by Charlotte Horne
I’m Charlotte. I work at Coastrek. And I broke the rules. (Kinda).
It’s ironic – I’m your classic Type A personality. Serial to-do list writer. Colour-coded calendar queen. So, deciding to do Coastrek six weeks out from Event Day would usually throw me into a full-blown tizzy. But for some reason, I relished the idea.
When I was told I didn’t need to work at the event (because our A-star team had it covered), I sweet-talked my partner using my trusty persuasive skills, signed us both up, and dove head-first into the life of a trekker.
Did I mention we opted for the 50km?! Yeah, I’m not sure why either.
It was six weeks out. We were staring down 50km. And fundraising. We live in different states. We had zero training under our belts.
I thought: “Are we going to regret this?”
He (probably) thought: “WTF has she signed me up for?”
Who were we kidding?! Those pesky thoughts faded fast – replaced by excitement and anticipation. But boy, did we have to get organized.
Fundraising. Training. Planning. Gear to buy. Shoes to try. The works.
Now is probably a good time to preface that I do not recommend signing up last-minute and skipping the 12-week training plan like it’s optional. BUT – I am here to tell you that yes, you can still do Coastrek if time is against you. And yes, it will still probably be one of the best things you ever do.
Registration – tick. Team name – tick. Colour-coded calendar invite – tick.
So… what now? How does one prepare when time is against them?
In short: you do your best. Then you walk. Then you learn.
I squeezed in long walks around my neighbourhood. I watched plenty of sunrises. I tried to follow the spirit of the 12-week training plan – just… condensed. I listened to the Top Tips replay. I stalked the Coastrek Facebook Community Group (incredibly valuable, FYI). I printed the gear checklist. I even bought fancy toe socks (game-changer, by the way).
Event Day finally rolled around.
The 3:15am alarm went off. We hopped on the shuttle bus and arrived at the 50km start line. I had two things on my agenda.
- Find a strong AF long black to get me going (IYKYK),
- Track down Coastrek Ambassador, super fundraiser and seasoned trekker Peta O’Brien.
This was her seventh Coastrek. She trains properly. She preps thoroughly. And she knew exactly what was ahead. Meanwhile, I was clinging to every last-minute tip I could wring out of her.
“As long as you’ve spent time on your feet, you’ll be fine,” she reassured me.
“Sh*t,” I thought.
Let me tell you – the difference in our prep showed.
While I was managing blisters, cramps and rationing my snacks like it was the Hunger Games, Peta was cruising through the kms like she was on a morning stroll to her local café. Her feet? Fine. Her energy? Buzzing. Her recovery? Swift. My hips? Absolutely having a tantrum.
I already knew our 12-week training program was solid – I’ve written about it, shared it, posted about it. But this was the first time I felt why it matters.
It’s not just about fitness. It’s about comfort. Confidence. Momentum. It makes 50km feel doable – and even fun.
So no, I don’t regret doing it last-minute. Not at all. It was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done, and I’ll remember it forever.
But next time? I’m going full 12-week girly. Because finishing Coastrek is amazing – but finishing it feeling strong, injury-free and smiling the whole way through? That’s the real win.
Thinking about signing up for Coastrek but haven’t trained much yet?
Do it anyway – and then train. Whether you’ve aced it and signed up months before as a VIP (seriously, make sure you’re on that list!), got 12 weeks or just six, start where you are. And if you can follow the full Coastrek Training Program? Do it. Your feet, hips, and post-event selfies will thank you.
Please note! Coastrek success can depend on many factors like your base level fitness, health and previous hiking experience. Consult your medical professional before starting any new fitness program.
