What would you do if you came face-to-face with a mountain lion in the darkness of a pre-dawn hike? For Kayla Girard, this heart-stopping encounter was just one chapter in her remarkable outdoor journey that's taken her from struggling to run a single mile to summiting some of Colorado's most challenging peaks.

In this captivating conversation, Kayla reveals how she discovered her love for running later in life when she realized the secret was simply slowing down. This breakthrough has led her to complete races in 37 states so far on her quest to run a half or full marathon in all 50 states. Surprisingly, during back-to-back race weekends, she consistently performs better on day two—defying conventional wisdom about recovery and endurance.

But it's Kayla's mountaineering adventures that truly showcase her resilience and determination. After moving to Colorado to become a ski instructor (where she unexpectedly met her husband), she fell in love with climbing the state's famous "14ers"—58 peaks exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation. These climbs require 4am starts, careful navigation, and constant vigilance against rapidly changing mountain weather and wildlife encounters.

The podcast delivers two unforgettable survival stories: Kayla's terrifying standoff with a stalking mountain lion during her bachelorette celebration hike, and a harrowing night spent taking shelter in a mountainside cave after a snowstorm trapped her group in 12-degree temperatures. Her most valuable lesson? When you're in trouble in the backcountry, help doesn't arrive immediately—her rescue took over seven hours despite having cell service.

Whether you're a runner looking for inspiration or simply someone who appreciates tales of adventure and human endurance, Kayla's journey shows how pushing beyond your comfort zone creates not just accomplishments but also profound connections with fellow adventurers who share these life-changing experiences. Ready to lace up your shoes or pack your hiking boots?

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