Thru-Hiking Training Success Stories: How Our Clients Prepared for Long-Distance Trails

At Summit Strength, we’ve helped many hikers train and prepare for thru-hiking adventures, building the fitness, strength, and endurance required for long-distance trails. With the right training, expert education, and personalised support, our clients consistently achieve outstanding results on their long-distance hiking journeys.
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Below, you’ll find a collection of real thru-hiking success stories from hikers who trained with us and went on to successfully complete some of the longest trails in the world.

Training For The Pacific Crest Trail 

"I typically will backpack for about a month every summer, but this, this time I'm doing the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) SO it's a lot longer. And I just felt like I needed some coaching so that I'm ready to go...
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I found myself getting stronger I found myself being challenged but in a whole different way than I'm used to when I was working out on my own - it's been great."

- Kerri 

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"I reached out to Summit Strength because I needed a little bit of direction in how to train for my first thru-hike (The Pacific Crest Trail). 

I would say the challenge I had was my knees, I hated descending and I got really frustrated initially on the hikes.... I was given some really great exercises to do... and yeah, I have never felt like descending was this easy probably since like 20 or 30 years ago."

- Joan 

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"I started training with Summit Strength to help get prepared to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

I would definitely recommend them to others.

Their program and support is amazing and customized on your special needs."

​- Kathrin

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"I finally made it! 2650 miles on the PCT from Canada to Mexico, in about 4.5 months. What an adventure, and the best thing was, I hiked the Sierra and southern California alone, sometimes not meeting anybody else for several days. I think nowadays this is really special.
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What never ceases to amaze me is the kindness of strangers. And that I was able to pull off 25+ mile days, day after day, without injury."

- Tamara 

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Training For The Applalachian Trail

​"I hired Summit Strength to help prepare for hiking the Appalachian Trail.

They worked with the anticipated load I would be carrying, my intended hike and incorporated my physiotherapy-based exercises into the training program. 

It was all extremely positive and helped alleviate a lot of anxiety. I could easily connect what I was training to why I was training it and how. 

The communication between Summit Strength and my physiotherapist was incredibly beneficial and made my training program a comfort, not a stress. 

I have gotten to the end of my program and no longer feel worried about injury or not enjoying myself due to lacking fitness. I feel ready to tackle some mountains.

Work I work with them again? Definitely, if I have a new unique challenge or I knew someone who was undertaking a form of extended hike/ expedition. 

The process was easy, and I felt well supported; the program was easy to follow and I saw lots of changes in my overall fitness without being overwhelmed. The training was always flexible and clearly created holistically. "

- Holly

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"I summitted Mt. Katahdin on Friday to complete my trek of the Appalachian Trail.

2193 miles in 165 days and too many memories to count.

Thanks Rowan and the Summit Strength team for preparing me for this incredible adventure! 

No injuries or pain to speak of…."

- Kurt
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Training For The Superior Hiking Trail

"Thanks for helping me make this happen. I am doing a lot of hills without huffing and puffing and breathing through my nose!! (Solos SOBS thru-hike of Superior Hiking Trail). "

- Kim 

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Training For Te Araroa 

"My goal was to thru-hike the Te Araroa Trail, the South Island section - that's 1,300 kilometres.

It was a reasonably chunky kind of a goal, given that I've only ever hiked probably at most for five days or four days of any sort of multi-day hike.

I was amazed at how my body just went day after day after day. I was happy to get up. I had no aches or pains. That absolutely blew me away. It was just like, yep, it's another day walking, here I go again.
 
I had no issues at all. That absolutely staggered me, how I just had really no muscle soreness or stiffness or anything like that.
 
Thinking back about it, what Summit Strength enabled me to do, it wasn't just building strength and building resilience for the track, but it was actually learning how to hike. 
 
 So it was a much much broader kind of training than just the strength and just you know sort of aerobic fitness and all of that it gave me incredible strategies to actually be able to to walk for six or eight hours of a day what to eat how to eat when to eat and all of that hydration and and things as well so the value of summit strength is is more than the sum of its parts i can tell you so thank you."
 
- Ali 

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"Just updating you that I successfully completed Te Araroa trail Te Waipounamu (long path South Island New Zealand) a few weeks ago.

It took me 81 days, including rest days, to complete, officially 1300km, though I’d argue there were more kms than that!

Lots of ascending, descending, rivers, bogs, mountains and tussock etc. An incredibly special journey. Definitely one of the best experiences of my life. Thanks Rowan for your amazing programme and patience. "

- Jan 

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Training For The Australian Alps Walking Track

"I am currently one third of the way through the Australian Alps Walking Track. It’s been brutal and spectacular! Huge thanks to Rowan for implementing a training program that has gotten get me up and down the hills so far. I am eleven days in and have done nearly 300km, ascending 13,975m and descending 12,799m. Wish me luck for the next two thirds!!

Update: Australian Alps Walking Track complete!! 
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Huge thanks to Rowan Smith and his wonderful program for whipping me into shape to get through this."

- Ann 

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"My initial goal was to get fit to walk the Australian Alps Walking Track, while I will not be able to complete the walk at the moment (due to park closures), I feel I have increased my fitness and strength per my goals. 

 I particularly liked the variety (targeting strength, mobility, aerobic fitness and endurance). I think if I had tried to do it on my own I would over-focus on strength and miss the rest.

The general experience working with Summit Strength was great. I particularly liked 3 things. 1) customisation to my injury, needs and equipment. 2) accountability to Rowan through check-ins (this kept me in track). 3) motivation,.

​ Would I recommend them to others? Yes, 100%. The accountability and motivation really helped."

​- Max 

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"I hired Summit Strength to train for the Australian Alps Walking Track.

I had a really positive experience with this program.

In the past I have tended to overtrain and injure myself, but this program built my strength and endurance without any injuries at all. It was very do-able for me but had fantastic results - I'm now able to manage long descents and heavy pack weights without knee pain for the first time in my adult life.

It was also extremely helpful for me to have a nutrition consultation which has totally changed my approach to nutrition for thru hiking.”

- Julienne

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Training For The Heysen Trail 

"I first hired Summit Strength to help prepare to trek the Heysen Trail end to end (1200km).

Initially,  I underwent a thorough assessment to identify my physical strengths and weaknesses as well as injuries past and present.

It's been a while since I've seriously exercised and I've recently been suffering with persistent knee pain whilst hiking. I thought I'd enlist the assistance of Rowan after listening to his podcast "The Training for Trekking Podcast". I've learnt so much from his podcast ways to eat to keep energy up for hours on end whilst hiking, strategies to improve my fitness, strength, mobility and trekking preparation, and most importantly ways to strengthen my annoying knee. What better person to help me prepare for the trek of my life than this seasoned professional. 

The best thing is that Rowan has always been kind compassionate and worked hard to understand how he can help. I appreciate the different exercises he substitutes into the sessions making my plan interesting and challenging. I even look forward to the gym now.

It's made a HUGE difference to my hiking, my legs are stronger, my body feels more stable, and my knee pain is virtually non existent. My pack doesn't feel as heavy either."

I highly recommend Rowan and Summit Strength.

Update: Hi there just wanted to say thanks to Rowan! I’m ten days away from finishing my South Australian Heysen Trail thru hike ~1200km. My bad knee is fighting fit, I’ve lost about 10kilo, and believe it or not I reflected gratefully on those early morning loaded pack sessions and on learning how to control my breathing going up hills. 
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- Gail 

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​Training For The Bibblumum Track

"I started working with Summit Strength to help me prepare for my hike on the Bibblumum track. 

I had come into this program with plantar pain from a previous exercise program.  Never had it before and really didn't know how to deal with it. 

I am also very new to this world of hiking, I've done one overnight with my sister. This nearly killed me, through the very challenging Kalamunda hills, the northern section of the track.  I basically knew nothing about hiking, gear, strength.  Nothing!!

My general experience was "outstanding".  The detail, the explanations, the way the program was delivered, both through the Training App and the small chunks of program, so you could manage each section.  

The pace (this seriously surprised me) at one point I did think, holy crap, I'm going to loose all my hard earned previous fitness on other programs because I'm not even breaking into a sweat. How wrong was I..... very wrong!!

I got stronger than I have ever been on any other program. 

It was such an incredible, well thought out, well delivered and accountable program.  Total credit to Rowan. His years of being in this space and putting it all together in a very achievable program, where you can see major changes.  Which in turn boosts your self confidence. "
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- Linda

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"I first started working with Summit Strength to prepare for an end to end hike on the Bibbulmun Track. Specifically, I wanted help with nutrition and mental health strategies.

We started with an initial call to identify where Rowan could help me. Once agreed, he set up a hike fit program for me in the gym and with my pack outdoors. I also had access to all his education information, videos and could ask any questions at any time.

Via the client group I was kept motivated, accountable and again could ask so many questions. There was access to live video chats as a group. I also took advantage of access to a dietician in the group chat and one-on-one. I met an amazing group of people online. All in all a wonderful experience.

Yes I would definitely recommend Summit Strength. The level of information given on all aspects of hiking, the constant practical reinforcement of skills and mental health all delivered in such a way that is empowering. At the end of the day, it is you on the hike and you need to be the one with the arsenal of skills to meet the challenges of thru hiking and thrive."

- Helen 

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"Finished my end to end Bibbulmun track last week, 1003kms, (plus all the extra kms from diversions etc), in 56 days which included 4 rest days.

A massive thanks to Rowan for helping me prepare. An amazing adventure!!
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- Sandra 

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​Training For The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage

"Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Japan) completed a couple of days ago.  1,200 plus kms and ascents totalling twice the height of Everest.

Mixture of solo walking and walking with fellow pilgrims.  Amazing kindness from local people.  Very uncrowded some days no other walkers.  A lot of roadwalking but mostly quiet small roads although also some busy ones and walking through road tunnels. Great food at lodgings. 

Eight weeks pre departure training with Rowan made for a total success so big thanks. There are people who have sadly dropped out after day 2 not having adequately prepared.  his is not just a long distance hike but a truly special experience. "

- Francis 

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Training For The Ozark Highlands Trail ​

​"At age 57 I decided to finally tackle a dream I’d had for over 40 years: to thru-hike the Ozark Highlands trail.  I was woefully out of shape and, as Principal in a coaching/training business and Partner in a law firm, had no time to go to the gym.  By the grace of God, I happened on a podcast that featured Rowan - this crazy Aussie who provided online training to people preparing for big adventures – and I figured I had nothing to lose.  One conversation, a few short evaluation videos, and a website link later, and I was on my way. 
Over the next 4 months or so, Rowan transformed me from a very soft, cloistered, executive into a backpacker capable of tackling the mountains I’d only dreamed of hiking.  He provided me with workouts that I could do in my office, in innumerable hotel gyms and rooms, and on the stairs and sidewalks in the neighborhood surrounding my office. 
Though “only” 165 miles, the OHT requires 25,000+ total feet of elevation gain & loss over that distance.  Catastrophic equipment failure and poor calendar management (I didn’t give myself enough time before I had to return to work) meant I had to cut the trip short.  But throughout the 85+ miles I walked, I can honestly say I never experienced a sore muscle or any form of injury.  Think about that!  A guy my age doing a solo walk through rugged country without any physical challenges whatsoever!  I give all the credit to my friend Rowan without whom I could never have succeeded. ​
Outdoor adventure does not require the same type of physical fitness that your average trainer can provide.  If you want to give yourself the best chance to succeed, engage with Rowan.  He knows what he’s doing and he’s an awesome guy! "

- Chris

Training For Section Hiking 

"I was very happy with how my body responded to that challenge. I really feel like working with you probably gave me a significant advantage over people who were just hopping on the trail with no prior conditioning at all. You know, I felt like I was very physically and mentally prepared for what I was doing."
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- Tisha (Section hiking the Pactific Crest Trail)

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"I first started working with Summit Strength because I wanted to get ready for a month long backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail. I wanted to be ready to do 15-20 mile days and to help find areas that I need to work on.

From the very beginning I was able to explain my goal and what I wanted to achieve. From there I was given recommendations on how to go about it. Rowan made the entire process easy to understand and was there if I needed to tweak something along the way. I could really tell that Rowan cared about my progress and how things were progressing along the way.

Yes, I will definitely recommend this program to other hikers that want to get in shape for the trail."

- Justin 

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"Just checking in to let you know that I am safe and sound following our latest Te Araroa trail adventure, travelling from National Park to a little place on the Whanganui river called Koriniti.

​An awesome adventure. Thanks, Rowan Smith for your coaching, and everybody for your moral and practical support. I learned a lot and was definitely much better prepared than winging it."

- Juanita 

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"Just finished a section of the Appalachian Trail from Hanover, New Hampshire to Andover with my husband. 

198 challenging, beautiful and sometimes terrifying miles. 

I couldn't have done it without Rowan Smith and his strength programs which made it not only doable but sometimes enjoyable! 

New Hampshire and Maine are the hardest of the 14 states the AT goes through and they definitely live up to their reputation. Thanks Rowan! We now have less than 250 miles to finish the trail."

- Patty

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"I first started working with Summit Strength to enhance my endurance on JMT (John Muir Trail) section hikes.

Throughout, he provided a structured program and easy access to useful information. It’s awesome experience. I have already recommended Summit Strength program to other hikers."

- Jennifer 

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"I started working with Summit Strength to increase strength and stamina for future backpacking and thru-hiking adventures. 

Rowan created a custom plan for me that would help me reach my goals without being injured or over-trained.

I felt supported through the entire process. Not only is Rowan an amazing knowledgeable trainer and resource, but the Summit Strength community is very supportive.

​I will continue to work with them because my progress and experience has been so good."

- Emily

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How We Help Hikers Train For Thru-  Hiking 

​At Summit Strength, we specialise in helping hikers train, prepare, and conquer their thru-hiking adventures.

How do we do this?

We apply specialised and personalised workout plans (covering strength training, conditioning, hiking and recovery - everything your body needs to get ready for day after day of long-distance hiking).

We educate you on the topics you need to perform in your training and survive over multiple weeks on the trail (such as nutrition, recovery, pain prevention, mental strength and mindset and much more).

We provide the support, coaching and accountability to keep you on track (though any challenges or roadblocks life throws at you).

If you are an aspiring thru-hiknig and you want to disocer what a specialised and personalised training program can do for you, you can check out the Online Summit Program here:

Online Personal Training For Thru-Hikers

Yours in trekking,

Rowan