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She Hiked The Equivalent Of 16 Mount Everests At Age 80

Betty Kellenberger always dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail ever since she was a little girl growing up on a Michigan farm, jokingly thinking she might meet Daniel Boone along the way. At 80 years old, the retired teacher from Carson City just became the oldest woman to ever complete the entire 2,200 mile trail from Georgia to Maine, breaking the previous record held by a 74 year old. What makes her achievement even more remarkable is that she started the journey right after recovering from knee replacement surgery, with her doctor urging her to begin with easier sections before tackling the mountains. The six month trek was anything but easy as she battled dehydration, a concussion from a nasty fall, Lyme disease, and even had to pause when Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the trail.

Kellenberger hiked her way into shape over months on the trail, accepting that flat Michigan couldn’t prepare her for climbing and descending the equivalent of 16 Mount Everests across 14 states. She never married and has no children, which she says made the decision easier since no one was hovering and telling her not to attempt such an ambitious goal. The solitary journey gave her time for reflection, incredible wildlife sightings, and breathtaking scenery she never would have experienced otherwise. Now in the best shape of her life and already planning hikes in Iceland and possibly the 4,800 mile North Country Trail, Kellenberger proves that age is just a number when you’re chasing your dreams.

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