Jan, 52

A large part of the beauty of women over 40 is their connection to their true selves – something that only comes with age and experience. Recently I had to run from an abusive partner: the physical and mental wounds pushed me to my limits and I nearly lost myself. Bordering on despair, I went on a long hike in Sweden. While climbing the stark, strenuous Arctic trail, I reconnected to myself and the woman I was before life dealt a few rotten blows. Finding that person again gave me strength and hope.

I have often been asked how it is that I am a woman and I climb mountains. The truth is, all women should climb mountains. It is far and away the best training for giving birth: I have three wonderful children. If you can have a baby, you can climb a major mountain. The focus, determination, preparation, and that point where with your whole soul you pray, “let’s just get this damn thing over with!” are uncannily similar.

It was particularly important to me to wear my hiking boots in the shoot. I’ve had these boots since I was 19 years old. Though I am a new equipment junkie, I have always held on to these boots, and I hope to wear them until I die. Like the lines in my face, their scuffed-up and totally uncool appearance represents experience, wisdom, and at last arriving at a place where I don’t give a damn about looks. Visually, I liked the contrast between these tough, rugged boots and the soft (but tough!) femininity of my body.