Going into the woods, you can go as fast or as slow as you want. It's restorative. Even when I was young, the wilderness offered not only adventure but also therapy and peace: a place to be alone with your thoughts.

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.

I was surrounded by life and beauty. My soul was content, and my life felt full.

I would rather watch a sunset than TV.

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

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