In Part 2, Hilary and Alexis take us through the final weeks of training, their milestone breakthroughs, and the moments on Mount Kilimanjaro that revealed not just their physical readiness — but their resilience, mindset, and bond as a mother-daughter team.

We talk about how they balanced real life with peak-phase training, including graduation, a full-time job, and a family bike trip that forced them to consolidate workouts and rely on discipline rather than perfect circumstances. Hilary describes how the lunge progression and balance work finally resolved decades of knee pain from an old ACL reconstruction, giving her confidence heading into the steepest sections. Alexis explains how she made the wise decision to stop running late in training to avoid injury — and why stair training became her biggest asset.

Inside the peak phase, they share:

• Completing their 3,000-ft and 4,000-ft milestone challenges — and the confidence those tests provided
• The exhaustion, pride, and “I really did that” moments after long combined treadmill–stairs–stair-climber workouts
• How they adapted when life made consistent data tracking impossible
• The way Marcus coached them through limited time, busy schedules, and moments of self-doubt

Once on the mountain, the conversation shifts to what it felt like to truly disconnect. Alexis talks about the quiet magic of being unreachable — no phone, no news, no notifications — and how that presence reshaped the experience. Hilary shares the “calm exhilaration” of being in the moment each day, guided by a team that focused them on one day at a time.

They also discuss:

• Snacking strategies, Scratch chews, electrolytes, and staying fueled at altitude
• How the Thomson Treks guides monitored hydration, sleep, recovery, and morale — and why “positive mental attitude” became their anchors
• The only moment Alexis felt altitude sickness: 3:30am on summit morning
• The honesty, support, and partnership that helped her recover and keep moving

The episode ends with a lively lightning round: tent rituals, packing mistakes, favorite snacks, who woke up first, who took longest to get ready, summit emotions, what the stars looked like at 15,000+ feet, and what they ultimately learned about themselves — and each other.

And don’t miss the very end — stay after the outro music for a fun bit of behind-the-scenes B-roll from our conversation.

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

When Hilary and her daughter Alexis signed up to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, they each trained on their own schedule but stayed connected through shared goals, encouragement, and a deep commitment to see the journey through together.

In this first half of their story, Hilary shares how her customized training plan—and especially the lunge progression—transformed the knee she’d struggled with since ACL surgery, leaving it stronger and more stable than it had felt in years. Alexis talks about something different but equally powerful: the gift of disconnection. High on the mountain, without her phone or constant notifications, she found a deeper presence and appreciation for the moment.

You’ll hear:

• What inspired them to take on Kilimanjaro together
• How they balanced life, graduation, and training from different cities
• The physical and mental breakthroughs that came from structured hiking prep
• Why stepping away from screens can reconnect us to ourselves and each other

This episode is part inspiration, part practical guide—and a reminder that when families train for something big together, the results go far beyond the mountain.

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

In Part 2 of this conversation, Marcus and Lisa pick up where they left off—digging into the peak phase of her 20-week training plan leading up to the Tour du Mont Blanc. They talk about how Lisa managed higher mileage and tougher elevation goals, how she kept her body feeling good and avoided overtraining as the workouts got tougher, and the mindset that carried her through the final stretch of preparation.

Later in the episode, Marcus brings in Travis Wardell, Program Director for Europe at Mountain Travel Sobek—one of, if not the, world’s oldest adventure travel company. It’s Travis’s first time meeting Lisa, and he shares insights on what makes MT Sobek’s version of the TMB different from the classic route, how the company designs and curates world-class trekking experiences, and the activity level system they use to help travelers choose the right adventure for their goals and abilities.

The episode wraps with a relaxed, behind-the-scenes exchange after the formal interview—a fun, unscripted glimpse of the conversation once the mics were supposed to be off.

Mountain Travel Sobek - The Adventure Company | Est. 1969

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

I had a pretty ambitious goal going into this conversation with my client, Lisa. The idea was to cover all 20 weeks of her Tour du Mont Blanc training plan, and my hope was that each week you’d learn something you could apply to your training — or at least walk away with a little inspiration.

And the good news is — it turned out great. I’d never done this format before, and it ended up becoming a two-part series. Part 1 focuses on Lisa’s base training phase — the foundation that built her strength, balance, and confidence for the Tour du Mont Blanc. Part 2 dives into her peak phase and includes a special guest from Mountain Travel Sobek, the company she traveled with.

In this episode, Lisa shares lessons from the early weeks of her program — from mastering lunges and stair work to staying consistent while juggling family life and flat Michigan terrain. Whether you’re training for your first big hike or just need a dose of motivation, you’ll come away with practical tips, insights, and a few laughs from Lisa’s journey.

Mountain Travel Sobek - The Adventure Company | Est. 1969

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

What does it take to climb Kilimanjaro when you don’t live near mountains? And what happens when you decide to do it all over again for the Inca Trail?

In this episode, I sit down with Alicia—a self-described “non-athlete” who trained on 23 stairs behind a building and a treadmill with a pack on her back to summit Kilimanjaro. She’s funny, self-deprecating, and brutally honest about what it really feels like to take on a trek of this size. Expect a few laugh-out-loud moments mixed with some hard-earned wisdom.

Now she’s training with me again, this time for the Inca Trail. By Week 5 she’s already logged 67 miles and 25,623 feet of elevation gain—compared to 62 miles and 17,749 feet at the same point in her Kilimanjaro plan. Why the difference? This time, the training is packed into 8 weeks instead of 12, and with experience comes a new awareness of how to push and how to know your limits.

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

Most travelers walk away from a guided trip thinking, “That was amazing”—but they have no idea what it actually took to make it feel that way.

In Part 2 of my conversation with former REI Guide of the Year Chris Anderson, we go behind the curtain to uncover what guides really do:

• How REI tried to flip the script and treat guiding as a real career—and why that model didn’t survive
• The long hours, behind-the-scenes prep, and emotional labor that guests never see
• The broken tipping culture—and why it puts guides in a tough, awkward position
• What it really means to serve 10+ guests for 14+ hours a day with zero margin for error
• How underprepared guests affect group dynamics, safety, and morale
• The impossible math behind seasonal contracts, no PTO, and $100 day rates
• Why the best guides make you feel like the trip ran itself—and how much effort that actually takes

If you’ve ever been on a guided trip—or plan to—this episode will change how you see your guide forever.

🎧 Start listening now—and maybe rethink that tip envelope.

Check out the LinkedIn post from Chris that sparked this two-part series…

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

When REI announced it was shutting down its Experiences Division, the internet exploded with outrage. For many, it felt like the company was abandoning one of the most meaningful things it offered - a way to actually get people outside, not just sell them the gear.

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Anderson, Former director of Risk Management & Guide Training at REI - a key leader behind the Experiences Division - to unpack what really happened behind the scenes.

We cover:

• Why REI acquired Arizona Outback Adventures (AOA) in 2019
• The original vision for Experiences and how it aligned with REI’s mission
• Internal data that showed Experiences boosted member spending and loyalty
• What changed after the pandemic—and why even a successful program can get cut
• Why REI’s commitment to paying guides fairly may have made long-term profitability an uphill battle

Chris brings a rare perspective—both operational and deeply personal—to a story that’s about much more than one company. It’s about the gap between mission and margin in the outdoor industry.

🎧 If you’ve ever taken a guided trip and had no idea what went on behind the scenes - Part 2 will change the way you see the entire experience. 

That’s where we go behind the curtain: exploring the emotional labor of guides, the broken tipping culture, and what needs to change to make this industry sustainable - for

Check out the LinkedIn post from Chris that sparked this two-part series…

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

In this exhilarating episode, I talk with Alex Harz, creator and star of the captivating documentary "The Quest Everest." Alex shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories of his meticulous year-long training regimen, intense mental preparation, and unforgettable experiences climbing from Lukla to the summit of Mount Everest.

Listen in as Alex reveals:

• The surprising challenges he faced, including unexpected toe injuries and the infamous "Khumbu cough."
• The reality of the Everest climb—navigating treacherous ladders, repeated ascents through the Khumbu Icefall, and life at extreme altitudes.
• Insights on the Sherpa community and the cultural significance of the Everest region.
• Valuable advice on physical and mental preparation for Everest Base Camp and high-altitude trekking.

This episode isn't about encouraging listeners to summit Everest themselves. Instead, it's an opportunity to experience thrilling moments vicariously—through gripping anecdotes and vivid storytelling from someone who's been there. Listeners will gain rare insights into extraordinary situations they'll likely never face firsthand, from navigating treacherous ladders above crevasses to confronting the raw intensity of the death zone. Ultimately, it's about stepping into the climber's boots, absorbing the awe-inspiring drama, and using that inspiration to conquer the mountains in their own lives.

Whether you're dreaming of Everest Base Camp or inspired to conquer your personal Everest, Alex's story will motivate you to push past your self-imposed limits.

Key Highlights:

• How Alex prepared physically and mentally for 52 intense days on Everest.
• Stories of overcoming mental barriers at crucial moments.
• The profound cultural experiences in the Khumbu Valley.
• Tips for aspiring Everest Base Camp trekkers.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Follow Alex: The Quest Series Instagram
• Virtual Reality Experience: Quest Everest VR
• Documentary: The Quest Everest

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

Tia Banks never laced up hiking boots until her mid-30s—after a career as a pro basketball and flag-football athlete was cut short by a Grade 5 cartilage tear in her right knee. In this 41-minute episode, we explore:

• Reinventing yourself after injury: How she pivoted from court and field into totally unfamiliar trails, rediscovered her identity and went on to summit Kilimanjaro while battling illness, whipping winds and half the oxygen she was used to.
• Why “too late” is a myth: How a total novice built high-altitude endurance with pre-dawn weighted walks, stair-climb marathons and expert breath-work coaching.
• The power of your tribe: How one voice on a dark summit night turned “I want to quit” into “I will keep going,” and why Tia now pairs every hiker with a dedicated “partner in climb.”
• Unconventional training secrets: The mindset tools—optimism, “keep deciding” and resilience practices—that outlast raw talent on any trail.
• Mind Over Mountains: A deep dive into Tia’s interactive book and coaching platform, where you map your personal “life mountains” and transform setbacks into stepping-stones.
• From summit to spotlight: How Tia turned her late-start passion into a full-time calling—leading treks to Guadalupe Peak (Texas), Pico de Orizaba (Mexico) and beyond, and bringing mountain-born lessons into schools and boardrooms.

Whether you’re gearing up for your first day hike or facing an Everest-sized challenge at home, Tia’s journey proves it’s never too late to start—and you don’t climb alone.

Get started at tiabanks.com —grab the book, join a group trek, or book her for your next resilience workshop.

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast

I’ll never forget the email that landed in my inbox last November. “Failure isn’t an option,” Trudy wrote. “How do I get in tip-top shape for a 30-day Upper Dolpo trek?”

Fast-forward five months: Trudy—67 years young and 88 pounds lighter—had logged almost 275 miles and 94,000 feet of elevation gain training, half of it on real stairs and mountain trails, the rest on treadmills between deadlifts and trap-bar sessions. She showed up in Nepal ready for twelve high passes (six over 16,500 ft, topping out at 18,250 ft) and the cultural immersion she’d been craving since her Peace Corps days.

In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the program we built together: how we ramped weekly goals from 12 miles/3,000 ft to 18 miles/4,000 ft, why a 25-pound training pack and forty-lap stair grinds became her secret weapon, and how she toed the line between over-training and optimal conditioning.

Trudy joins me to share the human side, chatting with curious neighbors during two-and-a-half-hour staircase sessions, balancing powerlifting meets with summit prep, and using Diamox along with smart acclimatization days to keep altitude sickness at bay.

If you’re eyeing Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, or your own backyard epic hike, Trudy’s journey proves that meticulous prep and a rock-solid mindset trump age, altitude, and doubt every time.

Ask Me How To Get Fit For Your Next Hike, Trek or Backpacking Trip:
https://fitfortrips.com/consultation/

Get Your 3 Free 12-Week Hiking Training Plans:
https://fitfortrips.com/free-hiking-training-plan/

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@HikeStrongPodcast

Check out the audio podcast version on all platforms:
https://fitfortrips.com/hikestrongpodcast