Mile Marker sets the stage by discussing her longing for blue bonnet flowers. Then we listen to an audio clip from the 8th day hiking on the Arizona Trail, recorded at the Colossal Cave Mountain Park.....Tune in to this episode to hear about why she wants to participate in activities when her whole heart is in it, not just because she feels like she "should" do something.

00:00:00 Episode 8

00:01:18 Blue bonnets in Arizona?

00:03:09 Day 8 hiking audio clip

00:5:36 Sleeping pad in the sleeping bag sleeve

00:07:57 The glorious Colossal Cave concession stand

00:13:24 Human beings not human doings

00:16:21 Buying dog food for the doggos in need

To help make this hiking feat feel more relatable, Mile Marker explains the helpfulness of a mobile map app called FarOut. Then we listen to an audio clip from the 7th day hiking on the Arizona Trail, which mentions a man's suspicious behavior at the trailhead bear box.....Tune in to this episode to hear about why she wants to approach situations believing most people have good intentions, even if the impact of their actions can initially be a challenge to accept.

00:00:00 Episode 7

00:02:00 Introducing the FarOut app

00:07:01 Day 7 hiking audio clip

00:11:10 Reacting to the bear box water taker

00:17:17 Sensitivity is a gift

This episode features two audio clips from Mile Marker's 19-mile day six hike. The first clip describes her mid-day pit stop seeking shelter at the Kentucky Camp homestead. The second clip remarks on her passing the 90 mile landmark. Tune in to this episode to hear about how she considers her hiking chops and why rainbows are worth the rain.

00:00:00 Episode 6

00:01:16 Day 6 hiking audio clip 1

00:08:04 What it takes to become an expert

00:13:28 Day 6 hiking audio clip 2

00:16:07 The rainbow of all rainbows

This episode elaborates on Mile Marker's first resupply stop in Patagonia. Patagonia provided her resupply food box, laundry, and fresh hot food!! Tune into this episode to hear about how she got off and back on trail and hear an audio clip from her 19-mile day five AZT journey.

00:00:00 Episode 5

00:01:24 Off trail and into town

00:07:46 Day 5 hiking audio clip

00:12:40 Strava hiking stats

00:18:41 Meet Morgan and Oberto

00:21:25 You gotta live life on your toes

This episode reflects on Mile Marker's 10-day silent meditation retreat in New Ulm, Texas. Her decision to listen to the birds, notice wildlife, and cherish a life away from traffic while at the meditation center coincided perfectly with her Arizona Trail day 4 sentiments. Tune into this episode to hear about her appreciation for the world, on and off the trail.

00:00:00 Episode 4

00:01:01 Trail magic explained

00:03:24 A new podcast is born

00:08:06 Day 4 hiking audio clip

00:13:15 The little snake in the puddle on the left

00:19:33 My interests are evolving

This episode elaborates on Mile Marker's newest upcoming adventure - a 10-day silent meditation retreat in central Texas. Her decision to sign up for the retreat, and accept the program when she was released from the waitlist, align with her mindset to do what is right when it is right. Tune into this episode to hear about her reluctance to accept trail magic in the form of a Reese's brownie and hear an audio clip from her 15-mile day three AZT journey.

00:00:00 Episode 3

00:02:05 The silent meditation

00:06:19 What it takes to just say "yes"

00:11:37 Day 3 hiking audio clip

00:15:32 The Reese's brownie is meant for you

This episode elaborates on Mile Marker's childhood and discusses a few quirks from her youth. These idiosyncrasies shaped who she is and helped her identify her favorite piece of hiking gear - the sun umbrella! Tune into this episode to hear about what defined her background and hear an audio clip from her 17-mile day two AZT journey.

00:00:00 Episode 2

00:02:58 The quest for no trash

00:06:23 Meet the Dr. Pepper lunchbox

00:11:34 Day 2 hiking audio clip

00:13:28 Blocking the sun then, shining the sun today

Mile Marker kicks off her first podcast episode! This podcast aims to discover what it means to live authentically. I work to uncover tools to help me be most present in my life. Each episode will discuss themes like how to listen to your body, understanding ways to be true to yourself, and learning what deep fulfillment looks like.

The episodes will also relate to ideas inspired by my 2024 hike across the state of Arizona.

The theme of day 1's hiking audio is what is a healthy way to find compromise.

00:00:00 Episode 1

00:03:40 Taking time for myself

00:08:35 Introduction to the Arizona Trail

00:12:10 Day 1 hiking audio clip

00:13:36 The origins of the name Mile Marker

00:17:12 Compromise versus sacrifice