Ep. 193: Ruth Morley - This PLANTSTRONG Hiker Makes Plans, Not Excuses
PLANTSTRONG Podcast
How to Hike the Appalachian Trail
The author has hiked more than 40 trails in her life. Her favorite hikes include the Himalayas, Patagonia and Mount Kilimanjaro. She's also done the Appalachian Trail four times but never finished it.
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
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