BRIAN ROBINSON

The feat accomplished by this wilderness hiker is so profound that it is difficult for most to even imagine it:

In 10 months, he became the first person to complete the Triple Crown of hiking in a single year, completing the Pacific Crest Trail (2,650 miles), Continental Divide Trail (2,560 miles) and Appalachian Trail (2,160 miles). No one had previously completed more than one of these trails in a single year.

This adventure took 300 days, averaging 31.9 miles per day, crossing 22 states, 16 national parks, 57 national forests and 67 wilderness areas. He completed it despite chronic foot pain and being stricken with Bell's palsy.

By agreeing to interviews with People magazine, The Chronicle and other media, Robinson has done more to promote wilderness hiking than anyone since John Muir.

Robinson lives in Cupertino. He quit his job in Silicon Valley and completed the expedition without commercial sponsorship.

A personal glimpse: "I did it be- cause I needed a challenge. I wanted to do something I could be proud of for the rest of my life. Most people said it was impossible. It required 100 percent mentally, physically and spiritually."