18. Kate Rhodes, Adirondack Guide, FKT Record Holder and Ultra-Runner Extraordinaire

Melissa first met Kate Rhodes, a fellow backpacker and NYS Licensed Outdoor Guide, where she’s met so many other amazing women – out on trail! They both happened to be camping out at the same lean-to on the same night along the Northville Placid Trail in the Adirondacks when Melissa first heard word of but a few of Kate’s many amazing outdoor endeavors — but she’s so humble, it was her hiking companions who were the ones to hype her up!

At the time, Kate was training for an upcoming attempt at snagging the unsupported record for the Fastest Known Time for traversing all 46 of the Adirondack peaks over 4,000 feet in one fell swoop — and in this episode you’ll get to hear all about the planning logistics and training for that, as well as her subsequent FKT pursuits. But that’s just the tip of her awesomeness iceberg!

Kate’s an Adirondack 46’er, President of Adirondack Mountain Rescue, a non-profit Wilderness Search and Rescue team, an Outdoor Guide working with multiple Adirondack-based guiding services, and co-owner of the gluten, dairy, soy & refined sugar-free TogaNola Snack Company -- all while holding down a 9 to 5 as an Industrial Hygienist, and is absolutely crushing it at her latest pursuit - ultra-running.

You’ll get to hear all about Kate’s journey from growing up as an inside kid to becoming an outdoor badass, how inspiring other women and young girls helps to keep her going, and about the important role the outdoors play in her own mental health and well-being.

A brief note to listeners – around an hour and 9 minutes into this episode, there is talk about the suicide of a close family member of Kate’s. That event is one of the driving forces behind her current endeavors and the reason she helps raise money for organizations such as 46 Climbs and The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.

If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741.

Shownotes and Useful Links:
Gossamer Gear Discount — use code “GIRLGOTTAHIKEGOSSAMER” for 15% off your first purchase at GossamerGear.com

Link here to check out GG’s The One and The Two ultralight backpacking tents!

Kate Rhodes – Instagram

TogaNola Snack Company – Instagram

TogaNola Snack Company – Web

Adirondack Mountain Rescue

46Climbs

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Shawangunk Ridge Trail Run

Fastest Known Time

Hennig Preserve, Saratoga County, New York

Adirondack 46ers