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I did the Trek last year in May with Harry's Heroes. Our training included an extremely wide variety of walks in the Adelaide Hills. Our program extended for almost 6 months and went like this:
3 Mornings a week a climb up some very steep hills at the back of town increasing to several repeats each day as we got closer. Saturdays/Sundays a very long walk up and down Mt Lofty along Chambers Gully, Eagle on the Hill etc. In all we tried to simulate a typical day on the Trek…say 5 hours walking and climbing non stop.
In addition some of us did Gym 3 additional times a week especially in the several months before we left. The focus was on: Walking on the treadmill at maximum incline and at a constant 4km per hour for 1 hour. Riding the bike …at level 11 for 30 mins aboe 90 revs a minute.
Weights for strength in the back and quad exercises to strengthen legs. Leg strength is critical. We also carried packs with a camel of water (3ltrs) and the equivalent of a day pack in clothing and food. One chap carried 2 bricks in his pack
Was that enough work?
In truth it was BUT we did it on dry land and never ever got wet. While we thought our climbs were severe…guess what, Kokoda makes Mt Lofty look like a gentle slope. Wet takes on a new meaning and increases the degree of difficulty 3 to 4 fold. So…get wet.
The first day………will test anybody. Be prepared for your first bout of self doubt.
No matter what, keep in mind that it is NOT a race. If you want to achieve as well as enjoy and take it all in…..the advice about little steps and walking in a measured and consistent manner is key. Don't be afraid to take frequent short rests to allow your heart rate to recover and then push on even if you slip behind.
It is hard but extremely do able……take your time..it is not a race and will prove the rabbit and hare…story. By the way we ranged in age from mid to late forties up to 65 and everyone did it well.
Enjoy.
QUOTE(oconnor @ 16 Jan 2006, 09:10 AM)Thanks for your reply Wazza – I also was a bit surprised that no-one had any comments. I take your point about weight, will have to work it out – the main concern I had was whether there were any environmental problems. We have been told to unroll our loo paper and fold it into plastic sealable bags.Trekking brings about a few extra nightmares for us womenfolk, deciding just what 'essentials' we use each day we can do without is just one!!! I recently read a story called 'Hiking Boots and Channel No 5 – Trekking Kokoda' about a group of 14 women, it was quite entertaining.
Regards, Nola
<img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//smile.gif” style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:)” border=”0″ alt=”smile.gif” /> Hi,I did trek 74 "Harry's Heroes". Without question the need to restrict weight is important. several people on our trek did in fact take "Wipes" for the very reasons you mention. Suffice to say however the others of us used the standard ration roll. Tips:
Remove the paper centre.
Squash.
Place inside sealable plastic bag.
Limit usage and use only for the real purpose – do not waste and a roll will get you there no worries.You raised and enironmental question. I must say that while I am no "Greenie" I firmly believe there should be a policy of taking out what you bring in. It will not be long before the accumulation of rubbish left behind by mindless trekkers becomes and issue. It is sad to see some Trenches along the way starting to fill up with all manner of wrappings empty bags etc. So, if you can, take out your rubbish and be mindfull of the need to ensure appropriate disposal of anything you leave behind.
Enjoy, it is worth the effort.
QUOTE(oconnor @ 16 Jan 2006, 09:10 AM)Thanks for your reply Wazza – I also was a bit surprised that no-one had any comments. I take your point about weight, will have to work it out – the main concern I had was whether there were any environmental problems. We have been told to unroll our loo paper and fold it into plastic sealable bags.Trekking brings about a few extra nightmares for us womenfolk, deciding just what 'essentials' we use each day we can do without is just one!!! I recently read a story called 'Hiking Boots and Channel No 5 – Trekking Kokoda' about a group of 14 women, it was quite entertaining.
Regards, Nola
<img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//smile.gif” style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:)” border=”0″ alt=”smile.gif” /> Hi,I did trek 74 "Harry's Heroes". Without question the need to restrict weight is important. several people on our trek did in fact take "Wipes" for the very reasons you mention. Suffice to say however the others of us used the standard ration roll. Tips:
Remove the paper centre.
Squash.
Place inside sealable plastic bag.
Limit usage and use only for the real purpose – do not waste and a roll will get you there no worries.You raised and enironmental question. I must say that while I am no "Greenie" I firmly believe there should be a policy of taking out what you bring in. It will not be long before the accumulation of rubbish left behind by mindless trekkers becomes and issue. It is sad to see some Trenches along the way starting to fill up with all manner of wrappings empty bags etc. So, if you can, take out your rubbish and be mindfull of the need to ensure appropriate disposal of anything you leave behind.
Enjoy, it is worth the effort.
