myself and whether I’ll be able to keep up. But after training with Diamonds in the Rough for a few months, the support and guidance from the coaches have given me a newfound confidence—and a fresh thirst for more adventures!
If you're feeling unsure or afraid to begin, just remember: you're not alone. Start where you are. That first step might just change everything.”
— Ange
Reflections from a Rookie!
“A little over a year ago I made the decision to join Diamonds, a group of inspiring women who I was soon referring to as ‘my tribe.’ From the moment I joined, I realised 3 things – I had found a supportive like minded community, my fitness needed major improvement, and that age is just a number- it is our attitude that really matters.
When the opportunity to go to Japan arose through a cancellation back in June, I read the brief, spoke to Michele and got my hubby’s input. There was plenty of hesitation on my behalf – my fear of flying, aversion to seafood and general fussiness around food, my apprehension towards sharing a room (and a ‘cosy’ one at that, according to the notes) with someone I barely knew. Would my weekly 2 hour trek training plus gym sessions be enough to cut it, plus I thought about how many wet wipes I’d need to pack as there was no way I was planning on following the Japanese tradition of communal showering and bathing. Despite my doubts, and my boss approving my leave (which I kind of secretly hoped she wouldn’t), I took the plunge and booked in for my first multi day hike!
As I write this, I have only been home a few days and it’s difficult to encapsulate in words what the journey was really like. Firstly, what a wonderful group of encouraging women to share the days with. Everyone was on their own path of self discovery, some seeking answers to questions, others looking for inner peace – learning about themselves whilst wanting nothing but the best for each other. My roomie Kath was kind, caring, compassionate and I appreciate every one of the moments we shared from our deep conversations to our belly laughs and all the steps in between.
My dread of having to shower in the same space dissipated by the time we had completed (survived) day 1. I did not have the energy to use an endless number of wipes and was desperate to feel clean. Having sweated buckets throughout the hike and feeling like I’d signed up for a detox program, I succumbed to Japanese tradition fairly quickly.
During our 10 days I learned so much about myself. I went in with the hope of gaining a little more than just a blister and sore legs, and I walked (shuffled) away with so much more. I learned how hard I can be on myself and how awful my self talk is at times. I’d never speak to anyone the way I talk to myself. By challenging my thoughts, not only was I able to think in a more helpful manner particularly when the going got tough, but in turn conserve energy for the hiking. I learned how kind and intuitive the ladies are in this group, through their courageous vulnerability, stories shared, laughs had, and tears shed. Such a strong bunch!
I feel blessed to have been able to trust and feel that reciprocated. I learned that as much as I tried I couldn’t stop the hard stuff from surfacing over hours and hours of trekking and that perhaps this was the time to listen, accept and process things, rather than continually running. I sensed my mum with me on this trip and felt her urging me on, not only to finish the hike but to do it for the both of us.
I learned that while the line “Lets get a photo” may have driven everyone a bit batty at times, these photos are a keepsake I’ll look back on as I reflect on this as one of the best times of my life. I also learned not to take any notice of Michele when she muttered the words “one more little hill”. I learned something from every single one of you and my life is richer for having shared this experience with you all.
Japan did not disappoint and being immersed amongst the spectacular beauty of cedar trees, waterfalls and shrines often took me back to imagining illustrations in Enid Blyton books. My life is better today than it was when I departed from Sydney, and I have you all to thank for that. It was an absolute privilege to have done this trip with you.
Keep shining brightly, Diamonds!”
Dorothy
“Starting ‘City’ Trek Training didn’t seem the right answer for me. I like exercising in the morning and the only available sessions were in the evening. I decided to give it a go. I was also unsure about the “city sessions” because I like the bush. But now I like the variety of bush and urban training and actually love the city sessions as feel like a tourist again!
I’ve achieved my goal of getting back my fitness and confidence for hiking and love the new opportunities to do day trips, weekends away and longer trips with like-minded people!
I’m a regular at evening Trek Training sessions now and last year did my biggest trek yet, hiking the beautiful Walls of Jerusalem NP in Tasmania with a fun team of Diamonds.
On the horizon for 2024 is a multi-day altitude trek in Nepal to the base camp of Ama Dablam.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Tracy
Why join a Diamond Trip?…Debra tells.
“I have completed three Diamonds trips over the last twelve months. Flinders Ranges, Hump Ridge Track (NZ) and Great Ocean Walk. These trips are always very well and professionally organised with many inclusions. Food (which was of a high quality in NZ) and quite often a single room at the beginning and the end of the trip. To name a few. I feel they are value for money.
The coaches are exemplary. I have travelled with Michele and Jacq twice. I have always felt well taken care of, always given good instruction and felt that I didn't worry about very much at all.
I am always warmly greeted by your members. They look out for each other whether it is a training session or an Adventure. My more recent experience on GOW was a member bringing me a cup of tea in my room without me asking. In addition, I was a little anxious about a beach crossing that had very little risk. I was reassured by Jacq and a member was organised to make sure I was alright. I was quietly moved on both occasions.
Thank you for what you do.”
Diamonds fly in the 2023 City to Surf!
“My 8th C2S proved to be the easiest thanks to Diamonds. I broke heartbreak hill this time and a friend told me you look like to could keep going. You don’t look tired at all!” Julie
“I’ve been in the C2S a few times. But since training with DITRA doing fire trails, climbing mountains and rock scrambling I found it a whole lot easier this year.” Jenny
"I just love being part of the diamond community. You have taken me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to rock scrambling which I love. I've been encouraged to push myself to go faster on the hills (well a bit faster :) I still hang at the back sometimes and chat lol) and no longer dread them. I've rediscovered an inner strength I forgot I had. Most of all I love the camaraderie of everyone involved, the coaches and ladies. I have felt welcomed and encouraged from the start and love the support I have received. I look forward to doing more training and events with the Diamonds."
Jackie
“Before joining Diamonds, I worried about stepping outside my comfort zone. I wanted to take on some challenging treks and be able to continue hiking, including the occasional full-pack multi-day hikes, throughout my 50s. I’ve overcome my fear by just getting on with it and with the aid of lots of well-thought-out guidance and advice. For example, I’m scared of feeling cold, but now I’ve learnt that my gear will keep me dry and warm at night.”
Rachael
“I was worried about joining a new group and not knowing anyone. But everyone is so friendly and helpful… true Diamonds. Building endurance and get more cardio fitness was my main goal and now I have completed a challenging 12 hour day hike and feeling very good about my fitness gains. I love DITRA. The community is lovely, clients and coaches are all delightful and fun to be around. They are considerate and just a fun lot.”
Susie
“Diamonds Trek Training helps me carve out time for myself while improving my fitness level. I love getting out amongst nature & exploring new trails. Since joining I am prepared to give more things a go, like rock scrambling. I’ve had a great year - thank you!”
Ann
I am a beginner and I wanted to improve my fitness level so that I can join some hiking trips. Trek Training improves my mental health and resilience. It was hard at first, waking up at 5am and doing exercises. I’d never rock scrambled before. Now I can manage 2 hours of intense exercises with some breaks in between and my feet and legs are getting used to the uneven surfaces or rocks. I enjoy Kalina’s trek training session so much. I feel excited in the weekdays when I think about diamonds and weekend training.”
Olivia
“Japan was a wonderful experience. I love the challenge of the trek. I love the camaraderie and companionship of DITRA members. What makes this adventure special is the cultural experience of Japan: the people, scenery, beautiful forests, the food and the customs. One not to be missed. One not to be missed with the lovely DITRA members, and great leadership by coach Michele. Due to our pink team shirts in this instance "pink diamonds".
Debra H
“At 60 years of age I came to the group with lots of fear and trepidation, unfit and unused to an active lifestyle. Jo’s training was brilliant giving me confidence, skills and courage to tackle new and exciting adventures. She inspired me to believe in my own abilities. A life-changing experience.”
Mary F
“…I joined not long after a significant personal loss. The hill ahead looked high and too hard to climb. Within a year of regular attendance at training, hope and physical strength renewed, I was easily climbing the alps of Japan and Switzerland.”
Joan S
“Michele is a ‘glass overflowing’ kind of person, exuberant, fun and has an uncanny ability to make us go hard at training even if we are unaware of our energy output.”
Ali S
“…this unique style of outdoor fitness training has allowed me to re-invent myself with new courage, resilience and mental toughness to face life’s challenges. I am truly thankful for such great coaching and mentoring.”
Alison M