HikeStrong Podcast
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.
HikeStrong Podcast
Half Dome Hiking 150+ Times, Cable Route Technique & Advice, Avoid Falls, Permits | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 04
Let's delve into the world of Half Dome hiking, a thrilling Yosemite National Park adventure that requires both safety precautions and a strong dose of motivation. Marcus Shapiro turns to Scott Gehrman, founder of Lasting Adventures, for expertise on the subject. He has summited Half Dome 150+ times with clients brave enough to ascend and descend this majestic peak.
After speaking with Scott, Marcus concluded that his clients' summit success is a testament to the confidence he exudes to his hiking groups. This guy knows everything about Half Dome, and his clients know it and trust him. Below is a sampling of discussion topics:
- What safety and motivational advice do you have for ascending and descending Half Dome?
- How can you overcome the intimidation of ascending and descending Half Dome?
- Share cable route instructions you impart to your hiking groups.
- How do you explain passing or letting hikers pass on the cable route?
- What technique do you recommend for ascending and descending?
- Discuss fitness tips you provide to your backpacking and hiking clients.
- Discuss safety gear that some Half Dome hikers use.
- What kind of shoes and gloves should you wear on the cable route?
- Can you leave your gear at the base of Half Dome?
- How much time does it take to complete a round trip?
- Discuss attempting a summit when the cables are down.
- How do snow and rain affect the Half Dome experience?
- Discuss how to avoid falling.
- Discuss the backpacking itineraries you offer that end with a Half Dome summit.
- Discuss what months the cable route is intact.
- Share details about the Mist Trail.
- Talk about accessing permits to summit Half Dome.
Scott Gehrman / Lasting Adventures
https://lastingadventures.com/
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