As we hiked we talked, that is when I could find the breath to speak. Fortunately Jen likes to talk, so I was able to strategically pose my questions at the start of a long climb so that I could catch my breath while she shared about her experiences on the trail. We talked about family, work, and how we met our husbands. Compared notes on shoes, trail food and packs. Discussed the state of speed hiking and ultrarunning, and shared our hopes and dreams for the future, both on and off the trail.
As we neared the end of our day, picking our way through the rocky descent of Albert Mountain in the darkness, Jen shouted out, “Less than 100 miles to go!” Although neither of us wished to jinx the final miles of her journey, she cautiously talked about what it would feel like to hold this record, especially to be the first female to do so. We talked about all of the people who paved the way for her – previous record holders and mentors – and the athletes who will follow. While clearly savoring this tremendous feat, Jen also looks forward to the performances of the future, particularly by girls and women who have been inspired by her bold defiance of the gender barrier.
Jen followed our day on the trail with another sixty miles on Saturday and hiked the final thirty miles to Springer Mountain on Sunday. I, on the other hand, slept in and followed her progress via the Internet, thrilled to have had the opportunity to share a small part of her amazing journey.
