The Training For Trekking Podcast

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength client Todd about his training leading up to a hike the West Maroon Trail in Colorado.

Todd hadn't exercised in over 30 years before starting, so inside he shares what it took to go from the couch to trail-ready, the setback that cost him a quarter of his training window, and how it felt crossing the summit with the friends he's had for four decades.

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

Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength...

In this episode, I interview Leanne from Backtrack Adventures, who is at the very beginning of a training journey to hike Kilimanjaro.

This will be a multi-part series as we follow along with her training, and today we introduce Leanne, chat about her inspiration for this upcoming trek and discuss some expected challenges she will be facing in the lead-up. 

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Follow along with Leanne's journey here:

Learn more about Leanne's Kilimanjaro trip here: https://www.backtrackadventures.com.au/jou...

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength client Cathleen about her training journey to conquer Maine's notoriously challenging section of the Appalachian Trail. 

Inside, she shares insights into her training, challenges, and experiences on some of the toughest sections of the entire AT. 

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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

In this episode I interview Summit Strength client Cyril, who at the age of 74 has recently completed the West Highland Way hike in Scotland.

Inside, he shares some insights about how he trained for this 107-mile hike, the strategies he applied to improve his breathing, enjoyment and leg cramps and his experience on the trail.

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About Maximum Adventrure (the company Cyril used for his hike):

"Maximum Adventure specialises in walking and cycling adventures across the UK and Europe, including some of the UK's best-known long-distance trails such as the West Highland...

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength client Sonia, who is three-quarters through a training journey to prepare to thru-hike Te Araroa in New Zealand. 

Inside, she shares some great insights on how she is training for this challenging long-distance trail, and the challenges she has faced along the way.

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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

In this episode, I interview Summit Strength clients Jill and Dan, who have recently come off a successful adventure of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Inside, they share some insights about their training and preparation for this iconic trail, as well as some very interesting insights about the trip itself.

A great listen for anyone who has the Tour du Mont Blanc on their bucket list, or who is interested in high altitude hiking.

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

Check out the Online Summit Program...

In this episode, I explore a trend in the world of hiking, where coaches are advocating for more and more complicated methods of training - even though the basics and fundamentals of training would probably work just as well. Something any hiker in training needs to look out for!    ==

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

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

​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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

​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

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

​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

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

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:

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

​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

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

You will learn:

​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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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

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