Another Newbie

[Mahoney]

G'day Guys!

I'm Andy, a 21 yr old from the South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne who's walking the track from the 16th to the 25th of August this year. A bit frustrated that I found this site late in the piece, but enjoying reading everyone's notes and ideas about the trek. Due to plans changing with work, I'm a bit worried that I'm underprepared physically (Frantically trying to change that) but very much looking forward to the trip. I look forward to chatting you all re the walk, I can see there's a heap of info here!

Cheers guys,

Andy

[Boss Meri]

Hi Andy, yes heaps of info on this website that myself and trekkers have posted.

Firstly you are lucky you have youth on your side and still a few more weeks to get fit. Suggest you find the steepest hill in your area that is CLOSE by not a long way to drive to. Or train steps or anything with steps be it a building stairwell whatever.

Practice going up and down, up and down for a couple of hours at least 4 times per week. Not just step by step….first walk up….then down…..then the next time skip a step and reach to the second step and do that all the way up an then walk back down.

The next time try skipping the second…then skip to the third and mix them up all the way to the top. This alone will get you over Kokoda providing you are not carrying too much weight.

Basically the track is mainly straight up and straight down. If you do not have stairs anywhere get hold of an exercise bike and get peddling for hours each week!

So no holding you back Andy, you can make it, and make it you WILL!!!

For myself I live here in PNG and its not safe to walk the streets but I did exactly what I have mentioned above for around 6 weeks along with four x 2 hour walks and it got me over the track.

[Geoff Hardie]

Hi Andy,
Your youth will be an advantage provided a moderate level of general fitness.
Should you wish to test yourself, two tracks worthwhile considering are the High lead track at Powelltown and the walking track up Mt Donna Buang at Warburton. Both are a fair drive from your home however they do very much duplicate the terrain you will encounter on the Kokoda Track.These locations were our training ground for Kokoda in May to August last year. Beware that you will need warm & wet weather clothing at this time of year at both these locations.
Closer to home I understand there is some good "training steps" at Arthurs Seat. Some of our group last year used these as their training ground.

Cheers, Geoff Hardie

[Mahoney]

Cheers guys! The biggest thing I'm ancipating is the mental challenge, and as far as I'm concerned I'm going to walk the track, and not coming back till its done.

I've been a scout for over 13 years, and have been on plenty of hikes throughout that time – I've done the one mentioned in Powell town, but not for a number or years so carrying a pack doesn't bother me. The main thing I'm working on is cardio / I've been walking/running/tap dancing (nerdy I know) for a few years, so legs aren't an issue. Just gonna nut it out one step at a time. Off to work now, but have been loving reading all the info on the site.

Andy

[Boss Meri]

Hi again, I not long arrived home after welcoming back our latest lot of trekkers in Trek 446. I asked the question re mental versus physical.

The pretty much agreed it was 50/50

One guy first day of walking was just short of Isurava Village when he turned and started walking back down towards Kokoda.

When he caught up with the guide on the way up the hill with the trekkers at the rear, the question was asked why he had turned around. Apparently he replied he could not do it and was returning to Kokoda.

After our guide explained he was only a short way from Isurava Village this guy was pursuaded to turn around again and finish his first day's walking.

Guess what, he did it TOUGH but he WALKED through the archway at Owers' Corner today, and boy did he look proud of himself tonight! The poor bloke looked stuffed but I think once he recovers completely he will go back home and feel just so good about himself.

So keep training, try and stay positive and the track awaits you….

[Author]

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