The image on the left was taken in Georgia on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2009 when I was over 215 pounds (not including pack weight). The image on the right was taken in Maine six months later along the AT when I had dropped to 155 pounds. I'm 5'5".
The entire six months of my thru hike of the AT were physically and mentally grueling, especially the first few weeks. My knees continually took the brunt of the force, carrying my body and pack up and over climb after unforgiving climb. Each evening they screamed in pain as I tried my best to pamper them with vitamin I (ibuprofen), foot powder, a massage, and elevation at night. Further along, I dealt with emotional adversity as well. There were moments where fear and doubt crept to the forefront of my mind. The thought of reaching Katahdin by foot seemed like an impossible feat. Could I really do this? Would my feet hold up? Was this just a stupid, cockamamie idea? In a form of encouragement, a fellow hiker told me that facing these relentless challenges rather than succumbing to the fears would only result in a stronger person by the time I reached Maine. She was right! I reached Baxter Peak on September 19, 2009. I had accomplished my goal of thru hiking the AT and in doing so, I not only strengthened physically, but mentally as well.
If I could offer any advice from my experience of thru hiking the AT in 2009, it would be this: Don't let your fears or doubts diminish your confidence to thru hike (in this case), or to accept any challenge presented to you in life for that matter!
Live life by the following message: “You’re stronger than you think.” - LCW
I cannot take credit for this message, as these are not my words. These words are the inspiration of a hometown hero named Leigh Cooper Wallace (LCW) (pictured above). She was a naturally gifted runner, and her personal strength was put to the ultimate test in 1989 at the age of 20. A man abducted and assaulted Leigh during an afternoon run in the small town of Boone, North Carolina. The same man had killed another young lady named Jeni Gray just five days prior. Throughout the ordeal Leigh remained mentally calm and was able to escape his torture. She has since recounted how she was able to escape:
“It was a Friday night and I had lied to him and told him that nobody would notice I was missing until Monday morning when my roommate would return from her weekend trip home. So he had decided to take me home and kill me in the morning instead of right then. On the way home, he had to stop and get gas. I asked if I could go in the store and act like his girlfriend by holding his hand. He told me he thought I should stay in the car. He asked if I would go anywhere and I said ‘No.’ He asked me why. I told him that I was too scared. So he pumped the gas and went in the store. When he went to the back of the store and out of sight, another car pulled up to the store and a man got out and went in to buy something. I watched this other man and when he went to the register to pay, I jumped out of Lee’s car and ran and jumped in the driver’s door of the other car. This man, named Richard, took me a short distance down the road to a house where he and his wife were eating dinner with another couple.”(1)
Following her escape and testimony, authorities were able to convict the perpetrator for his sinister actions. Although a victim of a sexual crime, Leigh did not cower under the pressures and fears of doubt and self-worth, which are typically associated with traumatic events. Leigh, instead, developed inner strength from the support she received from family members, friends, and the local community. She began to present workshops, where she shared her violent ordeal, brought awareness to violent acts, and educated individuals regarding safety risks. She became a symbol of strength at the annual Walk for Awareness on Appalachian State University’s campus since 1989.
In 2011, Leigh shared with a reporter that, “I think the message I hope to give people is, This is what I went through, and I still live my life to the fullest. It doesn't have to ruin your life. It's a part of your history. It's a part of you. But it doesn't have to consume and destroy your life.” (2)
Leigh has since used this experience as a platform to inspire and raise awareness throughout her life to young people. Her message, “You’re stronger than you think,” still resonates even after her unexpected death 13 months ago.
Leigh’s story is an inspiration. Her message: powerful.
We are stronger than we think in all aspects of our lives. Don’t let fear hamper your ability to live life to its fullest capabilities!
While I trek along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) this summer, I plan on sharing Leigh’s inspirational message as I have done here with you. In addition, stickers have been produced with her inspirational message and a link to this trail journal. I plan on sharing these stickers with individuals I meet along the PCT. If you don’t think you’ll have the opportunity to meet me in person, I’d be glad to send them to you in the mail. I am asking for donations. All of the proceeds will benefit the Leigh Cooper Wallace Memorial Fund.
I would also like to generate money for the Leigh Cooper Wallace Memorial Fund through the limited sale of customized arm warmers and running socks made by Defeet (http://www.defeet.com/). Currently the arm warmers and running socks are in production and should be ready by April 1st. I am taking pre-orders at this time. Socks are 13 dollars a pair and arm warmers are 20 dollars a pair. These items and sizes are limited in availability. I would like to have them all sold before my flight leaves on April 24th. All the proceeds will also benefit the Leigh Cooper Wallace Memorial Fund. Please contact me through email at corialice@hotmail.com if you are interested in the stickers, socks, and/or arm warmers.
Finally, I also plan on LIVING her message every step of the way! The PCT is considered to be the trail of extremes so it should not be a surprise to expect that I will be tested every step of the way. I will begin in the desert of California during a ridiculous drought that hasn’t been this severe in decades. My only desert experience involves a ten week stay in Saudi Arabia where there was absolutely no hiking. After the first 700 miles, I will traverse the Sierra Mountains with few re-supply points, but a plethora of bears and mosquitoes. Washington will be unpredictable weather-wise. I expect the state will be inundated with rain, snow, or a combination of both by the time I arrive. I imagine there will be multiple times where I will feel that I can go no further or that I have no strength left to move forward. In these moments, I can do one of two things: surrender to the fears and doubts, or find that inner strength within me and move forward.
I am stronger than I think I am.
1. Norris, Sherrie. “Sharing the Burden: Local Teacher Shares Horrors of Sexual Assault, Healing Touch of Support” Oct. 11, 2007. The MountainTimes.com http://archives.mountaintimes.com/mtweekly/2007/1011/sharing_burden.php3
2. “Local runner, coach Leigh Wallace dies” Dec. 17, 2012. WataguaDemocrat.com http://www2.wataugademocrat.com/News/story/Local-runner-coach-Leigh-Wallace-dies-id-009923
