Training And Preparation Around Melbourne

[EveG]

Hi all,

My dad and I are looking to do Kokoda in August this year. He's in Brisbane and has people he can train with. I'm in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and have no idea where to find a group or person to train with.

We're hoping to be sponsored for the trip and raise money for a couple of charities, so I want to keep my training and associated costs to a minimum.

I'm studying to become a personal trainer at the moment and know all the 'gym' exercises I'll need to do for strength, endurance and core training. (Ironically, I don't have the time or money to spend on a gym membership, unless I find someone to 'donate' that as well.) I'd like suggestions or advice on good places in our around Melbourne to endurance train (hike/walk with packs etc), apart from the standard tourist stuff on visitvictoria.com.au, which I could do alone if necessary, and if there are groups who do 'organised' training.

Thanks in advance.
Eve

[cam76]

Hi Eve,

We are a group of three who are doing Kokoda in July, we have done the 1000 steps in Ferntree Gully, the You Yangs (a couple of times) and did the Werribee gorge recently, in addition to our regular personal training.

Let us know if you want to get in touch and you are welcome to train with us.

cheers
CAM

[Geoff Hardie]

Hi Eve,

I walked Kokoda in August last. Two walks east of Melbourne which we found do replicate some of the stepness of Kokoda are the "High Lead track" at Powelltown and the walk up Mt Victoria/Mt Donna Buang at Warburton. Both have extended climbs of 1 in 4. Beyond May, be prepared for very cold and wet weather on these training walks.

Good luck with your training, it is all very worthwhile when you achieve your goal.

Geoff Hardie

[EveG]

Hi Cam, thanks for the offer. I might take you up on that when I'm a little more organised – hopefully soon!

Thanks for the suggestions, Geoff. I'll definitely investigate those.

I appreciate you both taking the time to respond.

Eve 🙂

[jckresq]

I recommend Glasgow Track which starts in Montrose at the base of Mt Dandenong and heads up 1km to the top. Car park is at MELREF 66C1 and you basically head straight up the hill (very steep) crossing over several tracks. See my website for more info. Do this hill up and down 2-3 times to bring yourself up to speed. Happy training. 🙂

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[EveG]

I haven't heard of the Glasgow Track before, but I'll check it out, thanks!

I also had a look at your website and read the diary account of your trip. I enjoyed it. Bummer that you were sick.

I notice you also fundraised. I am doing the same for Camp Quality and Legacy and am looking for sponsors to help us actually get to Kokoda. I've set up donations pages for the charities, but have no idea really where to start or what to do, as I've never done anything like this before. I have money and time constraints. I know it's doable, but it's feeling like a huge task right now.

Any advice?

Thanks.
Eve

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