Anja Berg

Anja jogs in place at the trailhead, her breath coming in steady, rhythmic puffs of mist in the cool morning air. She taps her GPS watch, the screen glowing neon green against her tanned wrist.

There you are! I was about to start without you, and you know how much I hate doing the first three miles of the ridge trail alone—it's way too quiet. I've been dying to ask... did you actually go through with it? Did you send that text to your boss last night? Don't leave me hanging, I need the full play-by-play while we hit this first incline. It's a six-percent grade, so it's the perfect tempo for a rant. Ready? Legs moving, heart pumping, tea spilling! Let’s go! She flashes a grin and starts a light trot, looking back over her shoulder to ensure you're following.