How Juanita Overcame Knee Pain To Conquer The Inca Trail And Machu Picchu

This is Juantia. Learn how Juanita used the Online Summit Program to overcome knee pain while hiking, and trek the Inca Trail completely pain free.

"Taking a quick moment to let you know that I got through the Inca Trail completely pain-free, except for a few hot spots which I got on top of straight away. I never thought that would be possible, and I know the training made all the difference to my experience of the trail.

Thank you so much for all your coaching and support. I have learned so much about walking and are now more motivated than ever to do more."

This was the lovely email which I received from online client Juanita who had just tackled the Inca Trail. 
 
Now Juanita first got in touch with me because she was suffering from serious knee pain while hiking.
 
She had previously gotten exercises from the physio (which helped). But whenever she started hiking again, it would flare up. So she would rest until it felt better. And then try hiking again, only to experience more pain. It was a bit of a terrible cycle. 
 
This is a quote from our initial email chain:  
 

"I am now really torn between whether I should continue walking and risk further injury or whether I should put my feet up to let it heal and risk not being fit enough for the trip. Our trip is only 60 days away, so either option fills me with dread."

Not a pretty situation at all.
 
So how did we get here from a stressed-out aspiring trekker?  
  
To a fully confident success story at the legendary Machu Pichu?
 
By smart programming!
 
Here is a snapshot into what we worked on:

• We said goodbye to long hikes (for the first four weeks at least)
  
• We incorporated lots of off-feet conditioning (swimming intervals in the pool and long cycles on the weekend)
  
• We got her working on a structured strength training program (aiming at foot, knee and back stability)
  
• We SLOWLY increased her walking distances (starting at a dead easy distance and progressing slightly every week)
  
• And we taught her the skills and tips she needed to manage and minimise her own pain when it flared up 

Now to be clear, this wasn't completely smooth sailing...
  
There were a few ups and downs in the process (as there is in any pain prevention journey)
 
But every time a roadblock came up, we communicated, stayed positive and came up with a solution. 
 
Here is another quote from her about this:  

 "He is very empathetic when things don't go according to plan and helps you to acknowledge where you're at, let go of the negative emotions that often holds us back and focus on what's most useful to do next."

But after all of this, we got her there!
 
If you are struggling with issues on the trail, whether it is knee pain while hiking, back pain, foot pain, lack of conditioning or whatever.
  
If the task ahead seems entirely insurmountable...
 
Please don't just accept this.  
  
Reach out for help.
 
It can make all the difference.
 
And if this is you, you can find me here:  
 

The Online Summit Program