We sat down with Innermost Insider and personal trainer Zara de Haldevang to discuss the beautiful of adventure. From its importance amongst busy day to day life, to the personal impact it can have on us, and the lessons we can learn from adventuring more.
Hi Zara! How did you become an Innermost Insider and what’s your goal as an ambassador for the brand?
I discovered Innermost through a friend when I was desperately trying to find the right products to help me with my training and recovery. I tried about 15 different products and I have now used Innermost for 3 years and would never look back. My goal as ambassador is to help others realise that training doesn’t have to be complicated. Do not over think it, train simple, recover well.
Our topic this month is adventure. Tell us how you would define adventure and what adventure means to you.
Adventure is the endless curiosity of trying to see, do and be more.
What's the greatest adventure you have been on?
Oh I haven’t yet had it yet... So far, learning how to embrace self-acceptance.
Do you think your idea of adventure is the same as others' ideas of adventure?
I cannot sit around. Eight years ago I made a plan to walk a new road every day. Apart from the days I have been sick and bed-bound, I have managed to stick to this. I also don’t believe in going to the same place twice.
Do you think adventure is important for a fulfilled life?
As long as you are doing it for you, not because it is something that ’should’ be done. Use social media as a tool to research where to go, not how to do it. Screw everyone else and what they are doing. Do something extraordinary for YOU and you alone.
What motivates you to seek out adventure and explore new places?
People. I was brought up abroad in Oman, Bahrain and Kenya. When you travel, in the world and even in your own country, you realise just how insignificant you are and just how much more there is to life than its mentalities.
What have you learned about yourself through your past adventure or travel experiences?
Patience. You don’t have to conquer somewhere immediately. Explore more, post less. Appreciate more, gloat less.
Have you ever faced unexpected challenges or difficulties while on an adventure? How did you overcome them?
I was travelling in Bali last year and had an unfortunate experience with an expat traveler. Seek help and advice when you need it, don’t overreact and remember that it is all just temporary.
What advice would you give to others seeking out adventure?
Read. Constantly read about where you want to go. This is where IG is a powerful tool and can be used as a positive advantage.
You always have the ability to travel safely.
Female travellers should use Life360 - a great app that tracks you and you can send trigger alerts in times of need.
What adventures (travels, business, goals) do you have planned this year?
Travel - Oman in October and New Zealand in Dec/Jan
Work - Bali for a retreat in October
Fitness - Croyde Triathlon in July and Iceland for The Great Norse Run in August
What Innermost product(s) have you been loving recently?
Which ones haven’t I?! My morning is a kefir, berry smoothie packed with The Lean Protein, The Detox Booster, The Glow Booster and The Power Booster. I can keep going for hours on this and it has really helped me smash some fitness targets this year.
Zara, it’s been a pleasure chatting with you! Our final question is... What’s your innermost desire that you’re hoping comes true this year?
It’s a little vanilla but I would like to be able to sleep for more than 5 hours a night. I am on track with taking the right supplements to help me do this… and perhaps stick to my goal of 16,000 steps a day. I live in North Devon and I get in the sea every day to surf or wild dip (no wetsuit).
Thanks Zara, that's a wrap! To see more from Zara, follow her Instagram here and check out her website here.
