You’ve been dreaming about going on an adventure trip for years. As you space out during another boring meeting and scroll through Instagram, certain images catch your attention: jagged peaks surrounding an impossibly blue lake … ancient ruins in the midst of a jungle with vibrant birds and flowers … hills covered in vineyards with red-tile-roofed villas dotting the countryside.

Then the nagging doubts creep in. I haven’t done anything like that before. It’s been a long time since I’ve done something that strenuous. Can I actually hike in those mountains? Will I be able to keep up with the group if I go on that trekking trip or bicycle tour?

Whether it’s walking the Camino de Santiago, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, climbing Kilimanjaro, bicycling in Italy or Croatia, or whatever an adventure is to you, with some pre-trip preparation, you CAN do it!

As an adventure coach, I help clients prepare physically and mentally so they feel strong and confident when they go on their dream trips. We collaborate to create a realistic and achievable plan, with guidance and support over the weeks or months leading up to the adventure.

Here’s how it works.

1: Increase Your Strength and Stamina

By their nature, adventure trips include a lot of interesting, and some challenging, experiences. Most of us don’t have the time in our “normal” lives to spend several hours a day walking, hiking or bicycling like you’ll be doing on the trip. 

Yet you can build your strength and stamina over the weeks before you go, so you’ll be ready to crush it when you get there!

I’ll collaborate with you to design a plan that fits into your life and prepares you for your adventure. You’ll learn what works well for you, and the strengths you can build on. You’ll find the energy and motivation to keep going farther.

You’ll try new things in the comfort of familiar surroundings. And I’ll support you through the process.

After a few weeks, you’ll look back at your progress and get even more excited for what’s to come!

Here’s how one of my client puts it: I feel like my walk along the Cinque Terra would have been much harder without the training I’ve had with Becki. I am stronger. I am more fit than I’ve been in years! – Julie M.

2: Stay on Track

We all know the old saying, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. We have good intentions to train for a trip, but then there are the detours, delays and distractions that derail us.

As your adventure coach, I’ll help you navigate alternate routes as needed. You’ll get extra support to stay on track and accountable.

You never know what is going to come up before your trip, but you will know you have someone to keep you moving forward.

Here’s what another client says: I appreciated the combination of accountability and challenge! – Carly O.

3: Improve your confidence and comfort

It’s time to take on that little voice that’s saying “Can I really do all of this?”

I’ll remind you of all the reasons to respond to the voice, “Yes, I can do this!” The reasons will come from the successes you’ve had and what you’ve learned during your weeks of coaching.

When you show up at the start of the trip, you’ll be confident that you’re going to have an amazing time. You’ll be comfortable with the activities because you’ve been doing them. You’ll be able to focus on the new places you’re exploring and the memories you’re making.

What may surprise you is how this experience transforms how you think about other parts of your life, and what you do in the future! More adventures seem possible, life changes seem manageable, and opportunities seem to multiply.

Another client commented: The coaching plan and coaching sessions gave me confidence that I am preparing for my hike and will be able to complete and enjoy it. Peggy L.

Want to talk about how this could work for you and your plans? Email me at becki@trailblazerwellness.com  

 

 

Have you been longing to take on the challenge of climbing a mountain, conquering wild rapids, or finding your balance on a SUP, yet unsure of how to achieve your goal?

Get guidance, support and inspiration with other women who aspire to GET WILD in Montana! Christine Winebrenner Irick of Lotus Sojourns and I are excited to be co-leading the Montana Sojourn as a journey of physical and emotional growth, culminating with our Get Wild in Glacier women’s wilderness retreat in the majestic Glacier Park area of northwest Montana.

This unique three-month journey, which begins with coaching and community building and culminating with a 5-day retreat, offers you guidance, support and inspiration as well as authentic connection with other women who aspire to Get Wild in Montana!

Join the Montana Sojourn to build your strength, stamina and confidence to achieve your goals, whether that’s developing the courage to try an adventurous activity, expanding your community of like-minded women, or deepening your connection between your mind and body.

Your experience includes:

• Three months of one-on-one coaching sessions to support your progress and keep you motivated to reach your goals. 
• Comprehensive and customized training plan for physical and mental preparation, including increasing stamina, building strength and enhancing flexibility, developed by a certified personal trainer and a yoga instructor.
• Bi-weekly virtual group gatherings with experts on physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the journey. 
• A supportive group to learn and grow through the experience with others.
• Facebook and Marco Polo groups for camaraderie, support and laughs!
• Journal and exercises for exploration.
• Get Wild women’s wilderness retreat where you’ll join fellow Sojourners for community, connection and adventure!
  • Hiking in Glacier National Park with a Glacier Institute guide who will explain the geology, wildlife, and cultural history of the area
  • Horseback riding through majestic forests surrounded by Glacier’s peaks with stunning views
  • Whitewater rafting along the border of Glacier National Park on a designated Wild and Scenic River
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding on a peaceful lake

Dates:

• June 6 – August 26: Get Wild: Adventure Coaching & Community Creation
• August 28-September 2: Get Wild in Glacier: Women’s Adventure Retreat in Montana – lodging, most meals and multiple adventure activities included

The mountains and valleys of Montana are a majestic and a beautiful place to explore. We’re excited to share this empowering and unique experience with an amazing group of women.

For additional details, visit the Lotus Sojourns Montana Sojourn page: https://www.lotussojourns.com/montana-womens-wilderness-retreat

To schedule a time to chat about this experience and apply to join us, email me – Becki@trailblazerwellness.com   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the pandemic “travel hold” eases up, I’ve been training several clients who have signed up for Bucket List trips featuring a multi-day hiking or walking excursion.

Does your Bucket List include at least one multi-day hike or trek? Maybe the Camino de Santiago – that’s on mine, scheduled for May 2022. Hiking in the Alps has been on my list since watching the Sound of Music as a kid – now on the calendar for September 2022!

Or are you aiming to do one of the treks to Machu Picchu – my husband and I completed the “Classic” 4-day version in 2013 . Perhaps you’re intrigued by one of the newer options, like the Camino de Costa Rica?

Training for a multi-day hiking trip should involve more than just walking and hiking to prepare. If you want to make the most of this type of trip, here’s how to get started and gain momentum toward your goal!

 

Getting (Re)Started Hiking

Whether it’s been months or years since you’ve hiked regularly, or even if you’ve never really hiked, you can do a multi-day trek if you have the time and the motivation.

If the multi-day hiking trip you want to do is more than 3 days and more than 20 miles total, and you’re not hiking or walking regularly now, you should start training at least 3 months before the trip.  

The key is to start small and slow, then increase your activity gradually. If you’ve been less mobile because of an illness or injury, see this post on 5 focus areas for a post-injury hiking trip.

Look for short hikes in your area, and start with what feels doable for you. Then add about 10-20% to your total distance or time each week as you get more comfortable. You can use a pedometer app on your phone or a fitness tracker/watch to gauge the distance.  

Sites like AllTrails and apps like Hiking Project are helpful for finding hikes. They show detailed information about the distance and elevation change of the trails, plus reviews from hikers.

Another great resource is your local parks andecreation department. Or stop by a store that sells outdoor clothing and gear and ask one of the employees.

 

Stepping it up

As you do more hiking, your large leg muscles – quadriceps, hamstrings and calves – will get stronger. That said, doing specific strength building exercises with your legs will help you be more stable and less tired on longer hikes.

One simple and effective exercise is step ups, which are exactly what they sound like: stepping up on stairs or a bench. You can start with a single step, then use a longer staircase to go up and down – actually, the down is as important as the up.

Also step up sideways – that strengthens the muscles that will help you be more stable on uneven terrain when you’re hiking.

If you don’t take stairs much currently, here’s a good starting point:

• 20 steps up and down on each leg
• 10 side steps up on each leg
• At least two times per week
• Add 5 steps up and down, and 2 side steps on each leg, each week

After a couple of weeks, get your backpack, put some weight in it, and climb stairs wearing it. 

If your multi-day hike includes steep sections, work up to taking the steps two at a time – up, down and side stepping.

 

Building Strength

Incorporating strength training as you prepare for a multi-day hike will pay off with increased endurance and reduced risk of injury.

Core

As you hike, especially with a backpack, you’ll be twisting and leaning as you navigate uneven terrain. The muscles in your abs and back are key to keeping you stable and upright.

Holding a plank position is a popular way to build core strength. You can start by doing a plank against a wall, then on the floor with your knees on the ground, and work your way up to being on forearms and toes.

Hold the plank with good form for as long as you can, then add a few more seconds each time to get to 1 minute. Remember to keep your abdominal muscles tight and tailbone tucked, don’t let your lower back arch.

Strengthening your oblique muscles will help as you bend and twist when you’re hiking on uneven ground. They’re also used as you’re putting on and taking off a backpack.

One way to improve your obliques is side twists. Sit in a chair and hold a weight in front of you with your upper arms at your sides and elbows bent at 45 degrees. Turn your torso at your waist as if you were going to pass the weight to someone next to you, then turn back to the middle, and then turn to the other side.

Core workout:

• Plank for 30-60 seconds, at least once a day
• Side twists – start with 10 per side once a day, add 2-5 more per side per week

Upper Body

Although you may be tempted to focus just on your legs and core, don’t neglect your upper body. Strengthening your chest, back and shoulders will help you be more comfortable holding the additional weight of your pack. Plus you’ll use your biceps and triceps to lift the pack.

If you use trekking poles <link to trekking poles article>, which I highly recommend, a stronger upper body will help you use them to take pressure off your hips and knees.

The classic exercise for building upper body strength is good old-fashioned pushups. As with plank, you can start with doing pushups against the wall. Then move to the floor with your knees on the ground and do as many as you can. As you get stronger, lift one knee and then both knees so you’re on your hands and toes as you lower your chest to the ground and then push up.

You can also use your backpack to strengthen your arms and back. Put in a few soup cans or bottles of water to start. Bend your knees, keep your chest up and grab the top of the shoulder straps. As you stand, lift the pack up in front of you to about chest height, then lower it back down to the ground.

You should have enough weight in the pack that your arms get tired after 10-15 lifts. If you are comfortable lifting it 15 times, add 2-3 more cans or bottles the next time. Keep adding more weight until you get to the point where your arms are tired after 10 lifts.

Upper body workout:

• Pushups – 10-15 at least 2x per week
• Pack lifts – 10-15 at least 2x per week

 

Improving Balance

Better balance reduces your risk of injury while hiking. By practicing balance regularly, you’ll be better equipped to deal with uneven ground and unexpected movements, like a rock shifting under your boot.

Balance exercises help you build the smaller muscles and tendons that surround and stabilize your larger muscles and joints.

A simple way to improve balance is to stand on one foot on various surfaces – carpet, concrete, grass, dirt, gravel, rocks. Also do this on a hill – facing uphill and downhill. Aim for 30 seconds per leg to start and work up to 60 seconds. Notice which foot or side feels more stable. Then put on your pack and do it.

Add time to your balance routine gradually. Spend extra time practicing balance on your weaker side.

Focusing on Flexibility

Finally, don’t forget about flexibility. When you’re more flexible, it’s easier to reach that awkward step or hand hold as you navigate more challenging terrain. And you’re less likely to strain your muscles along the way.

At a minimum, stretch for 5 minutes after a hike or strength workout. Hold each position for about 30 seconds.

Yoga and Pilates help with both flexibility and balance, plus many of the common moves in these practices strengthen and tone muscles. Adding at least one session per week will help you work out the kinks from your increased activities. Find a studio with qualified instructors, especially if you’re new to these practices.

Sample Training for Multi-day Hike Plan

One of the basic principles for training is to add more effort gradually – about 10-20% additional per week. For hiking, additional effort can mean more miles and/or steeper hills, and/or a heavier pack. For strength training, additional effort can be a combination of more repetitions or time, and additional weight. 

Click here to download the first 6 weeks of a plan for a person who is generally healthy, though not exercising regularly, who wants to complete a 3-day, 20-mile inn-to-inn hike carrying a day pack with moderate elevation changes (no more than 1,000 feet per day).

Finding your Way

If training for a multi-day hike sounds like a lot to add into your already busy life, find creative strategies for multi-tasking!

• Practice balance by standing on one foot while you’re brushing your teeth.
• Hold a plank while you’re watching your favorite show or reading a book.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator at the office or while doing errands.
• Take your dog for an extra-long walk or two. If you don’t have a dog, walk a neighbor’s pup.

If you’re struggling with confidence, try these mindset strategies.

• Recall past challenges that you’ve overcome. What strengths and skills helped you? 
• Find your “motivation matches” to help you stay on track. 
• Use visualization too – imagine yourself climbing the hills, the amazing views you’ll see, how strong you’ll feel.

And remember to take it one step at a time – literally and figuratively!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get Personalized Help

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want an estimate based on your specific situation? Just email me at becki@trailblazerwellness.com and I’d be happy to help you figure out when you should start training for an upcoming adventure!