Trek Ready Week 8: What Actually Changed?

Eight weeks later, not every useful change fits into one number. The aim is to see what improved, what still needs work, and what you can recover from next.

Repeat the tests the same way

Follow the Week 8 instructions in FITR. For step-ups, use the same step height, shoes, five-minute timer and counting method as Week 2. For the 20-minute Mountain Engine walk, repeat the 5% treadmill setup without a backpack or the same outdoor route in similar conditions. Base clients can compare the eight-lift goblet squat at the same prescribed difficulty. Summit's later barbell lifts are useful training, but they are not a percentage comparison with an earlier dumbbell lift.

Copy your Week 2 and Week 8 numbers into the Journey's progress report. It works out a percentage only when the tests match. You do not need to calculate anything yourself.

Look beyond the test

Use the same Journey page to see your Week 1, 4 and 8 working weights and Mountain Day times. The walking timeline shows time completed, not a fitness score. You may also notice steadier pacing, better pack fit, easier fuelling or a better next-day recovery. Write down one observation that matters to your trek.

Choose one next step

• Recovery still feels off? Repeat or ease the relevant work before adding more.

• Recovery is normal and strength is steady? Progress one lift modestly, keeping technique sound.

• Recovery is normal and Mountain Day feels manageable? Make one terrain or duration change, not several at once.

A flat or lower test result is information. Check whether conditions matched, then look at your FITR notes before deciding what it means. Eight weeks can build a strong base; it does not guarantee readiness for every route or for altitude.

This week's action: Log the retests in FITR, complete your Journey report, and write your next mountain objective. The Assessments & Progress guide has more detail if you want it.