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★★★★★

4.9

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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.

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Don’t Rush Everest Base Camp: Advice from a 30+ Year Himalayan Guide | HikeStrong #41

2026/07/24

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: [email protected] 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

2026/07/17

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

2026/06/09

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

2026/05/07

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

2026/04/02

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

2026/03/19

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 eventWhat it feels like to exercise on beta-blockersReclaiming identity after years away from fitnessTraining alongside his wife and staying accountableThe moment preparation turns into beliefAnd 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

2026/03/03

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 mountainsElevation gain vs. mileageHiking after hip replacementBalance training for hikers over 60Trekking poles and downhill controlManaging altitude sicknessThe value of experienced guidesWhy preparation reduces anxiety on big expeditionsThis 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

2026/02/20

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 isHow Ryan studies and tests hiking gear before showcasing itWhat makes hiking gear reviews feel authenticLayering strategy for hut-to-hut hikes in changing weatherHow hikers can approach content creation themselvesThis 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

2026/02/03

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

2026/01/23

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 ratingsWhat the hut-to-hut experience is really likePlanning routes, booking huts, and packing smartCommon mistakes first-time Alps hikers makeHow beginners can confidently start planningGet 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

2026/01/20

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 hikingWhat surprised a newbie hiker on the trailOff-the-beaten-path routes vs. tourist regionsHow training translates to real alpine terrainAdvice for nervous or first-time Alps hikersGet 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

2026/01/15

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 63Preparing for hut-to-hut hiking as a beginnerHiking philosophy, mindset, and independenceWhy preparation changes how you experience life, not just the trailGet 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

2026/01/01

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

2025/12/18

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

2025/12/11

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

Podcast reviews

Read HikeStrong Podcast podcast reviews

4.9 out of 5

34 reviews

★★★★★

BVTimmons 2026/05/07

Excellent Hiking Fitness Advice

Marcus has a wealth of experience and knowledge that he shares in clear, relatable terms. He uses real examples from his own experiences and from inte...

★★★★★

MAShaw13 2026/03/25

This podcast fuels my Kilimanjaro prep

Stumbled onto HikeStrong while getting ready for my Kilimanjaro trek and it’s been an awesome find — super practical training tips wrapped up in a fun...

★★★★★

Nolamms 2026/03/06

Keeps me inspired

As I get ready for my next hiking adventure, I always listen to the HikeStrong podcast. There’s always a great story about someone who overcame fitnes...

★★★★★

JanTucson 2026/01/18

SO Motivating

The latest episode about the retired dentist training for the Swiss Alps was so motivating for me. All the episodes are motivating but this one partic...

★★★★★

Low Carb ASM 2026/01/04

Awesome Help for

I totally enjoy listening to each of Marcus’s podcasts and continue to gain knowledge for my treks. I reached out to Marcus for help with preparing f...

★★★★★

PA-28 2025/12/30

Informative and Inspiring

I started listening as I was preparing for a trek to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I’ve learned so much good information about what to expect on Kili...

★★★★★

Ebooms12 2025/10/21

Brain training for hiking

This podcast is super helpful! I’m training to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro, and this podcast is so informative in terms of trip preparation. It’s a necessary...

★★★★★

Justin14er 2025/02/15

Listen, learn, hike.

Marcus is the go to guy for getting fit for the trails and this podcast drops many knowledge bombs from top notch guests.

★★★★★

JayBergerTC 2024/09/21

Fantastic

Great information and training plans! Thanks Marcus 💪

★★★★★

Rhody222 2024/07/19

Great Information on Awesome Hikes and Preparation

Really enjoy these podcast! Marcus does a great job finding interesting hikes and experienced guides to share their knowledge of their trips/hike and...

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