It's Not About the Hike is the story of two ordinary women on an extraordinary journey. And it's not about the hike -- this book is a motivational and inspirational book that shares the incredibly human story of two non-hikers who one day decide to climb the 67 highest mountains in New England and what they find out about themselves as they journey up and over the mountain summits. What makes this book special is that this is not just their journey -- it is everyone's journey. We all have our own mountain to climb. It might be a 4,000-footer in the White Mountains, but it might be raising children or caring for aging parents, dealing with a work project or starting an exercise program. You will see yourself in these hike reports and feel inspired to get out of your own comfort zone and move toward your dreams. If they can do it -- you can do it too. In 2006, Nancy Sporborg and Pat Piper, two fifty-something women, set out on a quest to climb the forty-eight highest mountains in New Hampshire a goal that eventually expanded to include the highest peaks of New England and the Adirondacks as well as a revisit of the original forty-eight in winter conditions. Little did they know the trails would lead them on a journey not just to the heights of the region s peaks and precipices, but also into the depths of their own beings. Over the course of five years of Saturday hiking, Pat and Nancy grappled with their demons and their aspirations, forged a profound friendship, and uncovered the kind of inner strength needed to make one s way up an ice-covered rock face or along a wind-whipped cliff's edge. They set up a website, began posting reports on each hike, and launched a series of inspirational talks. They wanted to share what they d learned that we each already possess the courage needed to face whatever mountains need climbing. It's Not About the Hike is a collection of Nancy Sporborg's hike reports. Together, the reports form a narrative that s moving, sometimes cliff-hanging (literally!) and always inspirational. They also tell the story of two women who set out in search of fitness, panoramic views, and companionship, and found themselves.