When Ann Crile Esselstyn, tells you to do something, you do it! So, when she told me I had to interview today’s guest, I didn’t hesitate.
Ruth Morley is an adventurer. She’s rarely at home in Cincinnati because she’s usually found on a hiking trail. I’m talking about the Appalachian Trail, the Florida Trail, the Buckeye Trail, and Kilimanjaro…just to name just a few.
She’s even ridden her bike 3,000 miles across the country and competed in dozens of marathons and triathlons.
Oh, and did I mention that Ruth (known by her trail name, “Ruthless!”) is 70 years old and 100% PLANTSTRONG?
Today, she tells us how she prepares all of her food for these multi-week adventures and shares the details of her equipment and intricate logistics as a solo hiker.
This conversation is inspiring, informative, and downright motivational – not just to do these super-long hikes - but to do anything that is out of your comfort zone.
Her slogan? “Make plans, not excuses.”
Episode Highlights
5:00 She had lunch with Ann??
7:15 From depression to a game-changing moment - What inspired Ruth to go plant-based?
11:45 What immediate effect did it have on her emotional and physical well-being?
13:20 Where does this adventuring spirit come from?
15:15 How much does her backpack weigh?
16:30 Her athletic journey from runner to triathlete
18:30 Why she stays in “cheap” hotels and loves to hike alone
21:25 Self-supporting her hike on the Buckeye Trail
27:30 What a LASHer! How many major trails has she hiked? (Patagonia, Asia, Kilimanjaro, Appalachian Trail, Buckeye Trail, Florida Trail)
33:00 All about the food and prepping meals for these massive hikes! https://excaliburdehydrator.com/
41:50 Her preferred tent: https://durstongear.com/
Backpack: https://www.ula-equipment.com/product/circuit/
Sleeping Bag: UGQ https://ugqoutdoor.com/
Shoes: Topo Athletic https://www.topoathletic.com/ and Altra https://www.altrarunning.com/
Outdoor Research Hat https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/
49:05 Hikers Midnight - How long does she sleep and how does she make her daily hiking schedule?
52:00 Who's the most interesting person she’s ever met on a trail?
54:05 What was her hardest moment on the trail?
1:02:00 What does she say to people who need the inspiration to eat better and move more?
Episode Resources
Episode Webpage
Watch the Episode on YouTube
Ruth's Blog
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