FINAL WEEK of TRAINING!

The North Jaw Bone - Cathedral Range

We have entered the final week of training for Nepal and looking forward to having a week of recovery prior to commencing our journey.

Gym training has consisted of 24 altitude training sessions conducted at Vibromania - Croydon.
We have worked our way to be exercising at altitudes above 4000m. Intense sessions where our O2 Saturation has been maintained at around 78 to 81%. Normal levels are between 95-98%. The final four sessions have also seen the altitude increased to around 5000m and saturation reduced to 75% for the last 7 minutes. We feel good! It is interesting to feel the impact of the increased altitude on our breathing, deep long breaths that never quite fill the lungs.

Dandenong Morning

Walking! 
The main aspect of our training has been preparing our legs and body for walking, with and without our day packs.

Some basic facts:

• Over the last 8 weeks we have covered over 180 kms of Strava measured walking. (As an estimate we have covered another 40-60 kms).
• Over the last 4 weeks we have climbed more than 4500m in elevation (measured). 
• Locations: Mt Lofty in Warrandyte State Park, 1000 Steps, The fire trail and Mt Dandenong surrounds, walking to and from work, walks around home, Cathedrals and The Grampians NP. 

Are we ready? I guess only time will tell. One thing for certain, within two weeks we will be on the first day of our Trek. We are feeling confident that we have prepared ourselves well, we will follow the rules all the way through - slowly slowly, drink plenty of fluids, eat well, rest and listen to our guide!

The Fire Trail - Liz and Andrea