March 21, 2024

March 21, 2024

Today, I officially announce my intention to thru-hike the Colorado Trail starting in July of 2024! I've been planning out the many details and logistics of the trip and making sure I have everything I need to be safe and comfortable. I decided last summer that I wanted to take a big trip this year, and in my research I considered trips in Wyoming and Colorado- namely the Solitude Trail and the Collegiate Peaks Loop. As I did more research and planned to try and hike the Collegiate Peaks, I decided, why not just try and make the Colorado Trail work?

I spoke with my workplace and was granted 5 weeks off to attempt the hike. Despite this, I still have a goal of completing the trail in 4 weeks. The part of the hike that poses the biggest logistical challenge is my prescription for Humira- I have to self-inject a dose every other week. Fortunately, my case of Crohn's Disease is relatively minor, but still requires me to take my regular dosages. While the pens aren't heavy, they do require a stable temperature, something that I can't easily provide on the trail. I have planned out resupplies of this medication in Frisco and Lake City, and am working with some lovely, helpful locals to make this part of my trip work!

I've also taken steps to optimize my life on the trail. I have been training in the gym and outside, and have also been preparing a diet for myself as well. I plan cold soaking my food, so I have substantial plans with me and my dehydrator over the next few months. The recipes I plan on making are found on the media page. I haven't sampled all the recipes yet, but my basic plan is a high calorie smoothie for breakfast, a cold soaked pasta salad or hummus at lunch time, and then some other sort of couscous, pasta, or rice dish for dinner. Additionally, I will have bars, trail mix, and a few other snacks to carry with me in between meals. 

I can't wait for summer to really begin and I can start properly training on some longer hikes! My little midwestern lungs need some practice before I make it out to the mountains. 

Image is a picture taken at Ski Cooper outside of Leadville in January 2024.