The Training For Trekking Podcast

Today I share with you a simple, long term approach to training for hikers. Often I find myself talking about preparation for hikers who are 16, 12 or 8 weeks out from their adventures... But what if you are 12 months out? Or 18? Or two years? What can you do then? Because following a structured plan for this time (for most) is a recipe for boredom and burnout... Instead, you want to ensure you co...

Today, I share a few training options for hikers, when the weather is too horrendous to hit the trail. All too often, the weather can get in the way of our hiking. Rain, storms, hail, snow. Even extremely hot weather can limit us on the trail... Traditionally, when faced with this, hikers like to say "there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" or "y ou'll be hiking in all weather so...

In this episode, I share with you the single most important mental preparation tip for a challenging hike, trek or mountaineering adventure. If you follow this tip, you can feel confident that you are ready and able to tackle the major challenges your upcoming adventure will throw at you. == Need some extra help getting physically and mentally prepared for an adventure? Check out The Online Summit...

In this episode, I discuss my system of training hikers for a challenge hike (such as 50km in 24 hours). There are so many amazing hiking challenges out there. Whether it is 50km in 24 hours, 100km in 48 hours or anything in between. They are a great goal to aim for, can be an amazing social event and, of course, raise money for so many amazing charities. But I have one major issue with them... So...

In this episode, I recommend some physical and mental strategies to prepare for the challenge of hiking over uneven and rough terrain. Whether it is mud, scree, traverses, rock hopping, river crossings, roots or just generally rough terrain, sometimes hiking definitely ain't a walk in the park! For some, these challenges are just part of the fun. But for many others, these can cause a serious amou...

This episode is specifically talking to those who are training for a significant trail adventure in the near future (and want to do it pain-free!) Joint pain while training for a hike, trek or a mountain adventure sucks. And unfortunately, it is so incredibly common. Whether it is foot pain (like plantar fasciitis), shin pain (shin splints), knee pain (hikers knee), hip pain or lower back pain - a...

In this episode, I share a powerful strategy which you can apply to improve and upgrade your hiking training, no matter what your current situation is. Quite often hikers get caught up chasing the idea of 'the best'. What is the best type of training? What is the best number of days to work out? What is the best diet for the trail? But sometimes when we end up chasing 'the best' we don't end up do...

In this episode, I discuss a few simple strategies on how a hiker can avoid the dreaded post-trail blues. One of the hardest parts of any adventure is coming back home. Back to the monotony of work... endless social commitments... emails... phones... tv... stress. After experiencing so much magic and peace on the trail, it is no surprise so many hikes struggle emotionally when they return to reali...

In this episode, I explain how hikers, trekkers and mountaineers can get strong, without putting on any extra weight in muscle. Strength training is amazing for hikers. Everyone should be doing it. But one common objection I hear is that hikers don't want to put on extra weight in muscle, which they will then have to carry around on the trail. And considering how obsessive the hiking community can...

In this episode, I discuss some practical strategies a trekker can use to best prepare their body for the rigors of hot weather hiking. Hiking in the heat can be seriously tough... Whether you are thru-hiking through the desert on the Pacific Crest Trail, trekking through the jungles of Borneo or simply hitting some day hikes in the summer sun, high temperatures really add an extra element of chal...

Today I discuss how you can best prepare and train for a high altitude hike if you don't live near any mountains.   High altitude trekking has captured the imagination of so many people around the world. Who hasn't daydreamed at some point of standing at the top of Kilimanjaro? Or of conquering the pilgrimage to Everest Base Camp? But, while most of us have the opportunity to prepare physically be...

In this episode, I discuss my simple (and proven!) formula on how to prepare your body for an elevation gain hike, if you live at sea level. One of the most common questions I hear is "Where I live is about as flat as a pancake, how can I get ready for a mountain trek?" And unfortunately, the common answers I hear usually fall a bit short... While things like "hit the stair master", "get your legs...

This episode will tell an aspiring trekker exactly what they need to do in their training to get fit, strong and resilient to conquer the Kokoda Trail! The Kokoda Trail is a pilgrimage for Australian trekkers. Renowned for its rough terrain, stunning landscapes and it's wartime history, it is something which has sat on so many hikers bucket list for years. But while we know it is a serious physica...

In this episode, I discuss a number of popular training methods in the hiking and adventure community which are entirely overrated. When you are training for a hike, trek or mountain adventure, there are a million ways to go about your preparation. Some of them are good. Some of them are bad. And some of them sound good in theory, but in actual fact are not worth your time...     You may see plent...

In this episode, I interview Mark Walters, an experienced hiker, outdoor enthusiast and physiotherapist and we discuss a broad range of subjects to do with injury, training and hiking. Injury while hiking and trekking are incredibly common. Things like knee pain, sprained ankles, tendon issues and back pain are common complaints from the trail. Unfortunately, the common advice around preventing an...

In this episode, I discuss a range of simple strategies a hiker, trekker or mountain adventurer can use when they are struggling with motivation to train. Training motivation is always a tricky thing. And when you have a significant trek, hike or mountain adventure in the future, sometimes it simply can be tough to remain focused and motivated to train, for months at a time. But when this happens,...

In this episode, I interview Lisa Wilkes, a lifelong trekker and incredibly knowledgeable podiatrist. She helps clear up many of the misconceptions around feet which commonly get passed around in the hiking community.   When it comes to hiking, your feet are your best friend. But, unfortunately, foot issues are incredibly common in the adventure community. And even more unfortunate, is that there...

In this episode, I discuss how you can get fit, strong and resilient for a significant hike or trek (if you are carrying a few extra kilos around the middle). Hiking and trekking are sports for all body shapes and sizes. There should be no exclusion in these amazing activities. And everyone should feel comfortable aspiring towards any adventure they have their heart set on. But let's face it, if y...

In this episode, I interview Kyle Kamp from Valley To Peak Nutrition and we discuss all things nutrition, hiking and adventure. The world of nutrition is incredibly complex... and the world of trail nutrition is no different! And with so many opinions floating around out there on every subject imaginable, who should you believe? Well I can safely say that Kyle is your man here. He is a registered...

In this episode, I discuss a number of common training mistakes I see again and again and again in the adventure community (and what to do instead). When it comes to training for hiking or trekking, there is a lot that goes into successful preparation... There is the training itself, there is getting your head around nutrition, there is making sure you don't get sick, that you can sleep well both...

In this episode, I share with you some very specific workout routines which a hiker, trekker or mountaineer can use to improve their performance on the trail. Today we are diving into the specific training methods you can use in your preparation, to get you 100% ready to conquer your adventure. So if you are looking to improve your endurance, strength or speed, you will know exactly how to do it!...

In this episode, I discuss EXACTLY what a hiker or trekker can do in their training if they always get out of breath during ascents.    One of the most common questions I hear from trekkers is      "I am fine while hiking on the flat. But the second I come to a bit of elevation, I turn into a red faced, sweaty, out of breath mess... What can I do to stop this?" Well if this is you, I have some bad...

In this episode, I discuss some quick strategies and tactics a hiker or trekker can apply to overcome many common problems on the trail. While consistency, time and patience should be the cornerstone of overcoming any problem a hiker may be facing (in areas such as fitness, injury prevention, nutrition etc) sometime people just want solutions now... which is fair enough! So today I share with you...

In this episode, I discuss some simple (but often unmentioned) strategies on how to delay and prevent fatigue while hiking. You will learn: The single most important tip I know which can prevent early fatigue from clouding your time on the trail A couple of handy 'supplements' which every hiker should carry on the trail What you need to avoid doing when you come to difficult and strenuous sections...

In this episode, I discuss how a hiker or trekker can prepare their bodies to handle an often unmentioned part of the trail, descents.    Descents are tough. Shooting pain in the knees... crushed toes... slips, stumbles and falls... some serious amount of mental drain... and uncontrollable jelly legs...   And while any experienced hiker will know they are nothing to be laughed at, there doesn't se...