It might only be a five kilometre walk - up a very steep hill at that - but for Port Macquarie's Tony Wright Sunday's King of the Mountain isn't about breaking a record or busting a gut.
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His simple target is to finish. And hope that someone's left at the top to drive him back down.
The event is on Sunday with a five kilometre run or walk up North Brother Mountain, Laurieton.
Tony was knocked from his bike during a training ride on Ocean Drive, near Lake Cathie in March 2017.
He sustained multi-fractures, underwent skin grafts, and was listed in intensive care in a serious condition for several weeks in John Hunter Hospital.
His recuperation has been long and often painful.
Well known as the swim coordinator for Port Macquarie Ironman, Tony was heavily involved in surf club where he is a life member of the Port Macquarie Surf Club. He also worked as a lifeguard for many years.
His most recent surgery, in May, was on his right elbow while he continues to see arm and hand specialists twice a week.
"I just walk everywhere now. Last weekend we walked from Settlement City along the coastal walk to the Tacking Point Lighthouse," he said.
"I'm walking as much as I can and everywhere I can. I can't just sit at home.
"I'm the kind of person that just needs to get out and be doing stuff. Sitting at home drives you nuts," he said.
"I'm also getting back into surf club and will be sitting a scrutineer's course."
Tony described his recuperation as a "slow journey that can't be rushed". He thanked his family for their support
He has also learnt to be patient. Which hasn't been easy, he says.
Now I have to think through the process to make sure that I can do it and then what impacts, if any, that it could have on me.
- Tony Wright
"Before it would have been a case of 'let's go and do this, and off we'd go and do it," he said.
"Now I have to think through the process to make sure that I can do it and then what impacts, if any, that it could have on me."
Tony swims at the pool twice a week and works out at the gym.
While he acknowledges that he won't reach the heights of his previous fitness levels, he plans to concentrate on movement-based activities.
One of his next goals is to obtain his car licence which will help increase the ability to visit the pool and the gym.
"This is all about being patient, which I'm starting to learn," he added.
Tony was invited to start the 2018 King of the Mountain and he loved the experience.
He says he "owes the Camden Haven Surf Club" for hosting the event each year and for giving him the chance to start last year's race.
"While I have limitations on what I can do, I will be making an effort (on Sunday)," he said.
"It won't be a milestone, but I want to tick a box. If I can get there (the finish line) I will be really happy.
"I'm not going to bust a gut or break a record. I will be walking with a few people too.
"This is my thank you to the club. It's a great day out and everyone get's back to the surf club and enjoys themselves."
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