What a 96km Hiking Race in 34 Hours Taught Me About Life and Investing

Every year or so, iFAST challenges its employees with a physical test of endurance to push our limits beyond the fast-paced office environment. These challenges aren’t just about physical strength — they forge mental resilience and camaraderie. This year, the challenge was the Kokoda Challenge in Sydney, a gruelling 96km hiking race known as one of Australia’s toughest team endurance events. It also raises funds for life-changing youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation.

Despite knowing the race’s intensity and the months of training required — often twice the race distance — a large contingent of us, including our Group CEO and COO, eagerly signed up. Why? Perhaps it’s the thrill of testing ourselves, or as the saying goes, “No pain, no gain.” Much like investing, where the first step is daunting but essential, this hike taught me valuable lessons that resonate far beyond the trail.

Lesson #1: Training Is Key – Like Research in Investing

To prepare for the September race, we trained hard. Countless hours were spent climbing staircases, jogging on roads, walking at night at East Coast Park, and tackling the steep slopes of Bukit Timah Hill. Sweat poured, muscles ached, but the effort paid off. During the race, our training was our lifeline — without it, we wouldn’t have endured the 96km race.

Investing mirrors this. Diving into markets without research or due diligence is like hiking without training. The unprepared often pay a steep “tuition fee” in losses. Just as we built stamina for the trail, thorough research builds confidence for the market.

Lesson #2: Pack Wisely – Manage Your Resources

The 96km Kokoda Challenge takes 30–35 hours, meaning we had to carry enough food and water to sustain us, with occasional checkpoints for resupply. The dilemma? Pack light to ease the load but risk running out or carry more and bear the weight. Each of us found a balance based on our needs and endurance.

In investing, this mirrors managing cash reserves. Some prefer lump-sum investments, while others opt for dollar-cost averaging to spread risk. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — your strategy depends on your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Lesson #3: Navigate Varied Terrains – Adapt to Market Cycles

This year’s race threw every type of terrain at us: rocky paths, muddy trails, sandy beaches, steep stairs and boulders, and even knee-deep river crossings. Each demanded focus, adaptability, and emotional control. Similarly, financial markets cycle through phases—bull runs, euphoric highs, bearish lows, market corrections, or unexpected black swan events.

The toughest part of investing isn’t knowledge — it’s mastering emotions. When markets crash, fear tempts even seasoned investors to sell at a loss, despite holding fundamentally strong assets. Like navigating tricky terrain, staying calm and focused is key to success.

Lesson #4: Companions Keep You Going – Support Makes the Journey Easier

There’s truth in the saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” During those exhausting 34 hours, every one of us faced moments of doubt. Fatigue and pain threatened to break us, but our teammates’ encouragement kept us moving, kilometer after kilometer. Honestly, I couldn’t have endured the race without them.

Investing can feel isolating, especially if those around you aren’t as passionate about it. In Singapore, where many are under-invested or lack financial planning, finding a supportive community is vital. At FSMOne, we’re here to guide you through the highs and lows of your investment journey.

Lesson #5: Pain Is Temporary, Glory Is Forever – Keep Your Eyes on the Goal

Let’s be real: the race was brutal. Exhaustion, blisters, muscle aches, and a gastric-filled stomach from insufficient calories tested my resolve. But I reminded myself that the pain was temporary. Crossing the finish line will bring a rush of pride and accomplishment that will stay with me forever.

Investing is no different. Market turbulence and setbacks are fleeting obstacles on the path to financial freedom. Every step forward, every disciplined investment, brings you closer to your goals.

Conclusion: Crossing the Finish Line

After 34 arduous hours that felt like an eternity, our team of eight crossed the finish line — exhausted but unbroken, with no major injuries. The race strengthened my bond with my colleagues and proved that perseverance overcomes even the toughest challenges. As I reflect on this experience, I’m applying these lessons to my investment journey, knowing each step brings me closer to my financial goals.

Thank you for reading! If you face roadblocks in your investment journey (or simply seeking hiking tips), contact our team at FSMOne at advisory@fundsupermart.com. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.