What’s a goal without a destination in mind? That’s the question I’ve often asked myself, and, as an extension, my clients. Hi, I’m Ben Light, a fitness trainer right here in Heber Valley. As a coach who works with endurance athletes from all walks of life, I’ve found that while goals and destinations are often synonymous, those who make their goals tangible, have higher success rates.
About a year and a half ago, I started training Kristin Bunnell, who just so happens to be the creative director here at Heber Valley Life. When she first started training with me, I encouraged her to establish a goal that she truly wanted to accomplish. We brainstormed several ideas, and several days later, she came up with a goal that even managed to surprise me: An eight-day backpacking trip through the Dolomites of Italy with her husband.
The Dolomites are a mountain range in northeastern Italy that reaches peaks of nearly 11,000 feet in elevation. When Kristin presented me with the idea, not only was I excited for her to have this experience, but as a coach here in the great state of Utah, I knew that I could come up with a training plan that would nearly mimic what she would need in order to have a successful adventure.
To help Kristin reach her destination, I created a four-month customized strength endurance training program that included a strong foundation in the gym, alongside training sessions utilizing the trail systems here in the Heber Valley. Over the 16 weeks, I increased her outdoor fitness and prepared her for the steep ascents and descents of the Dolomites. During our time training, we met weekly for an in-person training session that progressed from general exercises to advanced complex exercises that built her endurance and fitness. Throughout this process, I taught her proper form and function, which is the reasoning behind each exercise. On the days we didn’t meet, I had detailed workouts and scheduled rest days for Kristin to follow on her own and practice individual accountability.
As her coach, I can attest to the grit and determination that Kristin showed throughout her training, and even more to how awesome her experience at the Dolomites was. But I think it’s best coming from her.
Setting The Goal
Ben handed me a challenge: come up with a mountain summit or an adventure to train toward. I’d already tackled plenty of adventures close to home, so I figured, why not broaden the horizons—way out there.
Once I started brainstorming, my ideas kept escalating until I landed on something that had me practically pinching myself—the Alta Via 1 trail in Italy’s Dolomites. It’s a 75-mile trek stretching from Dobbiaco in the north to Belluno in the south. Most hikers give themselves eleven days to do it, but I decided to aim for eight because…well, go big or go home, right?
Sure, I’d done some backpacking in Canada’s Rockies, Vancouver Island, and Utah’s Uintas, but eight days in the Italian Alps? That was next-level. When I shared my goal with Ben, he just grinned and said, “Alright, this is going to be epic. Let’s get ready for some serious vertical!” I’m not sure he was expecting me to pick something quite this ambitious, but for me, it was a perfect blend of excitement and challenge.
Training For The Haul
Ben customized my training to a T. Every workout was geared to prepare me for the long days on my feet, as well as the intense elevation and rugged terrain I’d be facing. Hiking in the Dolomites isn’t exactly like the switchback trails I’m used to in Utah—it’s more of an up-and-down rollercoaster over multiple summits each day. Ben knew this, and he set me up for it.
In the gym, he had me prepping with a 30-pound pack on my back. We talked about fuel and gear—he even gave me the inside scoop on his go-to brands. He thought of everything, from staying energized to staving off blisters, and let me tell you, that attention to detail made all the difference.
Showing Up Prepared
The Dolomites were absolutely jaw-dropping. It was hard, no doubt, but here’s the thing: I didn’t have to spend the whole trek focused on how tired I was or whether I could make it. There were many hikers that we met along the way that cut out early. Ben’s training left me able to truly soak up every step of the experience.
I’ve been on hikes before where I’m practically crawling to the summit and recovering for days, but this time? I could actually look around and revel in the landscape. The Dolomites are unlike anything else — those jagged peaks and sweeping valleys! It felt surreal to be surrounded by such beauty and actually feel strong enough to enjoy it fully. Honestly, I could have turned around at the end of the eighth day and trekked back in the other direction.
Every day out there, I felt super grateful to Ben for helping me prepare. Because of him, I got to fully live in each moment, without holding back.
ALTA VIA 1
stats
DISTANCE
76 miles
Highest Point 9,029ft
Lowest Point 1,470ft
Overall Gain 23,125ft
Now What?
That challenge from Ben really lit a fire. I’ve got a whole new approach to travel and adventure, and as I boldly (and sometimes unwillingly) stride through my 40s, I’m already planning the next big adventure. After the trek, Ryan and I spent a few days back in Venice, and honestly, we couldn’t help but say, “We should have just kept hiking. That would’ve been way more fun!”
As we boarded the flight home, we kept looking at each other like, “Wait, how can this possibly be over?” And that was it: before we even landed, we started planning the next trek.
Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.
This experience ignited a whole new level of confidence for us, almost like a window into “What else can we do?” It was rewarding to train for something so challenging. Our new goal is to tackle a big adventure trek every year — one that pushes us to prepare and experience different mountain ranges around the world.
Let’s Train For Your Destination
Training Kristin for the Dolomites inspired me to want to help others to help reach their destinations. Because, when a goal becomes a destination, you bring more life, purpose, and experience into your life.
If you have a destination in mind, and you would like me to help you get there, contact me on Instagram @adventure.your.potential or visit my website adventureyourpotential.com.
