
Uphill Athlete Podcast
We educate and inspire you to be the best mountain athlete you can be with unmatched experience and proven training knowledge.
Latest episodes

May 8, 2023 • 1h 13min
Trail Running Series: Racing, Adventures and FKTs
We are beginning a new educational series focused on trail running. Uphill Athlete has long coached and supported trail runners, but we are dedicating even more time and attention to this ever growing sport. Along with this podcast, we are also launching a trail running training group in June led by coaches Alexa Hasman, Brian Passenti and Alyssa Clark. We are revamping our training plans and have many experienced trail running coaches on staff available for one on one coaching. In this episode, Brian and Alyssa discuss the history of trail running along with the wide variety of races and adventures out there for mountain athletes. They touch on mountain safety, the culture of trail running and why this community is so special to many. Come join in on the trail running fun and be welcomed with open arms to this growing but tight knit space.Visit us at www.uphillathlete.com or drop us a note at coach@uphillathlete.com

Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 11min
Training for Mountaineering: Tapering and Post-Mountain Blues
In this episode, Steve and Alyssa welcome coach Martin Zhor onto the podcast to discuss tapering and the post-mountain blues. They discuss the dos and don’ts of tapering along with advice on the duration and types of workouts athletes should be focusing on during this time period. They also touch on the effect of travel during a taper period and how to account for altitude and acclimatization. Along with tapering, the three discuss the after period of a big climb and what happens next mentally and physically regardless of the summit success. They offer their own experiences and tips to handle the let down post-trip. Join the three in a comprehensive discussion rounding out the mountaineering training series and helping athletes reach their mountain goals.Thank you to Chase Clark for our Intro/Outro Music and Tim McClain for our sound mixing. Please visit us at uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Mar 13, 2023 • 57min
Training for Mountaineering: Climbing Specific Period
In this episode of Training for Mountaineering, Steve and Alyssa discuss the last training period before tapering, the climbing specific period. This stage follows the crucial base period, and serves to sharpen the skills a climber needs for a specific goal. Steve and Alyssa tackle how to navigate and plan this period from build up climbing trips, to training at home. They break down how a climber should distribute intensity, volume, recovery and strength throughout the week. They also touch on the importance of mental preparation and the confidence this period brings to a climber before they take off for their goal climbs.Thank you to Chase Clark for the intro/outro and Tim McClain for our sound engineering.Visit us at uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

17 snips
Feb 27, 2023 • 1h 8min
Training for Mountaineering: Strength
In this episode of Training for Mountaineering, Steve House and Alyssa Clark are joined by veteran Uphill Athlete coach, Jason Antin. The trio open by discussing the role of strength in Jason, Steve and Alyssa’s athletic careers and the purpose of strength training in the mountains. They continue with defining strength, strength training and its role in helping athletes move efficiently and safely in mountain objectives. Jason and Steve break down the three periods of strength training including transition, max strength and muscular endurance. Jason discusses his favorite max strength exercises and how single leg strength is vital for mountain athletes. The three wrap up with exploring muscular endurance and the variations possible for those living in mountain towns to New York City. Join us for a lively discussion of strength in the mountains.Thank you to Chase Clark for the intro/outro and Tim McClain for our sound engineering.Visit us at uphillathlete.com or write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com

Feb 13, 2023 • 58min
Training for Mountaineering: Base Training
In this episode, Steve and Alyssa talk with return guest, Chantelle Robitaille, on the base period of training for Mountaineering. They discuss the importance of the base period, the main principles behind base training as well as the strength component. They explore how to work around limited gym access as well as adaptations if athletes live in flat areas. Steve explains his own experience with weighted uphill climbs and training muscular endurance for upper and lower body. In closing, the trio explores how to differentiate a mountaineering plan from a more technical alpine plan and what these differences should look like within the training. Join in to learn about the crucial period of training that helps athletes reach their best in the mountains.Visit us at uphillathlete.com or email us at coach@uphillathlete.com for more information.

Jan 30, 2023 • 55min
Training for Mountaineering: Prehab and Injury Prevention
In this episode, Steve House, Alyssa Clark and Physical Therapist Pete Dickinson dive into the foundations of physical performance from a pre-habilitation perspective. They examine when an athlete should begin heavier training loads, injury prevention, strength assessment, when to visit a Physical Therapist, common mistakes that lead to injury, and several other topics. Pete offers his top 3 favorite exercises for injury prevention and helps athletes to understand when it's training fatigue and when it's more serious. They also use Alyssa’s 95 marathons in 95 days as a case study to assess how an athlete can be durable and endure large training loads without injury. Join in for a great discussion on maintaining health and staying on track with your training.

4 snips
Jan 16, 2023 • 59min
Training for Mountaineering: The Psychology of Risk and Fear
In this episode, Steve House, Alyssa Clark and Alexa Hasman discuss the psychology of mountain sports particularly focusing on risk taking and fear. They dig into mental preparation, overcoming fear, dealing with doubt and the psychology behind risk taking. Steve shares personal anecdotes from his time as a professional climber at the sharp end of the sport, with Alyssa speaking about her experiences in ultra running, and Alexa explaining the science behind the how and why. They offer tools and advice on how to know when to listen and when to push beyond perceived boundaries. Buckle up for this mental journey and learn how to be your mental mountain best.Visit us at uphillathlete.com or email us at coach@uphillathlete.com for more information on coaching, training groups, training plans and more.

Dec 26, 2022 • 46min
Training for Mountaineering: Aerobic Threshold Testing
In this episode, Steve House, Chantelle Robitaille and Alyssa Clark continue with the discussion of the fundamentals of Mountaineering with a focus on establishing training zones. They explore the different methods of aerobic threshold testing, assessing test results and cover how and why we set training zones. They also touch on common mistakes to avoid and how these fundamental components of training will help you be your mountain best.Write to us at coach@uphillathlete.com or visit us at uphillathlete.com Helpful Links:https://uphillathlete.com/aerobic-training/step-by-step-diy-guide-to-determine-your-aerobic-threshold-outdoors/https://uphillathlete.com/aerobic-training/8-diy-steps-to-figure-out-your-aerobic-threshold-indoor/https://uphillathlete.com/aerobic-training/aerobic-anaerobic-threshold-self-assessment/https://uphillathlete.com/podcast/talking-health-training-aerobic-deficiency-with-dr-phil-maffetone/

Dec 5, 2022 • 58min
Training for Mountaineering: Foundations
Episode 2 of the Winter 22-23 SeasonThis is the first in a multi-part series where we are kicking off a major seeason of educational material on the podcast. Our goal is to discuss the steps of training for a mountaineering objective and give you actionable items to take with you on your training. In this first episode, we will focus on Aerobic Training Fundamentals and how you can set yourself up for success from the first step.Plus we have a big introduction to make today, Chantelle Robitaille is our new director of coach training and athlete success. Chantelle is a coach, an ultra-runner, holds an advanced degree in High Altitude Physiology, and is coming to Uphill Athlete from this same position at CTS, Carmichael Training Systems, the world's largest endurance-coaching company.Listen in, learn, and get to know Chantelle as she, Coach Alyssa Clark, and Steve House unpack the fundamentals of training for mountaineering.Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast on all podcast platforms. If you'd like more information on coaching, one of our training plans, our training groups or to connect, please visit www.uphillathlete.com, @uphill_athlete on instagram or email us at coach@uphillathlete.com
Nov 21, 2022 • 52min
A New Mountain to Climb
We are back! In this episode, Steve House (Uphill Athlete Co-Founder) and Alyssa Clark (Uphill Athlete Coach) sit down to talk about the evolution of Uphill Athlete. From the continuation of sound training principles, to stories of the mountains, to the future of Uphill Athlete, we cover it all. Join us on climbing a new mountain with a team who are ready to take on the challenge and help you be your mountain best. Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast on all podcast platforms. If you'd like more information on coaching, one of our training plans, our training groups or to connect, please visit www.uphillathlete.com, @uphill_athlete on instagram or email us at coach@uphillathlete.com