Why am I walking the Colorado Trail with clubfoot?

What is a clubfoot, you ask? It is a condition with which only one in every thousand babies is born. Imagine a golf club. But then it’s a little baby’s leg with the foot twisted inward. So I was born with clubfoot only on the left side. I had surgery a couple of weeks after I was born and had my foot in casts, braces, and orthopedic shoes throughout my childhood. It was difficult growing up like that. Not being able to run and jump like other children. Not being able to wear cute shoes like other girls. I know there are much worse things in life and in all other aspects I have nothing to complain about.

How I got to my why

As an adult, these issues have become increasingly challenging. Especially because I am a very active and adventurous person. I’ve traveled all over the world, I’ve already done some amazing hikes, horseback riding, scuba diving, husky sledding, you name it and I’m up for it. A couple of years ago I found myself in high-pressure jobs, climbing the corporate ladder, working day and night in an office environment. I felt my energy draining away, I became restless living in the same place for over two years, little by little I felt less and less like myself.

Meanwhile, my foot was giving me more problems. It turns out that sitting all day every day causes its own set of problems. I started to worry that one day I wouldn’t be able to do all those adventurous things I love. I couldn’t move like I do now. I guess that’s true for all of us as we get older, but if you tackle something early on, chances are it’s going to make it a lot harder.

So, a little over two years ago, I decided to drop everything and hike the Pacific Crest Trail. I had never camped before, I had never pitched a tent, I had never hiked a trail for several days with everything I needed on my back. People around me thought I was crazy. I also thought I was a little crazy…

My first hiking experience

Sorting everything out, purchasing equipment, and preparing myself physically and mentally was overwhelming, but I arrived at Southern Terminus on a beautiful Wednesday morning in April. I crossed the desert with pain as my constant companion. It all went south at the Los Angeles Aqueduct. I tried too hard and underestimated the effects of walking on concrete instead of a soft trail. I needed time to recover in Tehachapi and skipped a stretch to Walker Pass to meet my friends again.

Somehow, slowly, I made it through the Sierras. The section I was most looking forward to. It was difficult. I had never experienced pain like this. All-consuming pain, all the time. Pain really took on a new meaning for me. It made the whole experience even more intense. Perhaps surprisingly, it wasn’t all negative. When I reached the top of a pass or climbed Mount Whitney, I cried my eyes out. From pain and exhaustion, but also from pride in my determination and what my body and mind can achieve despite the difficulties. could feel a good view, not just seeing it. The beauty of nature became a full-body experience that was difficult to explain. I had to train my mind to divert attention from the pain I felt with every step. And I had a lot of time to train. For hours, day after day.

It’s the only way I can explain that even though I’ve never felt more constant physical pain in my entire life, it’s also probably the happiest I’ve ever felt. And then I fell in love with hiking.

The Colorado Trail

It may not be a surprise when I tell you that I didn’t walk every mile on the PCT that year. After the Sierras, I hiked through small parts of NorCal, Oregon, and Washington, but there’s still plenty for me to do. I’m sure that one day, in the not-too-distant future, I’ll look for it again.

But now Colorado is calling. Since being on the PCT and meeting so many friendly, fun, outdoor-loving Americans, Colorado has become on my radar. It’s just a feeling. A very strong impulse to explore this state. A little less than 500 miles seems a lot more manageable, the scenery is supposed to be world class, and from what I understand from people I’ve met, Coloradans are some of the most active, outdoorsy people out there. I really want to experience a good trail culture, meet like-minded people but also moments of solitude and mindfulness. I consulted my doctors and did everything I could to prepare physically for this tour. Luckily, I’ve been mentally prepared for this from the moment I left the PCT.

Here’s the plan: Hike the Colorado Trail and take a road trip to see as much of the state as possible (and hopefully do a bunch of shorter hikes if I can still walk by then). I’m going to do my best to hike every mile of the trail and I’m excited to join you!

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.