Often touted as one of Carlton’s fittest athletes, even Andrew Walker has admitted training at altitude is not for the faint hearted.
 
After blowing out the cobwebs on day one, Carlton’s fitness staff wasted no time putting the players to work on day two.
 
“Today was really solid, I think I clocked up about 17kms on the GPS which included a high intensity running session and a 6am walk in -10 degrees weather,” he said.
 
“We also had our first real skills session in the dome followed by weights then a cross training session on the bike, so it has been a long day and everyone is well and truly ready for bed.”
 
Walker said he had really noticed the effects of training at altitude.
 
“Our sessions are tough anyway, but with the high altitude and extremely cold weather you really feel tight in the lungs and have shortness of breath,” he said.
 
“Most of the boys have now invested in beanies, gloves and thermals - anything to keep them warm on the long walks!”?

The playing group will face a similar training schedule tomorrow, before setting off on the first of two hikes up Mount Humphreys later in the week.