This was in response to this question in a former Post:
I am a hiker/runner (female) who spends significant time training for extreme trail running events. By extreme I mean events where the distance is anywhere from 16 - 32 miles of treacherous rocky terrain with significant elevation gains. When training for a big event I typically try to get in at least one long run a week, and several weeks out from a big race I try to get in a run that is around 2/3 of the distance of the actual race... (ex. 26 mile race, I try to get in an 18 mile training run several weeks out to allow for recovery).
With that said, because of the terrain these types of runs are typically run / hikes so I may spend an average of 4 - 6 hours on a typical long training run...run when you can run, hike when you have to.... The purpose / benefit is to build endurance and strength for the actual event. We also use it to assess our gear and "fueling" needs (hydration, food, etc...) Simulating the actual event makes all the difference in success.
That is why it is hard for me to believe she would have attempted to hike one of these trails "unprepared". She was an athlete who completed and knew her body and "limits". Runners are also extremely anal about "tracking" every step, mile, hour.. and monitoring the overall progress. That is how we determine how to adjust and tweak our training. So, I cannot believe she wouldn't have had proper gear. Also, she probably would have left things in her car for after her workout (change of clothes, extra water/food, etc...)