Published by Marcus Shapiro | Hiking Strength and Conditioning Coach
Health & Fitness
Sports
Wilderness
The HikeStrong Podcast is where I share practical guidance on hiking, backpacking, and trekking preparation. Each episode blends fitness insight with real-world training strategies to help you build strength, endurance, and confidence for any trail. I sit down with guests to break down how to train for demanding hiking, backpacking, and trekking goals using smart strength training, endurance training, and conditioning approaches. You’ll hear clear advice on altitude training, uphill training, and injury prevention, all woven into training conversations that support preparation for major destinations such as Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, Rim to Rim, Tour du Mont Blanc, the Camino de Santiago, Patagonia, Machu Picchu, the Alps, and the Dolomites. Because training is never one‑size‑fits‑all, I also bring listeners inside real programs. In select episodes, I interview clients in a deep‑dive format that reveals week‑by‑week training details — real data, real challenges, and real solutions — offering a clearer picture of how people actually prepare for hiking, backpacking, and trekking goals. A cornerstone of my approach is elevation‑gain training. I believe that consistently building weekly elevation gain is one of the strongest predictors of success on any major adventure. In each episode, I share clear, actionable ways to develop that strength — even if you don’t have access to hiking terrain — so you can stay on track whether you train on hills, treadmills, stair machines, or step‑ups. If you're preparing for a major trip, gearing up for a multi-day backpacking route, or building a long-term plan for tougher hiking or trekking challenges, you’ll find episodes that support every step of your training. Beyond training, some episodes feature voices from across the hiking, backpacking, and trekking worlds — guides, operators, storytellers, and industry experts whose insights can shape how you think about adventure. These conversations broaden your perspective and influence your outdoor experiences, even when the focus isn’t directly on training. Listen, train with purpose, share with your adventure partners — then take on at least one unforgettable hiking, backpacking, or trekking experience each year. Train | Hike | Repeat I’m Marcus Shapiro, a hiking strength and conditioning coach and an early pioneer in online training for hiking, backpacking, and trekking, helping adventurers get physically ready for everything from local elevation goals to high-altitude expeditions.
Don’t Rush Everest Base Camp: Advice from a 30+ Year Himalayan Guide | HikeStrong #41
Everest Base Camp Trekking Guide: 30+ Years of Experience | Hiking & Trekking Nepal, Sherpa Culture, Altitude Tips Ang Tshering Lama, founder of Ang’s Himalayan Adventures, joins Marcus to share a powerful inside look at Everest Base Camp trekking, hiking in Nepal, guiding, and mountain culture. Ang explains his Tamang and Sherpa background, why the term “Sherpa” is often misunderstood, and how he began his trekking and guiding career in the early 1990s after studying mechanical engineering in India. With more than 30 years of experience—and five summits of Mount Everest—he founded Ang’s Himalayan Adventures in 2008. Ang reflects on how Everest Base Camp trekking and hiking routes have evolved, from the classic Jiri approach that took around 21 days with full camping support, to today’s shorter, faster, and more comfortable trekking itineraries. He explains why he prefers longer, more immersive Everest Base Camp treks that allow hikers and trekkers to experience local villages, monasteries, culture, and proper acclimatization—elements often missed on rushed itineraries. The conversation also explores how preparation for Everest Base Camp trekking has changed, why Ang believes many hikers are less prepared today, and how fitness, pacing, packing, hydration, fueling, and patience all play critical roles in reducing altitude-related risk. Ang shares what he looks for when trekkers arrive, why slow hiking and trekking pace matters, and why being fit is not just about reaching Everest Base Camp—it’s about having the energy to fully enjoy the mountains, wildlife, people, and the entire trekking journey. Ang also tells the remarkable story of Mingmar Tamang, who first joined him as a 14-year-old porter and is now a trusted trekking guide who has summited Mount Everest four times. This episode is a thoughtful, practical, and deeply human conversation about Everest Base Camp trekking, hiking in Nepal, Sherpa culture, guiding wisdom, and what it truly means to prepare for a high-altitude trekking adventure. Angs Himalayan Adventures Contact Ang directly: ang.himalayas@gmail.com HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Training Kids for Big Hikes: A Family’s Inca Trail Story | HikeStrong | Ep. 40
Can kids hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? In this episode of HikeStrong, Marcus talks with Anna, a mom of three who trained with her family for one of the world’s most iconic treks. Anna and her husband wanted to create a meaningful adventure with their 13-year-old twin daughters and 14-year-old son, but they also had real concerns: altitude, stairs, endurance, mental toughness, and whether the kids would be ready for one of the world’s most iconic treks. Anna shares how her family prepared in Georgia using local hikes, step-ups, stairs, trekking poles, snacks, and milestone elevation challenges. She also talks about motivating teenagers, managing setbacks, and building confidence before leaving for Peru. The heart of the episode comes on Day 2 of the Inca Trail, during the climb to Dead Woman’s Pass. The daughter Anna once had to encourage through training hikes became the one encouraging her mom, saying, “You’ve got this, Mom.” This conversation is about much more than hiking. It is about parenting, adventure, preparation, doing hard things as a family, and helping kids discover what they are capable of. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Inca Trail vs. Kilimanjaro: Training, Terrain, and What to Expect | HikeStrong | Ep. 39
A hiker who completed both Mount Kilimanjaro and the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu compares the training, terrain, altitude, stairs, weather, guides, and gear. A few months after summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Alicia is back on the HikeStrong Podcast, this time after completing the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. In this episode, Alicia and Marcus compare Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail from the perspective of someone who has trained for and completed both. They discuss the biggest differences in training, altitude, terrain, stairs, descents, guide support, gear, weather, and mental challenge. Kilimanjaro was higher, colder, and more physically demanding, especially with summit night at 19,341 feet. The Inca Trail was shorter, but Alicia found the endless uneven stone steps, rain, and constant need to watch her footing mentally demanding in a completely different way. Alicia also shares how her Kilimanjaro training carried over, why stair training mattered so much for Peru, how balance work helped her feel more confident, and why she now has a deeper understanding of what her body can do. If you are deciding between Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail, wondering how to train, or questioning whether you are “athletic enough” for a big trekking adventure, this episode offers honest, practical perspective from someone who has been there. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
From the Flatlands to Kilimanjaro: Two Paths, One Summit | HikeStrong | Ep. 38
Katherine and Ellen set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro together, but they came into the journey from very different fitness backgrounds. In this episode, they share how they trained from the flatlands, what surprised them on the mountain, and how preparation, friendship, guides, and mindset helped them reach the summit. In this episode of the Hike Strong Podcast, Marcus talks with Katherine and Ellen, two friends who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro together with Thomson Treks. Katherine, 66, came into the experience with a long background in endurance sports, including triathlons, open-water swimming, cycling, and running. Ellen, 55, was active too, but her fitness routine leaned more toward Pilates, barre, hiking, and strength training. Both also lived in the flatlands of the Southeastern United States, which meant preparing for a 19,000-foot mountain required creativity, commitment, and a very intentional training plan. What started as a travel idea between friends became a powerful lesson in preparation, confidence, community, and trust. In this episode, we talk about: How the idea for Kilimanjaro started Training for a mountain while living in flat places The difference between general fitness and trip-specific preparation Why treadmill climbing, stairs, step-ups, lunges, and balance work mattered How training helped on both the ascents and descents Gear lessons from Kilimanjaro The role of guides, porters, and group support on summit day What it felt like to reach the summit Advice for anyone unsure about taking on Kilimanjaro Whether Kilimanjaro is on your list or you are simply preparing for your next big trail, this episode is a reminder that the right training, the right support, and the willingness to say yes can take you farther than you think. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Travel Better, Not More: Insights You’ve Never Heard | HikeStrong | Ep. 37
Most hikers focus on the trail—almost no one understands what shapes the experience before they arrive. What does it really take to create a great hiking experience—and who’s working behind the scenes to make it possible? In this episode, Marcus Shapiro sits down with Shannon Stowell, CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), to explore the hidden systems that shape adventure travel around the world. From developing destinations like the Jordan Trail and Patagonia to training guides and supporting local communities, Shannon shares how ATTA quietly influences the experiences hikers have every time they step onto a trail. The conversation opens with a wild story—being unexpectedly pulled from his own event to meet a governor in Mexico—and quickly expands into deeper insights on what makes adventure travel meaningful, responsible, and sustainable. Marcus also brings a powerful thought experiment to the table: two hikers summiting Kilimanjaro—one prepared, one not. Both reach the top, but the experience couldn’t be more different. What does that mean for guides, group dynamics, and the future of adventure travel? You’ll also hear: How destinations like Chile and Jordan are developed into global hiking hubs Why 30–50% of travelers still show up underprepared—and how that impacts guides What “traveling better” really means (and how it can positively impact local communities) Why adventure travel is more resilient than mass tourism The growing trend of “dim sum travel”—doing more, not just one thing This episode connects the dots between prepared hikers, supported guides, and protected places —and why all three matter more than ever. If you’ve ever wondered how your experience on the trail is shaped long before you arrive, this conversation will change how you see adventure travel. Explore trips and get inspired @ https://www.adventure.travel/ Learn more about the work behind the Adventure Travel Trade Association @ https://www.adventuretravel.biz/ HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Training for the Camino After a Heart Attack: One Man’s Return to Hiking | HikeStrong | Ep. 36
In this episode of the Hike Strong Podcast, Marcus Shapiro sits down with Joel — a 63-year-old retired physician who went from a heart attack, beta-blockers, and years of declining fitness… to completing the Camino de Santiago and rediscovering what he’s capable of. Nine months before this conversation, Joel reached out with a simple question: Can I actually do this? After a STEMI in his 40s, years of weight gain, and the limitations of beta-blockers, Joel felt out of shape, uncertain, and honestly — afraid of elevation. But he also had a growing list of adventures he didn’t want to miss. This episode follows that journey. Joel shares what it felt like to start over… What it was like training in a completely flat environment… And how his confidence slowly returned — one walk, one stair climb, one small win at a time. We talk about: The mental side of rebuilding after a cardiac event What it feels like to exercise on beta-blockers Reclaiming identity after years away from fitness Training alongside his wife and staying accountable The moment preparation turns into belief And ultimately, what the Camino de Santiago meant to him. From quiet coastal mornings along the Camino Portuguese… to the realization halfway through the journey that he was ready … And it didn’t stop there. Since completing the Camino Walk, Joel has gone on to hike the Great Ocean Walk in Australia, continuing to build momentum with each new experience. Looking ahead, he and his wife are planning future adventures including the Cotswold Way, the Tour du Mont Blanc, and even Kilimanjaro — goals that once felt uncertain, and now feel possible. This is not a story about elite performance. It’s about reclaiming your life, one step at a time. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late — or whether your body can still do hard things — this conversation will resonate. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Training for Mount Kilimanjaro at 68: Sibling Summit Story | HikeStrong | Ep. 35
How do you train for Mount Kilimanjaro at 60+ without living near mountains? Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t just about summit night — it’s about the months of preparation beforehand. In this episode, siblings Bob and Susan (both in their late 60s) share how they trained separately in completely different environments and successfully summited Kilimanjaro together. Susan lives in the Washington, D.C. area and trained using local hikes in Virginia and Maryland, treadmill work, stairs, and strength training — one year after her second hip replacement. Bob lives in Iowa and trained in flat terrain, relying heavily on stairs and an artificial sledding hill to build elevation gain. Both had real concerns: altitude sickness, balance, downhill scree, and handling back-to-back trekking days. Over 12 weeks, they focused on elevation gain, lunges, balance work, and milestone challenges — logging more than 35,000–40,000 feet of vertical gain in training. By the time they reached Tanzania, the physical side was no longer the question. In this episode, we cover: How to train for Mt. Kilimanjaro without mountains Elevation gain vs. mileage Hiking after hip replacement Balance training for hikers over 60 Trekking poles and downhill control Managing altitude sickness The value of experienced guides Why preparation reduces anxiety on big expeditions This conversation is for anyone who believes big adventures are reserved for younger bodies or perfect terrain. Readiness can be built deliberately, locally, and imperfectly — and sometimes the most meaningful summits are the ones you share with someone willing to commit alongside you and stay accountable every step of the way. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Who’s Really Behind the Hiking Gear Videos You Watch? | HikeStrong | Ep. 34
Most hikers research hiking gear and watch gear reviews before a trip. You’ve probably watched hiking gear videos before your last hike—but have you ever thought about who’s creating them? In this episode, we step inside the world of user-generated content (UGC) and talk with a real outdoor creator about how it actually works in the hiking and outdoor gear industry. Marcus sits down with Ryan Heck, a UGC creator who works with outdoor brands like KÜHL and BioLite, to talk about: What user-generated content actually is How Ryan studies and tests hiking gear before showcasing it What makes hiking gear reviews feel authentic Layering strategy for hut-to-hut hikes in changing weather How hikers can approach content creation themselves This episode isn’t about workouts. It’s about understanding the hiking gear content many outdoor enthusiasts already consume—and the role it plays in the broader hiking experience. After listening, you may start seeing hiking gear videos on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook differently. Ryan Heck: Outdoor Brand Content & UGC Creator | Trekker Heck Instagram Ryan and Marcus will both be at https://hikeexpocolorado.com/ in May 2026. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Inside the Outdoor Industry: Lessons from REI, Osprey, and Years Filming in the Field | HikeStrong | Ep. 33
What do years inside the outdoor industry actually teach you about gear, preparation, and creating in nature? In this episode of the HikeStrong Podcast, Marcus Shapiro sits down with outdoor photographer and filmmaker Dan Holz , co-founder of Fieldborn Creative, to talk about what he learned from nearly a decade working on the retail floor at REI , more than seven years leading photo and video at Osprey , and decades working in the field with hikers, athletes, and outdoor brands. Dan shares behind-the-scenes insight into how outdoor gear is really designed and tested, why pack fit matters more than weight, and how working with real athletes in the field differs from staging outdoor marketing shoots. Drawing on his experience as a photographer and filmmaker, he explains how preparation — both physical and logistical — allows people to be present on the trail and on set, rather than just getting through the day. Marcus and Dan also talk about how COVID reshaped hiking culture and the outdoor industry, what brands learned during that surge, and why authentic outdoor storytelling depends on lived experience, not polish or performance. Whether you’re a hiker planning a big trip, someone curious about how outdoor brands operate behind the scenes, or a creator interested in authentic outdoor storytelling, this episode offers an honest, grounded perspective from someone who’s lived it. Featured Guest Dan Holz Co-Founder, Fieldborn Creative Dan is a lifelong outdoor professional whose career spans retail leadership at REI, creative direction at Osprey, and decades of fieldwork capturing authentic outdoor stories around the world. His work is rooted in lived experience and reflects how adventure actually unfolds. 🔗 Learn more: https://fieldborncreative.com Dan and Marcus will both be at https://hikeexpocolorado.com/ in May 2026. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Swiss Alps Hiking at 63 – Part 3: Planning a Swiss Hut-to-Hut Adventure | HikeStrong | Ep. 32
Thinking about a Swiss Alps hut-to-hut hike but don’t know where to start? How do you actually plan it—and what do most first-timers get wrong? In the final episode of this series, Marcus and Alex, founder of The WanderWeGo Co., dive into the practical realities of hiking in Switzerland. Alex shares what makes the Swiss Alps different from hiking in the U.S., including cultural norms, trail design, and the Swiss trail rating system—an area that often surprises American hikers. They break down what a mountain hut really is, what it’s like to stay in one , and why hut-to-hut hiking is far more welcoming than many people expect, even for solo travelers or beginners. Alex also explains the logistics behind route planning, booking huts, packing smart , and preparing for the elevation gain that defines alpine hiking. This episode is a roadmap for anyone inspired by Dave’s story and wondering how to take their own first step toward a Swiss Alps adventure—with clarity instead of overwhelm. Topics covered: Hiking in the Swiss Alps vs. the U.S. Understanding Swiss trail ratings What the hut-to-hut experience is really like Planning routes, booking huts, and packing smart Common mistakes first-time Alps hikers make How beginners can confidently start planning Get expert advice on hiking in the Swiss Alps from Alex, founder of The WanderWeGo Co. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Swiss Alps Hiking at 63 – Part 2: From Training to the Trail | HikeStrong | Ep. 31
After months of training, what is it actually like to hike hut-to-hut in the Swiss Alps for the first time? This is the reality of a first Swiss hut-to-hut experience. In Part 2, Dave is joined by Alex, founder of The WanderWeGo Co. and the consultant who designed his Swiss Alps route. Together, they move from preparation to lived experience—talking honestly about what surprised Dave on the trail, what challenged him most, and where his training showed up when it mattered. They discuss why Alex intentionally steered Dave toward a more local, off-the-beaten-path region instead of the famous tourist routes , and how that decision shaped the entire experience. Dave reflects on the moments that stayed with him most, from physically demanding sections to unexpectedly emotional highs, and explains how knowing he was prepared allowed him to simply “show up” and enjoy the experience. This episode connects the dots between smart planning, structured training, and what it actually feels like to hike day after day in the Alps as a first-timer. Topics covered: First-time Swiss Alps hut-to-hut hiking What surprised a newbie hiker on the trail Off-the-beaten-path routes vs. tourist regions How training translates to real alpine terrain Advice for nervous or first-time Alps hikers Get expert advice on hiking in the Swiss Alps from Alex, founder of The WanderWeGo Co. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Swiss Alps Hiking at 63 – Part 1: Training, Mindset, and Starting from Scratch | HikeStrong | Ep. 30
What does it really take to train for a Swiss Alps hut-to-hut hike at 63—especially if you’re new to multi-day hiking? For Dave, it became a path back to strength, confidence, and independence. In Part 1 of this three-part series, I sit down with Dave, a first-time hut-to-hut hiker, to talk about the training journey that prepared him for the Alps—and how that process became much more than physical preparation. Week after week, our training check-ins evolved into deeper conversations about aging, independence, freedom, and what it means to stay capable later in life. Dave shares how walking and hiking—basic human movements—often need to be relearned in a modern, sedentary world , and how losing the ability to move long distances can quietly erode freedom and confidence. Training for the Swiss Alps helped him reclaim both. This episode is for anyone wondering if they’re “too old,” “too late,” or “not experienced enough” to take on a big hiking goal —and for anyone who believes preparation can unlock more than just a successful trip. Topics covered: Training for a Swiss Alps hike at 63 Preparing for hut-to-hut hiking as a beginner Hiking philosophy, mindset, and independence Why preparation changes how you experience life, not just the trail Get expert advice on hiking in the Swiss Alps from Alex, founder of The WanderWeGo Co. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Training for Mount Rainier: Blake’s Two-Attempt Journey to the Summit — Part 2 | HikeStrong | Ep. 29
In Part 2 of this conversation, Blake Hansen returns to Mount Rainier with lessons learned from his first attempt. This episode focuses on what changed the second time — particularly around gear, systems, and on-mountain decision making. We talk through how Blake refined his pack, clothing, hydration setup, food strategy, and break efficiency , and how those adjustments made the climb feel more controlled and sustainable. Blake also shares what he learned about layering, managing temperature , and staying ahead of fatigue as conditions changed throughout the climb. Part 2 brings the story full circle, showing how applying lessons from the first attempt — especially around gear and execution — helped Blake move more confidently and ultimately reach the summit of Mount Rainier. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
Training for Mount Rainier: Blake’s Two-Attempt Journey to the Summit — Part 1 | HikeStrong | Ep. 28
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I sit down with Blake to walk through the beginning of his Mount Rainier journey — why the mountain became a goal, how his first training cycle unfolded, and what happened during his initial summit attempt. We talk through the early training data, the challenges that showed up both in preparation and on the mountain, and how travel fatigue, limited sleep, hydration mistakes, and respiratory symptoms factored into the climb and ultimately led him to turn around just below 13,000 feet on summit day. This episode focuses on the learning phase of training for Mount Rainier — what the first set of numbers revealed, where expectations didn’t match reality, and why a rebuild became necessary. Part 1 sets the foundation for the changes that follow, before Blake returns to Mount Rainier and successfully reaches the summit in Part 2. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
I Don’t Hate Backpacking Anymore: Michele's Midlife Confidence Comeback | HikeStrong | Ep. 27
In this episode, Michele shares how one miserable backpacking experience in Yosemite — a trip that began with a rolled ankle and a 5,000-foot descent — nearly pushed her away from backpacking altogether. But instead of giving up , she decided to try again. With structured training and a clearer understanding of how to prepare for a heavy pack, she returned to the trail for a four-day trek in Death Valley and had a completely different experience. Michele talks about rebuilding confidence in midlife and discovering that the right training made the trail feel not just doable, but enjoyable. She explains how stair sessions, incline treadmill work, balance training, and learning proper pack fit transformed her comfort and stability. She also shares a memorable moment when her guide told her she was the only person in the group using trekking poles correctly — a small but powerful sign of her growth. We explore why running didn’t help her as much as hiking-specific training, how she adapted her weekly routine to fit the plan, and why consistency mattered more than long hours outside. By the end of her trip, she felt strong, capable, and proud to say, “I don’t hate backpacking anymore,” a line that reflects just how far she’d come. If you’ve ever had a rough outing or wondered whether it’s too late to build real trail confidence, Michele’s story will show you what’s possible with the right approach. There’s some B-roll at the very end , so stick around for a little extra conversation after the official podcast wraps. For updates on the upcoming HikeStrong App, visit HikeStrongApp.com . HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
How Training for Adventure Strengthens Family Bonds | Part 2 – Hilary and Alexis’ Kilimanjaro Journey | HikeStrong | Ep. 26
In Part 2, Hilary and Alexis take us through the final weeks of training , their milestone breakthroughs, and the moments on Mount Kilimanjaro that revealed not just their physical readiness — but their resilience, mindset, and bond as a mother-daughter team. We talk about how they balanced real life with peak-phase training, including graduation, a full-time job, and a family bike trip that forced them to consolidate workouts and rely on discipline rather than perfect circumstances. Hilary describes how the lunge progression and balance work finally resolved decades of knee pain from an old ACL reconstruction , giving her confidence heading into the steepest sections. Alexis explains how she made the wise decision to stop running late in training to avoid injury — and why stair training became her biggest asset. Inside the peak phase, they share: Completing their 3,000-ft and 4,000-ft milestone challenges — and the confidence those tests provided The exhaustion, pride, and “I really did that” moments after long combined treadmill–stairs–stair-climber workouts How they adapted when life made consistent data tracking impossible The way Marcus coached them through limited time, busy schedules, and moments of self-doubt Once on the mountain, the conversation shifts to what it felt like to truly disconnect. Alexis talks about the quiet magic of being unreachable — no phone, no news, no notifications — and how that presence reshaped the experience. Hilary shares the “calm exhilaration” of being in the moment each day, guided by a team that focused them on one day at a time. They also discuss: Snacking strategies, Scratch chews, electrolytes, and staying fueled at altitude How the Thomson Treks guides monitored hydration, sleep, recovery, and morale — and why “positive mental attitude” became their anchors The only moment Alexis felt altitude sickness: 3:30am on summit morning The honesty, support, and partnership that helped her recover and keep moving The episode ends with a lively lightning round: tent rituals, packing mistakes, favorite snacks, who woke up first, who took longest to get ready, summit emotions, what the stars looked like at 15,000+ feet, and what they ultimately learned about themselves — and each other. And don’t miss the very end — stay after the outro music for a fun bit of behind-the-scenes B-roll from our conversation. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
How Training for Adventure Strengthens Family Bonds | Part 1 – Hilary and Alexis’ Kilimanjaro Journey | HikeStrong | Ep. 25
When Hilary and her daughter Alexis signed up to climb Mount Kilimanjaro , they each trained on their own schedule but stayed connected through shared goals, encouragement, and a deep commitment to see the journey through together. In this first half of their story, Hilary shares how her customized training plan—and especially the lunge progression— transformed the knee she’d struggled with since ACL surgery , leaving it stronger and more stable than it had felt in years. Alexis talks about something different but equally powerful: the gift of disconnection . High on the mountain, without her phone or constant notifications, she found a deeper presence and appreciation for the moment. You’ll hear: What inspired them to take on Kilimanjaro together How they balanced life, graduation, and training from different cities The physical and mental breakthroughs that came from structured hiking prep Why stepping away from screens can reconnect us to ourselves and each other This episode is part inspiration, part practical guide—and a reminder that when families train for something big together, the results go far beyond the mountain. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
20 Weeks, 20 Lessons & The MT Sobek Story | Part 2 – Lisa’s TMB Journey | HikeStrong | Ep. 24
In Part 2 of this conversation, Marcus and Lisa pick up where they left off— digging into the peak phase of her 20-week training plan leading up to the Tour du Mont Blanc . They talk about how Lisa managed higher mileage and tougher elevation goals, how she kept her body feeling good and avoided overtraining as the workouts got tougher, and the mindset that carried her through the final stretch of preparation. Later in the episode, Marcus brings in Travis Wardell , Program Director for Europe at Mountain Travel Sobek —one of, if not the, world’s oldest adventure travel company. It’s Travis’s first time meeting Lisa, and he shares insights on what makes MT Sobek’s version of the TMB different from the classic route , how the company designs and curates world-class trekking experiences, and the activity level system they use to help travelers choose the right adventure for their goals and abilities. The episode wraps with a relaxed, behind-the-scenes exchange after the formal interview—a fun, unscripted glimpse of the conversation once the mics were supposed to be off. Mountain Travel Sobek - The Adventure Company | Est. 1969 HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
20 Weeks, 20 Lessons to Stay Trail Fit | Part 1 – Lisa’s TMB Journey | HikeStrong | Ep. 23
I had a pretty ambitious goal going into this conversation with my client, Lisa. The idea was to cover all 20 weeks of her Tour du Mont Blanc training plan , and my hope was that each week you’d learn something you could apply to your training — or at least walk away with a little inspiration. And the good news is — it turned out great. I’d never done this format before, and it ended up becoming a two-part series. Part 1 focuses on Lisa’s base training phase — the foundation that built her strength, balance, and confidence for the Tour du Mont Blanc. Part 2 dives into her peak phase and includes a special guest from Mountain Travel Sobek , the company she traveled with. In this episode, Lisa shares lessons from the early weeks of her program — from mastering lunges and stair work to staying consistent while juggling family life and flat Michigan terrain. Whether you’re training for your first big hike or just need a dose of motivation, you’ll come away with practical tips, insights, and a few laughs from Lisa’s journey. Mountain Travel Sobek - The Adventure Company | Est. 1969 HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
23 Stairs, a Treadmill & 61,350 Feet: Alicia’s Journey to Kilimanjaro | HikeStrong Podcast Ep. 22
What does it take to climb Kilimanjaro when you don’t live near mountains? And what happens when you decide to do it all over again for the Inca Trail? In this episode, I sit down with Alicia—a self-described “non-athlete” who trained on 23 stairs behind a building and a treadmill with a pack on her back to summit Kilimanjaro. She’s funny, self-deprecating, and brutally honest about what it really feels like to take on a trek of this size. Expect a few laugh-out-loud moments mixed with some hard-earned wisdom. Now she’s training with me again, this time for the Inca Trail. By Week 5 she’s already logged 67 miles and 25,623 feet of elevation gain—compared to 62 miles and 17,749 feet at the same point in her Kilimanjaro plan. Why the difference? This time, the training is packed into 8 weeks instead of 12, and with experience comes a new awareness of how to push and how to know your limits. HikeStrong mobile App: https://hikestrongapp.com/ Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms: https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast
