Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni stunned the public when she hugged a tree continuously for 72 hours, revealing that mental control was just as important as physical endurance in setting the record.
During the interview, Muthoni said she never felt the need to go to the bathroom during the record attempt.
“I never had the urge to go to the bathroom, I control it from my mind,” she explained, describing the mental discipline that kept her focused for three straight days.
Her preparation involved a mix of fasting, hydration management, and incremental tree-hugging sessions.
While she drank plenty of water during practice runs, she abstained during the 72-hour event. Long walks of up to 42km and prior endurance challenges—35 hours during Mazingira Day and 60 hours at a scouts’ camp—helped condition both body and mind for the marathon hug.
Muthoni credited her family’s support as vital to her achievement.
“My family is supportive, they are proud,” she said, noting that encouragement helped her maintain focus throughout the grueling period.
Her feat also draws attention to forest conservation, aligning personal achievement with Kenya’s ongoing efforts to protect indigenous trees.
Truphena Muthoni plans to continue combining endurance challenges with environmental advocacy, inspiring young people to take part in sustainable practices while demonstrating how focus, patience, and mental resilience can achieve extraordinary results