My name is Myles Lacayo. Shortly after my 29th birthday in January 2021, I decided to start challenging myself to hike more and I began what quickly would become an epic journey to “seek discomfort.”

What started as a harmless (minus the broken foot) challenge to go on a hike every day for 100 days straight evolved into an obsession. This obsession evolved into an addiction. That addiction then became my new way of living.

Although the specific “challenges” have changed year to year, the overall goal has remained the same – Seek Discomfort.

I spent the entirety of my 20s working my ass off in a retail management position, doing very little for myself apart from earning money to spend on basic needs and toxic vices. (I also spent 7 years getting a nearly useless bachelor’s degree, but that’s a story for another day) Most of my time outside of work (which honestly wasn’t that much time) was spent in front of a computer, on the couch, or at a bar.

After finally breaking free from the grapple of chemical dependence and the shackles of workaholism, I found myself longing for some new stimulation. After starting my 100 day hiking challenge, I discovered that spending time outdoors was not only stimulating, but that it was also rewiring my brain chemistry.

I finally found my “stoke.” I couldn’t stop talking about my hikes, the miles I’d covered, the climbs I’d conquered, the views I’d captured, or the challenges I’d overcome on my mountain journeys.

This was a first for me – being so overwhelmingly passionate about something that I just had to share it with everyone around me. I had plenty of other hobbies and interests before this, of course, but the enthusiasm I found myself sharing with others was totally new. I’ve been very passionate about music and food since a young age, and anyone who knows me knows that I have a huge soft spot for animals, but the way I found myself geeking out about my hikes and my travels was different.

I was starting to feel alive. Something finally clicked in my brain, and it felt amazing. It’s like I’d unlocked a new version of myself and was trying out all the new features like it was going to be gone by tomorrow.

Fast forward another few years and I’d logged several thousand miles across the Southwest US, the Sierra Nevada, and even 3 Hawaiian islands. With 2 solo thru hikes (John Muir Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail) under my belt and a good hundred plus nights sleeping in my tent, I decided to up the ante once again. I decided to put my reservations and excuses aside and prepare myself for something truly life changing and 1000% outside of my comfort zone. I put my name in the hat for a Pacific Crest Trail long distance hiking permit..

As I’m writing this, I am currently in the final stages of preparing for the 2,650 mi PCT. I figured that considering that the “stoke” is full swing now, I might as well share this journey with all of my friends, family, and soon-to-be friends and family that I meet along the way! More to come as the adventure unfolds!

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