How to Train for a Long Distance Hike

This is a guide about how to train for a long distance hike. It is written off my experience of hiking +500 miles of long-distance hiking trails in the UK.

00:00 Introduction
01:06 Do Prior Weight Training
02:45 Practice Yoga and Stretching
05:35 Go on Warm up Walks
07:07 Get to Know Your Equipment

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[mattwalkwild]

Let me know if you want more videos about training in the future! I can provide more specific stretching/yoga routines and gym sessions / workout plans if people want them 👍🏼

[ELV]

Alternate run with calisthenics every other day. It's that simple. When you do an exercise, two minutes timed continously. At first you won't be able to maintain the 2 minute interval it will come over time.
Start with 2 mile run increase run each week by qtr or half mile.
Do this for six months, increasing reps & run.
Now throw on your ruck.
Your goal is 45 minute 4 mile ruck full load out.
We did this in the Army, if it works for us it will work for you. Worst part of endurance is mental.
Your mental endurance is ability to handle stress while keeping calm clear headed.
There's tricks for this as well.

[joshualammi]

0:20, this place is in a scene in a movie- Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves

[grace-annaperry]

Thanks for the video! That was very helpful!

[jnordman]

Thanks, this reinforces my plans to get ready for longer hikes. One thing I'm doing as well is paying attention to my fitbit's step count and increasing the daily goal every month. Aiming to be above the target steps each week as an average so I can still get at least 1 day of rest.

[markwhittle]

What a refreshing video. I agree with all your tips especially the stretching which is so overlooked and yet so important, great to see someone as young as yourself adopting this. I would also add about trying to keeping your base weight down and resisting the urge to carry extra kit (just in case!). Keep the vids coming.

[GeorgeSoan]

Thanks for sharing these tips mate, much appreciated and great video. I'm going to check out Yoga With Adriene!

[joanburda]

Matt, the reminder/encouragement to stretch is appreciated. We learned the hard way how important it is. We won’t get back to England until next year & decided to incorporate a training pattern now, rather than procrastinate.

[FloridamanFoodForest]

Great info man! I’m starting to upload hiking walking videos on my channel as well, just subscribed looking forward to watching more of you content.

[Laufield]

Thank you so much. I’m so exciting I going hiking PCT on July!

[jamesspo]

Well done. All good stuff. Your delivery is excellent, and I’d like to hear more about your training experiences.

[Olga_Soleil]

Hi Matt, thank you for the video, I found it very helpful in preparing for my first Camino de Santiago(French Way) in April.

[stigcc]

I have heard experts say stretching is useless. Galloway, for example

[leemacgregor]

Great video Matt just what i needed I’m doing the Hadrians wall july 16th and ive started doing 5 / 10 mile walks but great info cheers mate

[leemacgregor]

hi matt just a bit of advice.. im doinf the hadrians wall walk on the 16th july que . if the weather looks good eg dry could you do the walk without boots and use the altra lone peaks instead ?? mant the in advance lee

[noodles]

Good info. What foot ware are you using?, and how do you combat your shoes becoming wet?

[MrBlue-ossu]

Should I also have a supervisor in the window for my squats

[suewilton]

Great video, what shoes do you wear??

[maddi]

Your legs are so toned. Holy heck-a-moley!

[vlaaady]

unexpected question: after hiking so much, how could you still live in your little brick apartment and not in the wilderness surrounded by the great nature?