How I am mentally preparing for a 2,200 mile walk in the woods.

Okay, its officially 2,197.4 miles. Piece of cake. I’ve been walking my whole life; this is just more of the same. As much as I try to make light of the situation, my inner self keeps saying “Shut up, you’re not funny. You are about to thrust us into the most challenging situation of our life! It’s TWENTY-TWO HUNDRED miles.” In all fairness, Self is right. This is an endeavor of ridiculous proportions, and one that I have willingly signed up for.

Getting my mind around the inconceivable.

I’ve been preparing for quite some time for this little jaunt. Hours have been spent on research. Gear has been purchased and tried out. I have gone on “shakedown” hikes to determine just how I will cope all alone in the woods, and if I can handle the physical strain of hiking day after day for 6+ months. I have discovered that the physical part, albeit tremendously strenuous, is actually the least of my worries. Never mind the fact that I’m overweight and over fifty years old. The physical will come. I will get stronger; my stamina will grow, and my trail legs will develop. I’ve come to terms with the fact that it will suck a great deal, and I will be slower than most. But I will hike my own hike and I will make it in my own way.

What I am most worried about are the mental challenges a feat such as this will present. Can I find the willpower to endure what my mind sees as inconceivable? I’m not going to lie to you – this mental battle is no fun, and it’s happening now before I have taken one step towards Maine. The stress monster is keeping me up at night with a constant barrage of “what if’s”. What if I get hurt? What if I get sick? What if there are weirdos on trail (okay, we’re all a little weird), but what if I come across someone dangerously weird? What happens if I don’t make it to camp before dark, or if I can’t get a shuttle into town, or if I run out of food, or money, or both?

It is impossible to imagine, and plan for, every inconceivable situation I will encounter on trail. But still, I try because…

Planning is my happy space.

When preparing for a long-distance hike, especially a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, one should diligently take into account the gear needed, clothing that you will wear every day for six months or more, daily calories required to fuel your over-exerted body, re-supply options, hostel stays, shuttle drivers, gear replacement, pooping in the woods, family visits, social media sharing, etc., etc. Make a thorough plan for all of these things, and then ball that plan up and toss it in the garbage. Because stuff can and will change. Change is as inevitable as the rain in Georgia on a mid-February start.

I struggle with organization. As hard as I try, I cannot seem to keep up with being orderly. My desk is a constant dishevel of papers and receipts, well-intended to-do lists, new hiking gadgets, and half-eaten protein bars that are being “tested”. My backpack is in a constant exploded state as I perfect my packing order, and my garage is full of empty REI boxes. I’m a hot mess.

What is my weakness at home, is my superpower on trail. I am extremely organized when it comes to my gear on trail, especially when I am in camp. “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”, as they say. This uber planning when it comes to gear, and having things handy on trail, is something that brings me comfort. Even though I can’t control the inevitable changes that will come my way on this thru-hike, I can offer myself a little stability in the form of a well-organized backpack. Going through the exercises of research and selecting gear and clothing that will work best for me helps boost my confidence.

Learning from those who have gone before.

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I like to research what has and has not worked for other thru-hikers. Each year I select a handful of hikers to follow on YouTube. Watching their journeys and how they adapt to life on trail has helped me tremendously with my preparations. The daily vlogs created by thru-hikers not only shows the terrain of the Appalachian Trail, but also the mental journey that is unique to each person who attempts a thru-hike. Every hiker has their breaking point somewhere along the trail. I’ve watched elite athletes, as you might call them, completely break down sobbing because they are tired of being alone. I’ve watched other hikers come unraveled over lost toilet paper.

In addition to watching YouTube videos, I have also read a good number of books on thru-hiking. One of my favorites is ‘Pushing North: Tame the Mind, Savor the Journey.’ by thru-hiker Trey Free. This is an excellent read that delves into the mechanics of the mental chaos that takes place during a thru-hike and offers tools to help push through the roadblocks in our mind that keep us from achieving our goals. Another good source is ‘Appalachian Trials’ by thru-hiker Zach Brown. This book addresses the psychological and emotional struggles that thru-hikers face on trail, which unfortunately leads many to abandon their hike. When it all comes down to it, this is by far a mental game.

Backup plans upon backup plans.

When one plan fails, I like to have another. Okay, I like to have three others. I know this sounds obsessive, but again, it’s one of my coping mechanisms.

In one of my YouTube videos I talk about how I am planning to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, meaning what route I plan to take. As of right now I am what is considered a NOBO – northbound thru-hiker. I am beginning my trek on Springer Mountain Georgia and heading north to Mount Katahdin Maine. I have until October 15th to reach the northern terminus, as that is when Baxter State Park closes for the season. In the event I find myself keeping a slower than anticipated pace, I can jump ahead and complete that portion of the trail and then flip back south to finish. This is called a flip-flop thru-hike, and it is my Plan B.

Maintaining a true NOBO thru-hike is my intention. I really want to have the experience of summiting Mount Katahdin as my grand finale, however, what I want even more is to finish. Having flexibility in my plans will help me on the numerous occasions when things don’t go as planned on trail, which I am anticipating will be a daily occurrence.

Involving others in my journey.

Calling all Trail Angels! I’m going to need your help. I am not so proud as to think I can do this alone. I absolutely will need the help of others. From the very beginning when I decided to take on this incredible venture, I have involved those closest to me. It is imperative that I have support, whether it be tangible, mental or emotional. I NEED people. Never thought I would say that so emphatically, but it’s true. My feet may be the ones walking to Maine, but it will be in no small part due to the goodwill and encouragement of others. It takes a village to get a thru-hiker to Katahdin. I am very blessed with a supportive family, and a growing community of folks, such as yourself if you are reading this, who will help me get to the finish line.

A good dose of prayer.

These days it feels like the Good Lord and I share a friends and family plan with unlimited data. I’ve been talking God’s head off. In my heart I know that there is absolutely no way I can pull this off without faith. Each day will present itself with a unique set of challenges, accompanied by a tailored set of remedies from on high. I wouldn’t even attempt this if I didn’t believe God had my back. I trust that connection knowing that in every circumstance help is but a prayer away. This is where I will hang my hat at the end of each day.

Gratitude changes attitude.

The truth is I am afraid. In all of my planning, there is still so much that is unknown about this journey I am about to embark on. But just as there are countless things that can, and will, go wrong, this experience is going to be the adventure of my lifetime. I am so grateful for this opportunity. There are so many incredible things waiting just ahead for me. I know that I will make connections with people that will last the rest of my life. My life in fact is about to take on a whole new purpose. I am beyond thankful, and I am focusing on this gratitude for the trail – the path ahead – to serve as my mental foundation. I am beginning this journey with a grateful heart for the person I will become. Georgia to Maine – Never the Same.

Follow my 2024 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike on YouTube!