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The Training For Trekking Podcast

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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  • 28 episodes
  • Avg 20 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S1 · E371
    Thursday · 12 min

    Why Do My Knees Hurt When Hiking Downhill?

    In this episode we answer one of the most common questions in the hiking community "why do my knees hurt while hiking downhill?". Inside we cover: Why knee pain on steep descents is so common for hikers The most common 'gaps' hikers have in their preparations that lead to knee pain A few simple training strategies that can make a dramatic difference to knee pain on descents == Download the free Hiker's Knee Prevention Guide here: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/hikers-knee.html Learn about our online personal training for hikers here: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

  • S1 · E370
    October 14 · 27 min

    TFT369: Training To Hike The Scenic Rim Trail - Interview With Sarah

    In this episode, I interview Summit Strength client Sarah about her training leading up to the Scenic Rim Trail. Inside, she shares insights into her training, the roadblocks she faced along the way, and how everything came together as she completed the 80km trek, carrying her own pack and finishing without the knee pain that had followed every previous hike. == Mentioned in the episode: Learn more about the Scenic Rim Trail here: https://scenicrimtrail.com/​ == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

  • S1 · E369
    September 23 · 28 min

    TFT368: Training To Hike The Sunshine Coast Trail

    In this episode, I interview Summit Strength client Jennifer about her training leading up to her second attempt at the Sunshine Coast Trail, a rugged 80-mile stretch through British Columbia. Inside, she shares what changed in her prep this time around, the roadblocks she worked through along the way, and how it all came together on the trail itself, including a brutal, unplanned 17.5 mile day. == Mentioned in the episode: ​ Shuttle service: https://sunshinecoastshuttle.ca/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssunshinecoasttrail.comprpawsdonate == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

  • S1 · E368
    September 16 · 23 min

    TFT367: Training To Hike The West Maroon Trail

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

  • S1 · E367
    September 15 · 17 min

    TFT366: Leanne's Training Journey To Hike Kilimanjaro

    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. == Follow along with Leanne's journey here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtrackadventures Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackTrackAdventures Learn more about Leanne's Kilimanjaro trip here: https://www.backtrackadventures.com.au/journey/mount-kilimanjaro/

  • S1 · E366
    September 2 · 40 min

    TFT365: Training For To Hike Maine's Appalachian Trail - Cathleen's Story

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

  • S1 · E365
    August 19 · 18 min

    TFT364: Training To Hike The West Highland Way

    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. == 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 Way and Coast to Coast. We take care of the logistics, accommodation and baggage transfers, allowing you to enjoy the adventure at your own pace" Find them here: https://maximumadventure.com/ == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

  • S1 · E364
    August 12 · 28 min

    TFT363: Training To Thru-Hike Te Araroa: Interview With Sonia

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

  • S1 · E363
    August 8 · 35 min

    TFT362: Training To Hike The Tour du Mont Blanc: Interview With Jill & Dan

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

  • S1 · E362
    July 29 · 15 min

    TFT361: Made Up Problems For Hikers

    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

  • S1 · E361
    July 27 · 33 min

    TFT360: Training To Hike The Via Francigena : Interview With Chris

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

  • S1 · E360
    July 15 · 26 min

    TFT359: 10 Days on Kilimanjaro's Northern Circuit: A Couple's Training Story

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

  • S1 · E359
    July 8 · 27 min

    TFT358: 62, Two Knee Replacements, and Not One Anti-Inflammatory at Ningaloo

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

  • S1 · E458
    July 1 · 35 min

    TFT357: Training To Thru-Hike 1000km On The Bibbulmun Track

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

  • S1 · E457
    June 26 · 16 min

    TFT456: How to Know If You'll Be Ready for Your Hiking Adventure

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

  • S1 · E456
    June 4 · 7 min

    TFT455: The Most Important High Altitude Strategy

    In this episode, I explore the single most important factor that will determine your chance of success and comfort when hiking at high altitude. == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

  • S1 · E455
    May 27 · 10 min

    TFT454: Please Carry Enough Water When Hiking

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

  • S1 · E454
    May 20 · 12 min

    TFT453: Hiker's Knee Fixed In A Week?

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

  • S1 · E453
    May 14 · 19 min

    TFT452: Why I Love Step Downs For Hikers

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

  • S1 · E452
    May 13 · 11 min

    TFT451: "I am always tired after my training hikes"

    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. == Mentioned in the episode: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/blog/how-to-plan-your-training-hikes == Want to get fit, strong and resilient for your hiking adventures? Check out the Online Summit Program: https://www.summitstrength.com.au/online.html

Showing 1–20 of 28 episodes