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Hike Strong PodcastAuthor: Marcus Shapiro Hiking Strength and Conditioning Coach
Confidence-building content for Hikers, Trekkers, Backpackers, and Mountaineers. The Hike Strong Podcast is where the fusion of fitness and hiking discussions will awaken the brain to unlock your true trail-crushing potential. Marcus and his guests frequently talk about iconic hiking destinations and how to get in shape for them. Look out for training and exercise-only episodes as well. Listen often for destination-specific episodes to build your bucket list of iconic trail adventures. Invite your friends to listen. And then make plans to crush an iconic hike at least one time per year with friends! Train Hike RepeatMarcus Shapiro is a hiking strength and conditioning coach and the founder of Fit For Trips. He is a pioneer in the online hiking training industry and coaches adventurers every day, helping them to get physically prepared for their dream hiking, trekking, and backpacking trips. Language: en-us Genres: Health & Fitness, Sports, Wilderness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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From the Flatlands to Kilimanjaro: Two Paths, One Summit | HikeStrong | Ep. 38
Thursday, 7 May, 2026
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/Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans: https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:https://hikestrongpodcast.buzzsprout.com
