The Pursuit of Endurance

National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Jennifer Pharr Davis unlocks the secret to maximizing perseverance--on and off the trail

Jennifer Pharr Davis, a record holder of the FKT (fastest known time) on the Appalachian Trail, reveals the secrets and habits behind endurance as she chronicles her incredible accomplishments in the world of endurance hiking, backpacking, and trail running. With a storyteller's ear for fascinating detail and description, Davis takes readers along as she trains and sets her record, analyzing and trail-testing the theories and methodologies espoused by her star-studded roster of mentors. She distills complex rituals and histories into easy-to-understand tips and action items that will help you take perseverance to the next level. The Pursuit of Endurance empowers readers to unlock phenomenal endurance and leverage newfound grit to achieve personal bests in everything from sports and family to the boardroom.

“Nothing short of inspiring . . . A must-read for anyone wanting to start working at the big dreams they have up their sleeves.” 
—The Trek

“Jennifer Pharr Davis is an understated hero who matched the speed and endurance of some of the country’s best male ultrarunners—professional athletes with corporate sponsorships and well-financed expeditions—all on her own and with relatively little fanfare. A fascinating read, and a testament to the fortitude of an extraordinary woman.”
—Dean Karnazes, ultramarathoner and New York Times bestselling author
 
“There’s no better guide through the scientific and psychological tangles of extreme hiking than Jennifer Pharr Davis. She knows because she lived it.”
—Ben Montgomery, author of Grandma Gatewood’s Walk
 
“Jennifer Pharr Davis eloquently reminds us that the feats of endurance we accomplish on the trail build the character to muscle through all of life’s ups and downs.”
—Kathryn Van Waes, executive director, American Hiking Society
 
“At times reminiscent of the writings of such travel memoirists as Cheryl Strayed and Bill Bryson, this inspiring work could become a regular companion for distance hikers or, indeed, for anyone embarking on a personal challenge.”
—Publishers Weekly
 
“[Jennifer Pharr Davis’s] natural storytelling ability and a charming cast of characters in the form of spirited hiking mentors make the pages fly in this accessible handbook, which reads less like a step-by-step instruction manual and more like an empowering blueprint to building one's own endurance. A captivating narrative guidebook that will inspire readers to test their own limits, on the trail and off.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Whatever stamina may look like to readers, The Pursuit of Endurance will prove an inspirational and educational read.”
—Shelf Awareness

“A provocative exploration into what motivates people to endure . . . Davis’s unique perspective, and the lessons she shares are applicable to personal experiences as well as athletic endeavors.”
—Booklist

“For readers interested in hiking, endurance sports, or anyone with a strong drive to do something different. A truly inspiring read.”
—Library Journal