What an inspiration, an example of courage, and portrait of dedication and diligence she is to me. 8.8 miles away from The Benchmark Outdoor Outfitters Famous Footwear is your place for athletic, casual and dress shoes for the whole family from hundreds of name brands. I bought some autographed books, got to talk with Jennifer personally, and even got a cool picture with her. It is not often that you get to meet one of your heroes, so the night was quite special for me. We discussed my work history, goals at Benchmark, outdoor experience, and how I might handle specific situations. I submitted a resume via email and interviewed with the former owner and head buyer. Her beautiful North Carolina accent and her articulate delivery made the time together so enjoyable. I interviewed at Benchmark Outfitter (Cincinnati, OH) in Apr 2011. Odyssa, her husband, Brew, and their adorable toddler daughter (Charlie) were all in attendance at Benchmark and I was not disappointed when I heard my hero share. The first set the woman’s speed record (57 days) and the second set the record for the all-time (men or women) fastest hike of the Appalachian Trail (46 days, 11 hours, and 20 minutes)!! I recently read her second book, “Called Again” that journaled her second, record-breaking hike. Since making the original thru-hike, Jennifer has made two other AT journeys. This Tuesday, October 22, Cathy and I had the opportunity to hear Jennifer speak – she shared her story at Benchmark Outfitters in Cincinnati. We are a local outdoor sporting goods store committed to sharing our love for the outdoors with others. By the time I completed the diary, I was ready to buy a sleeping bag, a tent, a backpack, and hit the trail. Cathy had traveled through the pages and thought I might like to make the trip as well (metaphorically, of course). A year ago this month, I opened the pages of “Becoming Odyssa” at the recommendation of my wife. Beyond the brands and expansive inventory we carry as a retailer, we at The Benchmark are committed to sharing our own experiences with customers in any way. As I read this true-life adventure, I felt the tug on my own heart to walk the walk. My first introduction to thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail came from the pen of Jennifer Pharr Davis, author of “Becoming Odyssa.” In 2005, as a 21 year-old young woman, Jennifer Pharr (trail name Odyssa) decided to take on the challenge of the AT and hiked from Georgia to Maine.
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