Stay ConnectedFrom the Appalachian Trail to the Pacific Crest and everything in between. Backpacker Radio is a show all about the wonderful world that is thru-hiking and long distance backpacking.
Co-hosts, Zach “Badger” Davis and Juliana “Chaunce” Chauncey muse on the backpacking life and the latest from the trail every other week. Topics include but are not limited to news, trail culture, interviews, gear, advice, and all you can eat buffets.
Copyright: © The Trek
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Katie "Sunrise" Lance, a civil engineer turned professional triathlete turned thru-hiker who completed the AT last year before quitting her job to pursue triathlon coaching full-time.
In this one, Katie walks us through what it's like to qualify for Kona on your very first Ironman, how she was training 20 hours a week on top of 12-hour night shifts at the Tennessee Valley Authority, and what finally pushed her to leave it all behind and hike from Georgia to Maine. She also shares the full arc of a pink-blazing situation that somehow ends with a guy hiking 74 miles in 24 hours to process his feelings, how she nearly got bit by a rattlesnake while finally rinsing out her pee rag for the first time, and why she thinks anyone can finish an Ironman if they actually train for it.
We wrap the show with a piece on why week one of a thru-hike is the hardest, a profile on a 70-year-old who set out to hike all three Triple Crown trails in a single calendar year, debating whether pizza loses its luster as you get older, the triple crown of Star Wars characters, and the weird places toddlers pee.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
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[divider]
Interview with Katie "Sunrise" Lance
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:15 - Reminders: Subscribe to Trail Correspondents, sign up for the Trek's newsletter, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:09:00 - Introducing Katie
00:11:59 - Was there a moment in your childhood where you knew you were an exceptional athlete?
00:20:57 - How did you go from swimming, rowing, and engineering to considering a thru-hike?
00:22:07 - How does someone become a professional triathlete, and how did your journey start with a Boston-qualifying first marathon?
00:27:49 - What were your splits at Chattanooga Ironman, and what was it like qualifying for Kona on your very first Ironman?
00:38:07 - Were there clear breaking points or signs of burnout, like panic attacks or health scares?
00:42:46 - What finally pushed you to quit your job and hike the AT?
00:44:46 - What were the early days on trail like, starting with a 42-pound pack?
00:47:18 - What things caught you off guard on trail given your athletic background?
00:52:31 - Did you struggle with the lack of female community and "girl talk" on the AT?
00:54:20 - Tell us about the pink blazing situation that ended with a guy hiking 74 miles in 24 hours
01:15:30 - Tell us about your biggest mental breakdown on trail
01:19:23 - How does through-hike fatigue compare to Ironman training fatigue?
01:23:43 - Do you see thru-hiking as an ongoing lifestyle or a one-time chapter?
01:29:09 - What are some other standout stories from the AT?
01:36:05 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the backpacking or triathlon world?
Segments
Trek Propaganda
QOTD: Does pizza lose its luster as you get older?
Triple Crown of Star Wars characters
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Segments
Weird Space Facts
Trek Propaganda
121 Years of Forest Service Doctrine, Undone. What Comes Next? By Katie Jackson
A Billionaire Game Developer Has Been Buying Up Thousands of Acres in North Carolina. Why? By Katie Jackson
QOTD: Would you rather have every September off — fully paid, no PTO touched, or be able to thrive off 4 hours of sleep?
Triple Crown of BBQ foods
One-Minute Gear Reviews
Listener Voicemail
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jak Hoquat, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Claire "Marmot" Dumont, a mapmaker, writer at The Trek, and thru-hiker who has completed the AT, Mountains to Sea Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, JMT, and more.
In this one, Marmot walks us through what it's like to spend three months on trail with your dad, how a Fulbright fellowship brought her to Jordan to research land ethics and outdoor recreation, and what happened when COVID shut down the borders and kicked her off the Jordan Trail mid-hike. She also shares the story of assisting a rescue on Mount Washington and hitching out to town in the ambulance, what it meant to find a queer trail family on the AT and how she thinks about femininity and queer identity in spaces that have traditionally skewed pretty dude-bro, and why she will never apologize for hiking in a dress with an AeroPress in her pack.
We wrap the show with a new YouTube channel from The Trek, some kick ass trail days we'll be hosting, how a billionaire game developer has been buying up thousands of acres of wilderness in North Carolina, asking whether we'd rather be able to thrive off of 4 hours of sleep, or have the full month of September off each year, the triple crown of BBQ foods, why Chaunce now likes inflatable sleeping pads, we reignite the gas station bathroom debate, and we opine on whether a listener should hike the AT as a flip flop or NOBO.
[divider]
LISTENDownload this episode.
[divider]
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREK15TOPO" at topoathletic.com.
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[divider]
Interview with Claire "Marmot" Dumont
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:35 - Reminders: Subscribe to The Trek's Youtube and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:11:45 - Introducing Marmot
00:14:04 - How did you get into backpacking?
00:18:15 - What is the Manaslu Circuit?
00:20:30 - How did you find the gap year program?
00:22:40 - What did you do after the gap year?
00:24:30 - Were you the youngest person you knew on the JMT?
00:29:45 - Do you have any advice for a younger person who wants to get into thru-hiking?
00:33:45 - How did you decide to do the Tahoe Rim Trail next?
00:36:00 - How did the Tahoe Rim Trail compare to JMT in terms of people?
00:38:30 - What is your career?
00:41:15 - What makes a good map?
00:44:15 - Tell us about the Oregon Coast Trail and Bigfoot Trail attempts
00:59:22 - Did you like the parts of the trail that you did see?
01:02:15 - Tell us about hiking the Long Trail
01:04:35 - Tell us about your Fulbright and the Jordan Trail
01:10:45 - Discussion about being abroad when Covid started
01:15:30 - Tell us about getting on the Long Trail
01:17:55 - Give us the elevator pitch on the Jordan Trail
01:23:45 - Tell us about the Mountains to Sea Trail
01:30:13 - Are they aiming to get the trail all on single track?
01:35:20 - How did you decide to hike the MST?
01:36:50 - What was it like to start the AT?
01:39:10 - Tell us about your tramily experience on the AT
01:42:45 - Did being queer impact you on your hikes before the AT?
01:45:25 - What were your takeaways about intentional community building?
01:48:24 - What are the biggest differences between hiking with men versus women?
01:49:44 - Tell us about hiking in a dress and practicing femininity on trail
01:52:53 - Tell us about your article, Four Things I Will Never Hike Without Again
01:56:30 - Any other standout stories from the AT?
02:05:25 - Tell us about the Teton Crest Trail
02:09:35 - Tell us about your article, Actually No, the Trail Won't Always Be There: Why You Should Thru-Hike Now
02:12:15 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?
Segments
Trek Propaganda
QOTD: Would you rather have every September off — fully paid, no PTO touched, or be able to thrive off 4 hours of sleep?
Triple Crown of BBQ foods
One-Minute Gear Reviews
Listener Voicemail
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Bob Peoples Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jak Hoquat, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Segments
Afroman Trial Recap
Trek Propaganda:
Injured Hiker Rescued After Two Days on the Appalachian Trail by Katie Jackson
QOTD: Would you rather get a million guaranteed or flip a coin for a billion?
Triple Crown of Jim Carey movies
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jak Hoquat, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Megan "Rascal" Wilmarth, a triple crowner who has completed a long trail every year since 2019, including the triple crown, TA, Long Trail, JMT, Tahoe Rim Trail, and Wonderland Trail. Rascal also served as crew chief for Tara Dower's supported southbound FKT on the AT in 2024.
In this one, Rascal walks us through what it actually takes to crew a 40-day record attempt, how a near-death situation in the San Juans changed the way she thinks about approaching the backcountry, what goes into a 109-mile push through the Wyoming Basin, and the gear, mindset, and mile-eating habits she's refined across thousands of miles on trail. This one is just a good old fashioned hiker trash chat we think you'll enjoy.
We wrap the show with the 411 that Trail Correspondents is coming this week, news of a hiker rescue on the AT, what gear lasted the full length of Peg Leg's 10K mile year, whether we'd rather get a million guaranteed or flip a coin for a billion, the triple crown of Jim Carrey movies, and reminiscing about movies with leeches.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
[divider]
Interview with Megan "Rascal" Wilmarth
Time stamps & Questions
00:04:56 - Reminders: Listen to Season 5 of Trail Correspondents, suggest a guest for the podcast, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:08:52 - Introducing Rascal
00:12:29 - Give us a specific example of childhood mischievousness
00:13:55 - Discussion about ADHD and why backpacking works well for neurodivergent people
00:15:47 - How did you get into hiking? What put the AT on your radar?
00:19:50 - Do you remember a specific moment where the lightbulb went on?
00:22:24 - Discussion about shedding your old life/identity after the AT
00:24:23 - How quickly did you find your trail family on the AT?
00:25:47 - At what point did Tara surpass you in speed?
00:29:53 - What does a week look like for Tara training-wise?
00:31:22 - What is your overall goal with hiking every year since 2019?
00:32:50 - What are your favorite day hikes in Durango?
00:35:47 - How did you get so dialed in, gear-wise?
00:39:05 - Do you have tips on do's and don'ts for someone accumulating gear for a thru-hike?
00:46:41 - Discussion about Rascal's AT hitch gone wrong in Maine
00:49:31 - What are the red flags that trigger you not getting in a car?
00:50:41 - Any other standout stories from the AT?
00:51:27 - What brought you to the Long Trail after the AT?
00:55:02 - Tell us about hiking the JMT
00:58:59 - Discussion about the Half Dome cables experience
01:02:17 - You set the intention to do the PCT after the JMT — did that happen?
01:07:30 - Discussion about tracking stats
01:09:30 - What alternates did you take on the CDT to increase your mileage?
01:12:50 - Tell us about the rescue you almost needed in the San Juans
01:21:49 - Discussion about reconnecting with your trail family
01:27:32 - Discussion about the 109-mile push through the Wyoming Basin in 38 hours
01:31:00 - Had you done any ultras by this point leading up to the CDT?
01:33:31 - Do you have any non-obvious tips for pulling a big mile day?
01:36:11 - Discussion about getting giardia on the CDT
01:41:25 - Fuck, Marry, Kill: AT, PCT, CDT
01:43:10 - Discussion about the Te Araroa
01:47:10 - Tell us about the Tahoe Rim Trail and Wonderland Trail
01:48:37 - At what point did your world collide again with Tara for her AT FKT?
02:00:01 - How exhausting is crewing compared to your own thru-hike?
02:01:32 - Is there any part of you that wants recognition?
02:06:17 - Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into running after thru-hiking?
02:08:52 - What do you look for in a running vest?
02:09:40 - What's next for you trail-wise?
02:10:25 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking/trail running?
Segments
Trek Propaganda:
QOTD: Would you rather get a million guaranteed or flip a coin for a billion?
Triple Crown of Jim Carey movies
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jak Hoquat, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Segments
Snake Island
Trek Propaganda: Actually No, the Trail Won't Always Be There: Why You Should Thru-Hike Now by Claire Dumont
QOTD: Fuck marry kill: rain, wind, snow
Triple Crown of potato foods
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jak Hoquat, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Mills Kelly, a historian, podcaster, professor, and author.
Mills taught at George Mason University for 24 years, produced the acclaimed podcast The Green Tunnel, and just published his latest book, A Hiker's History of the Appalachian Trail. In this one, Mills takes us deep into the stories most hikers never hear: why the AT was never designed for through hiking, the surprisingly dark history of some of its founding figures, and why the hundred-mile wilderness used to be a network of fishing camps and steakhouses. We also get into dynamite soup, onion sandwiches, copperheads in fire pits, and the original purism debate, which dates back to 1948. Anyone who loves history and/or the AT is guaranteed to enjoy this one.
We wrap the show with a last call for the Denver Area hiker meetup, why- actually no- the trail won't always be there, a bang marry kill for rain, wind, and snow, the triple crown of potato foods, and some very important seafood tips from a listener.
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.
Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
[divider]
Interview with Mills Kelly
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:14 - Reminders: Join us for the hiker meetup, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:08:18 - Introducing Mills
00:10:48 - Did you ever thru-hike the AT?
00:18:45 - When you do hope to hike the Maine section?
00:20:04 - Who was Ed Garvey and why does he matter to AT history?
00:22:53 - What did backpacking gear look like in the early 1970s?
00:25:21 - What were onion sandwiches?
00:26:39 - What is Dynamite Soup?
00:28:32 - Discussion about Paul Fink's dark history and his connection to the AT's founding
00:29:20 - Discussion about race on the AT and what the historical record reveals
00:34:12 - Discussion about sundown towns and race on trail
00:39:22 - Discussion about women's early and prominent role in hiking clubs and trail building
00:41:20 - Tell us about the history and significance of trail clubs
00:45:50 - Discussion about Mills' course on historical hoaxes and internet misinformation
00:53:30 - How do you evaluate sources and verify truth as a historian?
00:58:15 - Are you scared about the future of truth in the age of AI and social media?
01:01:05 - Tell us about your experience with hearing loss
01:05:00 - Discussion about the history of killing snakes on the AT
01:10:30 - Discussion about the AT's trash problem in the 60s & 70s
01:16:00 - What does maintaining an AT shelter actually entail?
01:23:10 - What are your other pet peeves?
01:25:30 - What are your most popular podcast episodes?
01:28:25 - Why was southwestern Virginia the hardest part of the AT to route?
01:39:40 - Whas was Damascus like during its timber-industry heydey?
01:43:20 - How does the AT economically impact small rural towns?
01:45:40 - How did the trail come to start at Springer Mountain?
01:48:35 - What did Benton MacKaye actually intend tthe AT to be?
01:50:40 - What is the Warrior Path?
01:52:08 - Discussion about Katahdin's sacred history to the Abenaki
01:56:00 - Tell us about the history of the Katahdin sign
01:58:00 - How was the trail in Maine different historically than it is today?
01:59:42 - What was it like having to actually prove that you hiked the entire trail?
02:04:00 - Discussion about the original purism debate and Early Shafer's 1948 thru-hike
02:06:35 - What's next for you?
02:11:40 - Peak Performance Question: What's your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: Actually No, the Trail Won't Always Be There: Why You Should Thru-Hike Now by Claire Dumont
QOTD: Fuck marry kill: rain, wind, snow
Triple Crown of potato foods
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jak Hoquat, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
Segments
Trail Trivia
Trek Propaganda: The 11 Most Dangerous Animals on the Appalachian Trail by Katie Jackson
QOTD: How do you feel about someone hiking a triple crown trail while leaving a young kid at home?
Triple Crown of people at the gym
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jak Hoquat, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are once again joined by Dr. Freeborn Mondello to chat all things fitness, thru-hike training, and all around health.
In this one, Freeborn gives us a detailed gameplan about how to best train for a thru-hike, including why the best time to start is today, time to allocate to cardio vs. strength, what kind of cardio is king, and specific protocols and exercises for strength training. Freeborn also shares advice about how to prevent and treat some of the most common thru-hiking injuries, including IT band syndrome, sore knees, a host of foot related ailments, and more. Grab your notebook, this one is full of practical advice ready your body for the trail and improve your health at large.
We wrap the show the 11 most dangerous animals on the Appalachian Trail, how we feel about someone hiking a triple crown trail while leaving a young kid at home, the triple crown of people at the gym, and Chaunce gets mildly peeved at a mailbag.
LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.
Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com
[divider]
Interview with Dr. Freeborn Mondello
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:34 - Reminders: Join us for a hiker meetup in Golden, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and a surprise announcement!
00:13:30 - Introducing Dr. Freeborn Mondello
00:14:50 - Remind us of your personal endurance background
00:18:31 - Which sports yield the most injuries?
00:21:52 - Are there specific fitness styles that pair best with backpacking?
00:26:37 - What is zone two training?
00:28:39 - How do you find your heart rate zones?
00:36:28 - Is it better to use a weighted vest, incline, or flat for zone two?
00:37:27 - What is the minimum zone two training for a thru-hike?
00:43:00 - Discussion about calming the central nervous system and recovery techniques
00:49:48 - Discussion about why stretching might be doing more harm than good
00:54:05 - What should you do at breaks and the start of day on trail instead of stretching?
01:04:15 - Should you start training years before a thru-hike?
01:11:17 - What does a minimum strength training program look like?
01:14:59 - What home gym equipment should you buy and what should you skip?
01:18:26 - Should older athletes still do heavy squats and deadlifts?
01:23:35 - Walk us through a basic strength program with specific lifts
01:39:44 - What are the most common thru-hiking injuries?
01:48:31 - Discussion about dry needling and digital rehab
01:51:58 - Can you still run with missing meniscus?
01:58:22 - What should you prioritize on a town day to recover faster?
02:09:22 - Discussion about nutrition, protein goals, and intermittent fasting
02:20:39 - Discussion about BPC-157 peptides and GLP-1 weight loss drugs
02:25:40 - Where can people keep up with you?
02:28:10 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: The 11 Most Dangerous Animals on the Appalachian Trail by Katie Jackson
QOTD: How do you feel about someone hiking a triple crown trail while leaving a young kid at home?
Triple Crown of people at the gym
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jak Hoquat, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, Chaunce and Elise are joined by Mallory Weston and Leslie Boyd. Mallory and Leslie are best friends, thru-hikers, hiking partners, artists, metalsmiths, teachers, and most recently, two inaugural artists-in-residence for the CDTC and ATC. The conversation goes into all things art, including how to best pursue your artistic passions on trail, what exactly an artist-in-residence does, their creative processes, and much more.
We wrap the show with how to thru-hike the CDT for less than $5,000, info on the upcoming Denver-area Hiker Meetup, our favorite personal art projects, the triple crown of stimulants, and the best mail bag of all time.
Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com.
Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com.
[divider]
Interview with Mallory Weston and Leslie Boyd
Time stamps & Questions
00:05:55 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek's newsletter, join us for a hiker meetup in Golden, apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!
00:11:56 - Introduction of guests Mallory Weston and Leslie Boyd
00:12:47 - How did Mallory and Leslie meet and become best friends?
00:14:58 - How did you get into metalsmithing and jewelry as an art form?
00:21:07 - What is it like to become a professor, and the pros and cons of academia?
00:30:45 - How did you both get into backpacking?
00:55:27 - Mallory, tell us about your PCT southern border lash
01:00:00 - The Tahoe to Yosemite Trail / Tahoe Rim Trail lollipop hike and karaoke on the PCT
01:08:24 - Tell us about the Grafton Loop Trail in Maine
01:17:22 - Tell us about the Alta Via 1 in Italy and hiking with your husband
01:23:56 - How did you start the artist residency programs with the ATC and CDTC?
01:30:00 - What is an artist residency, and what do the trail organizations get out of it?
01:41:30 - What do the residency workshops entail?
01:48:01 - Leslie's cyanotype art practice on the CDT and the creative process on trail
01:53:36 - Leslie's fundraising cyanotype project tied to border issues and No Más Muertes
02:03:10 - Discussion about National Defense Areas at trail southern termini and how Leslie finished the CDT
02:05:58 - What did you create on trail during your residency, Mallory?
02:12:38 - Advice for artists who want to integrate their creative practice with backpacking
02:23:12 - Leslie's Tyvek ground sheet art project using security envelope patterns
02:30:12 - Peak Performance question: What is your top backpacking hack?
Segments
Trek Propaganda: How I Thru-Hiked the CDT for Under $5,000 by Katie Jackson
QOTD: What's your favorite art project you've ever done?
Triple Crown of stimulants
Mail Bag
5 Star Review
[divider]
Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee.
Sign up for the Trek's newsletter
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)! Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
Support us on Patreon to get bonus content.Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram.
Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.
Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.
Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.
A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns
A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jak Hoquat, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.
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