Embarking on a 10,000-Mile Adventure: A Year of Trekking
As we bid farewell to 2025, I reflect on an extraordinary year that has left an indelible mark on my life. At around 7 PM on New Year's Eve, I concluded my year-long hiking journey, covering an astonishing 10,070 miles across the length and breadth of this magnificent country. It was an honor to traverse the entire nation three times over in a single year, a feat that required an average of 27.5 miles per day, even with the occasional breaks I took throughout the year.
In the past six weeks, I've taken a step back from social media to be more present as I wrapped up this incredible chapter. While sharing my journey on my blog and various social media platforms was enjoyable, it was refreshing to take a break from editing and writing for a while.
Starting and Ending at the Same Spot
Slide and I began and ended our 10,000-mile journey in Key West, an experience that felt both unique and symbolic.
When I set out in January, hiking 8,500 miles seemed ambitious, but I believed I could complete the standard calendar year triple crown. However, the idea of adding extra mileage seemed like a crazy challenge.
Injuries and Resilience
By the halfway point, I faced a significant injury that left me unable to walk for over a week. I took 17 consecutive days off, but even after that, I still needed support to walk. It was a challenging moment, but I accepted my situation and believed that this injury was part of my journey. The time off the trail was intentional, and I had faith that the universe was guiding me.
Healing and Determination
Over time, I healed and became even more determined. After my initial recovery, I averaged only 23 miles a day for two weeks, enough to keep me going but not enough to make it through Colorado on the CDT before winter. By the third week, I was back to hiking 30-35 miles daily, and by mid-August, I was consistently hiking 35-40 miles each day. I calculated that I needed to maintain an average of 37 miles a day for 9-10 weeks to complete my goal, a daunting task, but I was determined.
The Final Stretch
Slide and I both reached the 10,000-mile milestone by New Year's Eve. The following nine weeks were some of the toughest I've ever experienced. I discovered a new level of resilience within myself, and my routine became incredibly efficient. Managing time was crucial when I had to hike, resupply, write, and edit videos daily. I'm proud of the hiker I became during those challenging times, and it was the most transformative chapter of my entire journey.
A Supportive Community
Slide and I met on the PCT in August, and we shared a unique connection as we both pursued our ambitious goals. When we met, we had each hiked almost 6,000 miles, and our timing was perfect. Having someone to talk to during those challenging nine weeks was invaluable. I never imagined ending the year hiking 1,600 miles in Florida with Slide, but it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
The Power of Partnership
When I completed the border-to-border calendar year triple crown on November 14th, I felt rejuvenated and ready for more. Being able to continue and attempt the 10,000-mile goal with Slide in Florida was an offer I couldn't refuse. He had already calculated his path, and we were within 70 miles of each other when I joined him in Pensacola. Despite averaging 38 miles a day for six weeks, it was an incredible experience, and the last six weeks became some of my favorite moments of the year.
A Year of Extremes
Even though I spent most of the year hiking solo, the kindness and support of those following my journey online, trail angels, friends, and family kept me going. Their words of motivation and love were invaluable, especially on the days when I needed them the most. I'm incredibly grateful for every high and low, as they all contributed to an unforgettable year.
Sharing the Journey
In the coming weeks, I'll be catching up on writing and videos to share more of my experiences with you all. I have many creative ideas to explore, and I'm excited to continue this journey together! If you'd like to support my hike, you can buy me a soda or a snack using the "Tip the Author" button below. Any support is greatly appreciated!
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