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Elise Evans

2026 March On Challenge

Please support me to help our heroes march on

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$1,240

My Goal

$1,500

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Day 19--distance record smashed!

My longest distance yet in the March On Challenge--12.3 kms around the Barwon River. ❤️I took the route that Dad and I did together, and added a little side quest to up the kms. ☺️ I actually felt like I could've gone a lot further today, but by the time I snoozed my alarm 5 times, I started a little later than intended. 🤣 And I had a midday appointment, so I needed to leave time to shower beforehand. But it seems like maybe I'm actually gaining a bit of fitness, because my feet feel ok, and I wasn't feeling "done", despite the extra distance! It was a beautiful, cool morning for a walk, and I LOVE seeing and listening to all the birds around the river. I need to do this regularly once the challenge is over--it really is a beautiful part of my city. 💚🤎🩵

Day 18--a some new creeks explored

8.5 kms around the creeks and parks at Warralily, for something different today. The lates to earlies, then back to lates for my work shifts are wearing me out, but the beautiful birdlife, the gentle water, and the cool breeze made it worth dragging myself out for an hour and a half this afternoon. ☺️ As well as just the fact that every day I put a good number of kms on the board feels like an achievement. 116 kms walked all up!! 💪

Day 17--raining slugs and snails. 🤢

An absolutely miserable morning weather-wise today, but got out for a good 8.5km walk in the rain, nice and early before work. THOUSANDS of snails, slugs and centipedes all over the paths this morning?? So weird...and stressful trying not to squash them. 😬 My umbrella broke halfway through as well, so it was just one of those mornings! 🤣 Repeated an old path, but it was all about just getting it done today. Mission accomplished!

Day 16--the official halfway point

I reached my original 96 km goal today!! plus an extra 3kms. So now I've upped my goal to 192 kms. The Kokoda Track round trip. 😬 Only 6kms today, but my legs needed a bit of a rest this morning! 🤣 I'm excited for the next two weeks though, to push through and complete this. ❤️

Day 15--a geelong icon

My distance record yesterday. 10.9 kms!!! After a 6:30am alarm, and an 8 hour work day, it was the last thing I wanted to do, to be honest. I was READY to be on my couch!! 😮‍💨 But I stopped at the Kardinia Park precinct on the way home, and basically did 4 laps of the perimeter, then some laps of a few of the smaller ovals and courts. By this point, it was nearly 6:30pm, and dinner time-- and I was ready to DROP. 😂 A salt bath was my best friend last night. 3kms off my original goal, so I'm pumped I smashed out so much so fast!

Day 14--the last 2 weeks have flown by

Another post-work walk...it was soooo tempting to just crash on the couch when I got home! 🤣😩 But I managed to smash out 9kms by walking a few clicks down the road, doing a few laps of the local footy and cricket grounds, then taking a longer loop home. Back and hips are feeling it tonight, but I'm also feeling proud that I pushed through the tiredness and the aches. Also, my tshirt arrived yesterday, so I got to wear it for the first time!! Maybe that was the little oomph I needed tonight! ☺️

Day 13--struggling, but proud. ☺️

My stepdad joined me for today's walk--a 6.1km loop around Waurn Ponds and another section of the creek. It's so nice to have company on these walks!! Although I absolutely slowed him down--Poppy's super tall, and my short legs couldn't keep up with him! 🤣 Not to mention the blisters--I've got all the dressings and padding happening, but MAN, they hurt. 😭 I'm trying not to complain about it, because I keep thinking about what the actual men who originally walked the Kokoda Track went through...and it was a hell of a lot worse than some damn blisters. I'll be ok--I just have to try and keep everything clean and protected. I'm struggling along. But I'm proud of what I've achieved so far.

Days 11 and 12...walking by the water

6.18kms, and 8.07kms respectively. Walk around the Waurn Ponds Creek for Day 11, and the Geelong waterfront, looping from Eastern Beach to Rippleside and back, for day 12. I felt SO good after both these walks...not feeling so good at work on day 12 afternoon, once I started to feel the blisters. 😢 My 4 hour shift felt a LOT longer, hobbling around. Not sure why it's happened at this point--maybe my socks? Fingers crossed they're feeling a little better by morning! 🤞🤞🤞

Day 10--an afternoon beach walk

It was 29° when I finished work at 3pm, so decided to make the most of the day with a late beach walk down at Bancoora Beach. Managed about 2.2 kms, but I timed it badly with the tide coming in--had to cut it a little short so I didn't get stranded!! 🤣 So I jumped in the car and headed back towards home, and made up the rest of my daily target on the local walking tracks. I'm glad I hit the sand for a little while, I felt like I needed it today. ☺️ And sand walking is always a more intense workout! But I think I'll stick to more solid terrain for most of my walks...I can achieve more in the time I have available to me that way.

Day 9--galahs galore!

A long day at work, plus a desperately needed trip to the supermarket meant a practical walk last night. Parked at Waurn Ponds shopping centre and did two laps of the massive sporting precinct across the road. While not the most picturesque walk I've done, the bonus was the DOZENS of galahs (my favourite birds) flying around! 😍 I always notice them in the early evening in that area when I drive past, so it was a treat to get a little closer. Couldn't snap a photo--they weren't THAT comfortable with my presence. But it was a lovely walk, and another 5.8kms clocked. ☺️

Day 8--the biggest walk yet!!

Joined by my Dad for what was supposed to be a 5km walk, but turned into 10! 🤣 We were both knackered at the end, but it was a beautiful walk--a loop around the Barwon River from Fyansford to Balliang Sanctuary and back. And, surprisingly, not feeling it too much today!! 🤣 Might have to invite more people to join me--the company makes the time go much quicker! ❤️

Day 7--this first week has gone so fast!

With a gloomy sky setting in, it was hard to motivate myself to put the walking shoes on after work today. But I got a beautiful walk in around Eastern Gardens and the Geelong Botanic Gardens this afternoon. A two minute drive from work, so there was no excuse really! I love our Botanic Gardens, so it wasn't a hardship to visit--but I had to do a big circuit around the wider Eastern Gardens to get the kms in. It was a beautiful walk--saw hundreds of flying foxes waking up in the trees, and some beautiful birds around a tiny lake that I had no idea existed until today! Exploring my hometown is an absolute bonus to this challenge, and I'm loving the little things I'm discovering. 🥰

Day 6--a return to a childhood playground

I LOVED coming to Balliang Sanctuary as a little kid. Seeing all the ducks, sometimes spotting ducklings, running away from the swans (terrifying when you're little). Running through the bushes, over the little bridges...it was one of the most magical places on earth as far as I was concerned. 🥰 It looks a little different these days...the lower water levels don't help, and there were definitely less ducks than there used to be. No swans either--although at least that meant that I wasn't terrorised by them. 🤣 But still a beautiful walk, through park, and along the north bank of the Barwon River. Spent some time just sitting and enjoying the fresh air, and the smell of the pines in the park. Watching the ducks and the butterflies. An afternoon well spent.

Day 5--no wallabies wandering. 🫤

Another day, another new walking track. I've driven past this one regularly, never stopped. So I decided this would be my next walk. I was a bit excited when I saw the sign at one end: "Wallaby Wander". I was hopeful that I may spot a furry marsupial or two...but no such luck. 🤣 Just a lot of very inquisitive magpies...which made me happy anyways. ☺️ A pleasant and quiet walk.

Day 4--revisiting an old walking track

Another later start today, but at least I was a bit better prepared with a cap and sunscreen!! Decided to revisit an old walking path I haven't done in a few years a wide flat verge between houses and a train line that locals have always walked along. It was nothing spectacular. But flat, and we'll maintained enough that it made for an easy spot to get done exercise. Well, it's had a lot of work done to it some time in the last couple of years--there's now a proper walking and cycling path, the whole way between the train station and the nearby highway. Garden beds and trees planted. Little sculptures, and a few bench seats placed at regular intervals. It's actually quite a pretty and pleasant track now! I'm still planning to explore a some new and different paths throughout this challenge, but I'll definitely come back to this one at done point in the future, now that I know how much better it is!

Day 3--sunny skies at last! 🌞

Killed 2 birds with one stone by walking to the supermarket this morning--took a longer route there and back to meet my target. Sun's out finally, which is great--but I might have to step out earlier on these days. My fair skin didn't love that much sun, and it was pretty hot when I had my jacket on. But still, it was glorious to be under a blue sky again! 😍

Day 2...more rain 😬☔

Dryest summer I can remember...now the rain's settled in. 🤣😩 But drove down to Kmart Belmont, grabbed a few things I needed, then set out for a walk along the Barwon River. Even in the rain and gloom, it's a beautiful walk. Lots of ducks, which always makes my day! 🦆🦆🦆 Definitely a quieter day for walkers, but still a few motivated runners out and about. You aren't going to catch me running ANY of this challenge--my poor knees wouldn't withstand it! But feeling proud of myself for even doing this as a walking challenge. I'm not an overly active person--on my feet all day at my job means I'm not so motivated to be on my feet in my downtime! But if I do as much of my walking in the morning before work, hopefully it will set me up with some energy for the day!

Day 1--get started, no matter what!

Not going to lie, it was hard to want to start today--I worked 0800-1630, there was a soft rain falling, and my knee is really sore after falling and hurting it a few days ago. BUT--pride definitely meant that I had to at least attempt a small walk. A km or two on the board. 3.38km was honestly a great start! More than the calculated average that I have to walk per day to meet my goal by March 31st. If I can be consistent, I can definitely do this. ☺️

Support my challenge to prevent veteran suicide and save lives

Right now in Australia, at 42%, suicide is the leading cause of death for ex-serving males aged under 30 years old.

So, this March, I am walking to support Soldier On's mental health services and programs to help prevent veteran suicide and save lives.

It would mean so much to me if you donated to support my challenge so that we can show veterans and their families that they are not alone... we stand strong with them.

Together, let's help our heroes march on.

Thanks so much for your support.

So far, I have helped provide:

65

peer support
sessions

62

employment
support

3

psychology
sessions

...to support the mental health of our brave veterans to help them march on.

My Kokoda Track Journey

So far, I have marched:

141km

17kms until I reach Return to Minari

My goal to Kokoda and back:

192km

My Tribute Post

Elise

I'm doing this to honour my partner James, an army veteran. He does the hard work consistently to manage his mental health. This is just a small way that I can acknowledge that, and offer my support--to him, and to others.

My Achievements

Thank you to my sponsors

Legend Rank

Champion Rank

Defender Rank

Ally Rank

$500

James Fraser

$227

Alan Thierry

Well done Elise

$79.30

Rod Braybrook

$79.30

Anna Georgelin

Love a good goal! Maybe Ernie and I could walk with you one day? X

$50

Natalie Smith

Well done Elise your a champion 😁

$50

Robyn Trower

$40.37

Elise Evans

$40.37

Michelle

Well done 👍

$39.48

Mal Gill

Good on you Elise! It’s really beautiful what you’re doing ✨

$33.15

Clare Braybrook

Well done lovely, what a great cause.

$33.15

Ricelle And Alex

Great going Elise! Inspiring! Ricelle and Alex

$22.58

Celia

Love your work Elise! Such a great cause.

$20

Zerihun Mengesha

Go Elise

$14

Allyson

I’m sorry it’s not more! I’m so jealous and proud of you!

$11.65

Jackie

Good job lovely 🥰

$500

James Fraser

$227

Alan Thierry

Well done Elise

$79.30

Rod Braybrook

$79.30

Anna Georgelin

Love a good goal! Maybe Ernie and I could walk with you one day? X

$50

Natalie Smith

Well done Elise your a champion 😁

$50

Robyn Trower

$40.37

Elise Evans

$40.37

Michelle

Well done 👍

$39.48

Mal Gill

Good on you Elise! It’s really beautiful what you’re doing ✨

$33.15

Clare Braybrook

Well done lovely, what a great cause.

$33.15

Ricelle And Alex

Great going Elise! Inspiring! Ricelle and Alex

$22.58

Celia

Love your work Elise! Such a great cause.

$20

Zerihun Mengesha

Go Elise

$14

Allyson

I’m sorry it’s not more! I’m so jealous and proud of you!

$11.65

Jackie

Good job lovely 🥰

Thank you to my Sponsors

$79.30

Anna Georgelin

Love a good goal! Maybe Ernie and I could walk with you one day? X

$50

Natalie Smith

Well done Elise your a champion 😁

$50

Robyn Trower

$40.37

Elise Evans

$40.37

Michelle

Well done 👍

$39.48

Mal Gill

Good on you Elise! It’s really beautiful what you’re doing ✨

$33.15

Clare Braybrook

Well done lovely, what a great cause.

$33.15

Ricelle And Alex

Great going Elise! Inspiring! Ricelle and Alex

$22.58

Celia

Love your work Elise! Such a great cause.

$20

Zerihun Mengesha

Go Elise

$14

Allyson

I’m sorry it’s not more! I’m so jealous and proud of you!

$11.65

Jackie

Good job lovely 🥰

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