Stacey Andersen

Bio: I currently work in an office job with a bachelors and masters in Accounting.  I try to work out as much as possible when away from the office to compensate for sitting all day. I enjoy being outside and trying just about anything that nature can offer.  I have been with my husband for almost nine years and married for two of them. I am a little over five months pregnant with my first kid (a boy!) and finished almost half of my peaks during that time.  My husband and I are excited to make this kid just as enthused about the outdoors as we are.

Age: 27

Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: I wanted a new way to get in shape again after recovering from a bicycle accident. I have always been into hiking, but did not have anyone I could do it with on a regular basis when my husband was busy. This was a great way to make new friends and get into shape at the same time.

Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Sept 8, 2012 (38th person to become a 53er)

Toughest Peak: This is a tough one because my view changed over time. Global is the one that sticks out the most, but that is more because the wind that day really added to the fear factor.

Favorite Hike: I enjoy Holiday Peak in Red Rock because the chimneys and Sisters at Mt. Charleston because it is just a pretty hike.

How did you feel once you became a 53er: I had mixed emotions. I was excited, relieved, and a bit sad. I was excited because I worked so hard to get there. I was relieved because I was pregnant and the hikes were really starting to get hard. I was sad because I was pregnant and knew I would not be hiking with the group as much for a little bit until after the baby gets here. I will still hike, but I will not be able to do as much as I was. 

Advice for new hikers: I was not that fit when I started because I was just starting to recover from not being allowed to work out for 5 months. I was also scared of heights and did not think I would be able to get through some of them. With the encouragement of friends that I made while joining the group, I was able to get fit and work on my fear of heights. Just keep it up and don’t give up.