In December, we shared the exciting news about one of our front-of-house team members, Elise Marcianti, who embarked on a transformative 300km trail running and hiking challenge through the rugged landscapes of the Australian Alps. Aptly named ‘Moving For The Mind,’ Elise’s expedition was not just a physical journey but a heartfelt endeavour to raise awareness and funds for Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA). 

Elise’s adventure commenced on December 7th with a formidable 50km ultramarathon, starting from the summit of Mt Kosciuszko. Over the subsequent weeks, she navigated a challenging 250km hike along the Australian Alps Walking Trail, concluding her journey in the picturesque town of Bright, Victoria on December 23. 

After a well-deserved period of rest and recovery, we caught up with Elise to hear about the trials and triumphs of her incredible journey. From the outset, Elise faced challenges that tested her physically and mentally, starting with the unfamiliar level of solitude she encountered. Overcoming her fear of sleeping alone in the bush, Elise’s first night in an alpine setting proved to be an intense introduction to the challenges that awaited her: “The very first night I got to the hut and it was pitch black and crawling with Alpine Funnel Web spiders everywhere! I had no option but to stay in the shelter. Needless to say, I didn’t get much sleep that night!” she recounted. 

Acknowledging the unexpected challenges posed by the hostile alpine weather, Elise discovered that her newfound solitude provided her with a sense of empowerment and a profound connection with nature. Despite enduring golf ball-sized hailstones and extreme temperature fluctuations, she found strength in being alone and respecting the forces of nature. Reflecting on her experience, Elise remarked, “It got hard. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I didn’t prepare for it to be that hard – to be challenged in ways I didn’t know were possible. But that’s the beauty of the trails; they change you.” 

Looking ahead, Elise is working on a short film using the footage captured during her journey. In the meantime, she continues to share her experience through public speaking engagements, spreading the message of Moving For The Mind. Having raised $5000 thus far, Elise encourages continued support for her cause through donations at Moving For The Mind.

For those interested in contributing, donations can be made at the official fundraising page here. 

At Bright Brewery, we take pride in supporting our employees like Elise as they embrace active lifestyles and take on challenges that push them both physically and mentally. Elise’s journey exemplifies the spirit of resilience and determination, inspiring us all to reach beyond our perceived limits.