Have I enough time to train for the Oxfam Trailwalker?

Hi Gary
I am looking at putting together a team for the Trailwalker 08. I have only just come across the site and found the training information.
We will be in the beginner category. I notice that your training plan starts 6 months out, as we now only have just under four months (give or take a week or so as some people are away for the xmas break) do you think it would still be possible for us to do enough training in the period of time left to comfortably complete the challenge. Or do you think it would be better for us to wait until 09?

Any advice you might have would be great.

Kind regards
Rebecca
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Gary Moller comments:


Rebecca, there is never enough time to get fit for these kinds of events. You can never start too soon. The most important things is to start training now because four months are better than three and three sure is a lot better than two!

I have no doubt that you can do it; it just means that you will not be quite as fit as you could be when you and your team lines up on the day. You will be able to complete the event; but you will cover less distance and may be more tired and sore than if you had six months training under your collective belts.

Take extra care with your training not to do too much; especially during the early stages while the legs are getting used to the unaccustomed activity. Train as a group about once a week, being mindful of keeping within the limitations of the least fit person in the squad.

Training is mostly about consistency rather than infrequent bursts of extreme effort. Steady as she goes Rebecca! The best route to the kind of fitness you seek is through time spent on your feet placing one foot in front of the other. Do not worry too much about sticking clodely to schedules at the moment: Get out and walk/run at every opportunity, including the occasional long session as there is in the training schedules.



When you come closer to the day of the Trailwalker, you can re-evaluate your collective fitness levels and determine the best tactics for having a successful and enjoyable time of it.