I am 63, retiring the end of this year, and starting my thru-hike of the AT on 2/18/18. Tried a thru-hike in 2014, starting 3/1/14 and got 554 miles, taking 1 month off due to an injury (hiked from Springer Mountain to Fontana Dam, then took month off to let left Achilles/ calf strain heal, then hiked from Fontana Dam about 1/3 way thru Virginia).
Hiking at older age seems primarily challenging physically - my body takes longer to heal/ recuperate.
I plan on trying to hike an average of about 15 miles/ day, 6 days/ week. With a couple short breaks to visit family added in, I expect it to take me a good 6 months to complete the trek. I am not in any hurry and can take longer if needed. If my body allows it, I may try to pick up the pace - Iāll take it as it comes.
I am working on getting in shape, losing weight, and building my endurance, but from my 2014 attempt I learned that no workout I can do (especially w/ my work schedule) will fully prepare me for hiking 8-12 hrs/day on the AT and its up and down terrain.
My most important lessons learned from my 2014 hike -
1-I can do this and love doing it
2-It is not for everyone
3-I need to listen to and respect my body. If I hike w/in my limits, I CAN DO THIS.
Any other advice for the āseniorā hiking class?
Thanks.