MountainCoach.co.uk

30/07/2024

Anyone else like dogs?

18/03/2024

Swiss Alps in summer - unbeatable!
www.mountaincoach.co.uk

21/02/2024

05/02/2024

New Blog Post: The Iconic Swiss Companion

The Iconic Swiss Companion

05/02/2024

An absolute joy to be helping the amazing girls of train for the Ten Tors challenge!

03/02/2024

New route!
www.mountaincoach.co.uk for info
🇨🇭

30/01/2024

26/01/2024

Into cheese? Quite like a bit of walking in beautiful places? Read this :-)

Discovering why the cheese made over 1000m within the Swiss valley of Anniviers is superior to others.

15/01/2024

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And if you would like a personal 15 minute chat (video or chat) to discuss your goals and ask any Qs, please just say so.

15/01/2024

Fitness & Conditioning for the mountains!
Check out how we at Mountain Coach recommend you prepare yourself in order to get the most out of your adventure.

Being conditioned (i.e. your body is used to a particular activity) for walking with a rucksack on mountainous terrain, is just as important as having good cardiovascular fitness. Attaining a reasonable level of BOTH conditioning and fitness is key if you want to have an enjoyable and rewarding adve...

07/01/2024

Foot Care 101: Happy feet, happy life!

Right. Let's talk about the unsung heroes of our daily adventures - our feet! 🦶✨ It's crucial to pamper and protect them to ensure a blister-free journey. Here's a quick guide on how to steer clear of those pesky blisters and how to give your tootsies some TLC if they do get a bit sore. 1️⃣...

05/01/2024

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Zero Drop Walking Shoes vs. Traditional Mountain Foot Zero drop walking shoes, often referred to as 'barefoot' shoes, have gained popularity in recent years, challenging the dominance of traditional walking boots and mountain shoes. Brands like Vivobarefoot have led th...

03/01/2024

Fear of heights!
Overcoming acrophobia should not be attempted via a short, sharp shock! It requires a process that has both psychological and practical elements to it. This is my approach for helping clients:

Gradual Exposure: We start small and gradually increase exposure to heights in a controlled manner while out walking. Ideally, this includes a session in the UK mountains before we travel to the Alps.

Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Coaching the client through focusing on what they can control in that moment of fear (i.e. controlling breathing). This really helps, but often requires someone to help coach you through it to keep you centred.

Visualisation: We use visualisation techniques to mentally rehearse being in high places - literally closing your eyes and imaging yourself feeling calm and in control while in elevated locations.

Support System: Being honest and open about your fears with me or with supportive friends also helps. Having someone with you who is experienced and comfortable with the environment during your exposure to heights can provide you with a lot comfort and encouragement (whether spoken or unspoken).

Physical Exercise: Getting in better physical hiking condition builds confidence in your physical abilities and increases your comfort level with heights over time.

Education: Learning about the various ways that an International Mountain Leader or guide can protect you by, for example, putting in place a rope, can increase your confidence because knowing that you are secure and understanding the physics of safety equipment, can alleviate some fears.

Overcoming a fear of heights is a personal journey, but one where the support and coaching of an IML (International Mountain Leader) can really help. Let me know if I can help YOU.

P.S. Don't worry - we won't be doing anything remotely as scary as my little walk in the video :-)

www.mountaincoach.co.uk
🇨🇭

01/01/2024

Fancy a bit of this in summer/autumn 2024? Let me arrange the logistics and guide you on a short or longer trip into the Swiss Alps, either moving from luxury hut to hut or day walks from a base accommodation. Tailored to your specific fitness/experience/ambition, whether parents with children, or a group of like-minded friends. www.mountaincoach.co.uk

30/12/2023

GUIDE ALERT: Caution against sugary pitfalls on the mountain trails! 🚨 You see so many hikers (even instructors who should know better!) reaching for sweets/candy like jelly babies to keep their energy levels up. However, steer clear of them as they have excessive sugars that may provide a quick energy boost but lead to crashes later. These can hinder sustained performance and impact your trek. Opt for balanced snacks like flapjack to maintain energy levels and conquer the peaks without the sugar rollercoaster. Choose wisely, hike safely!

30/12/2023

GUIDE ALERT: Caution against sugary pitfalls on the mountain trails! 🚨 You see so many hikers (even instructors who should know better!) reaching for sweets/candy like jelly babies to keep their energy levels up. However, steer clear of them as they have excessive sugars that may provide a quick energy boost but lead to crashes later. These can hinder sustained performance and impact your trek. Opt for balanced snacks like flapjack to maintain energy levels and conquer the peaks without the sugar rollercoaster. Choose wisely, hike safely!

27/12/2023

Embark on an adventure in the safest way with MountainCoach.co.uk. Ropes aren't just gear; they're sometimes your lifeline on exposed trails or bolted ladders. Rockfall, nerves, fainting, exhaustion can all lead to serious or even fatal falls. We prioritize your safety to ensure each step on the mountain is a protected and yet still exhilarating experience. Join me and a group of fellow-mountain hikers in Switzerland this coming summer/autumn for the trip of a lifetime.

21/12/2023

The importance of good hygiene!

Neglecting hygiene during multi-day hikes can have serious consequences. Failing to wash hands increases the risk of infections, which can very quickly become extremely serious. Furthermore, inadequate waste disposal can contaminate water sources, jeopardizing both your health and the environment. Prioritizing cleanliness is not just about personal comfort; it's a vital step to safeguard your health and preserve the integrity of the wilderness. 🏞️🚯