Do you have trust issues? With others, the world or YOURSELF? Then what happens when you strip away all your safe roles, responsibilities and digital distractions, leaving nothing but you, a 42-pound backpack, and 50 miles of rugged trail ahead? If fear and distrust are your instincts then listen up! This week Coach Sam shares her recent profound personal journey of self-discovery on the Trans Catalina Trail—a solo backpacking adventure that transcended physical challenge to become a masterclass in self-trust.
"I wanted to be free from all identities and labels—mother, wife, worker, friend, sister—for this week," Sam explains, describing her decision to travel without music, podcasts, or any human companionship. The resulting silence created space for something remarkable: meaningful dialogue with herself. Between encounters with curious foxes and face-to-face meetings with deer outside her tent, Coach Sam discovered that the voice inside her head was "pretty damn interesting" after all.
When trail markings failed her—twice in one day—turning a planned 13-mile hike into a grueling 20-mile odyssey, Sam found herself laughing out loud rather than panicking. This response wasn't luck or innate courage, but the product of what she calls "stacking wins"—small, consistent acts of integrity that build unshakable self-trust over time. "Trust in oneself only comes from stacking wins," she emphasizes, drawing parallels between her CrossFit training, business leadership, and years of prior ultra racing navigation.
The experience wasn't merely about physical endurance but served as what Sam terms a "backpacking sabbatical"—a deliberate pause for self-exploration, dialogue, reflection, and recalibration. She makes a compelling case that these intentional breaks aren't luxuries but necessities in our hyper-connected world. "You deserve this too," she insists, challenging listeners to create their own version of disconnection, whether for five days or five hours.
Whether you're contemplating your first solo adventure or simply seeking to build greater self-trust in everyday life, this conversation offers practical wisdom about preparation, mindset, and the liberating power of believing in your own capabilities. As Coach Sam reminds us, "How your life feels is so much more important than how it looks."

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