Scott Jurek, one of the greatest trail runners of all time, called his attempt to break Jennifer Pharr Davis’ FKT (Fastest Known Time) for hiking the Appalachian Trail the hardest thing he’d ever done. And yet, hiking and thru-hiking often isn’t given the credit it deserves either as a monumental test of endurance, or as a more accessible / less intimidating activity to get more people outdoors.

So we talk to former National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Jennifer Pharr Davis, about the differences and divides between hiking culture & trail running culture; why — and how — she works to break down barriers and get more people outside; the increasing importance of connecting with nature; lessons from her book, The Pursuit of Endurance, and more.

TOPICS & TIMES:

• Jennifer’s unconventional book tour (5:05)
• “Hiking” vs “Trail Running” culture (7:50)
• Inclusivity & diversity in the outdoors / outdoor industry (16:09)
• How hiking can help individuals & communities (22:50)
• Jen’s favorite story from The Pursuit of Endurance (27:30)
• Harnessing the power of failure (33:53)
• What does it mean to “befriend adversity”? (37:35)
• Inner drive vs contentment (39:44)
• The increasing importance of connecting with nature (44:14)

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