Jess "Stitches" Guo, the First Woman to Connect the CDT and GDT in a Calendar Year (BPR #336)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jessica Guo known on trail as Stitches.

This year, Stitches became the first woman on record to connect both the Continental Divide Trail and Great Divide Trail northbound in one calendar year. We talk all about this logistically and physically impressive feat, hiking through the Sierra during a record snow year, how she earned her trail name the hard way, her unconventional relationship with pain, how 10 her day silent meditations better prepare her for thru-hiking and gives us a sample 2 minute meditation, what it was like becoming social media famous this year- going from less than 2K followers to 50K, and much more.  

We wrap the show with a call for Trek Vloggers, a breakdown of how hard the Long Trail is as measured by Katie's steps per mile, apparently some people can smell ants, and the triple crown of peanut butter combinations.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com. 

Ka'Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.

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Interview with Jessica "Stitches" Guo

• Stitches' Instagram
• Stitches' Trek Author Page
• Stitches' Substack

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:00 - Reminders: Apply to VLOG for the Trek, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:11:47 - Introducing Stitches

00:14:15 - What is your background?

00:20:00 - Scenario: If Zach & Chaunce are fighting, how would you help them work through it?

00:22:25 - How did you get into the outdoors?

00:30:15 - Were you an athlete when you were younger?

00:31:35 - How did you like the Teton Crest Trail?

00:32:40 - Tell us about getting started on the PCT and your injury

00:40:20 - What did it feel like to walk on your injured leg after 8 days?

00:48:35 - What does your meditation practice look like?

00:55:50 - What does a silent meditation retreat look like?

00:58:05 - Are there purists in the meditation world?

01:03:00 - Stitches leads a guided meditation

01:08:20 - Tell us about your second injury on the PCT

01:20:55 - Was the Sierra Type 1 fun for you?

01:21:30 - Tell us your fun story from the Colorado Trail

01:26:20 - Where did the idea come from for the CDT + GDT?

01:32:50 - Why can it be nic