Nikki LaRochelle is an Uphill Athlete Coach and highly accomplished Skimo racer. She will also be hosting future episodes of this podcast. Today Scott and Nikki discuss Nikki's athletic background, balancing athletic training with motherhood, and exchange stories about their training and sport histories.

Scott Johnston talks with coach Nikki LaRochelle

The Uphill Athlete Podcast provides educational material for all mountain sports. Our goal is to inspire and encourage you to be the best mountain athlete you can be.&nbsp;

Sports

Health & Fitness

Wilderness

Running

Voices of the Mountains welcomes all-round action hero Will Gadd who is legendary in the climbing world. Year after year, Will has continually pushed the boundaries of ice and mixed climbing. He leaned into competition climbing and with other visionaries like Jeff Lowe, pushed mixed climbing forward. Will is a veteran of mountain sports, and not only does he continue to seek new adventures but he seems to have boundless energy.

Will tells the listeners how just ten short years ago, he was quick to call out younger climbers for their inexperience, and the dumb risks they took—only to be met with dismissal as an outdated voice from a previous generation. Today, Will no longer calls people out. He calls them in. And in making that shift discovers how this profound change opened the floodgates to learning; learning which now flows freely in both directions.

 Will and Steve discuss the culture of ex-communication of older, wiser athletes in the mountain community.  How we all need a new model for aging athletes where we value the elder wisdom, insights, and experiences and not just an athlete's mere physical prowess.

 Join Will and Steve as they challenge one another to unpack a lifetime of lessons from the peaks, and help one another to embrace the wisdom that there is far more to life than facing the external challenges of ice, rock, and gravity, and together they level up to be able to navigate the internal terrain that defines us as human.

Visit us at https://uphillathlete.com/voiceofthemountains/ or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Voice of the Mountains: What We Do in the Mountains with guest Will Gadd

In the second episode of our Acclimatization Strategies, Martin and Alyssa discuss high and extreme altitude acclimatization protocols. They break down different approaches for mountains like Denali and Everest and what it takes to prepare for the extreme altitudes. They discuss the various protocols from the traditional acclimatization of spending weeks to a month of moving up and down the mountain to different altitude camps, to using hypobaric hypoxic and normobaric hypoxic chambers. If you've been looking to take your mountain activities to the next level, you won't want to miss this episode.

Check out more information here: https://uphillathlete.com/mountaineering-training/

Or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Training for Altitude: Acclimatization Strategies, Part 2: High and Extreme Altitude

In the first episode of a two-part podcast, Alyssa and coach Martin Zhor, dive into an overview of acclimatization strategies, with particular focus on moderate to high altitudes. They break down how and why the body adjusts to altitude with specific responses and the short and long-term effects. They also discuss training and racing strategies to manage the effects of altitude within recreational and performance situations. Martin offers advice on how to support goals in higher altitude environments and common mistakes athletes make. Tune in to help your lofty goals become a reality.

Check out more information here: https://uphillathlete.com/mountaineering-training/

Or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Acclimatization Strategies, Part 1: Foundations and Moderate Altitude

We are thrilled to release the first episode of our new series, Voice of the Mountains. Hosted by legendary climber Steve House, the first episode welcomes Barry Blanchard. He hardly needs an introduction, but Barry is an Alpinist, a mountain guide, a father, a mentor and a dear friend to many. Barry and Steve explore the connection of Barry's childhood and his foundation and desire to be a mountain climber. From Barry's Metis heritage, to his connection with the mountains and those that challenges themselves within their grace, the two cover a wide array of their experiences and what it means to live a life in the mountains. This is the first in the Voice of the Mountains series as the podcast explores a range of ideas with the hope of building a philosophy of the mountains.

You can learn more about Barry's climbing here [https://www.patagonia.com/ambassadors/climbing/barry-blanchard.html]. 

Also you can purchase Barry's book at this link [https://www.patagonia.com/product/the-calling-a-life-rocked-by-mountains/887187794737.html?s_kwcid=17928&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BB_Ecomm_SearchDSA_NBD_XCAT_CategoryKWs_All&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwrcKxBhBMEiwAIVF8rLKelPCeJIxfFmCYqTLSBuFC-7Q2GlpU0idfNO60av7oDkQXLpThwRoCrZMQAvD_BwE]. 

Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com or visit us at uphillathlete.com/voiceofthemountains

Voice of the Mountains: Mountains Tell the Truth with guest Barry Blanchard

In the latest episode of the Uphill Athlete podcast, Alyssa and Steve welcome AMGA guide Bill Allen, to discuss guiding practices and client preparation at altitude. They provide recommendations for clients concerned about altitude, how a guide assists and assess' clients at high altitudes and how guides keep themselves safe on the mountain. They continue with common mistakes they see from clients and offer specific advice to make the best out of your high altitude mountain trip. Tune in to hear from two expert guides and learn their perspective on staying safe in the mountains.

Check out more information here: https://uphillathlete.com/mountaineering-training/

Or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com 

You can learn more about Mountain Trip at: https://mountaintrip.com/

Scott Johnston talks with coach Nikki LaRochelle

Download our free app to listen on your phone