Mountain

RAINIER TRAINING PLAN

“Sitting here in the airport waiting to head back to NYC. I just wanted to say thank you. I used your plan to train for a climb on Mt. Rainier. While we did not summit due to conditions on our route, we made it to the top of disappointment cleaver just over 12,000 ft. Even though we did not touch the top. Not once did I feel like my physical ability would keep me from getting there. People were taken aback by the volume of step ups I was doing. They paid off both physically and mentally! I look forward to using that plan to train for my next attempt at it.

Thank you !”

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTING PLAN

“This fall I spent 2.5 months in the mountains and backcountry hunting Dall Sheep, caribou, mountain goats, moose and Stone Sheep. As a hunter and camera operator, my pack would routinely weigh 60 lbs, with a day pack of 40 lbs or more. We would do 20 km days, up to 60 km with light packs (overnight sprints) and up to 4500’ (1400 m) of elevation in a single day (60 lb pack). A third of a caribou and camera gear is north of 100 lb. Hunting days could run from 5:00 am to 1 am on occasion, but we were always up before the sun.

I started the Backcountry Big Game Hunting Packet with Humility. I completed over 90% of the workouts, though sadly was unable to do all of the “mini-events” found in the Backcountry Big Game Training Plan. I began the program in good shape and had been completing weekly rucks with 60-80 lbs (two hours) since January of this year.

As the mountain hunting season comes to a close, I have some observations about the results of my training:

– I never had sore shoulders or chassis from carrying the weight.

– I never had sore legs, even after the hardest days.

– I felt 100% capable of doing what was needed.

– My upper body was sufficiently strong to meet all challenges

– My weight didn’t drop during training (I could work on my diet a bit).

My 30-minute step-up results went from 815 (July 15) to 824 (September 26). I would associate much of the modest increase to determination and technique, so it does not indicate a substantial fitness improvement. My weight would have been about five lb heavier in September.

In summary, if anyone wants to be capable in the mountains, this program will get them there.

The only aspect of my fitness I will change for next season is related to my anaerobic threshold and my ability to push into a higher gear and go harder. As long as it was a slow grind, I was capable. When the time came to push up steeper country, the wheels would more or less fall off and I would be left working at a higher than I thought I should need to (heart rate of 170, for example). The elevated heart rates compromised my ability to think and film, and in steep goat terrain, this can be a liability.”

BACKCOUNTRY SKI PRE SEASON PLAN

“The training plan is great. I am an emergency doctor/search and rescue volunteer in Everett, Washington, an avid backcountry skier training for a trip to Hokkaido in January, and I am 5 months pregnant. The program is perfect for getting me in uphill shape and keeping my kinesthetic senses intact as I gain midsection weight. I have spent some great days on Rainier with much less quad fatigue than at the start of past seasons. I did the first version of this program a few years ago and really enjoyed it and find V2 even better. The structure is straightforward and easy to follow. Plus, it seems like great early training for labor and delivery, which I presume will be a 20 hour grind of full leg blasters. I spend most of the rest of the year doing the goddess base programming to get me ready for summer climbing and spring/fall trail running. You guys do a great job. I really appreciate having Mtn Athlete as an option since my schedule is far too variable to attend traditional group training sessions and get out in the mountains.”

30 MINUTES PER DAY DRYLAND SKIING

“Just have to say, I started to dread Quadzilla complexes as I progressed in the Dryland Ski training, but holy shiitakes! I have never felt so strong on the mountain! You really helped elevate my skiing experience and I’ve been telling everyone I know who enjoys skiing about this program. Now I embrace the Quadzillas!

My husband has been using your programs for years and finally convinced me last year to start. Not going to lie, I was intimidated at first even with some CrossFit experience, but I’m so glad I started because I haven’t been able to experience such improvement in strength and endurance that carries over so well in my every day life and outdoor adventures. He’s happy too, since it’s a rare occasion when I admit he’s right. 😉

Thanks again for your awesome customer service, recommendations and all the work you guys do!! ”

ALPINE RUNNING TRAINING PLAN

“I just wanted to let you know that I purchased the alpine running program and it’s fantastic. I’ve especially appreciated the chassis integrity exercises. Thank you. Keep up the great work!”

DENALI TRAINING PLAN

“I wanted to thank you for an excellent Mountain athlete programming and your recommendations of a training plan.

I just got back form Denali. In only 7 days I solo summited Denali via West Buttress and safely solo skied off the summit. I moved from base camp to 14K camp in 3 days in single carries wearing 73 lbs backpack and no sleds (my body weight is 115lbs). I got weathered off for 2 days at 14K camp and then did a summit push from 14K camp. The next day I skied down back to BC in 3.5 hours.  I felt strong and more than adequately prepared. I can’t thank you enough.

I ended up doing some fusion between your backcountry skiing program and your Denali program. Both are fantastic and really work great. My heaviest pack for carry uphills was 55lbs.”

PEAK BAGGER TRAINING PLAN

“I wanted to give you feedback on your Peakbagger as a prep tool for hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim in a single day (45 miles).  Actually, we did it in 17 hrs, including test, with a 12-pound running pack.

The program kicked ass in preparation for the base of the canyon and the downhills off of the North and South rims. We flew down the declines and had no pain at all when done. We actually ran down the North Rim. Thumbs up!”

BACKCOUNTRY SKI PRE-SEASON TRAINING PLAN

“Just wanted to let you know I was pleased with how well the backcountry preseason training plan prepared me for my summer ski trip to Argentina. I was only able to complete six weeks, since I signed up close to leaving and between waiting a couple days for my sandbag, travel days, and being extremely sore in the beginning, left me a few days less than I expected. It was not easy, I still have to modify some of the push ups, but it was definitely worth it. I felt the difference.”

BACKPACKING PRESEASON TRAINING PLAN

“I have been using your Back Pack Preseason programming to train for an Alpine Group Trek, titled Extremus put on by a group called the Endurance Society.

This trek has been attempted in a few different variations over the last 5 years (4 attempts with 1 year looking for a new venue in the middle) and up until this year had never been completed. I’m happy to report that this year a large contingent of our group was able to finish this event, which was a traverse of the Great Range in the Adirondacks. 25 or so miles, over 21.5 hours, 11 summits and, as I’m sure you can imagine, some incredible memories and views.

I have to thank you for the programming that you have put out, Rob. I whole-heartedly believe that it is what made the difference between not finishing and not just surviving but thriving in some very harsh environments. In the face of lots of adversity such as gear failures, going black on water multiple times and complex logistical challenges I was able to keep a smile on my face and just keep on rolling. Attached are a couple pics from the trek, hope you enjoy them.

I do have a two questions for you regarding programming going forward:

1. Are there any adaptations you would suggest for taking on a wider stance for snowshoeing purposes in the mountains? I had some minor cramping in my hip flexors, so I was curious if there were any things you might suggest for strengthening and lengthening there, in addition to what is already in the programming.

2. I’m feeling fantastic a couple of days out from the event but I was curious what you would suggest as far as a de-load schedule before taking on a new program. I’m currently training for a half marathon (road) that takes place on March 17. I had added speed work and added some distance to the running in the program during the 6 weeks training and will continue that but I would also like to choose another goal and get back to MTI programming as soon as possible. The core work is fantastic and working on my Mountain Chassis is something I am very committed to after experience the fruits of following the Back Pack Pre-Season program.

Also, it’s definitely worth mentioning that lots of folks I have been talking to are interested in your programming and I’m hopeful that some of them will be signing up for a membership or picking up a plan. The info you are putting out is great and these ladies and gents would certainly benefit from it.”

MOUNTAIN BASE HELEN

“Wow. I’m three weeks into Mountain Base Helen, and the thoughtfulness with which this program was built is apparent. With the exception of the long cardio day, every workout takes about an hour, which is ideal since I workout at 6AM. You’ve even built in stretching and MFR. As I mentioned to my girlfriend, “they’ve really done all the thinking for me.”

More importantly in my case, Helen is hammering what was my weakest area during my last big climb: my quads. I know my efforts on that muscle group will pay huge dividends – not to mention the extra attention to my lower back, which forces me to stay mindful of core engagement throughout the day.

All in all I’m enjoying Helen because it feels like I’m training to be a pack mule – which is frankly how I want to train. When I go to the garage in the AM, it feels like I’m out there working. Not just performing some exercises, but doing real work. As a result, my mental engagement is high.

Next on the slate is the Alpine Fitness Assessment, which I’ll begin mid February after one week of Helen recovery. After the AFA, I’ll complete the actual Rainier program prior to my glacier course/climb. Kudos on a great program.”