Training Advice

WildEndurance is tough and to participate successfully in the event and to get the most out of the experience you are going to need to do some training.

The most important type of training session for an extended trek like WildEndurance is a regular LONG walk or run. This will train your body's systems for the unique demands of endurance events- metabolising food on the go, burning fat, etc.

Most people schedule a long walk or run every weekend as this is often the best way to fit around work and family life. Start with a 2 hour trek at least a couple of months before the event and gradually build to 6-8 hours before easing off in the last fortnight.

Four key points about your training that will help you maximise the benefits -

• Take along your full event kit so you know your gear works and are used to the load
• Train on the actual event course as much as you can so you are ready for the terrain and start to familiarise yourself with the elevation and key landmarks
• Do at least one night trek- running or walking in the bush at night is completely different to the day and it pays to be used to it.
• Eat regularly during your training sessions- during the event you will need to eat regularly to keep your energy levels up, and eating on the go is stressful on the body- so getting used to eating on the move beforehand. See our further tips on nutrition [link to text below]

Apart from your long walk or run at the weekend try and walk/run for at least an hour, at least two other times a week, more is better. Cross training also helps- particularly some core strength work. A strong midsection takes some of the load off your legs and back, and helps prevent injury.

A sample training program for the fit novice is below.

Nutrition

Every person finds different types of food work for them- but most people either prefer sweets which give a sugar hit, or lower-GI carbohydrates which provide longer term fuel.

Some popular endurance foods include

Mars Bars
Snakes (the lolly!)
Salted Nuts
Bananas
Sandwiches
Avocadoes
Fried Rice
Sustagen
Potato chips

In general, eat in small amounts regularly, rather than larger serves occasionally.

As you trek, your body metabolises waste such as lactic acid through the stomach - hence your appetite for particular foods may well vary wildly during the event. Bring a diverse range of tastes and textures.