[pct-l] Williamson attempting to regain unsupported PCT

[Diane Soini]

I think people misunderstand the solo woman thing. It doesn't take  
much effort to overcome societal pressures to hike as a solo man. It  
takes a little more to do it as a solo woman. Many women have  
internalized those pressures. Anish offers an antidote for this  
enculturation. And for those of us who have not internalized these  
pressures, you have to deal with the ignorant commentary of others  
you meet along the way regularly. I did, at least. I'd like to think  
that my presence in the face of their beliefs (as well as Yogi's and  
Anish's) at least makes people question their assumptions and awakens  
a longing for adventure hidden inside other women out there.

On the general subject of speed or other records, I think they are  
actually kinda stupid. As someone who has to sit in an office most of  
her life, who can't just take months off to hike long trail and  
expect to come back to my chair, my health insurance and my slow- 
growing retirement fund, all the time I can possibly muster to spend  
out there at any pace is what matters.