Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne 2019
As many of you may be aware, James has been training hardwith the rest of his team representing PhysioLife in the Oxfam Trailwalker100km walk.Â
Oxfam is a worldwide charity with an ultimate goal of endingworld poverty. Since 1981 the Oxfam Trailwalker initiative has raised over $165mto go towards programs such as sanitation, education and housing projects.Â
With less than 2 weeks to go, all of the long training walkshave been completed and the taper off to ‘game day’ begins. Training hasincluded the long stretch of the first 3 stages in a 36km training walk. Timeon the legs being the main aim. Also to familiarise ourselves with the terrainand how to attack this section at race pace. We plan on completing this ordealin 16-18hrs. Mainly to get a few frosty boys in sooner rather than later. To dothis we plan on jogging the first 200m of every km. In theory this may soundlike a great idea. However only time will tell how long we can keep this paceup. On our previous training walks at race pace this took us down to about7.45/km (absolutely motoring!) including anticipated stops should have usinside the 16hrs with time to spare. Oh the best laid plans…Â
With under 2 weeks to go, our excitement is growing. We have goneall out with toe socks, special anti-chafe jocks (thanks Step One), new camelbacks, custom team kits (donated by CGR) and even laminated maps (thanksBenny!)Â
Here are a few of Telf's tips leading up tothe event:
- Get any niggles sorted out asap.This could prevent any unwanted flare ups along the way or at the very least amanagement strategy will be in place. Your physio, podiatrist or massagetherapist is your best friend at this point.
- Ensure that all footwear is ingood order and adequately worn in. The team at Athlete’s Foot in Camberwellhave looked after us well! You never want to debut some fresh wheels and play roulettewith blisters.
- Discuss in detail foodrequirements with support crew and walking teams. Also agree on equipment,stopping times and strategy to attack or finish the course.
- Start your cab loading 3 days out.We have worked out this could be up to 10,000 calories of burn during the 100km.In event calories should be taken any way possible!
- Have a strategy to deal with theunplanned such as blisters or cramps. This can be having pre-prepared blistermanagement and cramping aids/prevention.
- Make a solid playlist of songs toget your team through the dark times that will surely lead to long stretches ofnot talking to each other!
On behalf of Team PhysioLife we would like to take thisopportunity to thank all of our sponsors and all of those that have kindlydonated to us. This type of support really drives us. Be sure to follow us oninstagram @physiolifeaustralia for regular updates on the journey.Â
There is still time to donate to Team PhysioLife at https://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/my/team/32091Â
Major sponsors include;Â
Zaparas LawyersÂ
Foundr magazineÂ
CaydonÂ
Thank you also to all individual sponsors. We appreciate all the support. We will post a recap of the event along with our final fundraising amount and list of all the generous souls that have chipped in!Â
