Chisel Fitness Attacks the Kokoda Challenge!
Chisel Fitness have entered a team in the 2008 Kokoda Challenge. The Kokoda Challenge is Australia’s ultimate team event, combining endurance and mate ship, as teams of four trek a rugged 96kms of terrain in 39hours.
The Chisel Fitness team consists of Joanne Kershaw, Majella van Hoof, Tara Swain & Eleisha Harriss. The girls have been training hard for a number of months, testing out sections of the Kokoda Challenge track as they build their fitness and strength as well as testing out their backpack, walking shoes and headlamps (...yes, there's no stopping, they walk all through the night!).
The track starts in Mudgeeraba and ends in Nerang and includes several large mountain climbs and some great scenery provided by the Gold Coast State Forests.
31 hrs, 35min
7am Saturday July 19th...the last post played in the crisp morning air followed by a gun salute and off they went! Spirits were high as they tackled the hills in the first few stages of the course. Polly's Kitchen saw the girls recharge with a cup of hearty soup and a change of clothes. The next battle saw 7 creek crossings conquered as darkness fell and the path underfoot became a lot less stable. The lasagna at Numinbah Hall keep them going despite the almost zero temperature...but they were over half way and had to press on.
Numinbah Hall to Syd Duncan Park was the toughest by far. The girls traveled this section from 10pm - 4am. The lack of sleep and sore muscles took its toll as the girls found themselves staggering only to wake up and remember they needed to keep walking! As the sleep deprivation set in, somehow the girls found the courage to push through the early hours of the morning. As the sun rose, so did the girls spirits and they arrived at the last major checkpoint where the support crew were eagerly awaiting them.
Suddenly the end was in sight...the girls had been tough and pushed through a head cold, blistering feet and a twisted knee to finally feel the elation of crossing the finish line after 31 hours and 35 minutes on their feet.
It was a huge effort that they should be extremely proud to have achieved.
Thanks for your Support!
Thank you to everyone that helped support the girls...they raised over $1000 for the charity. Special thanks goes to:
Charmaine Beswick
Cristy Collins
Brian Lawrie
Amanda Skuse
Mel Sinclair
Belinda Kershaw
Clint Barends
Pauline Kershaw
Travis Beswick
Tennille Parry
Jade Air for
Alan and Margaret Power
Aaron Zimmerle
In Training
Most would treat the morning of a long weekend with a nice cosy sleepin...but not if you are in training for the Kokoda Challenge. The girls are definately dedicated...they met at the Nerang Veladrome at 4:30am to start a 48km training walk. Despite the rain, the girls got out there and gave it their all. 9 hours later they return 4 very wet, tired and sore girls with a solid 48km under their belt. They are really putting in the Effie so please show your support by making any donation of support you can.
The Chisel Fitness Team
Tara, Majella, Eleisha, Jo
Majella Refueling Jo & Eleish taking a break Tara tending to a strained groin!!