PREPARE FOR THE LONG WAY UP.
Hiking training programs and expedition fitness coaching for your first multi-day trek, a high-altitude adventure or a demanding backpacking objective.
Build your expedition foundation.
Develop aerobic endurance, uphill capacity and strength for carrying a pack. Training is adapted to your experience, timeline and the terrain you can access. Kilimanjaro and other high-altitude treks demand preparation; fitness coaching does not replace acclimatization or medical advice.
Does this sound familiar?
Will I be fit enough to keep up with my group?
How do I prepare to carry a 20 kg backpack?
Why are descents harder on my legs than ascents?
How can I prepare for consecutive 8–12-hour days?
What should I do in the gym to improve my hiking?
How do I prepare for an altitude trek when I live at sea level?
Am I carrying more equipment than I need?
What we’ll train
Uphill endurance — Build an aerobic foundation for sustained ascents and long days.
Strength under load — Develop leg, hip and trunk strength for carrying equipment over uneven terrain.
Descending durability — Progressively prepare for the muscular demands of long descents.
Multi-day resilience — Build capacity to move again on day two, three and four, with recovery considered throughout.
Objective-specific preparation — Match training to your itinerary, elevation, terrain, pack and starting fitness.
Your training week: multi-day trekking
Monday — Strength: squats, step-ups, hinges and core
Tuesday — 60-minute easy aerobic session
Wednesday — 60–90-minute hill hike with a progressively introduced pack
Thursday — Recovery or mobility
Friday — Single-leg strength and loaded carries
Saturday — 3–5-hour hike with suitable elevation and pack
Sunday — 60–120-minute easy hike, when appropriate
Illustrative mid-program week only—not a fixed plan or a starting prescription. Duration and load are tailored to your experience, schedule, recovery and objective.
Beyond the training plan
Discuss equipment selection, pack organisation, layering, pacing, hydration and food practice. We can help you interpret the physical demands of an itinerary and identify useful weather and route-research resources. These conversations support preparation, not a route safety assessment or real-time expedition support.
Hiking questions, answered
Do I need to become a runner?
No. Walking, hills, stairs and appropriate strength work can form the foundation. Running is an option, not a requirement.
Can I train without nearby mountains?
Yes. We use accessible terrain and facilities, with selected outdoor outings where practical.
Will fitness prevent altitude illness?
No. Acclimatisation, itinerary planning and qualified medical advice remain separate requirements.
Mountain expertise. Individual preparation.
Jordan Lenham combines university-level sports education, professional mountain guiding experience and coaching since 2011 with first-hand experience of ultramarathons, alpine climbing and multi-day backcountry journeys. Your TrainingPeaks programme evolves through feedback and scheduled check-ins. Canadian owned and operated, supporting athletes across Canada and worldwide.