2025 Fitness Goals Accountability Thread

[twall13]

I think I missed reporting last month being out of town but here's where I'm at for the year through the end of April:

1,106 Miles on the bike, well above where I need to be to get 2,000 miles for the year. I may have to adjust that up as biking weather is just starting to get good and I'll be riding a lot more with the high school team through the summer. I also just ordered a new bike that I'm excited to start riding when it gets here in a couple of weeks.

112 hiking miles for the year, mostly rucking with 40-50 lbs.

Total of 1,218 all purpose miles of 2,500 goal for the year

113,000 feet elevation gain of 300,000 goal for the year

70,000 calories burned from exercising for the year. No annual goal here, just tracking for a baseline.

My legs are feeling strong and I felt great on my bear hunt a couple of weeks ago. I'm planning to cut weight and drop 5 lbs. for biking through the summer but my body generally likes to be right around 180 so we'll see how 175 feels.

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[Marbles]

Well, goal number one pushed out the measurable goal number 2.

Goal 1: Not get hurt and try to still be functional in 20+ years.
Goal 2: Run a 100 mi mountain race

Training went well to a point, but now I need to dial it back before risking the primary goal. So, if all goes to plan I'll settle for a 50 mi mountain race this year and try for 100 again next year. As long as I don't do anything stupid, the 50 mi should be in the bag as I already have covered more than that on so.e training weeks.

Anyway, I can't be the only person with a tendency to push too hard and a history of injury. I really don't get any points for wisdom here as I did push into clear, but thankfully mild, over training territory. Saw it coming, but tried to rationalize my way around really. Funny, no matter how good my reasoning, reality always wins.

 

[Riff]

Checking in. Was doing well up until late March when a torn hamstring sidelined me, followed by a planned minor surgery. Have been doing well with PT, still going to the gym to work waist up, and did 2 miles of walking over uneven terrain yesterday with a little light jogging. Hoping that means I can get out for the last couple of weekends of spring turkey.

 

[JackJackula]

Jumping on here at almost the halfway point of the year. Moved to CO in late 2023, after open heart surgery in early 2024 that put my mountain hunting plans a little on the back burner, started 2025 with bigger fitness goals. Just found this thread and I wanted to add myself here.
Starting 26 year old Male 5'11 221lbs in January 2025.
-I want to hit September 1 Archery Elk season with a goal weight of 195.
-I would like to complete a 5k in under 40 minutes and a just finish a 10k
-9K average step count for the year
-Stay consistent in the gym at least 4 days a week
All has been going well, I'm floating around 214lbs right now. Definitely have identified a need to dial in my eating in nutrition to maximize my hard work and effort in being active. The saying "You can't out train a bad diet" is definitely true. Starting MTNTough Foundational Gym 8 week program today and very excited! Been also doing morning walks with the dog which helps my step count.
I'll definitely be back in here to update with progress, glad I found this thread on RS.

 

[LCguy]

I broke my wrist last February and needed to surgery, wasn't cleared to lift weights until late March/early April so my big goal last year was to get my strength and muscle mass back up to where it was pre-surgery. You would not believe how fast muscle can atrophy! Since I accomplished that, I set a new goal for myself this year, go on a massive cut and lose 30-35 pounds.

So far so good! I'm down 25 pounds and am on a steady deficit that has allowed me to maintain my muscle mass and strength while losing fat. I will say, the dieting is beginning to wear thin and I think about food almost constantly. I had a few bad weeks last month so I switched up my diet to a lesser deficit and am in a much better place mentally with the diet. At my current rate, I'll probably need about 3-5 more weeks and I'll be at my goal!

 

[NickyD]

While fitness is a key aspect of my goals, I’m personally expanding for some more hunting specific goals. Here are my challenges I’m going to stick to before hunting season:

Hunting Triple-Double
Inspired from the basketball stat, I’m going for three individual goals to hit before hunting season:

1. 10 days of scouting
2. 10 days at the gun-range
3. 10kg (22 lbs) lost

Hunting Endurance
Every month I’m doing a week long endurance training session. The goal is to hike/walk 3-5 miles a day while maintaining regular exercise/activity. Hoping to build longevity so I’m not taking rest days during the hunt and can stay fresh throughout.



I’m in the middle of a week long session and feeling much better about it than last months trail run.

 

[Elkhntr6]

Great thread, love to see you all getting after it!

Goals for me:

160# body weight at sub 12% body fat, I’m almost 19 and have been training for over a year and a half now, went from 135# to 155# last fall/winter, did an eight week mini cut down to 147# and now I’m slowly gaining weight again.

Eating a bit cleaner than I have been.

Less energy drinks.

20 full ROM pull-ups, my PR is 18 currently

Really am trying to be more consistent with cardio, I’m aiming for 3+ sessions a week but with working and lifting 5 days a week a lot of times that gets neglected except on my off days.

(Edit) Going harder on my leg days. Lol

 

[mtwarden]

Well another month in the books. I racked up 253 miles (~40,000' of gain) in May; far and away my biggest month. Most of it thanks to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open where I managed 76 miles in just a little over two days Memorial Day weekend, but also two scouting missions into the Bob prior to the Open.

I pulled back a little on my lifting before to insure no injuries, doubling up on deload weeks. I'll be back to the regular Wendler program now.

I'm sitting at 913 miles which puts me ~ 75 miles to the good to reach 2025.

 

[twall13]

Nice work^^^

I had a pretty good month as well. Mostly biking but also got in at least a ruck a week as well.

Here's where I stand for the year:

129 Hiking/Rucking Miles for the year
1,377 Mountain Biking Miles for the year
1,506 Total All Purpose Miles for the year of 2,500 goal for the year
147,000 Ft. of elevation gain of 300,000 goal for the year
88,000 Calories burned during exercise for the year.

 

[Hunting183]

I’ve been doing 1-hour early morning workouts since February to prep for elk season. Focused on legs, cardio, and weighted pack hikes. It’s made a huge difference already.

 

[MtnRedy27]

Great thread! You all are making me actually put some serious thought into my current fitness regime.

 

[zacattack]

Really trying to get myself back in shape. Started running in late March, finished a 5k program at 32 minutes and some change for my race, now halfway through a 10k training program. Debating on training for a half marathon after this.

Going to add in 2 days of light rucking soon, probably this week.

I’ve always had back issues and started DDP yoga a few months ago, this stuff is amazing by the way.

Also trying to get back to 175 lb, started the year at 210, currently at 192.

 

[NickyD]

While fitness is a key aspect of my goals, I’m personally expanding for some more hunting specific goals. Here are my challenges I’m going to stick to before hunting season:

Hunting Triple-Double
Inspired from the basketball stat, I’m going for three individual goals to hit before hunting season:

1. 10 days of scouting - at 3 days
2. 10 days at the gun-range - at 3days
3. 10kg (22 lbs) lost - down 6.5 lbs

Hunting Endurance
Every month I’m doing a week long endurance training session. The goal is to hike/walk 3-5 miles a day while maintaining regular exercise/activity. Hoping to build longevity so I’m not taking rest days during the hunt and can stay fresh throughout.

Did another this last week. I’m struggling to get past 5 straight days without heavy fatigue. I think I need to increase calories on these weeks. Leaning towards increasing difficulty by doing more hikes and less walks.

 

[mtwarden]

Another month in the books. pretty decent numbers—170 miles and ~25,000'; brings the total for the year to 1083 which is a little ahead of schedule. Strength training wasn't as consistent as it was months prior—had a few trips and a cold which contributed to less than planned.

 

[snowynock]

I haven't posted here since my first post. An update on my goals -

Right after memorial day I made a vow to myself to cut back the drinking massively - it was causing too many problems for me so I cut myself down to 2 drinks max Sat, 2 drinks max Sun and that's it.

Still on 1 pull-up, I have been slacking massively in that area.

For weights - I added a 45 lbs kettlebell to my weights and getting more comfortable with my (1) 30 lbs dumbbell. Currently scouring FB marketplace for either a 2nd 30 pounder or just get a set of 40s.

 

[Savage99]

- 1st 1/2 Marathon
- Another 10k
- Another Oyl Tri
- maybe a classic bike tour
- 190lbs body weight. Usually get down to 192-193 at 6’4”. Usually (and right now) carry ~200lbs into new year from Holiday diet.
- be able to and successfully pack out a bull elk.


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Been at 192lbs for a while. Completed a 10k and sprint tri. No races until the end of September. Going to shift the bulk of my workouts from swim-bike-run, to more strength and rucking. Loved having my pack on for a Father’s Day family hike. Plan to do at least one multi sport workout a week with the added strength days. Hike on the weekend at least.


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[mtbraun]

Progress through the first 7 weeks of the year. Completed the LOViT 100 this weekend which brings total mileage to 520 and 75k of vert. Taking this week off to let the body soak up that training. Will now transition to my run/ruck strategy for the next 8 weeks before my spring hunt. I could not be happier how things have gone so far, I'm very blessed. I also transitioned to a paleo diet in early January and it has made a tremendous difference on my training and recovery.

I would also highly recommend this race. Hands down the best organized and run trail ultra I've been part of. And the central Arkansas scenery is fantastic.

Progress through June. 1,462 miles YTD which is my highest mileage in any 6 month period. Finished June with the Black Hills 50k, felt awesome considering I purposely did not taper and logged 100 miles that week. I wanted to target a high mileage week as a training adaptation and am really happy how it turned out. Now that my Brooks Range trip is over, I'll transition back to more running, higher trail percentage, and specific heat training as I prepare for the Mogollon Monster in September.

 

[twall13]

Nice job everyone. I had a decent June, though I took a week off in there for a photo Safari in Africa with the family and didn't get any training in at all that week. Otherwise I'm feeling pretty good right now. I'm adjusting my mileage goal up to 3,000 from 2,500 based on where I'm at Midway through the year.

Hiking/rucking miles: 144
Mountain biking miles: 1,638
Total Trail Miles: 1,782 of 3,000 goal for the year
Total Elevation Gain: 177,962 of 300,000 goal for the year
Total Calories Burned from activities: 111,000

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[RaggedHunter]

I'm late to the game on this post, because I am late to the game getting my butt into shape. I definitely feel like I am behind the 8 ball.

About a year ago, I was lifting super heavy 5 days a week, I was the strongest I've ever been on all my "power lifts" (I know these do not help much in the mountains, but I enjoy doing these lifts and pushing myself for new PRs) I was up to 310 on flat bench. I felt very strong, but my cardio sucked.

My wife and I welcomed our 3rd child in November and I got busy & lazy took a few months off.

In May, I found out I drew my once in a lifetime shiras moose tag. Time to get my butt into shape, no more excuses, no more being lazy. I know some moose hunts can be close to the road and not overly physical, but the unit I drew has some serious high elevation potential, and some of the areas I want to check will be no joke to get into kill a moose and get one out. Some of these bulls summer damn near with the mountain goats. I do not want my physical ability to have a say on the outcome of my hunt.

I have been waking up at 3:45am so I can get a workout in before work. My strength is not where it was a year ago, but I feel like I still have a pretty good baseline on strength. I do not feel I need to focus on growing my strength on any of my "power lifts". So I have been focusing almost entirely on cardio, legs & core. I mix in some pushups etc. here and there at the ends of my workouts. But primarily I have been running, rowing, stair climber, and full body kettlebell workouts.

The first mile I ran after finding out I drew the tag took me just over 12 minutes, and I thought I was going to die, I had to stop a couple of times. This week I ran 1 mile at 8:38, and the next day I ran 2 miles in 17:22 with no stops. My legs and lungs are feeling much better. My plan is to continue working to keep improving on these numbers. I also have a few backpack scouting trips planned in the coming weeks. I have pretty bad lower-back/hip/sciatica issues that flare up off and on. I have been doing a lot of mobility work and resistance work to strengthen these areas as well. The first ~month was rough as it was flared up pretty bad, but I am starting to feel a lot better and I have been able to push myself harder in my workouts the past week and a half.

My weight the day I drew the tag was 213lbs. Today My weight is 202lbs. I'd like to be down to mid 190's by the start of season. I cleaned up my diet, cut processed foods & sugar out & quit drinking. This combined with my increased cardio has made a huge difference in how I feel.

 

[RaggedHunter]

I'm late to the game on this post, because I am late to the game getting my butt into shape. I definitely feel like I am behind the 8 ball.

About a year ago, I was lifting super heavy 5 days a week, I was the strongest I've ever been on all my "power lifts" (I know these do not help much in the mountains, but I enjoy doing these lifts and pushing myself for new PRs) I was up to 310 on flat bench. I felt very strong, but my cardio sucked.

My wife and I welcomed our 3rd child in November and I got busy & lazy took a few months off.

In May, I found out I drew my once in a lifetime shiras moose tag. Time to get my butt into shape, no more excuses, no more being lazy. I know some moose hunts can be close to the road and not overly physical, but the unit I drew has some serious high elevation potential, and some of the areas I want to check will be no joke to get into kill a moose and get one out. Some of these bulls summer damn near with the mountain goats. I do not want my physical ability to have a say on the outcome of my hunt.

I have been waking up at 3:45am so I can get a workout in before work. My strength is not where it was a year ago, but I feel like I still have a pretty good baseline on strength. I do not feel I need to focus on growing my strength on any of my "power lifts". So I have been focusing almost entirely on cardio, legs & core. I mix in some pushups etc. here and there at the ends of my workouts. But primarily I have been running, rowing, stair climber, and full body kettlebell workouts.

The first mile I ran after finding out I drew the tag took me just over 12 minutes, and I thought I was going to die, I had to stop a couple of times. This week I ran 1 mile at 8:38, and the next day I ran 2 miles in 17:22 with no stops. My legs and lungs are feeling much better. My plan is to continue working to keep improving on these numbers. I also have a few backpack scouting trips planned in the coming weeks. I have pretty bad lower-back/hip/sciatica issues that flare up off and on. I have been doing a lot of mobility work and resistance work to strengthen these areas as well. The first ~month was rough as it was flared up pretty bad, but I am starting to feel a lot better and I have been able to push myself harder in my workouts the past week and a half.

My weight the day I drew the tag was 213lbs. Today My weight is 202lbs. I'd like to be down to mid 190's by the start of season. I cleaned up my diet, cut processed foods & sugar out & quit drinking. This combined with my increased cardio has made a huge difference in how I feel.

Update 7/9/2025

Weight this morning was 195.8lbs. down from 213lbs in about 6 weeks time. I feel like this past week the weight just melted off. I'm down a couple notches on my belt.

I have been staying steady with my diet & workout routine. I am still running between 1-2 miles /day, plus full body kettlebell / CrossFit type workouts. I have started increasing the incline on the treadmill for my runs.

Yesterday I did 1 mile at 7 % incline in 10:24. I definitely feel this more in my quads than running on 0 incline which seems to be helping.

My goal was to be down to ~195 by my hunt, but since I am already there I am going to keep everything pretty consistent and see if I can get down to 190.

Legs and lungs are feeling good, hip and lower back have been holding up good as well. I have my first scouting trip planned for this weekend. Likely wont put on a ton of miles since I will be taking the whole family for this initial trip. But should be able to learn lots of roads, trails, access, camping etc.

44 days since I drew the tag. 59 days until the hunt begins! I can't wait.