A 4-Part Mountain Training Talk Series in the Great Outdoors
This October, the Great Outdoors in Dublin will host a free four-part mountain training talk series led by James “Jam” McManus, founder of Earth’s Edge and one of Ireland’s most accomplished mountaineers.
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Your Teacher
If you’re a regular Outsider reader, you might remember Jam from our own podcast, where he spoke about his earliest outdoor memories, the transformative power of travel, and what it truly means to be an outsider. His adventures include kayaking the Zambezi, representing Ireland in international competitions, and this spring Jam travelled to Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak, where he attempted to climb to 8,324m without supplementary oxygen.
Outsider Podcast Episode 3: Lessons From The Death Zone – Jam McManus
Jam brings more than two decades of expedition experience to these sessions, but what makes him stand out is his ability to break down the high-altitude world into lessons that resonate with anyone who takes their time in the outdoors seriously.
Why Attend The Talks?
For Outsider readers who already love the hills, this series is a chance to think about the outdoors with an athlete’s mindset. Whether your ambitions lie in summiting Kilimanjaro, training for Aconcagua, or simply pushing your performance on long Irish hikes, Jam’s talks are designed to give you the knowledge and structure to train smarter, recover better, and enjoy the journey more fully.
These aren’t abstract lectures. Each evening is practical, grounded in science and real-world experience, and focused on providing you with tools you can apply immediately.
What You’ll Learn
Across four evenings in October, Jam will explore the cornerstones of mountain preparation:
Talk 1: Building the Engine – October 7th
Endurance: Why a big aerobic base is the foundation for everything, how to structure your training, and why sometimes going slow is the fastest way to get fit.
Part 2: Recovery and Resilience – October 14th
Recovery: The “hidden work” of nutrition, sleep, and stress management, and how these often determine success in the mountains more than raw fitness.
Part 3: Mindset and Consistency – October 21st
Mindset: How to develop resilience, avoid the boom-and-bust training trap, and trust in steady progress over time.
Part 4: Tools of the Trade – October 28th
Gear: From boots to layering systems, packs to ice axes, Jam will share how to make smart equipment choices and why testing kit before the big day matters.
Even if you’re not planning a 7,000m expedition, these lessons translate directly into everyday mountain life here in Ireland, whether that’s preparing for a winter ascent in Wicklow, building strength for long days in Kerry, or simply learning how to recover better between weekend hikes.
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More Than Just Mountain Training
One of the most refreshing things about Jam’s approach, which came through strongly in his Outsider podcast episode, is that adventure isn’t only about big peaks. It’s about finding purpose, pushing yourself a little bit further, and appreciating the wild places that give us perspective. That philosophy underpins this mountain training talk series. Yes, you’ll learn how to perform better in the mountains, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for why we do these things in the first place.
Join the Mountain Community
Each talk takes place in the Great Outdoors shop on George’s Street, Dublin. Doors open at 6.45 pm, with talks beginning at 7pm and lasting about an hour. You can attend one, two, or all four, depending on your interest. Spaces are limited, and registration is required.
If you’re curious about what it takes to prepare for the mountains, whether near or far, this is an opportunity to learn from one of Ireland’s leading adventurers and connect with a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
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