In this episode we chat with long-distance hiker and gear expert Liz Thomas to talk about her award-winning book, Backpacker Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-Hike. Whether you're dreaming of your first thru-hike or already counting trail miles, this episode offers real-world insight into how to make it happen.

Liz shares how the book came to life, why it’s more than just gear lists, and the importance of planning for life on—and after—the trail. With voices from all walks of life, her book gives practical advice and emotional prep for navigating everything from logistics and finances to blisters and trail magic.

Discover why this isn’t just a hiking guide—it’s a field manual for personal growth, community, and adventure.

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast
Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $46,258 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 235 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

Chris Cornwell of Northern Neck Bike Club, is proving that a love for two wheels can spark something bigger. What started as a passion for mountain biking turned into a mission to create outdoor opportunities for the youth of Kilmarnock, Virginia. With the town’s support and a dedicated team, Chris helped establish a nonprofit that promotes cycling, mentorship, and trail development.

In this episode, Chris shares how the club quickly grew from a simple idea into a full-fledged movement—offering race training, community ride days, and even access to bikes for kids in need. He also dives into the importance of staying active, the value of persistence in making a dream a reality, and the future of trail building in their growing community.

Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or looking for inspiration to start something meaningful in your own town, this episode is for you!

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”.

Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast
Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $46,258 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 234 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

Outdoor adventure should be for everyone—and Catalyst Sports is making sure of it. In this episode, we sit down with Maggie Smith and Emily Moscoe to discuss how Catalyst Sports is breaking down barriers for individuals with physical disabilities. From adaptive climbing and mountain biking to kayaking and hiking, Catalyst Sports is building an inclusive community that gives people access to the life-changing power of adventure.

Emily shares how she combined her background in occupational therapy with her passion for climbing, while Maggie reflects on how Catalyst helped her rediscover her love for the outdoors. They discuss the importance of community, the impact of accessibility in outdoor recreation, and how able-bodied individuals can get involved.

If you’ve ever wondered how adaptive sports work or want to learn how you can help make the outdoors more inclusive, this episode is for you!

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”.

Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast
Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $46,258 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 233 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.