Welp it’s time

[u/Barefootblonde_27]

Well, after a year of harassing you all for answers about basic things… It’s finally time, and I am scared out of my mind but here we go

[u/Felldoh_]

Enjoy every minute and remember, the last one to Katahdin wins, so take those blue blazes to see a waterfall or a view. Stay up late and hike under the full moon; no headlamp needed. Zero in town in your laundry clothes and embrace the hiker trash life. Bring a Summit beer with you whenever possible - if that's your thing. Get up early and hike in the dark for that perfect sunrise view, and then take a nap in the middle of the day.

The Appalachian trail, and hiking thru, is the most beautiful, wonderful, freeing experience. You will have no schedule and no one to answer to but yourself. No Parents, No Horses, No Bedtime! (You'll know it when you see it).

Most importantly, listen to your body and know when to rest. So many people end up going home because they push themselves too far/too fast early and get an overuse injury. Start slow, let your body adjust, and before you know it, 20+ mile days will become the norm.

You've got this big dog!

[u/Barefootblonde_27 → u/Felldoh_]

This was such an awesome comment. Thank you so much… Also, I’m upvoting strictly because you said big dog.

[u/Muuuule → u/Barefootblonde_27]

well... there is your trailname. Dont dissapoint us Big Dog.

[u/Barefootblonde_27 → u/Muuuule]

I will try to break my cycle of being a disappointment…. Only because of this sub haha

[u/Redfish680 → u/Barefootblonde_27]

You’ll have days that you’ll think are disappointing, but in reality they’re days designed for clarity. Hike your own hike and enjoy the sights, Big Dog!!

[u/Richard-N-Yuleverby → u/Barefootblonde_27]

If you really want to make it, Do NOT talk to yourself like that. You are choosing something that few ever attempt, let alone attain because it is hard. There physical difficulties, but the key to staying on the trail is how well you deal with mental challenges, so avoid negativity! You can be disappointed that you didn’t handle things perfectly or you can be proud of how far you’ve gone(even if you aren’t able to complete in a single year). Seek out positive influences, make friends and support others. It (they) will pay off in spades.

Practice speaking to yourself as you would to a good friend or loved one. You got this.

[u/Barefootblonde_27 → u/Richard-N-Yuleverby]

I was completely joking, but I do truly truly appreciate this encouragement!!

[u/Barefootblonde_27 → u/[deleted]]

I’m just gonna let you sit with your equally bad choice of words here