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
Backpacking Challenges, Discover New Grand Canyon Hikes, Training Tips, Mt. Whitney | Hike Strong Podcast | Ep. 06
As you read this, take a moment to ask yourself: Would I benefit from testing my mental and physical capabilities? If you answer yes, I have an alternative to endurance obstacle courses like Tough Mudder or Spartan Race. Consider challenging yourself by going on a backpacking adventure through some of the most iconic areas in the contiguous United States, where you'll be guided by experienced professionals (a.k.a. Team Leaders) who prioritize your safety and help you achieve your full physical and mental potential.
Marcus Shapiro talks today with Christopher Casado, the founder of TSX Challenge, and one of his team leaders, Alyssa Whoaa. They will tease your imagination and desires with details of amazing itineraries in the Grand Canyon, remote regions of the Sierra like Mt. Whitney and the John Muir Wilderness, and remote sections of the Northern California coastline. They offer insights into the benefits of pushing your limits while backpacking in the remote wilderness. And I promise they will earn your trust.
So, listen with an open mind, book a TSX Challenge hike, and get in shape for perhaps the most consequential adventure of your life. Below is a sampling of discussion topics:
-Why did you start this bold endeavor you called TSX Challenge?
-Why do you call your guides 'Team leaders'?
-Alyssa, you can work for any backpacking company; why TSX Challenge?
-Explain these phrases you have on your site and why they are important:
- regular people doing incredible things
- do things as teams
- team member and team leader
- at some point, you have to dig deep and help someone or get help
- challenges bring people together
- bring what you learn on the trip with you to work or family
-Alyssa, what do you get from leading these unique backpacking trips?
-Explain the tradition of ‘thorns and roses’ around the campfire.
-Let's play this game... I'll read off an itinerary, and you tell me the first thing that comes to mind:
- Trans-Sierra Mt. Whitney
- Hell For Sure
- Lost Coast
- Tehipite Valley
- Mount Goddard
- Grand Canyon Challenge
- Thunder River
- Escalante Route
- Jumpup Canyon
- Rim-to-Rim XC
- The Confluence
-What is unique about the Mt. Whitney trails you choose for your clients to hike?
-What is your pitch to people to book your Mount Whitney trip?
-Alyssa, what do you love about Mount Whitney?
-What makes your Rim to Rim itinerary different than the iconic routes on North Kaibab, South Kaibab, and Bright Angel?
-Let's talk about getting in shape for your backpacking trips.
-What are your thoughts about mental toughness hiking in the wilderness?
-How do you motivate your clients when they are having a rough day?
-Provide 3 tips for packing a backpack.
-Share advice on hiking shoes.
-Share thoughts on ultra-light backpacking.
Christopher Casado / TSX Challenge
https://tsxchallenge.com
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