You are listening to the Hiking Radio Network, where we talk the walk with shows by hikers

about hikers for everybody. Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail, the ultimate midlife crisis, joins Stephen his guests every week as he staggers from Georgia to Maine.

Hey guys, welcome back to episode number 527 of the Mighty Blue podcast. I'm your host, Steve Adams.

I'm just a few weeks away from my third through hike attempt of the Appalachian Trail. So the title of this podcast, Mighty Blue and the Appalachian Trail, is very appropriate right now, as I lurched towards that date in early March. As always, I've put together what I think is a good show today. Of course, I always try to put together a good show, but you guys are the judge of that, so I hope you like what we've got lined up today. First up, Savannah Shuring, a triple crown, unless, is going to give us some unique perspectives of life on the AT. With my own hike, upcoming, I was especially taken by what Savannah had to say, because her perspectives come with data. And to be honest, I was quite surprised at some of the conclusions she asked, but she made a fascinating guest. We'll hear from Savannah in a moment. Then we've got Jim Wormone on the show, and I mentioned in our chat that he's the first Height the Good Height member that I've spoken with, though, of course, he isn't the first, you've heard. Jim is heading out the AT a few weeks after me, and he's very open about his own struggles with his mental health, most specifically is PTSD, and the impacts the trial may have on him this year. I've noticed that each of these Hight, the Good Hight members have been very articulate about not only their mental health issues, but also the way in which they allowed themselves to be asked, what might be tricky questions for them. So far I've had no hostility from many of them,

or even reluctance to share their own stories. It takes a certain kind of bravery and, judging

from the emails you send me, you appreciate them too. We'll hear from Jim after Samantha.

Finally, the Accountability Blog, with a bit more news to share on what has generally been

a smooth preparation as I gear up for next month. A few changes this week, but we'll hear all about

that after we hear from our two guests. So let's get to it and meet Savannah Shuring or

Snazy Cat. Today, our guest is Savannah Shuring. Hey, Savannah, thanks for coming on the podcast. How are you doing today?

I'm very well. Thank you. You hiked the Appalachian Trail back in 2018, I believe, and you killed it.

You did it in just over three months, starting in late April and finishing August of 6th.

We're going to tell everybody why you were so fast in a moment, but what did that window

demand of you day to day?

Because it is quite, it looks like it's about 100 and just over 100 days, isn't it?

Yes.

There was a couple complications.

We had to go back, or I had to go back separately from my hiking partner and finish just a little bit.

But, yeah, overall, it was not fun.

I was crying down mountains, literally.

My knees hurt so bad the entire time.

I have a rare genetic predisposition where my knees track laterally.

...