Yes, Mark, this story includes tips on cardio training. But this story, like many at my blog, is partly free for anyone to read but requires a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read in full. A subscription gives you full access to all of my blog’s stories, including the trip planner section at the bottom of stories about specific trips, where I share details of the itinerary and other logistics and tips on planning a trip, plus you get access to member gear discounts.

Hi Casey, thanks for the comment. I’ve never been to the Azores. Please recommend some hikes there. Good luck, too.

Thanks, Richard. You will have to go to New Zealand or come to the U.S. to find some snow!

Hi James, really good question. You may be thinking this out even more than I do, but in general, I train on a four-week schedule, with week 1 being the easiest, building up to an exhausting week 4. And if I’m planning a big hike or climb, I schedule a taper week, or week 1, during the week prior to my hike or climb. In short, I taper for a week, but I’m training hard up until a week before the hike.

That said, I’m also careful to avoid over-training. If I find that I’m not recovering from a workout within a day or two, and that I’m tired exercising even after a rest day, I dial back the workouts for maybe a week.

Good luck with your rim to rim. Great hike. I hope you’ve seen my story about it: https://thebigoutsideblog.com/a-grand-ambition-or-april-fools-dayhiking-the-grand-canyon-rim-to-rim-to-rim/

Good tip, JZ, I have a regular morning routine myself.

I would add that it helps to block some time first thing every morning to work on yourself. It can be hard the first couple of weeks, but once it becomes a routine, it is much easier to make sure the stretching and light exercise are done daily. A little morning mindfulness will also helps with getting better sleep and rest, as I try to wrap up work and life for those epic adventure holidays.

Cheers,
JZ
http://www.livingez.us

Thanks, Carl. You can train for the mountains anywhere.