In this episode of The On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Jenna Carroll, a hiking guide and endurance athlete who transformed her life by stepping off the corporate treadmill and onto the Appalachian Trail. Jenna shares her incredible journey, from her early days as a basketball star and management consultant to finding her passion for long-distance hiking and trail running. We delve into her 2021 northbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, her life-changing decision to make the outdoors her career, and her remarkable return to the trail in 2023 to attempt a self-supported fastest known time (FKT).
Along the way, Jenna reflects on the emotional highs and lows of solo hiking, the invaluable lessons of community and resilience, and how nature continues to fuel her creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just curious about life’s unpredictable paths, Jenna’s story is sure to inspire.
Episode Highlights:
[2:10] – Introducing Jenna Carroll: From basketball star to corporate life to hiker-extraordinaire.
[6:45] – Jenna’s first thru-hike: Why she left her desk job to tackle the Appalachian Trail.
[15:30] – Overcoming freezing temps on Blood Mountain: Jenna’s turning point just four days into the trail.
[24:40] – Post-trail life: Moving to Asheville, finding her calling as a hiking guide, and rediscovering creativity through poetry.
[39:00] – Tackling personal endurance challenges: Jenna’s first 50K and her epic Montreat trail day.
[43:50] – Attempting the self-supported FKT: 63 days, 2,200 miles, and lessons learned on the Appalachian Trail.
[57:00] – The value of community: How connection and support fueled Jenna’s solo adventures.
[1:02:30] – What’s next for Jenna: A 100-mile race, guiding trips, and continuing her journey in Asheville.
Links & Resources:
- Blue Ridge Hiking Company
- Books that inspired Jenna:
- Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home by Heather “Anish” Anderson
- A Beautiful Work in Progress by Myrna Valerio
- Learn more about Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S. here.
Closing:
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