janel healy

The Pros and Cons of Flip-Flopping the PCT

The Pros and Cons of Flip-Flopping the PCT

Flip-flopping is a style of thruhiking that really works for those of us who like doing things our own way. But it also has its drawbacks.

Sep 13, 2018 : Janel Gazelle
Getting Through the Halfway Blues

Getting Through the Halfway Blues

The “halfway blues” is a common malady for long distance hikers. The middle of a thruhike can be tough. The honeymoon phase has long since worn off and our days...

Jul 9, 2018 : Janel Gazelle
My PCT Journey Begins. Here’s Why I’m Hiking

My PCT Journey Begins. Here’s Why I’m Hiking

I’ve been dreaming about walking from Mexico to Canada for almost two years—and the time has finally arrived. But I’m not hiking 2,650 miles only for myself. Starting today and...

Mar 25, 2018 : Janel Gazelle
How Thru-Hiking Changes Your Relationship to Your Body

How Thru-Hiking Changes Your Relationship to Your Body

Some people want to thru-hike in order to lose weight. But here is ACTUALLY what happens to your body when you do a long distance backpacking trip.

Mar 19, 2018 : Janel Gazelle
What I’m Giving Up to Hike the PCT

What I’m Giving Up to Hike the PCT

When choosing a path in life such as through-hiking, what you are actually choosing is how you are willing to struggle. Without struggle, you couldn’t fully appreciate the beauty of...

Feb 8, 2018 : Janel Gazelle
Hike Like a Girl: Facing Fears, Empowering Women

Hike Like a Girl: Facing Fears, Empowering Women

We try to protect our daughters from the world by discouraging them from getting themselves into risky situations, but avoiding fear only hurts girls more. We need to encourage our...

Jan 24, 2018 : Janel Gazelle
How Hiking is Like a Meditation Retreat (And How It’s Not)

How Hiking is Like a Meditation Retreat (And How It’s Not)

If you're into personal growth and overcoming extreme challenges, both a long distance hike and a meditation retreat are worth trying. Here are ten ways that hiking is like an...

Oct 11, 2017 : Janel Gazelle
Hiking for a Cause: PCT 2018 to Empower Girls in Nature

Hiking for a Cause: PCT 2018 to Empower Girls in Nature

I'm thrilled to announce that I will be hiking the PCT in 2018 to raise money for nonprofits that are helping young people, especially young women, gain confidence in themselves...

Jul 25, 2017 : Janel Gazelle
How Thru-Hiking Ruined My Life

How Thru-Hiking Ruined My Life

Those who thru-hike learn to survive anything—as long as they believe in what they're doing. However, if you want to be the kind of person who can keep your head...

Jun 27, 2017 : Janel Gazelle
What It Feels Like to Finish a Thru-Hike

What It Feels Like to Finish a Thru-Hike

The final days leading up to finishing a through-hike and returning to civilization are a confusing mix of anticipation, terror, pride, sadness and relief. Here is what you might experience...

May 24, 2017 : Janel Gazelle