About Coach James Fisher
I am an Ultra Endurance coach specializing in mountaineering, hiking, backpacking and trekking. Since 2003, I have coached recreational athletes and weekend warriors establish a strong athletic foundation and improve performance in the backcountry. When I am not working with athletes, you can find me on the trails, rock climbing, canyoneering and bagging remote Grand Canyon summits.
Professional Certifications
- 2023 Certified Endurance Sports Nutrition Specialist, UESCA
- 2021 Certified Ultrarunning Coach, United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy
- 2018 Certified Running Coach, United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy
- 2015 Performance Enhancement Specialist, National Academy Of Sports Medicine
- 2014 Corrective Exercise Specialist, National Academy of Sports Medicine
- 2013 Certified Personal Trainer, National Academy of Sports Medicine
- 2005 Specialist In Performance Nutrition, International Sports Science Association
- 2004 Certified Endurance Fitness Trainer, International Sports Science Association
- 2003 Certified Fitness Trainer, International Sports Science Association
- 2002 Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician-Basic
- 2002 Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Yavapaii Community College/National Registry Of Emergency Medical Technicians
- 1998 Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Medicine Institute
Professional Coaching Experience
With over 20 years of coaching, I have helped prepare 100’s of recreational athletes prepare for the biggest adventures of their lives.
- Mountaineering: Mt. Everest Camp 3, Lobuche, Ischinca Peru (18,138′), Chopicalqui Peru (20,848′), Pisco Oeste Peru (18,872′), Grand Teton-Owen Spalding Route, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt Hood, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Shasta
- Hiking: Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim in a Day, Grand Canyon Rim to Rim In A Day, Mt Whitney In A Day, Half Dome In A Day Appalachian Trail 4 State Challenge in Under 24 Hours, Presidential Traverse in a Day
- Backpacking: Mt Whitney, Havasupai Trail, John Muir Trail, Grand Canyon Rim To Rim, Yosemite High Route, Wind River High Route, Appalachian Trail Section Hike Georgia, AT Section Hike 4 States (PA, MD, WV, VA), Pacific Crest Trail Section Hike
- Trekking: Everest Base Camp, Mt Blanc Circuit, Inca Trail To Machu Picchu, Camino De Santiago
Personal Experience
- 30+ years personal experience hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing canyoneering, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing
Articles
- Author, Backpacker.com “The Essential Rules Of Performance Nutrition” http://www.backpacker.com/skills/the-essential-rules-of-performance-nutrition/
- Author, Backpacker.com “How To Recover Today And Hike Stronger Tomorrow” http://www.backpacker.com/skills/fitness/how-to-recover-today-and-hike-stronger-tomorrow/
- Author, Backpacker.com “7 Wasys To Get Fit For Hiking In Just 10 Minutes A Day” http://www.backpacker.com/skills/fitness/7-ways-to-get-fit-for-hiking-in-just-10-minutes-a-day/
- Author, Backpacker.com “11 Things Every Hiker Should Know About Fitness” http://www.backpacker.com/skills/fitness/11-hiking-fitness-tips/
- Contributing Performance Expert, Backpacker.com “Expert Advice: How Do I Set Better Hiking Goals? http://www.backpacker.com/skills/fitness/expert-advice-how-do-i-set-better-hiking-goals/
- Author, Livestrong.com “Rope Rapelling Technique”
- Contributing Fitness Expert, Shape Magazine “Train For Longer, Harder Hikes”
- Contributing Performance Expert, Shape Magazine “Hike Your Way To Your Best Body Ever”
Presentations
- Climbing Vishnu Temple In A Day, Grand Canyon Hikers Symposium, Grand Canyon Hikers And Backpackers Association
- Performance Nutrition For Runners, Northern Arizona University High Altitude Training Center Team Altius
- Performance Nutrition For Climbers, Northern Arizona Climbing Team
- Performance Nutrition For Climbers, Vertical Relief Climbing Gym
- Core Training For Downhill Skiers, Northern Arizona University Flagstaff Dryland Clinic