a 4-part training talk series in the great outdoors
Join James this October in the Great Outdoors, Dublin, for a FREE 4-part technical talk series on preparing for the big mountains. Whether your goal is trekking to Toubkal, climbing Kilimanjaro, tackling Aconcagua, or pushing toward 7000m peaks in Nepal, this series will give you the tools to train smarter, recover better, and head to the mountains with confidence. Across four evenings, he’ll dive into the key elements of mountain preparation: building endurance, managing recovery, developing resilience, and choosing the right equipment. Each session is practical, grounded in proven training methods, and designed to help you perform at your best, whatever your starting point.
about James mcmanus
The series will be hosted by James McManus, founder of Earth’s Edge. James has been climbing and leading expeditions to the high mountains for over 20 years, guiding people on everything from introductory treks to some of the world’s toughest peaks. He holds an MSc in Sport Science and recently returned from Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, where he reached 8,324m without supplementary oxygen, setting a new Irish record.
Who is this series for?
This talk series is designed for anyone preparing for a trek or climb, whether you’ve signed up for your first ever trek, are preparing for a 7000m peak, or are simply curious about the big mountains. The content will be relevant no matter what level you’re at, making it valuable for first-time trekkers, seasoned adventurers, or those looking to climb one of the world’s largest peaks. While these talks are aimed at those trekking and climbing at altitude, most of the content will also be relevant to those partaking in any type of mountain sport in any location.
the topics
Talk 1: Building the Engine – October 7th
Dreaming of Toubkal, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, or even a 7000m peak? The foundation is always the same: a big aerobic base. In this session we’ll cover how to build endurance, why strength training matters, and why going slow is often the fastest way to get fit. You’ll learn how to maximise training volume and vertical gain, and why a structured plan or coach makes all the difference.
Part 2: Recovery and Resilience – October 14th
Training is only half the story, recovery makes the difference. This session focuses on the “hidden work” of nutrition, sleep, and health. We’ll discuss how to avoid getting sick on an expedition, managaging weight loss at altitude, and why minimising outside stress from work, travel, or lifestyle is crucial if you want to perform at your best.
Part 3: Mindset and Consistency – October 21st
The big mountains test more than just your body – they also test your mindset. This session is about building resilience, training with patience, and avoiding the boom-and-bust trap. You’ll learn why chasing A+ workouts can backfire, how to stick to steady B+ sessions, and how to protect yourself from injury by trusting the process.
Part 4: Tools of the Trade – October 28th
Your gear can make or break an expedition. In this final session, we’ll cover the essentials: boots, layering systems, packs, poles, crampons, ice axes, and more. You’ll learn how to choose the right kit, what’s essential versus optional, and how to test your equipment properly before heading into the mountains.
Register now!
Spaces are limited. Attendance at all of the talks is not necessary, you may sign up for whichever topic(s) are of interest to you.
Each talk begins at 7pm, and will last for approximately one hour. Doors open at 6.45pm each night.
**Please note: these talks are in-person events, and will not be available online.**
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