Staying fit and healthy is important, we all know that. However, for some, slogging away in the gym or running a marathon seems more like torture than enjoyment. My guest today in Conversation, is my very good friend, Donna Connolly from Retirement Reflections.
Donna found a passion for hiking when she was inspired by a friend to attempt the famous Camino Trail. Despite coming from a low base, Donna and her husband Richard, set the goal of hiking the Camino.
In our conversation, we discussed:
- How Donna found a passion for hiking
- What the Camino Trail is and how it was more than just a physical experience.
- Tips for starting hiking and preparing for a Camino
- The health benefits that are exclusive to hiking
- How hiking helped Donna overcome the negative impact of COVID
- What does being a Women Living Well After 50 means to Donna
Listen to the Podcast
Watch the Interview on YouTube
Meet Donna
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C. S. Lewis
Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island, Canada, in June 2015. To document this transition, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born.
The past five years have been filled with family, friends, travel, discovering new passions and rekindling old ones. This has been a time of learning, rethinking and living life as fully as I can.
I invite you to join me in this adventure. I would love for you to share your thoughts and experiences whether you are working, retired, semi-retired, never-plan-to-retire, or somewhere in-between.
Connect Donna
Website • Facebook • Twitter • Linked In • Pinterest • Instagram
10 Comments
Hi, Sue – Thank you for nudging me out of my comfort zone and including me in your podcast series. It was an awesome opportunity and I learned a great deal.
Hi Donna, you were terrific and I loved hearing more about your hiking adventures. I wish we lived closer, I would be hiking daily with you! xx
Great job ladies. I really enjoyed your conversation and came away inspired. Walking isn’t necessarily my thing, but I can relate to the benefits of regular exercise and being in nature. Donna, I appreciate that you emphasized the importance of commitment. It is hard to stay motivated without it. Loved Richard’s quick photo bomb!
Hi Suzanne, I really enjoyed chatting with my good friend, Donna and I can hear her passion for hiking when she speaks about her adventures. Enjoy your week, and I was inspired by Donna as well. Perhaps a Camino if we can ever travel again? xx
Two passionate women walking the talk. Donna is a wonderful guest and inspirational on many levels. It is nice to learn more about her. Funny how she and Richard did not always walk together on the Camino…some alone time, possibly a secret to a long, happy marriage. It is interesting to learn how even with consistency and commitment, it helps to add new adventures to the mix.
Hi Erica, thank you for your lovely comment. I think the Camino experience was wonderful and so much more than walking the trail. I also think having time on your own during the walk, at your own pace would enrich the experience and give time for reflection. xx
Hi Sue and Donna, It’s wonderful to see you both on YouTube and hear your voices. Walking/ hiking is one of my favourite activities. I’ve been living without a car for years and still love to hear more about walking or hiking. You’re both showing ways of how to live well after 50.
Hi Natalie, Donna was such an interesting guest and I’m inspired to find some hiking trails. I only use my car to travel to Brisbane twice a week but otherwise I walk to the shops and along the beachside. x
What a wonderful interview! I talk to Donna a lot, read her blog, meet with her via Zoom weekly, and STILL I learned new stuff! Definitely worth a listen. Both of you ladies are inspiring to me!
Deb
Hi Deb, Donna is one of my all time favourite people and Mike and I were very lucky to meet her and Richard in person when our cruise ship docked at Victoria. Like you I’m still learning more about this beautiful woman. Lucky you get to go hiking with her! x