So, what are my chances?

imported
#1

I’m currently planning a thru-hike for next year. True to form, I’ve devoured just about every book I can get my hands on and I’ve gone through a few of the journals and over a years worth of posts here. I own a business which is for sale and will close in October if it doesn’t sell. I’m just sick of the BS here. My sometimes best friend/sometimes significant other/constant source of frustration wants to come along, but that’s doubtful…we have a turbulent relationship and I began planning this on my own.

I have never been hiking. I went to Girl Scout Camp in 4th grade and came home miserable - covered in mosquito bites, poison ivy, and horse piss…yes, it peed on me. I’m wearing $300 shoes and I shower twice a day most days. I am ok with a lot of things, but pooping in a hole scares me. I am a recovering drug addict and I’ve been in some shady situations, but being alone with no one to hear me scream kind of scares me.

On the other hand? If I say it, I do it. I’m the girl who jumped out of a second story window because my little brother said I was a wuss if I didn’t. And used to jump across the abyss on the 11th floor of Rubin Hall at NYU just because people were watching. In other words, I have massive potential to take stupid risks once I say I will - because my word means a lot.

Is it really 90% mental? Because, upstairs? I’ve got this. Physically? I’m not in the best shape right now, but I’ve been through obsessive 3-hours-a-day at the gym 7 days a week bursts. Nothing physical worries me. I dig the idea of not even trying to camp before I leave because I like the shock value. Am I totally dreaming here?

High Maintenance Hiker

#2

you can DO IT

hiker

#3

the AT is just step after step Motivation is in your head and heart. You can do it.

cowboy

#4

alone on the AT, at least if you go NOBO. Unless you want to be, and that’s possible.

BTW are you afraid of mice? If a mouse runs across your face while you’re sleeping in a shelter (the trail kind, not the kind in NYC), will that make you scream? If so, I can guarantee there will be others to hear you scream. :lol

One Nose

#5

No matter what adventure you plan, of course you can do it. But please remember if the direction of your adventure shifts, you will still come away with an amazing adventure full of accomplishments. I started a thru hike and got off to do trail magic, never imagining I would spend my time and money helping a bunch of stinky strangers but that is where I ended up, and it was the BEST summer of my life.

Phoenix Rising

#6

that you’ll make it, as long as you start. The AT is mostly mental unless something breaks or twists (unlikely unless you’re >50 years old). The trail will teach you everything you need to know as well as how little you really need. And you’ll have lots of time to think about what’s next.
As far as not completing I’d say there are three major reasons: lack of will, lack of time, and lack of money. Sounds like the first one isn’t an issue, so make sure the other two aren’t either and you’re golden.
Enjoy the hike.

Goggles

#7

It is mostly a mental game, because it lasts a long, long, long time. It takes so long, in fact, that I wouldn’t recommend doing it just in order to have finished it. Only commit to doing it if you want to spend a number of months hiking. If you hate the act of hiking, or don’t like being in the woods, etc. etc. it will be very easy to talk yourself out of continuing. Even if you keep on keeping on, you’ll be hating it, and the other hikers around you won’t enjoy your company, and will wonder why you’re torturing yourself. One approach would be to take some test hikes ahead of time to see if you have changed since the Girl Scout days. If you are now in the mindset of enjoying the beauty of the natural world, welcome to the club and enjoy your hike!

Five-Leafed Clover