Trail Correspondents
Trail Correspondents
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Lessons Learned | S5 E13

00:39:45
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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Months on trail have a way of teaching lessons that no guidebook can prepare you for. Our 2026 Trail Correspondents reflect on the moments, mistakes, surprises, and hard-earned wisdom that have changed how they see the AT, PCT, and CDT—and themselves. From things they got completely wrong to advice they wish they could have given themselves on day one, these are the lessons that only thousands of miles can teach.

Correspondent Roster

In this episode, we hear from:

Sponsor

Trail Correspondents is presented by Altra. Use code "TREK10" for 10% off at checkout at altrarunning.com

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Questions, comments, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@thetrek.co.

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Credits

Hosted, produced, and edited by Andrew "Shanty" Baldwin (Instagram). Trail Correspondents is a production of The Trek.

Sports
Outdoor
Society & Culture
Places & Travel
English
United States
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Every hike begins with a story we tell ourselves about what the trail will be. Now several weeks into their journeys, our 2026 Trail Correspondents reflect on where expectation has collided with reality. From romanticized visions and unexpected hardships to surprising joys and perspective-shifting …
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Meet Your 2026 Correspondents | S5 E1

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Every thru-hike starts with a "why." In our Season 5 premiere, ten Trail Correspondents introduce themselves before stepping onto the AT, PCT, and CDT. A retired cop. A stand-up comic. A welder down 180 pounds. A guy chasing his trail buddy onto the PCT. Ten people, ten origin stories, and the trai…
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