Our teammate Alyson has been in Nepal since March, and has just recently finished hiking the Annapurna Circuit, the length of which varies between 100-145 miles (160-230 km). So, it was no surprise that Alyson hiked 170 miles. “The trek rises to an altitude of 5416m on the Thorung La pass, touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau. This trek crosses two different river valleys and encircles the Annapurna massif, crossing Thorung La (5416m/17,769 ft.), the highest pass on this trek. Practically all trekkers hike the route anticlockwise, as this way the daily altitude gain is slower, and crossing the high Thorong La pass is easier and safer. The mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. Numerous peaks of 6000-8000m in elevation rise from the Annapurna range. The trek begins at Besisahar or Bhulbhule in the Marshyangdi river valley and concludes in the Kali Gandaki Gorge…The trail passes along paddy fields and into subtropical forests, several waterfalls and gigantic cliffs, and various villages…The trek usually takes about 15-20 days, leaving from Kathmandu with a stopover in Pokhara before returning to the capital. The trail is moderate to fairly challenging and makes numerous river crossings over steel and wooden suspension bridges. Tea houses and lodges along the circuit are available for meals and accommodations.”

Alyson, along with her friend and jungle sister, Erin Bean, finished the circuit a day earlier than expected, and have since been touring Pokhara. Alyson has documented her experience on her blog, the recaps of which are thrilling and emotional. You can check them out here: Alyson Runnerland

In Nepal, the New Year starts in the middle of April, following the Bikram Sambat system. This year it will be 2074. In celebration of the New Year, Alyson, after dancing in the crowd as a warmup, hopped into a local race (+/- 1.5 mi). The race was held during the 14th Fewa Nepali New Year Festival in Komagane Park, Pokhara. “The five-day festival…is expected to be attended by around 40,000 people from across the country. Organised with the theme, ‘Tourism, Culture and Food,’ the event, being held on the bank of the Fewa Lake, will feature cultural shops, pop concerts and stalls,” (Kathmandu Post, 4/9/17). And guess what…? Alyson won!! She was showered in incredible gifts for her 1st place finish – a plane ticket, massage, dinner and drinks, a “Token of Love” trophy, and she was interviewed by the local news. And…all of this after hiking 170 miles…Can we say GIRLCRUSH? #BABE

We are so very proud of our teammate and friend Alyson, for this adventure of a lifetime, and the stories and memories she’ll hold dear for the rest of her life. In her travels, we too are able to see parts of the world we may not otherwise. It wouldn’t be a post about Alyson if we didn’t include a beautiful quote of wisdom –

“Respond to every call that excites your spirit.”
– Rumi.