#52 – A Stupid Simple Mountaineering Training Plan

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woman mountaineer climbing in the italian dolomites

Mountaineering training? Who's got time for that when the house is a mess, the kids are crying, the dog needs walked, and you spend 40 hours a week grinding away in a cubicle to pay for it all?

If you feel overwhelmed by the time demands of training, this episode is for you. Today we're going to cut through all the crap and focus on the five areas that actually get you results in training.

So step away from Outside.com. Put down the Training for the New Alpinism Book. And stop reading about Kilian Journet's epic treadmill workout. He's not you.

Instead, let's talk about what works for the rest of us humans.

Ready? Let's do this.

Linked Resources

Episode Sneak Peek

  • [4:54] What to do when your mountaineering training feels time crunched. The importance of focusing on fundamentals during the busy times — and all the time.

  • [8:05] Why your cardiovascular engine should be your number one priority in training. How to train when you only have time for one thing. Understanding aerobic base training, plus some base workout tips. Why so many people screw this part up.

  • [14:25] Why you should focus on lactate threshold training even though mountaineering is a low-intensity sport. Defining your lactate threshold. Some tips for designing lactate threshold workouts.

  • [19:23] The nutrition strategies that so many mountaineers miss. How practicing eating for a climb is different from everyday nutrition. The key fueling strategies you need to dial in on your training hikes before the main event.

  • [23:08] The importance of practicing trip-specific skills. Why training should progress from less to more specific and some examples. Cardio and strength periodization tips for mountaineers.

  • [26:28] Why rest is training, and why no one wants to do it. Common rest mistakes. The importance of learning to be present and embodied. How training plans and mountaineering culture can screw up your work-rest balance.