Kat is originally from Melbourne, she spent 7 years living in Tokyo before moving to London. After a knee operation she was forced to forget about running and sports and walking was the only activity she could do. So far her quest has taken her all over the world, on epic walks, from the Camino’s, the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, as well as numerous short walks in the UK. Most recently she has completed the Pacific Crest Trail which stretches from Mexico to Canada!
During the podcast Kat shares her story, she shares top tips and advice and why she believes anyone can get out there and go for a walk!
LISTEN NOW!! Hit the play button below!!!
Show notes
Kat introduces herself and shares more of her story
Moving from Melbourne, to Japan, to Toronto to London
Why she became a walker
What is was like making the decision to move to Japan
Falling in love with Japan and living there for 7 years!
Climbing Mount Fuji and why she did it every year
The meaning of “Henro"
Deciding to quit her job in 2013 and head off to do the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
Dealing with typhoons, snakes & centipedes
The reason she started her blog - Following the Arrows
Why you don’t need to speak Japanese to do the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
The enlightenment, prayers and ritual you could choose to follow at each temple
Doing it on a budget
The highlights and the challenges she faced
Getting to the final temple number 88 and the final challenge she had to overcome
The Camino Route and why it’s such a special pilgrimage
Walking the PCT - Pacific Crest Trail in 2015
How it came about and how she had to face her fears
Doing the research and getting mentally prepared
Dealing with injury just months before the PCT
Advice and tips for planning and preparation
Getting through the low points while on the PCT
How she copes when she finishes a challenge
Why her trail name was, “Hummingbird”
What future walks she would like to do
Words of advice for wannabe walkers
Read more on Kat’s Blog - Following the Arrows !