Women's Nook
A little while ago Di Westaway wrote a post for WomensNook called Fitness Keeps You Young. I’m convinced that Di is capable of transmitting energy over the phone, such is the passion in her voice when she talks about fitness and what it can do to empower women of any age.
I heard about Di from Annie, a friend who has done some treks with her. The idea of women training together for enjoyment, fitness and to meet specific climbing or trekking challenges, like climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa, sounded fascinating. Her company’s name - Wild Women On Top (WWOT) - says it all.
I think that we’re all curious about women and the amazing things they achieve in life. Many are more than happy to share their thoughts about what they do, why they do it, their passions and their inspirations. Di Westaway is one such woman. I hope you enjoy reading about her, both here on WomensNook and when she summits Mt Everest in 2011!
What reasons do women give you for wanting to climb a mountain or go on a trekking adventure?
What does it feel like to reach the summit of a mountain?
It’s an anti-climax because it’s only half way!
What quality do you most admire in women?
Co-operation
Can you tell us a little about the group of women you took to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro in 2005?
The most amazing women in the group was a mother of 10! She’s seriously Hard Core. She trained hard, and stayed up all night for the week before we left cooking dinners so her family didn’t starve while she was away!
What attitude should women have to exercise and adventure?
Exercise and adventure are for a purpose. They make you happy, healthy and energised. Of course, a positive attitude helps, but if you don’t have one, WWOT will help you get one.
Why did you create WWOT?
My husband thought I was grumpy and said I needed to get out more!
What ages does it cater for?
ALL WOMEN
Can you tell us of an incident out trekking that is funny, motivating, touching or amazing?
I’ll go for funny … on a recent trip to the Wild Dog Mountains, west of Sydney, we plunged naked into a remote mountain pool after not seeing a soul for 2 days. As we lay sunning ourselves on the hot black rocks of the Cox’s River, we were startled out of our relaxation by a male voice up river. Eight Wild Women on Top have never leapt across a river so fast as we launched ourselves into our undies so as not to offend our visitor. Later, we were offered 5 kilos of fried bacon ( which we declined!) preferring instead to enjoy our smoked salmon and bell peppers stuffed with feta and camembert.
What does adventure mean to you?
Everything!
What is your motto?
Attitude is everything
How have you overcome any fears?
By training, and facing fear in the face.
What’s the most physically challenging thing you’ve done?
Climbing the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere … Mt Aconcagua, 6,982m
What are your priorities in life?
My family, empowering women and climbing mountains!
What are you passionate about?
Wild Women on Top!
What sustains you through life’s ups and downs?
Staying positive and maintaining adventure fitness.
Have there been pivot points in your life that have led you in a different direction to the one you planned?
Failing to climb Mt Aconcagua the first time I tried in 2000 changed my life. It was the catalyst to the creation of Wild Women on Top.
What is your attitude to age?
I work hard to stay fit and healthy so that I can do the things I love to do. The only thing I can’t do any more is a full twisting back somersault! However, I’d like to climb Mt Everest before I’m 55!
Who are some women who inspire you?
What are your favourite books?
Dead Lucky by Linclon Hall
Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
Favourite film?
Life is Beautiful
Favourite music?
These Boots are Made for Walking by Nancy Sinatra
What is your favourite destination?
Any wilderness location
What should women do to nurture themselves?
Join Wild Women on Top!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My kids.
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