Overview

Two lives lost too soon. When a search and rescue member's unresolved grief is triggered by tragedy, will a life-changing hike end in hope? Great Smoky Mountains National Park, September 2020. Nancy East was determined to make a difference. After a heartbreaking SAR mission ended in the discovery of a body, the woman still grieving her own mother's passing felt compelled to help prevent more fatal hiking accidents. Partnering with a close friend, the middle-aged everyday athlete set out to cover the wilderness area's 800 miles of trail faster than anyone before to raise money for safety and preparedness measures. Struggling with early injuries and intrusive self-conscious thoughts, Nancy confronted insecurities about her career, parenting skills, and her mom's fight with cancer. And as she persevered despite torrential storms and dangerous terrain, her crippling uncertainties began to transform into heart-healing peace. In this moving account, Nancy East navigates her emotional aftermath following the death of Susan Clements, a loving parent to three children who succumbed to hypothermia. And as she guides readers through her month-long journey of endurance and triumph, her inspirational story promotes awareness while motivating all to believe in themselves. Chasing the Smokies Moon: An audacious 948-mile hike--fueled by love, loss, laughter, and lunacy is a thought-provoking memoir. If you like true-life feats, sentimental contemplations, and stepping outside of comfort zones, then you'll adore Nancy East's strides of empowerment.

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If you think that setting trail records is about speed and hubris, Nancy East will prove you wrong. It is not her success, but her vulnerability that will encourage you to keep moving forward when the next step feels impossible. It is not her impressive miles, but rather her insightful reflections that allow you to recognize feelings of gratitude and connectedness in the midst of pain and loss. And it is not her attributes as a hiker, but her roles as a mother, spouse, and friend that make this book a valuable resource for anyone who is trying to navigate through relationships - and adventure. - Jennifer Pharr Davis, author of The Pursuit of Endurance: Harnessing the Record-Breaking Power of Strength and Resilience I have always thought of Nancy East as somewhat of a real life superhero -- this harrowing and transparent account of her FKT attempt and SAR fundraising effort has certainly solidified that sentiment! - Steven Reinhold, Backpacker Magazine, Brand Ambassador Chasing the Smokies Moon is a deep dive into the depths of a Fastest Known Time record attempt. East relays with humor, profundity, and humility the highs and lows of an intense journey through the Great Smoky Mountains and human connection. - Heather Anderson, author of Mud, Rocks, Blazes: Letting Go on the Appalachian Trail This story is more than just a recounting of an incredible feat of endurance and perseverance, it is an insightful and revealing look into the mind and soul of multi faceted adventurous woman. - Kevin Fitzgerald, former Deputy Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park An amazing feat well-planned and superbly executed. Nancy East writes from the heart about each day's challenges and joys. As exhausted as she is after hiking more than thirty miles a day, she finds the reward which makes every Smokies trail special.The reader will be with East and her hiking partner every step of the way. Chasing the Smokies Moon might inspire some to do more hiking in the Smokies. --Danny Bernstein, author of DuPont Forest: A History Like a friend sharing stories around a campfire, Nancy East invites readers to hear the tale of the 800-mile journey taken by her and her companion in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Olympic-sized athletic challenge not only became an adventure in self-awareness and a test of mental and physical fortitude, but also a valuable, charitable mission. While planting record-breaking, fast-paced bootprints in Smoky Mountain history, the pair captured the gold-medal prize by surpassing the fund-raising goals to support outdoor safety programs for the public. Zip up your fleece jacket, put another log on the fire, and listen in. --Marci Spencer, author of Clingmans Dome, Highest Mountain in the Great Smokies; Potluck, Message Delivered: The Great Smoky Mountains are Saved! and books on the history of Pisgah, Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests Nancy East vividly chronicles the FKT attempt in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with daily highs and lows - on the mountain trails as well as physical tolls and wavering mindsets - all during this grueling trek. Her book offers endearing insights into the super human behind the superhuman effort. --Kathy Zachary, former director of the Smoky Mountain Field School

"""If you think that setting trail records is about speed and hubris, Nancy East will prove you wrong. It is not her success, but her vulnerability that will encourage you to keep moving forward when the next step feels impossible. It is not her impressive miles, but rather her insightful reflections that allow you to recognize feelings of gratitude and connectedness in the midst of pain and loss. And it is not her attributes as a hiker, but her roles as a mother, spouse, and friend that make this book a valuable resource for anyone who is trying to navigate through relationships - and adventure."" - Jennifer Pharr Davis, author of The Pursuit of Endurance: Harnessing the Record-Breaking Power of Strength and Resilience ""I have always thought of Nancy East as somewhat of a real life superhero -- this harrowing and transparent account of her FKT attempt and SAR fundraising effort has certainly solidified that sentiment!"" - Steven Reinhold, Backpacker Magazine, Brand Ambassador ""Chasing the Smokies Moon is a deep dive into the depths of a Fastest Known Time record attempt. East relays with humor, profundity, and humility the highs and lows of an intense journey through the Great Smoky Mountains and human connection."" - Heather Anderson, author of Mud, Rocks, Blazes: Letting Go on the Appalachian Trail ""This story is more than just a recounting of an incredible feat of endurance and perseverance, it is an insightful and revealing look into the mind and soul of multi faceted adventurous woman."" - Kevin Fitzgerald, former Deputy Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park ""An amazing feat well-planned and superbly executed. Nancy East writes from the heart about each day's challenges and joys. As exhausted as she is after hiking more than thirty miles a day, she finds the reward which makes every Smokies trail special.The reader will be with East and her hiking partner every step of the way. Chasing the Smokies Moon might inspire some to do more hiking in the Smokies. --Danny Bernstein, author of DuPont Forest: A History Like a friend sharing stories around a campfire, Nancy East invites readers to hear the tale of the 800-mile journey taken by her and her companion in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Olympic-sized athletic challenge not only became an adventure in self-awareness and a test of mental and physical fortitude, but also a valuable, charitable mission. While planting record-breaking, fast-paced bootprints in Smoky Mountain history, the pair captured the gold-medal prize by surpassing the fund-raising goals to support outdoor safety programs for the public. Zip up your fleece jacket, put another log on the fire, and listen in. --Marci Spencer, author of Clingmans Dome, Highest Mountain in the Great Smokies; Potluck, Message Delivered: ""The Great Smoky Mountains are Saved!"" and books on the history of Pisgah, Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests ""Nancy East vividly chronicles the FKT attempt in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with daily highs and lows - on the mountain trails as well as physical tolls and wavering mindsets - all during this grueling trek. Her book offers endearing insights into the super human behind the superhuman effort."" --Kathy Zachary, former director of the Smoky Mountain Field School"

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