Published on: 01/03/2023

"Suddenly, we found ourselves in a role reversal. I was the one who had all the experience. Had done the background reading. The one offering the moral support and reassurance needed that she was on the right track. Had I become the proud parent?!"...

Life is full of adventures, and experiencing those adventures with other people can make them even more meaningful. Shared adventures have the power to bring people together, foster deeper connections, and create memories that last a lifetime. 

Take it from co-owner and Tribe member, Vic Herbert, who knows all about the power of adventure.

Vic shares how her own passion for long-distance running inspired her mother into completing the journey of a lifetime - an incredible 50km running adventure in the Peak District. It not only enhanced their relationship but also created lasting memories.

Over to Vic...

Now, I would call myself 'a runner' and have completed some big distances before, but Mum... 5km Race for Life was the longest event she had previously undertaken. However, she had become inspired to start running after listening to tales of my adventures over the dinner table and how convincing I sounded about them being ‘fun’ - she bought all the gear and got stuck in and it was about 18 months later that this text arrived.

"Would you be up for a 50km run in the Peak District in July?" Sure, why not. So the decision was made and her focus to the goal was unwavering. Training runs with support bike became commonplace, with late night texts about running shoes and compression socks soon to follow. Suddenly, we found ourselves in a role reversal. I was the one who had all the experience. Had done the background reading. The one offering the moral support and reassurance needed that she was on the right track. Had I become the proud parent?!

Fast forward a few months and there we were, stood on the finishers stage. Medals deservedly hanging around our necks. Grins ear to ear. Photo not dissimilar to those from my 90's school sports day - only I look like a giant now! She still wears her finishers t-shirt with pride.

I attribute much of my ‘adventurousness’ to a career at Go Ape. When I first started as an instructor, I was what you might call shy and wouldn’t have been the type to do anything that might make me too uncomfortable, particularly if that meant having to speak to someone I didn’t know!

But adventures are what help shape us, they force us to do hard things and realise that you’re actually going to be ok afterwards. They open up a world of further opportunity. This shared love of adventure has allowed us to reconnect & form a stronger bond as I’ve got older. And she's taught me that adventuring is an attitude that doesn't need to be hindered by age or experience.

Happy Mother's Day 👩‍👧 x

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