The Training For Trekking Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Rowan Smith: Hiking and Trekking Coach

The Training For Trekking Podcast is created to help hikers, trekkers and mountaineers prepare for their bucket list adventures. Rowan shares with you the simple training strategies to get you fit, strong and resilient to tackle anything the trail will throw at you. He also dives deep into subjects such as how to prevent altitude sickness, nutrition while hiking, injury prevention and much, much more. So you can have the very best chance of a safe, enjoyable and successful adventure!

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Training To Hike The Via Francigena : Interview With Chris
#361
Today at 2:26 AM

​In this episode, I interview Summit Strength client Chris about her recent adventure tackling her last section of the Via Francigena pilgrimage walk. Inside she shares some insights about her preparation, training and her experience on this amazing trail. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


10 Days on Kilimanjaro's Northern Circuit: A Couple's Training Story
#360
07/15/2026

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength graduates Karen and Charles, who have just come back from 10 days and a successful summit of Kilimanjaro's northern circuit. Inside, they talk about their training, preparation and experience on this amazing mountain. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

 


62, Two Knee Replacements, and Not One Anti-Inflammatory at Ningaloo
#359
07/08/2026

In this episode I interview Summit Strength client Jenny, and inside she shares her experience training for a 12 day hiking, snorkelling and kayaking adventure at Ningaloo Reef.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

 


Training To Thru-Hike 1000km On The Bibbulmun Track
#458
07/01/2026

In this episode I chat with Mark, a Summit Strength graduate from Melbourne, about his training and experience thru-hiking the Bibbulmun Track - a 1,000 kilometre walk through Western Australia.

Inside we chat about the strength and conditioning he used from this long distance hike, managing a calf strain early in training, the mental grind of weeks on trail, and practical advice for anyone planning a thru-hike.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

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How to Know If You'll Be Ready for Your Hiking Adventure
#457
06/26/2026

In this episode, we cover a simple set of questions you can ask yourself if you are eyeing off a big hiking adventure and are wondering, "Am I actually on track to be ready?"

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

 


The Most Important High Altitude Strategy
#456
06/04/2026

In this episode, I explore the single most important factor that will determine your chance of success and comfort when hiking at high altitude. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Please Carry Enough Water When Hiking
#455
05/27/2026

In this episode, I explore why I think it is a silly idea to try to minimise or 'toe the line' with the amount of water you carry on the trail. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Hiker's Knee Fixed In A Week?
#454
05/20/2026

In this episode, I explore the odd phenomenon that sometimes occurs: a hiker starts a training program and sees 'dramatic' changes in pain within the week.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Why I Love Step Downs For Hikers
#453
05/14/2026

I personally believe that step downs are one of the best strength exercises for hikers. And I use them, in one shape or form, for almost all my clients. 

And in today's episode, I explore a few deeper reasons why I am such a fan (beyond them just being 'useful' or 'specific' for hikers).

If you are not familiar with a step down, or are interested in exploring some different progressions of this movement pattern, check out this article: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/blog/the-best-exercises-for-trekkers-the-step-down

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Want to get fit, strong a...


"I am always tired after my training hikes"
#452
05/13/2026

In this episode, we explore a simple checklist you can use if you always seem to be getting tired (and struggling to recover) after your training hikes. 

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Mentioned in the episode: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/blog/how-to-plan-your-training-hikes

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

 


Should A Hiker Put On Extra Fat Before A High Altitude Hike
#451
05/06/2026

In this episode, I explore the idea that a hiker should concentrate on increasing their body fat in the lead-up to a big high-altitude adventure. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


'This' Before 'That'
#450
04/29/2026

​In this episode, we explore a trend that seems to be coming back into fashion in the fitness industry (and a trap that you don't want to fall into!).

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Wim Hof Breathing For High Altitude Hikers And Mountaineers
#449
04/22/2026

Inside, we explore Wim Hof breathing and how it relates to high altitude hiking and mountaineering. And we discuss if it is an effective method to use in your training or while on the mountain.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Are Hills Or Stairs Better For Hikers In Training?
#448
04/15/2026

​In this episode, we explore a few considerations if you are trying to decide whether to do hill or stair training in your workout program.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?
Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Can Strength Training Make You Worse At Hiking?
#447
04/08/2026

In this episode, we explore the idea that 'incorrect' or 'inefficient' strength training can have a detrimental impact on your hiking. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Rucking For Hikers: Myths vs Facts
#446
04/01/2026

In this episode, we explore the idea of rucking for hikers (e.g loaded-pack walking). And we give a bit of a nuanced take on this subject (to try and balance out a lot of the exaggeration that is seen online with this subject).

Inside, we answer the questions:

Is rucking an effective way to build muscle strength? Is rucking useful for improving or maintaining bone density? Can rucking help with weight loss? Is rucking beneficial for the immune system? Can rucking help with longevity?

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for...


Why Not Do Both?
#445
03/25/2026

​In this episode, I bring some common sense to one of the more silly debates in the world of training for hiking. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Carbon Dioxide For Hikers And Mountaineers
#444
03/18/2026

In this episode, we explore the idea of carbon dioxide tolerance training for hikers and mountaineers.

You will learn:

What carbon dioxide tolerance training is (and the theories on why it can be beneficial for exercise performance) The potential benefits of carbon dioxide tolerance training for hikers and mountaineers Can carbon dioxide tolerance training help with high-altitude acclimatisation, reduce the risk of altitude sickness or improve high altitude exercise performance? How to test and track carbon dioxide tolerance A few training approaches that can help improve carbon dioxide tolerance (and my opinion on their application for hik...


Don't Fall Short With Your Training Hikes
#423
03/11/2026

​In this episode, I explore the number one mistake a hiker can make when preparing for a big hiking adventure (and what to do instead).

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Mentioned in this episode: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/blog/how-to-plan-your-training-hikes

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Are Altitude Gyms Lying To High Altitude Hikers?
#442
03/04/2026

In this episode, we talk about simulated altitude gyms. And we explore a few of the claims people often make about this training, which can be VERY misleading to aspiring high altitude hikers, as well as a few of the actual benefits of this type of training. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Training For Kilimanjaro: Interview With Wanda
#441
02/25/2026

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength client Wanda, who recently came off a successful summit of Kilimanjaro. Inside, she shares some insights about her inspiration for this trip, her training for this high altitude adventure and some of her experiences on the mountain. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


The BOLT Score For Hikers And Mountaineers
#440
02/19/2026

In this episode, we dive into the BOLT Score, a widely recommended test in the world of breathing training. We discuss what the BOLT Score measures, its relevance for hikers and mountaineers and if and how it should be used. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Something Slightly Different In 2026
#439
02/11/2026

In this episode, we explore some slightly different episodes I will be bringing to the podcast this year (and why I have finally decided to speak about certain topics). 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Training For Everest Base Camp: Interview With Yolanda
#438
02/04/2026

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength hiker Yolanda, who recently completed the Everest Base Camp Trek. Inside, she shares how she trained for this high altitude hike, and shares some of her experiences on this amazing adventure.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Different Pacing Strategies For Uphill Hiking
#437
01/28/2026

In this episode, I explore three different pacing strategies a hiker can take for steep uphill hiking (and what my recommended approach is in most situations).

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Training For The Kokoda Track: Interview With Marika
#436
01/21/2026

​In this episode, I interview Summit Strength hiker Marika, who recently successfully completed the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. Inside, she shares how she trained and prepared for this strenuous trail, and gives some insight into her experience on the trail. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Are Limitations Hurting Your Hiking?
#435
01/14/2026

In this episode, we explore why sometimes advice about limiting certain movements and activities can be detrimental to your hiking and life. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Training For Hiking In 2026
#434
01/04/2026

If you want to get fit, strong, and resilient for your hiking in 2026, this is for you! 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Training For Hiking The Grand Canyon: Interview With Jodi
#433
01/02/2026

In this episode, I interview Summit Strengh hiker Jodi, who recently completed an amazing Grand Canyon hiking adventure. Inside, she shares how she trained and prepared for this adventure after she was told that she might need to give up hiking. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


A Simple Goal Setting Process For Hikers
#432
12/25/2025

In this episode, I explore a simple goal-setting process a hiker can use as they look towards 2026 (this is a MUCH simpler approach than I usually talk about).

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Thank You To The Summit Strength Community
#431
12/17/2025

Today I just want to take a moment to say a genuine thank you to everyone who has been involved in the Summit Strength community over 2025. 


A Silly Season Training Strategy For Hikers
#430
12/10/2025

In this episode, I explore a dead-simple training strategy to help a hiker keep moving and manage stress during the silly season.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


How Hikers Can Prepare for 2026
#429
12/03/2025

In this episode, I talk through some strategies you can use in December to set yourself up for a big, successful and exciting year of training and adventure in 2026. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Supplements For Hikers: Interview With Hursh From Optiventure
#428
11/27/2025

In this episode, I interview Hursh from Optiventure, a new business that specialises in supplements for hikers. Inside, he shares some insights about their business journey and what they are trying to accomplish in the outdoor space.

Inside, we cover:

What was the inspiration behind Optiventure (and a look at the beginnings and early journey of their business) What Optiventure are trying to do in the supplements space (and why they believe their product is unique in the outdoor market) Some of the challenges they have faced in their business journey so far Who their product...


Training For Long Distance Hiking Over Summer
#427
11/12/2025

In this episode, I discuss a few strategies a hiker can use if they are trying to fit in longer-distance training hikes over the summer months. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Looking For Hikers
#426
11/03/2025

This week, we are doing a big enrollment drive for our signature program, The Online Summit Program.

Specifically, we are looking for hikers who want to get fit, strong and resilient so they can conquer every adventure.

If you want to learn more, and see if any how this program may be right for you and your hiking, you can book a free discovery call with our team here:

https://www.summitstrength.com.au/application.html


Training For The Laugavegur Trail In Iceland: Interview With Amy
#425
10/29/2025

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength graduate Amy, who recently came off a successful hike on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland.

​Inside, she shares some insights about how training and preparations, and also talks about her experiences on this amazing trail. 

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Want to learn more about the hiking tour Amy did? You can check out 'Viking Women Tours' here: https://www.vikingwomen.is/

Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Don't Miss This In Your Preparations
#424
10/22/2025

Today, we explore one crucial aspect to ensure you fit your training, even if you're already following a very active exercise routine.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html 


Weights Vest For Hikers
#423
10/15/2025

In this episode we compare weight vests vs backpacks and talk through if they are useful for a hikers training. 

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html


Tracking For The Win
#422
10/08/2025

Following up from last episode, today we share a situation where tracking workouts and increased awareness led to a significant win.

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Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures?


Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html