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Introducing Peak Pursuit (P2)


Ja-Nae Duane explores hiking in Massachusetts and becoming an adventure athlete

If you had asked me a year ago how important my physical health is, my answer would have been very different than it is today. Watch this video about what happened to me a few months ago that changed my mind:



That's why I'm embarking on what I call Peak Pursuit (P2). Peak Pursuit is not just about physical activity, it's a personal journey towards becoming an adventure athlete while exploring the beautiful states in which we live. I am starting by hiking in Massachusetts, a state I've called home for a significant part of my life. Despite this, there's still so much of its natural beauty that I have yet to discover. P2 is my way of doing that, but in a fun and exciting way.


Why Peak Pursuit:

1. It pushes me mentally and physically.

2. It's a journey of self-discovery, helping me identify where I am physically and mentally locked up. This exploration is an opportunity to break free from my own limitations, and I hope it inspires you to do the same.

3. It provides me with a creative outlet and allows me to get to know Massachusetts better.

4. It is an opportunity to explore the interconnectedness of everything.

5. It helps me fulfill my mission to be outdoors as much as possible.


What is my 2024-2025 goal?

To hike all of Massachusetts's top 85 peaks.


How were these peaks chosen?

I first looked up the top peaks in Massachusetts on Wikipedia, but I quickly realized that there was so much incorrect information. After triangulating information on every peak with other websites like PeakBagger, I ended up with the top 85 peaks in Massachusetts.


How it works:

To keep myself accountable, let me outline how this will work:


1. I will post my upcoming hikes here on the website. Note, there will be hikes I would like to solo, but then others that I would love to have people join along. I will open those up through Facebook events.

2. I hike and will track my hikes using Alltrails and Garmin (for more extensive hikes)

3. When I reach the summit, I will create something (e.g., a piece of music, poetry, or a story) inspired by the hike, the location, the town, or the experience of it all.

4. I will leave a Geocache on the trail (and hopefully the summit) of each peak

a. Inside will be a QR code that links to my creation from that hike.


I hope you will then explore these trails, create your own art, live your own adventures, and share them with the world.


Are you ready to get started? I know I am. My first hike is at Mt. Gibbs in Marlborough, MA, today! Wish me luck. You can follow along using the hashtag #peakpursuit. Also, share your experiences at these peaks with us with #peakpursuit. We would love to see what you experience on your journey.

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