Hike Strong Podcast - A Hiker’s Story: From Doubt to Determination | Exercise to Hiking-Focused Training | Kili to Backpacking | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 14

A Hiker’s Story: From Doubt to Determination | Exercise to Hiking-Focused Training | Kili to Backpacking | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 14

03/07/25 • 19 min

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Renee—one of my amazing clients living in Montana at the time of her successful summit, now living in Alaska. Even if Kilimanjaro isn’t on your radar, you’ll find plenty of motivation and training nuggets here for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by a big, iconic hike. Renee was 40 when she tackled the 19,341-foot summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and later braved a demanding Alaskan backpacking trip.

I’m Marcus Shapiro, hiking strength and conditioning coach and founder of FitForTrips.com. Join me as I sit down with Renee to explore how she conquered these epic adventures—and how her lessons can help you reach your own hiking goals.

Renee spent four years eyeing Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude summit. When a 20-mile test hike in the Tetons with 4,200 feet of elevation gain showed her she needed a structured training plan, she reached out for my coaching support. You’ll hear how we set her weekly goals, stayed in sync with Sunday-night check-ins, and used strategies like stair climbing to maximize her success. From building confidence to protecting her knees, the payoff was huge—and the summit itself turned out to be far easier than she’d ever imagined.

Stay tuned to the end because, after Kilimanjaro, Renee tapped me again for an Alaskan backpacking adventure. Her experience—and testimonial—on that trip is just as powerful, proving that with the right training, no trail is too big to tackle.

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Previous Episode

14ers, Everest Base Camp & Kilimanjaro | Your Path to Non-Technical High-Altitude Trekking | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 13

I sat down once again with Will Burkhart, founder of Badass Adventures, to dive into a new topic: non-technical high-altitude mountaineering. Will was my very first guest on this podcast, and his episode on Rim to Rim hiking is a must-listen for anyone tackling the Grand Canyon in a single day. But today, we’re going even higher!

We define non-technical high-altitude mountaineering as climbing between 14,000 and 19,400 feet without the use of ropes or belaying. Will has created a tiered approach to getting into this type of adventure, starting with Colorado’s Fourteeners (14,000+ feet), then progressing to Everest Base Camp (17,598 feet) and finally Kilimanjaro (19,431 feet). He walks us through the differences and similarities between these experiences, covering topics like:

Trail conditions – From well-groomed paths to rocky ascents

Daily mileage & number of hiking days – How long you’ll be on the trail

Landscape & foliage changes – From lush rainforests to barren alpine environments

Summit day intensity – What makes Kili’s summit push challenging

Cultural immersion – The contrast between the Everest Base Camp trail and Kilimanjaro

Sleeping & eating logistics – Tea houses vs. tents, and what’s on the menu

Acclimatization strategies – How to prepare your body for high altitude

Gear & fitness requirements – The essentials for success and why training matters

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to step into the world of high-altitude trekking, this episode is the perfect introduction. Whether your goal is to climb your first 14er, stand at Everest Base Camp, or summit Kilimanjaro, Will lays out the path for you.

Get in shape, pick your adventure, and go!

Badass Adventures owner, Will Burkhart:
https://www.badass-adventures.comText: 928-274-2424

Next Episode

undefined - Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans Helped Matthew Summit Kilimanjaro, Choose Any Hiking Challenge and Train | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 15

Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans Helped Matthew Summit Kilimanjaro, Choose Any Hiking Challenge and Train | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 15

On today’s episode of the Hike Strong Podcast, I'm talking with Matthew, who shares his inspiring journey from feeling unhealthy and unmotivated to successfully completing a Kilimanjaro summit—his very first multi-day trek.

Matthew used my FREE 12-Week Hiking Training Plans from FitForTrips.com to get fit, lose weight, and build the essential leg strength needed for steep descents, rocky terrain, and intense stair sessions.
You'll hear firsthand how structured, realistic training helped Matthew overcome his doubts, turning his summit day into an enjoyable and empowering experience.
And remember, if you're inspired by Matthew’s story but aren’t confident about training independently, I'm always here to provide personalized coaching support.
Join us and discover what's possible when you have the right preparation and mindset. Access the FREE training plans below for any hiking adventure on your bucket list...