Heather Anderson - Mud, Rocks, Blazes: Letting Go on the Appalachian Trail

Mud, Rocks, Blazes is beautifully written, intense, and exhilaratinga no holds barred, one-woman show. I held my breath often as Anderson faced seemingly impossible hurdles. Youll root for her every step of the way. Put this deeply personal and riveting book on your must-read list.

Barney Scout Mann, Triple Crowner and author of Journeys North

Most of us may never know the physical and emotional toll that comes along with the challenge of setting an FKT [Fastest Known Time]. In this beautifully written book, Anish takes us along for the challenges and feeling of triumph that such an endeavor encompasses. You cant help but want to root for her up every hill and over every obstacle. Anishs story is an incredible reminder of the power of determination to accomplish great things.

Elsye Chardonnay Walker, first African American to complete the Triple Crown

The physical feat of setting an FKT is interesting in Mud, Rocks, Blazes, but even more fascinating is getting a perspective on the mental fortitude necessary to complete such a task. I couldnt put this book down!

Sirena Rana, author of Best Day Hikes on the Arizona National Scenic Trail

Many know Heather Anish Anderson as a phenomenal athlete, yet, in this deeply personal account, she reveals powerful insight into her mental fortitude and gives us a glimpse into the heart it took to be the fastest known, self-supported AT thru-hiker. She overcomes mental and physical obstacles, and through it all, proves that her strength extends beyond her physicality.

Derick Lugo, author of The Unlikely Thru-Hiker

Heather Anderson is one of the most impressive endurance athletes of our time. Mud, Rocks, Blazes beautifully captures the joy and misery of a wild, wonderful adventure. This is a story of perseverance, overcoming selfdoubt, and believing that we can achieve anything if we want it enough.

Joe Stringbean McConaughy, record-setting thru-hiker

Mud, Rocks, Blazes brings to light not just the glorious moments on the trail, but reveals the depth of strength Heather Anderson needed to complete what most of us would call unimaginable.

Crystal Osborn, CEO of Hike Like a Woman

Filled with ruminative self-reflection, soaring natural descriptions, and delightful accounts of the gracious, life-sustaining trail magic of hiking culture, Thirst is a testament to human endurance, inspiring to hikers and non-hikers alike.

Shelf Awareness

Beautiful and deftly written and intimate and searing in its honesty, Anishs is a quest to conquer the trail and her own inner darkness.

Foreword Reviews, starred review

With humility and vulnerability, Heather Anish Anderson reminds us that the most impressive feats of strength and endurance are entirely human endeavors, achieved one step at a time. Thirst takes the reader to the trail, but also to the heart.

Ben Montgomery, author of Grandma Gatewoods Walk

Heather Andersons book is much like her extraordinary trail accomplishments: extremely personal yet universally inspiring. She exposes the value of following a path apart from the mainstream, and convinces readers of their own ability to unleash personal reserves of endurance to push beyond mental limitations and cultural expectations.

Jennifer Pharr Davis, author of The Pursuit of Endurance

Just like Heather thru-hikes the PCT from Mexico to Canada, you will thruread Thirst cover to cover for insight into her impressive accomplishments.

Gina Lucrezi, founder of Trail Sisters

Thirst is the kind of book that sits in your bones. It makes you want to push harder at whatever it is you do. Anish is possibly the greatest athlete in the world, but she didnt start that way. This book gives you hope and courage by showing that no matter who you are or where you are at now, you can do more.

Liz Snorkel Thomas, author of Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-Hike

In no uncertain terms, Heather Anish Anderson is a legend in the long-distance hiking community. Thirst delivers an emotional, inspiring, and beautifully written narrative about the achievement that first put her on this map.

Zach Davis, editor in chief of The Trek

MOUNTAINEERS BOOKS is dedicated to the exploration, preservation, and enjoyment of outdoor and wilderness areas.

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Copyright 2021 by Heather Anderson

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form, or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Mountaineers Books and its colophon are registered trademarks of The Mountaineers organization.

Printed in the United States of America

Distributed in the United Kingdom by Cordee, www.cordee.co.uk

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Copyeditor: Laura Lancaster

Design and layout: Melissa McFeeters

Cartographer: Martha Bostwick

All photographs by the author unless credited otherwise

Cover photograph: Will Swann

All descriptions, events, and dialogue described in this book are based on the authors personal memories, journals, and discussions with others. In a few instances names have been changed to protect privacy.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Anderson, Heather Anish, author.

Title: Mud, rocks, blazes : letting go on the Appalachian Trail / Heather Anderson.

Description: Seattle, WA : Mountaineers Books, [2021] | Summary: An account of a record-setting thru-hike of the Appalachian TrailProvided by publisher.

Identifiers: LCCN 2020033214 (print) | LCCN 2020033215 (ebook) |

ISBN 9781680513363 (paperback) | ISBN 9781680513370 (epub)

Subjects: LCSH: HikingAppalachian Trail. | HikersAppalachian Trail. Classification: LCC GV199.42.A68 A52 2021 (print) | LCC GV199.42.A68 (ebook) | DDC 796.510974dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020033214

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020033215

Mountaineers Books titles may be purchased for corporate, educational, or other promotional sales, and our authors are available for a wide range of events. For information on special discounts or booking an author, contact our customer service at 800-553-4453 or .

Printed on recycled paper

ISBN (paperback): 978-1-68051-336-3

ISBN (ebook): 978-1-68051-337-0

To my mother

thank you for believing in me