In this special episode of the 46 of 46 Podcast, we head to Old Forge, NY, for the inaugural Forge Quad-Athlon — a one-of-a-kind race that pushes body and mind through four disciplines: bike, hike, paddle, and run. But this isn’t just a story about racing — it’s a story about community, courage, and everyday people doing extraordinary things.

Eight members from the Great Range Athlete and Seek To Do More coaching programs signed up to take on this challenge together. In this roundtable-style conversation, you’ll hear from several of them as they share what it was like to take on the course, push their limits, and show up not just for themselves — but for each other.

We talk about the power of community accountability, how mindset and preparation made all the difference, and why most people are capable of far more than they believe. If you’ve ever felt the pull to do more, try something new, or push past your limits — this episode will light that fire.

Inside this episode:

• What it’s like to bike, hike, paddle, and run through the Adirondacks in one epic race
• How coaching and community created the momentum for 8 people to say “yes”
• Why you're stronger than you think — and how to prove it to yourself

Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46


Does your physical fitness ever hold you back from fully enjoying your hiking adventures? 

Here's 2 ways I can help you:

1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)
Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. 

Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HERE like it was for over 100 other hikers around the world.
www.seektodomore.com
 

2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training program
A 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.

Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween.
Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammates

Join the next team HERE
www.GreatRangeAthlete.com


Get my Adirondack hiking books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HERE

Visit my websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

This week hiking savage, Will Robinson, comes back to the podcast to tell the story of his recent Spring single-season NE115. 




Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. 
Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERE



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line



Looking for custom help to improve your both your fitness for hiking, disicpline, and daily habits? Work with James 1-on-1 to become fit for the trail and llife.
 
Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program,
SEEK TO DO MORE at www.seektodomore.com 


Visit my other websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

This week Jonathan Zaharek is with me to chat all about his new endeavor, Hike ADK. An online platform for all things hiking in the Adirondacks.

Download the HikeADK app in the app store now or visit www.HikeADK.com and take advatange of this phenemonal new resource for hikers.




Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. 
Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERE



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line



Looking for custom help to improve your both your fitness for hiking, disicpline, and daily habits? Work with James 1-on-1 to become fit for the trail and llife.
 
Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program,
SEEK TO DO MORE at www.seektodomore.com 


Visit my other websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

In this special historical episode of the 46 of 46 Podcast, we go deep into the untold story of the very first Adirondack 46ers—Bob and George Marshall, and their legendary guide, Herb Clark.

Step back to the early 1900s and follow the trio's rugged, awe-inspiring journey through the Adirondack wilderness—long before GPS, marked trails, or hiking apps.

Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46


Does your physical fitness ever hold you back from fully enjoying your hiking adventures? 

Here's 2 ways I can help you:

1.) Work with James 1-on-1 (online)
Apply to work with directy with James 1-on-1 in his Seek To Do More program where he'll help you build the right kind of strength & conditioning for better hiking adventures, along with the nutrition and daily habits needed to support long term transformation. 

Book a call with James to see if it's the right fit for you HERE like it was for over 100 other hikers around the world.
www.seektodomore.com
 

2.) Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE Team training program
A 6-week online fitness program to help you imporve your strength and endurance for hiking mountains. Train alongside a likeminded team of fellow hikers who will give you the support, guidance, and accountability you need to succeed.

Over 200 hikers worldwide have joined the Great Range Athlete team program with great sucesss from first time hikers to multi-round Adirondack 46'ers and everywhere inbetween.
Plus, enjoy an Adirondack group hike at the end of the program with your coach and teammates

Join the next team HERE
www.GreatRangeAthlete.com


Get my Adirondack hiking books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line

3.) Pick up my digital eBook "From 1-to-46" instantly HERE

Visit my websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

This is the story of the Great Range Athlete CASCADE Team. A group of 21 hikers who came together with the same goals: to impriove their physical fitness for their hiking adventures.

This team stretched from Vermont to Alaska and everywhere inbetween. At the end of their 6-week training program we got together in the Adirondack High Peaks for a group hike up Cascade and Porter Mountains in the Adirondacks.

This is their story.

Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. 
Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERE



Follow on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line



Looking for help to improve your both your fitness for hiking and your disicpline and daily habits so you can become the strongest version of yourself on and off the trail? 

Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program,
SEEK TO DO MORE at
www.seektodomore.com 


Visit my other websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

This week I sat down for Summit Session chat with director, Blake Cortright, who is gearing up for the theatrical re-release of his film "The 46'ers" as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary. We'll discuss the filmmaking process in the High Peaks, and everything about the film and the Adirondacks as the main character.

Learn more about the special 10-year anniversary screenings at:
www.The46ersFilm.com




Follow Along on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. 
Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERE



Looking for help to improve your both your fitness for hiking and your disicpline and daily habits so you can become the strongest version of yourself on and off the trail? 

Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program,
SEEK TO DO MORE at
www.seektodomore.com/vsl 




Get my books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue LineWebsites:




www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

This week I'm diving into to discuss every trailhead you'll use to climb the 46 Adirondack High Peaks and give you all the pertinent info you'll want to know so you get a parking spot along with what mountains you'll hike from what trailhead.


Follow Along on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. 
Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERE



Looking for help to improve your both your fitness for hiking and your disicpline and daily habits so you can become the strongest version of yourself on and off the trail? 

Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program,
SEEK TO DO MORE at
www.seektodomore.com/vsl 




Get my books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue LineWebsites:




www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

As spring arrives in the Adirondacks, the High Peaks enter mud season—a time when trails above 2,500 feet become saturated and vulnerable. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advises hikers to avoid these trails to prevent erosion and protect fragile ecosystems. But that doesn't mean your hiking adventures have to pause!

In this episode, we'll explore a variety of lower-elevation hiking challenges perfect for this season. From the Lake Placid 9'er to the Fire Tower Challenge, discover new trails, earn badges, and enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks responsibly. 

Hiking Challenges Covered:

1. Lake Placid 9'er: www.lakeplacid9er.com
A collection of nine accessible peaks around Lake Placid, offering a mix of challenges and scenic views.

2. Saranac Lake 6'er
Six peaks surrounding Saranac Lake, providing a range of hiking experiences and the tradition of ringing the 6er Bell upon completion.

3. Tupper Lake Triad
A trio of family-friendly hikes near Tupper Lake, suitable for hikers of all levels.

4. Fulton Chain Trifecta
Three accessible peaks near Old Forge, perfect for a day of hiking with rewarding views.

5. Lake George 12ster
A more extensive challenge encompassing 12 peaks around Lake George, offering diverse trails and scenic beauty.

6. Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge
A challenge involving hikes to historic fire towers across the Adirondacks, combining history with adventure.

Tips for Spring Hiking:
- Trail Etiquette: Stay on designated trails to prevent erosion and avoid hiking on muddy trails to protect trail integrity.

- Gear Recommendations: Miccrospikes, waterproof boots, gaiters, and trekking poles are essential for spring conditions.

- Safety Precautions: Check weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out, and let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time.



Follow Along on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. 
Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERE



Looking for help to improve your both your fitness for hiking and your disicpline and daily habits so you can become the strongest version of yourself on and off the trail? 

Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program,
SEEK TO DO MORE at
www.seektodomore.com/vsl 




Get my books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue LineWebsites:




www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

This week on the Summit Sessions Team USA Bobsledder Adrian Adams joins me to talk al about the life of a Team USA bobsled athlete and living in Lake Placid full time as he pursues his Olympic dream.

If you've ever wondered what it's like being a winter sports athlete who trains at all of these winter sports facilities in Lake Placid, this is the episode for you!

Coonnect with Adrian on Instagram: @adrianadamsusa
Follow Along on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line



Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. 
Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERE


Looking for help to improve your both your fitness for hiking and your disicpline and daily habits so you can become the strongest version of yourself on and off the trail? 

Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program,
SEEK TO DO MORE at
www.seektodomore.com/vsl 


Websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com

In this episode I'lll go through the 10 essentials every hiker should have in their backpack and throw in a few bonus essentials for good measure at the end. 


Follow Along on Instagram & Facebook:
@46of46podcast
@jamesappleton46

Get my books:
1.) The Adirondack 46 in 18 Hikes: The Complete Guide to Hiking the High Peaks 

2.) Adirondack Campfire Stories: Tales and Folklore from Inside the Blue Line



Join the next GREAT RANGE ATHLETE 6-week challenge and get in mountain-hiking shape in just 6 weeks from your local gym or your house. 
Learn more about the Great Range Athlete Team Program HERE


Looking for help to improve your both your fitness for hiking and your disicpline and daily habits so you can become the strongest version of yourself on and off the trail? 

Book a free strategy call with James to learn more about his 1-on-1 coaching program,
SEEK TO DO MORE at
www.seektodomore.com/vsl 


Websites:
www.46OUTDOORS.com
www.46OF46.com