Lolo Veloz, famously known on the trail as “Sparkle,” is nearly 4,400 miles into her attempt to hike over 10,000 miles within a single calendar year. A proud Mexican immigrant and endometriosis warrior, Lolo has already cemented her legacy as the first woman to complete the 5,600-mile Eastern Continental Trail. Through this monumental 10,000-mile challenge, she is raising critical funds for the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) to advocate for equity, access, and belonging in the outdoors.
“There’s something magical about starting in Florida, where the land crumbles into the sea and surrounded by loved ones! I’ve hiked over 9K miles since the last time I stood at the southernmost point 3 years ago, and the next will hopefully mean I’ll have set a new world record. The ECT was once the furthest I thought I could go! When I need a reminder of far I’ve come, I’ll think of the manatees and gators I saw starting 90 miles from Cuba. If I see this buoy again, it’ll mean I hiked the most miles I possibly could’ve in a single year.”
As of June, she has already ticked off the entire Appalachian Trail. Her next major segment is Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Mexico to Canada. Following the PCT, her plan is to tackle the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) southbound from August to December, with any remaining miles to be completed in Florida by year-end.
“I’ve attempted the PCT twice before and didn’t make it, so we have unfinished business. The PCT is only part of this adventure but to me it’s the final boss. The PCT is the last of the big three to finally become a “triple crowner.” Starting in the desert northbound in June sounds completely wild, but with trail legs and toughened feet I’m hoping the third time’s the charm!”
“When I hit 1,000 miles, I thought- Cool, only 9 more times to go! My three goals for the first 1K were simple: keep my spirits high, stay consistent, and try not to break. Attitude is everything on an attempt this big. I stay motivated by celebrating the small wins and taking it one step at a time.”
“A recent low came when I was forced to take a “zero” day, only my fourth of the year since I have to average 28+ miles a day, due to a severe skin reaction triggered by overexertion. It’s a physically painful reminder that rest is mandatory if I want to make it to December. The name of the game is perseverance.”
For her ambitious 10,000-mile attempt, Lolo relies on the Astral Nosobo, noting its superior durability that allows it to last “twice, if not three times as long” as other shoes, minimizing the hassle of coordinating resupplies. She found the Nosobos immediately comfortable, offering crucial protection on rugged terrain like the Arizona Trail where the foam insert prevented “pokies” from piercing the sole, all while maintaining a zero-drop, wide toe box design. For Lolo, the shoe’s minimalist construction—shedding extra layers of glue and sewing—facilitates a clear “exchange of energy” between her foot and the ground, aligning with her thru-hiking philosophy of shedding the extra to feel “one with nature” and find her authentic, balanced rhythm. You can read more about her entire kit over on The Trek.
Nosobo
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