CBR100 Challenge ramps up with release of training and nutrition plans

Posted on 5 December, 2014

It’s been three months since the announcement of the CBR100 Challenge – an event that will see locals and visitors alike join the ACT Chief Minister and other prominent Canberrans in walking up to 100kms  of  Canberra’s Centenary Trail – and now we’re getting to the pointy end. It’s time to get serious about preparing your body and mind for the challenge ahead.

Although the walk will be beautiful, weaving its way around iconic sites, hidden treasures and national institutions, it will be (as the name suggests) a challenge…and there’s never been a better time to get ready.

Event creator, Kimberlee King from Earlybird Events, says it’s perfect timing. “Ideally you would start training 12 weeks before the event, so with the event taking place on 21–22 March, it means kitting yourself out with new gear just after Christmas.

“Critically, this means you don’t have to train in the depths of winter and you can work off those Christmas kilos. And if you’re really keen to make the most of this opportunity, you could even take the plunge and start training now,” she says.

But how to start? It really is as simple as visiting the CBR100 Challenge website,  where you’ll find free training and nutrition plans, developed by experts and doable for every body.

Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Nick A’Hern, Managing Director of A’Hern Fitness has designed 12 week training programs that are specifically developed for 100km, 50km and 25km walkers of all fitness levels and include different ‘phases.

“We have a ‘base’ phase where you’re getting your body ready for the challenge ahead; you’ll then step into an endurance phase, which is where the hard work starts. You start covering some more km, you do back-to-back walks, and introduce strength training, then we move into a taper phase,” says Nick.

“It’s about getting the walks done, getting the recovery done – because listening to your body is a really important part of training; and being physically and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.”

Nutrition is also covered, in a 12 week program developed by Kate Freeman of The Healthy Eating Hub. It will cover everything from pre-training snack ideas, to hydrating properly, and guidance on how to construct a healthy meal.

“Rather than being meal plans and very specific information, this will teach you foundational elements about nutrition and offer practical tips to integrate into your life,” says Kate.

“Each week there will be a different topic, and within that topic there’ll be general information and recipes. I’ll show you where you can apply what you’ve learnt, and then you’ll have a weekly task to complete.”

The CBR100 Challenge is a great activity for you to tackle as a group. We’ll have a HerCanberra 25km team, and Kate will be walking the big one – the 100km!

As Kimberlee says, “there’s an amazing camaraderie and great thrill that results from overcoming a challenge and achieving a big goal as part of a team.

“If you’re looking for a fun way to get fit with friends, support a worthy cause and explore some of Canberra’s best scenery, then the CBR100 Challenge is the perfect opportunity,”

The event will start and finish in the brand new Westside precinct at Acton Park, and the 100km route is expected to take in panoramic views from the National Arboretum and Mount Ainslie, before travelling out to the northern border and back via a hidden single track alongside Parliament House.

But, as Nick says, “you don’t need to flog yourself every time you go out there – walking’s a great mode of exercise.”

“It’s gentle on joints; heart rate can be achieved by mixing up the gradient and the terrain, getting up some hills. Walking is very achievable by everyone – you can do it with your kids, your dog, wherever you like to do it, it’s just a fantastic way to go!”

And if you’re keen to start walking now, why not consider joining a free Heart Foundation walking group – they’re Australia-wide and offer walking for all sorts of people, paces and places. Just go to the group’s website to find your nearest walking group and follow the simple steps to sign up, or call 1300 36 27 87.

the essentials

What:  CBR100 Challenge
Where: Centenary Trail
When: 21-22 March, 2015
Register: Registrations are open now!
Web: www.cbr100challenge.com.au