Training Schedule

Well, this section is easy. What you need to do is Train, train and train more !!!!

I am reasonably fit... ride a minimum of 30 kms a day to work, plus play sports such as tennis etc.

Kokoda requires more than just these basic levels of walking/riding fitness. The hike is not that long distance wise (about 95 km). The problem is the terrain. the steep rises and falls in elevation play serious havoc with your quads, hamstrings, calves and glutes. 


There are some excellent training areas to work these muscles in Melbourne.
Probably the best is the 1000 steps near Ferntree Gully. Without pre-training, walking these steps five times in one session will make it extremely difficult to walk up and down stairs the next day at work.... trust me !
We have walked these steps nearly every weekend now for 2 months.

Another great walk near Melbourne is that Glasgow track up Mt Dandenong. This is a very steep, short hike that will give your quads a good work out.... try it half a dozen times before you head off.

Don't forget to walk the steps at work if you have them rather than taking the lift. no better training than working up 50 floors in your building. Not quite as nature filled as the 1000 steps, but a very effective training method.

From what I have read, they key thing on the track is to start easy and get into the Kokoda 'Trudge' asap. Once you have the rhythm going, you can go forever. The rhythm is generally up and running during day two.

The worst thing you can do is go Rambo day one and try to beat a world record on the track. Many a walker has overstressed day one and never recovered, having to be evacuated at Kagi or there abouts !