# @audipayne on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DO7Koj0j-IJ
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/34932523-audipayne-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/8088ec3e54.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-09-23T00:22:19.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Audrey “Glowstick” Payne (@audipayne) — https://gondola.cc/audipayne

## Caption

I have never understood why people are so obsessed with age. From the time I was a teenager, I remember my peers lamenting, “we’re getting so old!” with each passing year. It has only gotten worse and worse each year. On the Pacific Crest Trail, I haven’t met too many people my own age (I’m 41, for the record). It’s mostly folks in their 20s and 30s, and they LOVE commenting on how OLD I am. They wrap it up as a joke, but it’s clear they’re terrified that it’s catching. What they don’t know, is that with age comes confidence, self-trust, experience, and resilience. When I set my mind to something, I know I can achieve it. I’m not making decisions based on what others think - I trust myself. I’m competing with myself and myself alone. I’m grateful for the knowledge and experience I’ve gained along the way, because it’s made life (and hiking) a hell of a lot easier for me than when I was younger. So how about doing some reflecting on why you’re terrified of aging before putting your insecurities on me. Please and thanks. 🙏 
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#pct #pacificcresttrail #hiking #backpacking #womenwhohike #womenwhoadventure #shehikes #sheadventures #hikerbabes #peoplewhohike #thruhike #thetrek

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## Tags

womenwhohike, peoplewhohike, pct, hikerbabes, thruhike, pacificcresttrail, thetrek, hiking, womenwhoadventure, backpacking, shehikes, sheadventures

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