"Sandra Richmond is an engaging writer who has led  a wonderfully active and aggressive life in "old age" ... something which I warmly endorse.  If you're a serious hiker, this may be just the thing for you."

-- Chris Crowley, New York Times Bestselling Co-Author of Younger Next Year

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"In Milepost 75, Sandra Richmond describes a life full of purpose, friendship and physical adventure that doesn't involve chasing championships but rather the simple pleasures of experiencing the world in motion, even with four artificial joints and a late start in the world of endurance hikes and marathons. To finish in the middle of the pack, or even dragging up last, is to finish with honor. We can all learn from Sandra's example."

-- Tom Zoellner, author of Rim to River: Looking Into the Heart of Arizona

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“Sandi Richmond’s inspirational book on her accomplishments and challenges of walking a multitude of varied trails in many countries, is filled with how she found joy, confidence, and friendships through perseverance, determination, and goals. She has a belief in herself and a passion for her sport that is equal to an elite athlete. She’s proof that anyone at any level can be an athlete and how important it is to stay active as we age. Sandi is a wonderful example of how to face challenges and overcome them. Her experiences and inner drive can be applied to any goal one wants to achieve.”

-- Sarah Fredrickson, Competitive runner in elite competitions including the Ironman 140.6 Boulder and the Boston Marathon

 

"This self-professed "late bloomer,” took up an active lifestyle of walking/hiking in her 40s. Her memoir teaches us to dream big and then bigger, joyfully declaring that aging and life's journey do not have to be complicated if we take it one day at a time. If we put one foot in front of the other.  If we trust the strangers the “angels" we meet on life's trails. 

If we trust ourselves to follow our dreams!"

-- Sandra Kimberley Hall, 15 year Himalayan trekker, award winning biographer / authority of Hawaii's great Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (Hawaiian competition swimmer who popularized the sport of surfing)

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Sandra invites you to walk alongside (not run) on her remarkable journeys as she hikes through local preserves and neighborhoods and explores captivating destinations around the world with family and friends. She shares stories of cherished moments, strengthened relationships, personal triumphs, and frequent failures. She steps outside her comfort zone and perseveres in the face of physical challenges—including four artificial joints, arthritic feet, and atrial fibrillation. She savors the incredible rewards of just crossing the finish line, usually in the back of the pack. Winning is not her goal, but simply getting out and participating consistently. Whatever your age, prepare to be uplifted, inspired, and entertained as Sandra’s powerful message empowers you to live life actively, one step at a time.

-- Lynn W. Murphy, M.Ed. Founder of "Women Who Push the Limits," and bestselling author of 50 Life Lessons From Inspiring Women

 

“Through generous vulnerability, wit and wisdom, Sandra Richmond leads us to richer living, deeper intimacy and enduring hope. More than a book, Milepost 75 is loving mentoring in living well.”

-- Joseph Grenny, New York Times Bestselling Co-Author of Crucial Conversations and Crucial Influence

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Sandra's journeys -- Milepost 75 -- her hiking and walking experiences, are infused with passion for a life, not of happiness but joy -- a much more important gift of fullness and completeness. This book is not a chronicle of hiking and competitive walking adventures, it is about taking responsibility for one's own health and wholeness, through hip and knee replacements, through the grief of life, to model physical and emotional health for self and others. Imagine (as I recommend), that you read this book every decade -- in your 40s, 50s, 60s and on as a chronicle of inspiration for your aging processes: to use this book as a guide for your determination to do your best to live well and change your yearnings into concrete and achievable goals.

-- Royce Fitts, author of The Geography of the Soul: Dreams, Reality, and the Journey of a Lifetime

 

This inspiring book by Sandra Richmond shows how we don't need to be athletes to enjoy exercise, enjoy getting out in Nature and, even enjoy challenging ourselves. Although the author has had a number of medical challenges, she still goes out to walk every day around her neighborhood and regularly participates in longer events as well.  Sandra truly has an indomitable spirit which drives her to set challenges for herself and rise to meet them no matter what her age.

-- Hepsharat Amadi, M.D.

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Sandra Richmond’s Milepost 75 is a memoir, a travelogue, and a call to action wrapped into one. At its heart, it’s the story of a woman who found her passion for walking and hiking later in life and refused to let age or physical setbacks stop her. She chronicles her journey through the Grand Canyon, the Inca Trail, and other stunning landscapes, all while dealing with the realities of aging, artificial hips, and the occasional self-doubt. Through humor, vulnerability, and an unwavering sense of adventure, Richmond paints a picture of a life lived with purpose and determination.
 

One thing I loved about this book is the raw honesty. Richmond doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties of pushing her body beyond what doctors recommend. Early on, we see her doctor warn her about wearing out her implants, and her response is immediate: “That’s not an option. Not now. Not for my quality of life!” That moment hit me hard because it captures the fierce independence that drives this entire book. She acknowledges her limitations but refuses to be ruled by them. Her grit is infectious, making you want to lace up your hiking boots and take on a challenge of your own.
 

The storytelling is immersive and filled with rich details. Take, for instance, the moment when she and her daughter attempt to complete the Grand Canyon’s Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike. Richmond describes the grueling terrain, the exhaustion, and the heartbreak of having to turn back before reaching the top of the North Rim. But instead of seeing it as a failure, she reframes it as a lesson in resilience. The book is full of these moments where perceived setbacks transform into fuel for the next challenge.
 

Another standout aspect is the relationships Richmond builds along the way. She has a keen eye for the “angels” she meets on trails—strangers who offer encouragement, help, or just a moment of connection. Whether it’s the woman in Maine who found inspiration in Richmond’s slow but steady triathlon finish or the hiker who handed her daughter life-saving protein powder at Phantom Ranch, the book highlights how adventure is often about people just as much as it is about places. These interactions make the book feel deeply personal and universal at the same time.
 

Milepost 75 is perfect for anyone who has ever thought, “I wish I could, but I’m too old,” or “That dream is behind me.” It’s for those who need a reminder that adventure doesn’t have an expiration date. Richmond’s story is equal parts inspiring and practical, encouraging readers to embrace life’s uncertainties with an open heart. If you’re looking for motivation, humor, and a touch of wanderlust, this book is a must-read.

-- Literary Titan