A successful thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail is, by any means, a notable physical and mental victory. Setting the fastest known time (FKT) record on the PCT is a nearly superhuman feat of athleticism. Writing an engrossing, entertaining, and inspiring book about the experience is not only another accomplishment for Heather “Anish” Anderson, but is also a true gift not only to the hiking community but to readers in general. Written largely in a day-by-day format, Thirst: 2,600 Miles to Home chronicles Anderson’s record-setting hike of the PCT in 2013, which she completed nearly four days quicker than Scott Williamson, the previous record holder.

Interspersed between the daily entries noting the miles hiked, challenges overcame, and food consumed are many fascinating anecdotes and background stories that help the reader understand the why of Anderson’s attempt – which I ultimately found to be more interesting than the how.

Reading Thirst: 2,600 Miles to Home

With remarkable vulnerability, Anderson provides insight into her struggles with self-doubt, dissatisfaction with a “normal” life and its accompanying expectations, and the events in her life that lead to her decision to attempt to set an FKT on the Pacific Crest Trail. From a decidedly un-athletic childhood, where in a middle-school essay she first documents her desire to set an athletic record, to her primary exposure to trails and hiking while working at the Grand Canyon during a summer break in college, to her initial hike of the PCT and her subsequent frustrations with the trappings of adulthood, once familiar with Anderson’s background it seems almost inevitable that she would attempt to set such a record. And, when seeing how dedicated, skillful, and conditioned she is, it is obvious why she succeeded.

My most challenging day of hiking, statistically speaking – elevation gain, mileage, etc. – comes out to about half of what an average day of hiking was like for Anderson during her FKT hike. And she did that for 60 consecutive days. The endurance, determination, and sheer physical ability is absolutely mind-blowing. Throw in some issues early on with heat and water sources, and near constant sleep deprivation, and it is nearly unfathomable that someone could accomplish what Anderson did.

The amount of sheer inspiration that comes from reading this book is almost as overwhelming as the accomplishment itself. It would seem to me to be impossible to read this book and not get excited about doing something upon completing it. In addition to extraordinary physical fitness, sincere courage and deep humility are central to her accomplishment and should help anyone get motivated for whatever challenge they are facing in life.

Add in the fact that in 2018 she completed the Triple Crown of long-distance trails (hiking the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail) in under a year (becoming the first woman to do so), and the depth of her dedication to what makes her happy is cast in an even greater light. Interestingly, Anderson’s own thoughts and feelings after completing the trail are less exuberant than one might expect and makes for some of the most intriguing reading as the book wraps up.

Final Thoughts

As with most books about incredible accomplishments, being a participant in the activity at the heart of the narrative isn't a prerequisite for enjoyment. The true beauty is in the story itself, with the total being greater than the sum of its already excellent parts. Hikers will certainly enjoy this book, but I wouldn't hesitate to suggest it to anyone wanting to read an amazing piece of nonfiction. Much like some of the best trails, this book is accessible, has a great flow to it, has many spots worth savoring and revisiting, and – unfortunately – seems to end all too soon.

You can find Thirst: 2,600 Miles to Home here at Amazon.com.

Editor's Note: This review originally appeared in Issue 42 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here.