Think passing the pack test means you're ready? It's just the floor, not the ceiling.
Austin Womack from Rugged Athlete breaks down why three miles in 45 minutes only proves minimum fitness—and what it actually takes to handle steep climbs, heavy tools, altitude, smoke, and back-to-back shifts without getting destroyed.

What we cover:

Why the Pack Test is Just the Baseline
Built on aerobic data from the 90s
Modern evidence shows uphill assignments nearly double the demand
If the minimum leaves you gassed, the mountain will eat you alive

The Type 1 Fitness Test (Austin's Alternative)
Mile run → hand-release push-ups → loaded lunges → heavy carries → more lunges → two-mile run
Sub-40 minutes = meaningful benchmark for Type 1 crews
Exposes weak links: quads/glutes under load, grip endurance, mental grind after leg fatigue

Training for Altitude & Smoke
Build big aerobic volume at home (Zone 2 sessions)
Add loaded uphill work and VO2 intervals
Plan acclimatization when possible
No gimmick mask replaces true hypoxia—consistent training and smart pacing do

Recovery Tactics That Cut Injuries
Better sleep and carbohydrate timing for long shifts
Protein targets for tissue repair
Hydration and electrolytes for heat and elevation
Mobility sessions to stay durable through 14-day rolls

Rugged Athlete App
Seasonal programming and on-ramps after layoffs or injuries
Micro plans for push-ups, pull-ups, timed runs
High-performance hiking and preventative maintenance education
7-day free trial available

Find The Journeyman App here:
Google Play Store: 
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livetjm.thejourneyman&pli=1

Apple App Store:
apps.apple.com/us/app/tjm-the-journeyman/id6503902863

Visit Our Website
livetjm.com/home

Find Rugged Athlete 
https://www.ruggedathletetraining.com/

[00:00:00] The Grind And Burnout On The Line
[00:05:00] Minimums Versus Real-World Demands
[00:10:45] Altitude, Smoke, And Hidden Stressors
[00:16:36] App, Programs, And Where To Start
[00:20:20] Q&A Invite And Ways To Connect