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Trudge: A Mid-Life Crisis on the John Muir Trail
Lori Oliver-Tierney is every woman with a dream. She is fifty asthmatic, overweight, with arthritic knees. And like most married women with children, she’s lost herself.
When she decides to hike the John Muir Trail, considered by many to be the most challenging and beautiful part of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, she’s sure it will help her reconnect with the adventurous girl inside.
But by the end of the first day, Lori realizes she may have made a huge mistake.
Monstrous bleeding blisters oozing with pus line the backs of her heels. It soon becomes painfully apparent her hiking partner, Debra, can hardly stand her. She can’t breathe and is using her asthma inhaler with alarming frequency. Trudging along, Lori walks most of the trail alone, and eventually loses her way.
Lost on the trail Lori is forced to dig deep into her soul to find the strength to go on. But will inner strength be enough? Given her grim circumstances, she chooses to believe her husband’s words: even ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
When she decides to hike the John Muir Trail, considered by many to be the most challenging and beautiful part of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, she’s sure it will help her reconnect with the adventurous girl inside.
But by the end of the first day, Lori realizes she may have made a huge mistake.
Monstrous bleeding blisters oozing with pus line the backs of her heels. It soon becomes painfully apparent her hiking partner, Debra, can hardly stand her. She can’t breathe and is using her asthma inhaler with alarming frequency. Trudging along, Lori walks most of the trail alone, and eventually loses her way.
Lost on the trail Lori is forced to dig deep into her soul to find the strength to go on. But will inner strength be enough? Given her grim circumstances, she chooses to believe her husband’s words: even ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
306 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2019
50 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Lori Oliver-Tierney
1 book19 followersWhen Lori was 19 years old she started working summers as a waitress in Yosemite National Park and doing short backpacks on her days off. She was blown away by the beauty of the High Sierra and looked forward every week to the time she got to spend away from the tourists and breathe the clean mountain air. People often spoke of the beautiful John Muir Trail and it became a dream of hers to hike it. But then life got in the way.
Lori has always loved to read and that made her love to write. As a child she would stay up reading with a flashlight under her covers into the wee hours of the morning, promising herself, someday she’d travel to far off places and write about them.
In 2004 she kept that promise. At fifty years old, she gave herself the gift of hiking the John Muir Trail. It was a life-changing experience. TRUDGE: A mid-life crisis on the John Muir Trail is her memoir documenting that journey.
Lori has always loved to read and that made her love to write. As a child she would stay up reading with a flashlight under her covers into the wee hours of the morning, promising herself, someday she’d travel to far off places and write about them.
In 2004 she kept that promise. At fifty years old, she gave herself the gift of hiking the John Muir Trail. It was a life-changing experience. TRUDGE: A mid-life crisis on the John Muir Trail is her memoir documenting that journey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 11, 2020
Not sure how I felt about this book. I think I have actually been generous with my three stars, but I did finish it. I usually love 'trail' books - as a walker, it would be my dream to do (part of) the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail in America. This is about a 50 year old woman who is overweight, asthmatic and with arthritic knees who 'trudges' the John Muir Trail, all 211 miles of it, with a 'friend' and her daughter. I sort of enjoyed it, but I could not be doing with all the bitchiness and childishness involved - and of course, our heroine was whiter than white! I could not quite believe that she just took it all. I read it because I wanted to visualise what the trail was like - absolutely beautiful, I want to do this - but I am not sure that I could recommend the book.
April 1, 2019
This story is about a walk—both metaphorically and spiritually—along the John Muir Trail by an out-of-shape, fifty-year-old woman looking to try something completely different. The beginning of the story shocked me a little, as she recalls her very first hike. Here we are introduced to the villain of the story, who provides insights into a full range of human characteristics one would wish not to encounter, especially on a remote hiking trail. I questioned the author’s sanity as she walked with knee braces, battled asthma, and shortness of breath to climb the heights of the trail. I admired her tenacity with her “never-give-up” approach as she faced challenge after challenge to complete the journey. I found myself engrossed and wondering how could she possibly get out of this hole. Easy to read in just a few sittings, and an especially inspirational tale for older women.
April 9, 2019
I just finished a great book about one woman’s hike on the JMT. I laughed, I cried, I commiserated and I dreamed with her. I highly recommend “Trudge - A Midlife Crisis on the JMT” by Lori Oliver-Tierney. It’s a life lesson about living your life your way.
February 27, 2020
If you need a bit of inspiration you'll find it in this book.
February 6, 2020
Can’t believe this woman walked such a long way with that awful woman. Hope she was massively embarrassed when she read the book, though probably not. She would have had an entirely different understanding of her behaviour I’m sure. Good book though, just found the dynamics cringeworthy.
February 8, 2022
Both the plot and story were pretty linear, but of course it would (hopefully) be hard to rig a memoir of a hike to a dramatic plot. It was boring, but it still felt like an important read because it contained knowledge I thought I really needed: a realistic explanation of the trail. As an unexpected bonus, and actually the most important thing I gained from reading this book, it gave me optimism about aging, marriage, being a woman, and about the good will of others on the trail. I desperately need more books featuring women over 50 going on adventures. One's relationship with their health and age is a major part of life, and reflecting on aging is a universal human experience. I realized after reading this that it's important enough of an experience to be the climax of a story. Rather than describing it as something inevitable and sad, this book changed my perspective on "growing up" entirely. I'll think of Lori Oliver-Tierney, Susie Hickman, and every trail angel as role models forever now.
September 5, 2020
I read a lot of books about long-distance hikers. It is inspirational to read about people who follow their dream, especially when they aren't what might be considered the typical candidate. The author states that she was out-of-shape, overweight, and older with very little experience. She decided to take this on with encouragement from her family and based on a friend's invitation. Unfortunately, the friend turned out to be verbally abusive. I can't believe someone would put up with that behavior from another person - even if they had the experience for the trail. I can't help but feel that the author exaggerated the words and qualities of this person, as well as the reaction of others.
I grew tired of her talking about her age. She was only in her early 50s when she decided to hike JMT. There are many who are far older who have successfully completed long-distance hikes. But, I guess that and the relationship with her "friend" were what the author used to sell the book.
I grew tired of her talking about her age. She was only in her early 50s when she decided to hike JMT. There are many who are far older who have successfully completed long-distance hikes. But, I guess that and the relationship with her "friend" were what the author used to sell the book.
May 12, 2019
With every step the author took, I trudged right alongside her. I ached at the end of every chapter and sympathized with her apprehension and discomfort throughout her journey. Bold and engaging, Ms. Tierney held nothing back in sharing this episodic quest - a testatment to sheer will, friendship and love. A great read!
May 21, 2020
Good for Lori! I was happy she went on the hike. If her portrayal of her hiking companion is true, how did she not come to blows with this woman? I got a little tired of her descriptions of this horrible nasty person.
July 30, 2019
I’m no backpacking hiker. Nonetheless, Trudge was impossible to put down. The author’s natural style, beautifully worded descriptions of her surroundings, and willingness to share intimate details of her life and feelings drew me in and immediately put me on the trail with her.
Trudge: A Midlife Crisis on the John Muir Trail will give you a work out even as you sit reading. Lori Oliver-Tierney shares relatable reasons for embarking on the trip in the summer of 2004—even if it is a 233-mile trek on the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of central California that could take her through four national parks, ending at Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Turning fifty awakened Lori. One marriage, two teenage sons, and some unwanted pounds later made her long to reconnect with her youthful fitness and drive. She also wanted to overcome her fear of aging. But most important, she wanted to “find the missing puzzle pieces of herself” that once helped her know with certainty how to live life with choices well made.
You will meet Lori’s hiking partners—witchy, bossy Debra, the hiker from Hell, who daily sets the author up for failure that make Lori’s journey extra dangerous and taxing; and, Debra’s sweet, helpful teenage daughter, Jenny, who becomes one of Lori’s long-lasting “Trail Angels.” You will experience some of their difficulties, like eating oatmeal full of mosquitos, carrying heavy backpacks, and dealing with chronic health issues at high altitude.
But maybe Debra isn’t so bad after all. She unwittingly forces Lori to learn lessons of the wilderness by abandoning her to travel alone. This gives the author time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, become friends with other trail angels—Jane, the elderly men in their eighties, Jeannette, Susie, the Irish guys, Kathy, and Jun—and reflect on her loving family and friends back home. All have the potential to help Lori find what she seeks: strong faith and a woman who follows her heart.
I especially looked forward to reading Lori’s daily journal entries, which she inserted at the end of every chapter. Through them, I sensed her growth, her can-do spirit (Lori’s mantra: ”I think I can, I think I can!”) as she constantly grappled with whether or not to quit, and her amazing ability to pull positivity and success out of the most negative experiences.
Lori needed a cheerleader, and I was there for her. Perhaps you will decide to be one, too. Happy Trails!
Trudge: A Midlife Crisis on the John Muir Trail will give you a work out even as you sit reading. Lori Oliver-Tierney shares relatable reasons for embarking on the trip in the summer of 2004—even if it is a 233-mile trek on the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of central California that could take her through four national parks, ending at Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Turning fifty awakened Lori. One marriage, two teenage sons, and some unwanted pounds later made her long to reconnect with her youthful fitness and drive. She also wanted to overcome her fear of aging. But most important, she wanted to “find the missing puzzle pieces of herself” that once helped her know with certainty how to live life with choices well made.
You will meet Lori’s hiking partners—witchy, bossy Debra, the hiker from Hell, who daily sets the author up for failure that make Lori’s journey extra dangerous and taxing; and, Debra’s sweet, helpful teenage daughter, Jenny, who becomes one of Lori’s long-lasting “Trail Angels.” You will experience some of their difficulties, like eating oatmeal full of mosquitos, carrying heavy backpacks, and dealing with chronic health issues at high altitude.
But maybe Debra isn’t so bad after all. She unwittingly forces Lori to learn lessons of the wilderness by abandoning her to travel alone. This gives the author time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, become friends with other trail angels—Jane, the elderly men in their eighties, Jeannette, Susie, the Irish guys, Kathy, and Jun—and reflect on her loving family and friends back home. All have the potential to help Lori find what she seeks: strong faith and a woman who follows her heart.
I especially looked forward to reading Lori’s daily journal entries, which she inserted at the end of every chapter. Through them, I sensed her growth, her can-do spirit (Lori’s mantra: ”I think I can, I think I can!”) as she constantly grappled with whether or not to quit, and her amazing ability to pull positivity and success out of the most negative experiences.
Lori needed a cheerleader, and I was there for her. Perhaps you will decide to be one, too. Happy Trails!
July 26, 2019
I had this book in my wishlist for a while before I won it in a giveaway and I was so excited to read it. It isn't exactly what I was hoping it would be, but it was good in its own way. Lori's dream was to hike the John Muir Trail and at 50, a bit overweight with arthritis and asthmatic, she gets the support from her family to hike it. For a year her and a friend Debra planned, and when the day arrived to start a few smaller hikes before the big one, she got to see Debra for who she really was.
Lori has tried new boots for this trip and they aren't working out. She's covered in painful blisters and it's making it extremely painful to walk. She has the opportunity on one of her breaks to switch out boots, which helps a lot, especially because they're headed for a 3-week hike with no going home. She knew she needed a map and yet didn't bring one, so when she ends up lost, I'm not surprised. I'm glad it happened before the really long hike and that her husband got her one. I can't imagine doing a 211-mile hike without a map, it's a foolish mistake that could have been avoided.
Debra was pretty awful to Lori, she made fun of her weight, the speed in which she hiked, forced her to carry more weight than she should have so it wasn't evenly distributed amongst Lori, Debra, and Debra's daughter. Lori says she couldn't do this hike without Debra, and I believe that to be true. But Debra left Lori to hike on her own every day, and Lori came to a place of acceptance with hiking alone, preferring it most times. I think no matter the time spent planning, after the first time I was ditched, I would have sorted out my gear and then just hiked alone with no meetups, the level of abuse just wasn't worth the few good times the trio had.
I sympathized with Lori because she really wanted to do this hike and was in a bad situation. She talks a lot about her weight, her asthma, and her knees, and it's refreshing to see her being so open. From the pictures on the cover, she doesn't appear all that overweight and I think with Debra's mean words, it really didn't help how Lori viewed herself. While the book got a bit repetitive at times, it's a sign of strength and bravery to be able to hike this trail, a wonderful accomplishment.
Lori has tried new boots for this trip and they aren't working out. She's covered in painful blisters and it's making it extremely painful to walk. She has the opportunity on one of her breaks to switch out boots, which helps a lot, especially because they're headed for a 3-week hike with no going home. She knew she needed a map and yet didn't bring one, so when she ends up lost, I'm not surprised. I'm glad it happened before the really long hike and that her husband got her one. I can't imagine doing a 211-mile hike without a map, it's a foolish mistake that could have been avoided.
Debra was pretty awful to Lori, she made fun of her weight, the speed in which she hiked, forced her to carry more weight than she should have so it wasn't evenly distributed amongst Lori, Debra, and Debra's daughter. Lori says she couldn't do this hike without Debra, and I believe that to be true. But Debra left Lori to hike on her own every day, and Lori came to a place of acceptance with hiking alone, preferring it most times. I think no matter the time spent planning, after the first time I was ditched, I would have sorted out my gear and then just hiked alone with no meetups, the level of abuse just wasn't worth the few good times the trio had.
I sympathized with Lori because she really wanted to do this hike and was in a bad situation. She talks a lot about her weight, her asthma, and her knees, and it's refreshing to see her being so open. From the pictures on the cover, she doesn't appear all that overweight and I think with Debra's mean words, it really didn't help how Lori viewed herself. While the book got a bit repetitive at times, it's a sign of strength and bravery to be able to hike this trail, a wonderful accomplishment.
August 18, 2020
While reading Untamed, I switched over to Trudge: A Midlife Crisis on the John Muir Trail because I need something a little lighter at the moment. Imagine turning fifty years old and setting out to hike 200 miles of the John Muir Trail. I think on my 50th birthday, I wanted to take a nap.
This wasn't quite Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, but is the same kind of story. A woman wanting to prove something to herself and grows in wisdom and spirit. I love reading about women who overcome a bunch of odds. Blisters from new boots, constipation, asthma would have been enough to turn me around. But the author gets past all that and her crappy hiking partner to open herself up to the experience. Trail Angels appear all along the trail which speaks well of the fellow-hikers one might meet on a trek like this.
This wasn't quite Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, but is the same kind of story. A woman wanting to prove something to herself and grows in wisdom and spirit. I love reading about women who overcome a bunch of odds. Blisters from new boots, constipation, asthma would have been enough to turn me around. But the author gets past all that and her crappy hiking partner to open herself up to the experience. Trail Angels appear all along the trail which speaks well of the fellow-hikers one might meet on a trek like this.
January 15, 2024
Inspiration
Turning 50 was the first time I really felt the hands of time. I looked in the mirror and saw someone I didn't recognize. The recent surgery that rescued me from the pain of adenomyoma suddenly led to menopause.., hot flashes, weight gain, emotional drama thought long past. I've always loved hiking but never backpacking... bears! But I really wanted to. So, my amazing husband surprised me with a backpacking tour in Yosemite. It was hard but magical. I am now training for the Tahoe Rim but now want to jump straight to the Jon Muir. You are an inspiration. Thank you for your story!
Turning 50 was the first time I really felt the hands of time. I looked in the mirror and saw someone I didn't recognize. The recent surgery that rescued me from the pain of adenomyoma suddenly led to menopause.., hot flashes, weight gain, emotional drama thought long past. I've always loved hiking but never backpacking... bears! But I really wanted to. So, my amazing husband surprised me with a backpacking tour in Yosemite. It was hard but magical. I am now training for the Tahoe Rim but now want to jump straight to the Jon Muir. You are an inspiration. Thank you for your story!
December 22, 2019
What wonderful memories this book brought back to me! I was in my 40's when I backpacked in Yosemite National Park and while attempting the ascents discovered I had a slight asthma condition and suffered with altitude sickness. I could relate to all her physical and mental challenges during the hike–and I laughed out loud at her many humorous experiences as well. But to me the best parts were the many diary entries she shared with us where she expressed her intense love of the nature that surrounded her and her love for her family. Enjoyable read.
June 2, 2020
Lori accomplished her goal of hiking the JMT through sheer determination, & the love and support of her family.
However, I was getting so frustrated with the constant disrespect of her so called friend!!
Lori Oliver-Tierney writes "There in the mountains, I was finding the piece of me who wasn't afraid to say what I thought" ??? Not once did she "say what she thought" to her unkind hiking companion. I suppose not creating more tension was the peaceful way to go......
Kudos to her for a successful hike!
However, I was getting so frustrated with the constant disrespect of her so called friend!!
Lori Oliver-Tierney writes "There in the mountains, I was finding the piece of me who wasn't afraid to say what I thought" ??? Not once did she "say what she thought" to her unkind hiking companion. I suppose not creating more tension was the peaceful way to go......
Kudos to her for a successful hike!
March 27, 2019
This one brave, decent, strong-willed and extraordinary red-head woman had captured my heart right at the beginning. I was rooting for her throughout her challenging hike on the John Muir Trail in her book TRUDGE, cheered for her and hugged her in my mind every night before she got into her tent to sleep. Passing Forester and climbing Mnt. Whitney were small accompaniments compared to surviving Debra! A must read! Bravo, Lori Oliver-Tierney.
July 3, 2019
This book took us on a journey of growth and self awareness. A woman who thinks she is trudging across the John Muir Trail as a hiking journey. Very early on the reader realizes it is much more than a backpacking trip.
As the author shows her perseverance and wit, the reader gets a glimpse into a not so easy trip. A good read.
From this book it is easy to see this author has many more stories to tell. I hope she will continue to write.
As the author shows her perseverance and wit, the reader gets a glimpse into a not so easy trip. A good read.
From this book it is easy to see this author has many more stories to tell. I hope she will continue to write.
January 7, 2020
I enjoyed this book very much. I feel her struggle as they are similar to mine when I hike difficult terrain. It gives me hope that someday maybe I could accomplish something similar. I certainly would have told her hiking partner off and gone on alone the rest of the way. That Debra lady is just a complete B*tch. But Lori was able to find gracious people along the trail to help her out and that made for the better story.
January 9, 2021
Lori sets out in a challenging trek under- prepared and with a hiking partner who might actually hate her. Fighting the physical barriers, including asthma, along the way, she finds being the "caboose" actually gives her the space to reflect on who she is and why hiking the John Muir Trail matters so much. Lori's enduring spirit is inspiring and her trail memoir is more than a run of the mill log of miles made; it's an engaging spiritual journey.
March 29, 2023
Why is this 4 stars? It's not amazingly well written or anything, might be self published, not a ton of nature writing...but the author is so darn likeable and inspiring! She will make out of shape women of a certain age feel like they can do it too! No Eat-Pray-Love narcissism, no Cheryl-Strayed drama, no fake I'm-saving-the-world-by-taking-a-self-indulgent-"hard"-long-vacation. Just a salt of the earth second grade teacher who does something she wants to do.
March 17, 2019
Loved this book!
Lori Tierny was brave enough to follow her dream of hiking the John Muir Trail. Despite a rude and extremely inconsiderate hiking companion who also brought her teenaged daughter on the hike, Lori never gave up and completed the trail. This book is about her adventure and it is definitely a fun read.
Lori Tierny was brave enough to follow her dream of hiking the John Muir Trail. Despite a rude and extremely inconsiderate hiking companion who also brought her teenaged daughter on the hike, Lori never gave up and completed the trail. This book is about her adventure and it is definitely a fun read.
February 14, 2020
Awesome!!!
I am so inspired by Lori’s journey, I am ready to pick up my hiking poles and backpack and hit the trails. I can’t say enough about her transformation and enrichment of spirit on the JMT, and how she conveys her self-discovery to her readers. I was emotionally engaged and hiking by her side. Well written, well edited and polished. Wonderful book I highly recommend.
I am so inspired by Lori’s journey, I am ready to pick up my hiking poles and backpack and hit the trails. I can’t say enough about her transformation and enrichment of spirit on the JMT, and how she conveys her self-discovery to her readers. I was emotionally engaged and hiking by her side. Well written, well edited and polished. Wonderful book I highly recommend.
August 31, 2025
good read
A well written interesting writing about places i have been. I never got to go over Forester pass, I’m jealous. Reading the book took me through places I have been. The writing helped me visualize those places more clearly. I got to the top of Mt. Whitney again through Lori’s artful writing. Thanks for the trip Lori.
A well written interesting writing about places i have been. I never got to go over Forester pass, I’m jealous. Reading the book took me through places I have been. The writing helped me visualize those places more clearly. I got to the top of Mt. Whitney again through Lori’s artful writing. Thanks for the trip Lori.
October 20, 2019
Wonderful !
Great book, telling a great story of the difficult hike. So many trials and accomplish ments. ! Made me wish I was with Lori. Though at 71 I'm sure I would take much longer if at all. Loved her spiritual feelings and faith.
Great book, telling a great story of the difficult hike. So many trials and accomplish ments. ! Made me wish I was with Lori. Though at 71 I'm sure I would take much longer if at all. Loved her spiritual feelings and faith.
March 23, 2020
Can't give it a 3.5 so going with 4. This woman is me, although I would never have the kindness she showed her hiking 'partner'. Slow and not so steady, I lived the journey through the author and loved it. Thanks so much for sharing Ms Tierney.
July 18, 2020
Ready to hit the trail!
His was such and inspirational account of her experience and transformation. It was just what I needed to read right now. I. Ready to reignite my own adventures!
His was such and inspirational account of her experience and transformation. It was just what I needed to read right now. I. Ready to reignite my own adventures!
January 31, 2019
Very engaging memoir that is filled with hope for anyone chasing a lifelong dream.
June 8, 2019
An honest rendition of finding oneself on the JMT. I loved reading this book. It inspired me to get my JMT permit.
August 11, 2019
This book was very validating because this is what I feel like when I hike.
November 27, 2019
An inspiring book about walking the JMT. But, please stop referring to 50 as ancient!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews