How do I train for Kokoda?

So you’ve decided to do the Kokoda Trail and you want to use your Kokoda training time well. You are aware that you need to do a fair bit of walking to prepare for the 96km trek. But how do you maximise your training time to get the best results? Well the answer is simple…. Hills!! It’s all about the hills!

To get the most benefit out of your training for Kokoda, you need to walk up and down, just like the track itself! When planning your training, research your local area and find hill climbs that are available to you.

In most towns there is the local lookout or hill, these are perfect locations to regularly climb, up and down carrying your daypack. If you get used to hill climbs, you are more likely to find the Kokoda Track enjoyable and your body will thank you!

If you live in a built up city area you might have to be more creative during the week, like looking for every opportunity to take the stairs rather than the elevator, and then head out to the hills on the weekend! Although even in the city, for example Perth’s Kings Park has a great stair walkout called ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ right in the heart of town!

As your Kokoda trek gets closer it’s a good idea to go hiking for the weekend and do a 2 day walk and campout for the night. This will give you a great opportunity to test out your equipment and spend 2 full days trekking! So my red hot tip for training for the Kokoda Track is…. Get vertical….often!