North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail by Scott Jurek
This summer based on the suggestion of others I decided to read pick up the book titled North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail by Scott Jurek and Jenny Jurek. I always knew who Scott Jurek was but I for some reason I didn’t really realize he had run the Appalachian Trail and/or wrote a book about it. So as a runner myself I figured this would be the perfect book to listen to. The book chronicles Scott’s 2015 attempt at the Application Trail FKT (fastest known time) that he made with the assistance of his wife Jenny.
Overall, I would suggest “North” to anyone that enjoys running or hiking. Not to say if you didn’t enjoy running or hiking you wouldn’t find this interesting but I do think you can relate to some points in the story. However, if you want to hear more of my take read on!
The book is mainly from Scott’s point of view I did like the added benefit that Jenny’s views were intermixed in the book (as well as Audio) as well. It was interesting hearing what Jenny was thinking during the time as well as she could tell her husband Scott was hurting at times but also gave some insight into all that went on behind the scenes to assist while he was out running the trail. Also, the book is about so much more, you hear about their suffering, friendship, marriage, ego, and doubt.
From the beginning of the story, you are dropped into the picture with Jenny and Scott discussing life and what is next. Scott seems to want something else out of life as he realizes he has been on autopilot. He wanted to capture the uncertainty and excitement that comes with putting yourself into an extreme challenge. Not to mention, he and his wife Jenny were also mentally and physically drained by her second miscarriage. For them, Scott’s attempt at the Application Trail FKT was a way for them to try to escape and reconnect with themselves. However, they were not entirely sure what they had gotten themselves into.
46 DAYS - 2,189 MILES
Everyone already knows the outcome of the book so that is not a spoiler to any degree. However, where the pages start to come together is listening to how they overcame the daily struggles on the trail. You can tell the injuries, deprivations, and setbacks all take a toll on the overall push for and ultimate broken record. It is in those daily struggles that words of motivation and inspiration flow to the reader.
The Appalachian Trail ©NPS
Final Thoughts
I listened to the Audiobook of this mostly while running of course :). I will say I really appreciate it when authors read their own books for Audiobooks, I think it adds something to it. Especially, if it is someone like Scott and Jenny that you have seen a picture of before and are a presence in the running community. It almost makes it feel like a friend just telling you a story.
I really find it easy to recommend this book as I think it is a great story to be told of his feat and you feel you are with both him and Jenny the whole way. Also, I found how the book was written can help motivate anyone to face a big obstacle.
Final note, if you are interested in more pictures and news from the actual event check out Scott Jurek’s website. Also, you can find a video that Brooks Running made as well.
From the Lens - City
Always interesting to see how much your home town has changed during an early morning run when the streets are empty (November 2018, Nevada, IA)
Welcome Up North!
Something is New around here… Welcome to Up North!
I am certain you have noticed that the blog has changed ever so slightly as it is no longer called Still Thinking… In all honesty, nothing about the blog specifically has changed from a content perspective I just decided after a little over 4 years I wanted a new name and maybe a fresh start at this. So I
*Goodbye Still Thinking it has been fun...*
*New Logo for a new name...*
I had alluded to this in a post I wrote about earlier this year titled "Posting Standstill" where I had been thinking about this for a while and it was a crutch about not doing anything in the end. I am glad that I just pushed forward as you can see it took me 4 more months to finally complete the task of switching the domain name on the site. It is not that it takes that long to switch a site over but I continued to wrestle with it in my mind since that post but told myself to not let it hold any other posts back.
### So will anything change?
I doubt anything will really change right now as I am enjoying the current non-specific schedule. I think if anything you will see some more writing about thoughts and experiences. In addition, I am sure I will just share some shorter things that might be of interest or making me think from time to time.
I was actually looking back at some of my earlier posts on this site the other day, and one post called “Going back to the beginning” caught my attention. There is a sentence in there that probably sums up what this blog has been and might be for eternity.
I am blogging as a way to share interesting stories and thoughts.
Ok, ok, I get all of that but why Up North!
I am sure at the time I was thinking about it I had a much better reason. However, it really came down to I wanted a change and something simple. I live in what some call the Bold North or that is how it was advertised during the Superbowl and it has kind of stuck around for some. Also, when I think of Up North, I think of someone spending time outside and that my friend is something I enjoy. After I refound my love of running I try to get outside almost daily now as it is almost like therapy. In addition, over this past year, I have made it a priority to explore more of the parks and trails around my city as I have regretted such a thing in my past life.
Sum all of that up and the name just stuck for me as it meant something.
For those of you that have been with me for a while or if you are new here I am thankful no matter what. I hope everyone sticks around and as always leave me a comment if you have any suggestions, questions, or just want to drop me a note.
From the Lens - Foggy Tracks
Foggy tracks that seem to disappear in the distance… (August 2019, Pleasant Hill, Iowa)
Do you ever have a feeling you are being watched when you run? 🦌🏃♂️
Foggy morning today in Iowa… 🏃♂️
Nice sunset view from the Sky Glider at the Iowa State Fair 🌇
Whatever my thoughts are about the Fair on a hot day, watching this girl get so excited to see the Dollipops every day puts a smile on my face. I feel like she is for sure their #1 Fan and today was a big day since she got her hat signed.
When at the @iowastatefair you have to start with a healthy breakfast 😁
Lining up for the crucial putt with the support of her siblings…
Pretty quiet this morning as I was running around the Iowa State Fair grounds. It will look quite different in 3 days… 🏃♂️
Good first evening at family camp. The kids are excited to do ALL of the activities tomorrow.
Was not expecting rain this morning so took to the covered trails… 🏃♂️
From the Lens - Country Road
There is always miles of road ahead when running in the country (July, 2019, Ollie, Iowa)
Even though the car races got rained out last weekend, we all had a blast spending time together. In fact, all but one of the Gott Great Grandkids were together.
From the Lens - Rice Lake
*One of my favorite local parks that has hilly hiking trail. There is a bench at the top of one trail that gives you this wonderful view of Rice Lake and the Minnesota River (Richard T. Anderson Conservatory, July 2019)*
Tuesday Photo Challenge - Hill
Last weekend we did a bike ride around Eden Prairie to hit up 5 Little Free Libraries. We had a bunch of books to distribute but in the end, I think we came back with just as many as we started with 🤷♂️. Oh well, we got to enjoy time outside, gave some books, received some books, and the kids got ice cream sandwiches as a treat.
It was a hot one this morning with 95% humidity but I can’t complain too much as I enjoyed the sunrise… 🏃♂️
Happy Birthday Lainey Lou!!! 🥳🎉🐾 Can’t believe this pup is one year old!
