I got a phone call from the doctor’s office

Could I come in and see him regarding my biopsy results? I don’t mind telling you that driving over to the hospital was grave. The doctor shook my hand, we both sat down and he opened his notes. “No cancer in the samples, Basho”. He looked up and saw my face; he could have told me that on the phone! “Not everyone is getting good news today,” he said quietly, looking me directly in the eye. I left that room with solemnity. I walked past the half-dozen or so men sat outside and noted hands clutched in those of their loved ones, noted their affected nonchalance that was not reflected in their eyes, and I walked on out. I got good news on that day. Many of those men waiting did not.

This November, I’m swapping far-flung trails for the gym floor, all in the name of Movember and men’s health. For years, I’ve supported Movember, but the recent loss of a loved one to cancer has brought its importance into sharp focus.

Every big journey starts with a question.

Before Cesca and I set off for the year chronicled in Trials & Tea Ceremonies, life had thrown a few curveballs. It prompted some big questions: “Is there a better way to live out there?” and crucially, “Stripped of context… what do I actually want to do with this one life?”. That desire to step off the conveyor belt and seek answers beyond the everyday fuelled our travels. It’s a similar feeling that motivates this #BashoMovemberJourney – stepping outside the comfort zone to challenge myself and support something vital: men’s health. Facing health questions, whether mental or physical, forces us to take stock, just like that pre-travel moment did for me. Let’s support Movember in providing resources and research so more men have the chance to ask those big questions and live their answers.

Why? Because not everyone gets good news in the doctor’s office. Supporting Movember’s work in prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention feels more important than ever. Follow along, donate if you can, and maybe grab a copy of the book as a thank you! Let’s do this.

• Row 50km  (Those long boat trips!)

• Deadlift 200kg x 5  (Mountain climbs & hard graft!)

• Push Press 100kg  (Pushing through!)

• Walk 50km  (The endless traveller’s path!)

• Drop 5kg  (Transformation!)