Scott Jurek always had a deep connection to deserts, finding them mystifying and spiritually significant. He and his partner, Jennifer Lee Uehisa, knew that, although charming, desert hiking is challenging. They are taking to the trail with minimal gear, adopting an ultralight approach to cover more miles efficiently. Scott and Jennifer dream of a long trail adventure, longing for a nomadic and unrestricted life close to nature.

Scott calls his wife JLu. But Jennifer’s last name means "perpetually rising," which perfectly matches her energy – she is as relentless as the desert sun. JLu's been through the wringer, and she's a tough nut to crack. A lion in cute-voiced disguise, she tackles life's challenges head-on. Perhaps it’s in JLu’s blood, as her Japanese grandparents faced hardship during World War II, and her mom emigrated from the Philippines to the US.

One day, JLu and Scott had an argument. As a result, Scott finally realized he was stuck in his career. He's got this burning desire to hit the reset button on his life and find some clarity. So, he dreams up a wild plan: he's going to chase the speed record on the Appalachian Trail. It promised to be a grueling adventure unlike any other. But he knows he can't tackle this trail solo, and he turns to JLu for guidance. He paints a picture of shared moments during the journey, like meeting her at road crossings and having lunch together. He's selling it as a fun adventure, hoping she'll jump on board.

JLu, however, isn't fond of the idea. Her "Why?" echoes through the stillness hanging in the air. It's a question that demands a real answer. It forces Scott to look deep inside and realize that he's stuck, needing to push himself to the limit. He is itchy to know what it feels like to have nothing, even if just for a while. It's a pivotal moment, a real gut check, a reminder that life's all about those moments on the edge.

Scott's quest is not devoid of setbacks. He grapples with painful blisters, sleep deprivation, and moments of self-doubt. In these moments of adversity, we see our authentic characters shine. Scott, in his experience, doesn't retreat from discomfort but embraces it, understanding that it is through these challenges that he will find his path to personal growth and self-discovery.