Writing is one of the main ways that I process the experience.

One of the best feelings I had growing up was being completely exhausted at the end of the day after playing outside all day.

Hiking is great because it's a lifelong sport and you're outdoors, active, so whether you call that a sport or a hobby or a recreation, I think the wording - it's a great way to get exercise, and it can be as challenging as you want to make it.

A lot of people talk about the trail healing them, but I feel like, the first time, it humbled me, which I probably needed. It was a completely new way to experience the world and my body.

My motivation to keep hiking was rooted in the magnificent details of the Appalachian Mountains, and the more I poured myself out - the more energy I gave the trail - the more it gave me in return.

I'd always had an interest of pushing my limits and was intrigued by endurance.

I found things in the woods that I didn’t know I was looking for… and now I’ll never be the same.