Kokoda Pre-trek Physical Training

[EveG]

Hi all,

I'm not trying to sell anything – just genuinely looking for some feedback.

I'm a personal trainer and will be doing Kokoda in August. Once I come back, I intend to start training small groups specifically in preparation for doing Kokoda. I'll also be utilising the services of a friend who's also a personal trainer and is coming along with me when I train – rain, hail or shine (because nobody else will!), so she understands what's involved.

I know there are other groups that offer training, either through the trekking organisation or gyms. But for people like me who are on their own (I'm going with my dad, but he's in Qld and I'm in Vic) and don't want to join a gym, there doesn't seem to be much of a structured alternative that doesn't have some kind of catch to it, like being a member of a club, or going with a particular trekking company. This is why I want to pursue this business idea.

The other thing I've found is that I've spent a lot of time contemplating what clothing etc I want to buy, how much it's going to cost, where I'll have to buy it, and all the planning that goes along with it. And I'm just getting frustrated.

By chance, I've started working with a company that sells active (gym) wear and in July they are also bringing out a range of anti-mosquito treated products, including shirts, pants, hats, socks, sleeping bag liners etc to help protect against malaria and dengue fever . The fabric is odourless and non-irritant and each batch of material is certified. Obviously, there is still a requirement for the tablets and repellent to complement the clothing. I'll be wearing the clothing when I go in August and may become a distributor if they do all they claim.

My questions are…

• Would an all-outdoor, 3 month training program be something you would consider?
• Would it be beneficial to have trek clothing provided as part of a package with your training?
• Would you prefer to choose to purchase the clothing separately? (A training and clothing package, or either one on its own.)
• Would you prefer to train in a small group (eg one trainer and up to 6 people) or a larger group (eg two trainers and up to 12 people)? Or would you rather groups be split according to fitness levels?
• Is there anything you wish you did or wish you knew in your training that would have helped you on the trek?

Any other ideas, feedback, suggestions would be great.

Thanks!
Eve

[Geoff Hardie]

Hi EveG, I believe your business idea very good and worthy of further evaluation.

As I have mentioned in some of my previous posts, I was fortunate to undertake my preparation to walk Kokoda in Aug 2007 with Ross Clover, a major consultant to Bill James book, "Field Guide To the Kokoda Track".

Ross of course had already trekked Kokoda a number of times and was preparing a group to walk the Track with him in July 2007. Ross's advice and general information during our association and preparation over a period of 3 months was invaluable. Importantly he introduced us to training tracks in Victoria which very much duplicated the terrain we would experience on the Kokoda Track.

It was interesting to note the frequent number of times we crossed paths with other groups also in preparation to trek Kokoda. Ross was more than willing to share his experiences with these other groups who were most appreciative and "hungry" for his inside info.

Gym workouts are fine, but in my opinion, 75% of preparation must be getting outdoors and experiencing, overnight hiking and specifically, the terrain you will experience on the Kokoda Track.
In summary I believe there is a market for your business idea.

I am not so sure getting involved in putting together clothing packages is such a good idea though.
The logistics would be horrendous. Far better to give advice on what best to have and leave it to individual to source their own according to the myriad of personal tastes etc.

If I can be of any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me

Best wishes

Geoff Hardie

[EveG]

Hi Geoff,

Thanks for the feedback. I think I've carried that book with me every day for the last month or so, reading a bit each day. It's awesome for someone like me who is very into military history, but also for getting an idea of the terrain of each section of track. A really good investment! How fortunate for you to be able to train with Ross Clover.

You're right about the difference training outdoors, compared to a gym. Climbing up (and sliding down!) muddy hillsides is a much heftier task than going up and down on a step or other gym machine. Having said that, I'm also a big advocate for general gym/body weight training – squats and lunges can make the outdoor work less of an effort on the legs and it all pays off in the end.

The trouble I've had has been in locating places to train. The ones I've been to have been from knowing about them previously, or being told by someone who was training there themselves. In addition, there are a lot of places I can't go by myself, simply for safety reasons – yet another motivation behind my decision to specifically train people for this adventure; so they'll have someone to guide and encourage them, but more importantly, go with them. (Aside…I get asked all the time why I run with my clients. If I told them to run around the block and not walk, while I waited for them, do you think they'd do it? And I don't like to ask clients to do what I'm not prepared to do myself.)

I may decide to do the clothing thing on the side, as I'm already a distributor for the separate gym and casual wear brands. The anti-mosquito wear was a bonus/chance encounter that looks very much like good timing. But I have time to think about it.

Thanks again for your thoughts. I appreciate them.

Eve

[peterh13]

Hi Eve.

Your idea does sound good and Im sure people would benefit from your experiences.
I agree with Geoff that more time spent out in the bush is better than time spent in the gym,,but gym work does have its place.
My wife has some of that mossie repellent clothing, it seems to work ok.She bought it from Rays Outdoors in Sydney.

[EveG]

Thanks again for the replies. Everyone I've talked to seems to think this is a good idea.

If anyone else has more thoughts/suggestions, I'd like to hear them.

Thanks.
Eve

[Author]

Posts