The five places that changed my life: Hanny Allston, long distance runner

DENMARK

I never expected to become a world champion but when I crossed the 2006 World Orienteering Championships finish line in Denmark, that six-second winning margin changed my life. I became the only non-European, junior athlete to ever win a senior World Orienteering title. It was the same year Mary Donaldson from Tasmania became the Princess of Denmark and I got to race around the sprawling, manicured grounds of their summer palace.

SOUTH-WEST NATIONAL PARK, TASMANIA

I am lucky to have experienced this beautiful and extremely remote part of Australia when I decided to run the entire 93 kilometres of the South Coast of Tasmania. The run was 12 hours of marvellous expansive beaches and towering peaks. I didn't expect to achieve this goal, which made South-West National Park by far the most satisfying experience in my athletic career. I learnt to overcome fear, find inner strength and foster a deep appreciation for my wild island home, Tasmania.

JAPAN

Sitting alone in an outdoor onsen, rain streaming off the roof, with the presence of towering volcanic mountains lingering nearby in the dark, I felt a profound sense of peace and a maturing of my soul. I first travelled to Japan to race at the 2005 World Orienteering Championships, and have returned each year to experience that same feeling. Japan is where I learnt the art of self-compassion.

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN

The ability to cover long distances by foot gives me a unique experience and builds more of a connection to my environment while travelling. I can remember vividly the rich forest floor in Gothenburg, running through blueberries, raspberries and wild strawberries. Running through rolling landscapes, having hot saunas, and jumping into the cold lakes – it made me feel alive. Through highs and lows, and a shared passion for the sport of orienteering, Gothenburg in Sweden became my second home.