Hey, it's ya girl Lolo aka Sparkle, and I'm currently attempting to break the record for miles hiked in a year, over 10,000 miles. I aim to become the 5th person / 2nd woman / 1st person from Mexico to complete the border-to-border calendar year triple crown (the PCT, CDT, and ECT from Key West to Canadian border). Over a marathon a day, rain, snow, or shine, for 365 days while raising funds for nonprofits along the way. I know this sounds impossible, and I can't wait to prove ya wrong. As long as I'm physically able and have the means, I'll give it my all and persevere but I can’t do it alone. 

 Truth is I struggle to ask for help. But thru-hiking taught me that if someone wants to help, let them because you're just a stinky human who's truly grateful for it. I sold almost everything I own, threw the rest in storage, said goodbye to loved ones until 2027, and drained my life savings to chase this once in a lifetime opportunity. This is the biggest risk I've ever taken. I don't want handouts—I want support. I'm on a shoestring budget, but I won't let that stop me from breaking a record. So what helps? Fueling the journey. I spend very little time between rest stops, but a warm dry bed, a hot meal (I don't bring a stove), or the chance to wash my nasty clothing is everything when you’re usually sleeping outside and living out of a backpack. Operating costs run about $2 a mile, and I need over 5,000 calories a day just to keep up. Prices keep going up, and I mainly need a LOT of food. Here's how to support my endurance attempt: 

> HIKER HUNGER: $25 pays for my dinner and fuels a whole day's food supply 

> RESUPPLY: $50 pays for food I'll carry for several days until the next town 

> RAINY DAY FUND: $100 pays for a hotel night so I can shower, do laundry, charge, and most importantly, stay out of bad weather.

Beyond the record, I'm walking with purpose. As a Mexican immigrant, I want to champion diversity in the outdoors and show these spaces are for everyone. As someone with endometriosis, I struggle with chronic pain but now suffer with the most incredible views. And as a woman with over 15,000 miles hiked since losing my job and finding my passion outdoors in 2020, it's about time more women attempted the “impossible.”  I appreciate you so much. Thank you for supporting me, believing in me, and following along. The mission is to PERSEVERE. I'll see you at the summit. 

 XOXO, 

Lolo / Sparkle 

@sparklesummits