You can do this...

I don't know if any of you are actually inspired by my 'tales' or if you are instead, deterred from thinking about a journey like this. Overall, I have to say that it's been a positive experience with some challenging days thrown in for good measure.
I've lost about 25 pounds so far, which is to say, the hard way, but I feel much better physically, and that was one of my goals. Still, the climbs are challenging as are many of the aspects of doing this. But you can do this...almost anyone can, really. The key is to find some compelling reason why you should. You do have to want to do this, to say the least. But it has to be more than that.

Some people have asked if I am going through a mid-life crisis, if this was my red convertible and I always laughed a little when they asked. But after thinking about it, perhaps this trip is in part, out of my realization that I'm not 20 years old anymore. That doesn't mean I'm ready to join AARP, but it does mean that I need to start taking more of a notice of my health and physical condition.

You know when you visit a doctor and you have that big long questionnaire about all the diseases and ailments that you ever had? You have to check the "YES" or "NO" boxes and when you're young, you almost always check the "NO" boxes. But as you begin to get older in your 30s or 40s, you start finding that you are beginning to check some of the "YES" ones. And then, if you've ever helped a parent or older person fill out one of those forms, many times, there are more "YES"s checked than "NO"s. Well, the last couple doctors I went to, I started checking a couple of "YES"s and that's when I decided that it's time to really look at my health and find some way to get things back in order.

I've joined the "Y" before. I did really well when I went, I worked out hard, enjoyed the workout and felt better in the evening when I came home. But over time, started to miss appointments or go less often or find excuses to take more days off. I've tried to walk around the neighborhood or do any one of a dozen other exercises but quickly became bored just when I was starting to notice great improvements in my health. Some people at the health clubs will switch themselves into "Zombie" mode while they do their 45 minutes on the treadmill or bike, watching television if there's one there or read a book or listen to their MP3 player or do anything else to take their focus off of the exercise itself.

It's tough to stay motivated...especially, it was for me.

But this Appalachian Trail thing. Once you're out there, you are out there. You are out in a million-acre wilderness on a trail with your backpack. You hiked out there and you need to keep hiking if you want to get back home or you will just die of starvation or thirst and get eaten by the bears, possums, field mice or those other creatures that would have to be really hungry to eat you. But they would eat you, none the less, and that would be it. No, I wouldn't want to go that way, so the motivation is to get to the next town, or any of a million reasons. There really are plenty of reasons to stay motivated on the trail, you just need to look a little to find them.

So you aren't in great shape? I sure the heck wasn't, over 50 pounds overweight. I had never hiked or backpacked before. I camped, but my Jeep was always close by...along with my case of bottled water, bags of snacks and a radio. But this trail thing... You really don't have to do it in one year. In fact, most people do what's called "section hiking" where they hike a little different piece of the trail each year. This one couple has been hiking a piece of the trail every year for the past 35 years and now have less than 100 miles to go. They only go out for a week or two each year, but the thing is, they do it.

Section hiking allows you to experience the same wonderful terrain that I, and countless others get to see every day, and you don't have any problems with deadlines, or to push a certain distance every day. You just go at your own pace and experience some of the most beautiful wilderness this country has to offer. All you have to do is to commit yourself for a day, a weekend, a week, month or longer, if you want to. And, even then, you can stop or go farther at any time. It's not like work. ... Ok, sometimes it is, but not usually.

So far, I have written a good amount about the challenges I've faced, and not enough about the good times, granted. But I've been going through a tough transition from computer geek to mountain man. But each day, as I become more and more accustomed to the new environment which I call my "home" I become a bit more comfortable with the paces I'm putting myself through.

Already I have seen people in their 20s and many, many people in their 50s, 60s and even 70s out on the trail. That has been inspiring, to say the least. And granted at times, it's a bit disconcerting, as these older folks are way outpacing me.

At least so far.

So the truth is, if you have thought at least a bit about doing this, for a weekend, a week or longer, then check out the "Links" page of my website for countless resources which will give you a great idea of exactly what to expect along your journey.

It really is worth it...no matter how much time you choose to spend out here.

MuddyShoes