Jennifer Pharr Davis became the first woman to claim the endurance record on the Appalachian Trail by hiking the 2,181 miles of the trail in 46 days, an average of 47 miles a day. She will share her remarkable story of this adventure and other tales of long distance treks at the Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, on Wednesday, April 2, 7-8:30 p.m.
Davis says her story is not about records or numbers; it's about endurance, faith, and most of all, love. She will be speaking about the many challenges and lessons that present themselves along the trail, showing slides that chronicle her adventures on 12,000 miles of long distance trails on six continents. After her presentation, she will be signing copies of her new book, Called Again: A Story of Love and Triumph, which Kirkus Reviews has called "an inspired exploration of the meaning of commitment."
"I love to explore new trails, but I also love to explore my potential," said Davis. As exceptional as her accomplishments on the hiking trail have been, she has also married, had a baby, and started a business, the Blue Ridge Hiking Company, in the last few years. She has authored several books. Her latest book is the story of her record setting hike on the Appalachian Trail and the deepening love and commitment in her relationship with husband Brew. Together, she said, they were able to overcome rugged mountains and raging rivers, sleet storms and 100 degree heat, shin splints and illnesses, and through it all, they fell more in love with one another and with the wilderness.
National Geographic named Jennifer Pharr Davis one of ten Adventurers of the Year for 2012. She has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR's Talk of the Nation, Guideposts magazine, and the CBS Morning Show, and is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades.
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