When Injury Sidelines You

There is nothing more frustrating than experiencing an injury that keeps you from doing what you love to do. Especially hiking. After completing a three-week journey on the Allegheny Trail, I came home, did too much, and ended up with severe hip pain and sciatica. Diagnosis - hip separation and muscle overuse (possible piriformis syndrome). Right now I have a tendinitis issue from compensation due to a fracture in my toe after stubbing it on a rock. My third AT completion attempt is now on hold.

So now I am sidelined. I am no longer a happy hiker, enjoying what the trail has to offer, but resigned to icing, Physical Therapy, and simple walks. I’ve had injuries that have given me issues for many years. It’s not an easy thing to deal with when you are active.

So what do you do when injury strikes?

1.      First off, if you’ve suffered an injury, don’t be brave and keep hiking on it. You’ll just do more damage. Pain and swelling is your body's way of trying to tell you to STOP. So stop hiking. Period. (I only got off trail when the humidity and foot pain became too much. Later, I found out I had hiked over 70 miles on a broken big toe!).

2.      RICE. Rest, ice, elevation, compression.  DO it immediately after an injury happens. Don’t wait 24 hrs. It impedes the healing process. And be sure its ICE. Don’t ever put heat on an injury. If your stomach can handle it, taking ibuprofen (Advil) helps ease the inflammation. If you can’t, Tylenol helps with pain. Turmeric is also an anti-inflammatory.

3.     See the doctor. Many times, you can try to deal with the injury at home. But in my case, I did not wait as things were not improving. Sometimes it's good not to wait, to ward off other issues (like scar tissue forming). In severe cases with major swelling, pain, etc., you need a doctor to evaluate it. You may need x-rays to make sure something isn’t broken (I could walk with my injured toe, but only an X-ray showed I had indeed fractured it). You may need physical therapy to get back in the groove as soon as the injury allows. With the cost of medical care, sometimes this is put off. Only you know how bad it is.

4.       Eat nutritious food. If you are going to be sidelined for a while, be sure the food you eat is good for you. Don’t eat sugar and useless carbs thinking it will make you feel better. It won’t and may even worsen things. Protein, fiber-based foods, and lots of water are important to the healing process and for your well-being.

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5.      Try not to get depressed. Easier said than done, especially when you see your buddies hiking and you’re sitting. But most have suffered like you have in one form or another. Most have been sidelined. Think of this as rest time to do other things that maybe you haven’t done. Think of the projects you can accomplish while you’re mending. Be sure to be outside too as sunshine is important to elevating your mood. Talk to others who have had injuries. Above all, give yourself time to heal by giving your body (and you) a break.

6.       Engage in other physical activities that don’t aggravate the injury. I have an exercise bike. Yeah, I hate the thing. But it’s better than nothing for cardiovascular means. A swimming pool works wonders also. Do some strengthening exercises (check online for exercises that have to do with your injury to begin rehabilitating it when the pain allows). Stay involved. When you are able, return slowly to your activity. Don’t push it or you could find yourself back at square one.

7.       Above all, be patient. It takes time to heal ligaments, tendons, and bones. Let your body do its job. Then you will be raring to go and ready to tackle that trail in no time. Remember, the trail is going nowhere. You will be back when the time is perfect.

Related Blogs

Ankle Injuries
Oh My Aching Knees

When Plans Change

First Aid and Trail Medicine

Are You Ready for a Big Hike? Besides Gear, Consider These Steps

How do you get ready physically for the demands of an extended backpacking trip? The goal of just doing a trip is the first step to starting the process.

Here are a few tips I’ve used to begin the process and get myself ready for that next great adventure.

Set a Goal

More than anything, a backpacking trip is a mental venture. You can do the physical preparedness as best you can in gear and meals, but it’s the enjoyment of reaching a goal and enjoying the journey that ultimately leads to success. So spend some time thinking about your hiking goals. Where do you want to go? How much time do you have to hike? Go over some trail guides and seek the advice of others on social media as to the trails that might work. Check out YouTube videos. Make notes and look over your personal calendar. Check also travel arrangements and anything needing to be done with the job or the home. With the goal in mind, you can now begin to work toward it. Sharing about it in social media forums also helps set the goal before you.

Getting in Shape - Diet

 If you are one of those that may need to shed a few pounds, start by choosing good foods now. There is no need to do some kind of diet fad. In fact, doing that and then eating junk on your hike can cause major issues.

Veggies, especially the green types, lean meats and fish, whole wheat products, and drinking plenty of water are good choices. Try to cut down on refined sugary products and useless carbohydrates like white breads, crackers, muffins, things that will spike your sugar levels. Also, when you feel full, stop eating. Don’t take the second helping. Controlling portions helps. Look into intermittent fasting. A few pounds shed now is less that needs to be carried on the trip.

Getting in Shape - Physical Activity

If you have never engaged in physical activity, start slow. A walk around the neighborhood for instance. Take the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Park a good distance away from where your need to go and walk there instead. Walk as much as you can and slowly increase the amount of walking you do. I’ve heard of some walking up and down bleachers at school stadiums, etc. if there are no hills in your area. You can also load up a day pack and head for the hills. Every step helps.

I do day hiking in nearby Shenandoah to prepare. But any place where you can walk will do.

If you have trails to walk, try to get out on weekend and enjoy a few mile hike, increasing the mileage as time goes by. Later on, you can load up the backpack you plan to take and carry it. I’ve been seen carrying my backpack on trips around the neighborhood. I also alternate jogging with hiking or cross-training. One day I'll hike 8-10 miles, the other days I am out jogging 2-3 miles. You can also alternate with other sports, like biking, swimming, etc. I have to admit I am not a treadmill person, but if this is what you have to work with, then use it. But stay as active as you can.

The Big Day Arrives!

Don’t worry if you are not in great shape. The trail will do it for you in no time. Keep your miles low and the weight in your backpack low. Start out slow. Realize that aches, pains, and blisters are all part of doing something your body is not accustomed to. You will adapt. Most of all, enjoy the journey, whether on your own or with family or friends. Take lots of pictures and share about your trip. 

Where Should I Go? Six Things to Consider When Determining Your Hiking Trip

There are so many places. So many trails. So many adventures waiting to be had.

Lots of trails. Lots of choices. 

What to do? Where to go? 

First, take a deep breath. Yes there are lots of places to explore. Maybe this is not the year though to do the big trails. The shorter trails, even trails in your own state, can bring great satisfaction and unique experiences than just the big trails we always hear about. No one heard of the Allegheny Trail in West Virginia which I thru-hiked in the past. It doesn't get the major press and hoopla. But wow, did I learn a lot by doing it. And grew in my hiking knowledge that I can now share with others. And it ended up being the catalyst for the Florida Trail the following winter. One never knows where a hiking adventure will lead. 

My finish of the 1100 mile Florida Trail, Feb, 2018

If you are planning a big one – like a multi-day backpacking trip, take a few things into consideration in planning. Some say you can just drop everything and go. Not wise. By taking the time to think things through that maybe you hadn’t yet considered, you will be steered towards that perfect trip meant for you! And without the distractions, misplanning can cause.

1.       Time. Do you have the time to do the trip you are considering? Will you need to take vacation time from work? Or a leave of absence for a major hike? Take into consideration how long the trip will take. You won’t be able to do 20-mile days. A 50-mile trip may take you five days. Plan accordingly.

2.       Money. It takes money to do a trip. Money for gear. For traveling to and from your destination. For expenses on the hike. For paying the bills or other needs on the homefront if you will be gone for an extended period of time. Be sure there are the finances to do this. Don’t think – oh, I will earn money on the way. Or I can skimp on things along the way. Or raid hiker boxes, etc. More often than not it never works out the way you think it will in the comfort of your home. Always plan for more money than you will need. Save up and be self-sufficient.

3.       Physical State. How are you physically? It is important to know if you are able to hike safely the trip you have planned. Even weekend getaways. Carrying a backpack is not the same as walking or running. It uses muscles differently, especially bearing a full load. For instance, if you are having knee issues, it’s doubtful they will suddenly go away on a hike! So take care to get checked out by the Dr. Get fixed what needs fixing so you don’t exacerbate a condition. If you need to change shoes do so. Work on physical strengthening, etc., do it. And make sure you have the proper gear and you are not burdening yourself with lots of extra weight that can rapidly turn a trip into a grueling experience. Learn from others on what to bring and what not to bring.

4.       Social Aspects. Are you going on this hike with others or going alone? Both need planning. For instance if going with a buddy, do you both hike roughly the same pace? Can you live with that person for an extended time? If the buddy must leave the trail on a long-distance trek, can you go on alone or are you sharing gear? Decide who carries what gear or if you should carry your own (which is a better idea). If you are going solo, prepare with your safety in mind. Maps, a cell phone, a guidebook, knowledge, even some personal safety devices like the Garmin Inreach. Are you also ready mentally to spend days and nights alone? Much of this can decide the kind of trip you want to do.

5.       Gear. Do you have the gear for the season and the area you plan to hike? Research ahead of time what you are going to need to accomplish your adventure. Adequate footwear, clothing, outerwear, sleep and cookwear. The backpack. All important. But remember, gear first, backpack last. Make sure you know weather conditions ahead of time and prepare accordingly for whatever you might face.

6.       The Mental Aspects. Are you accomplishing a hike to chip off sections on the AT? Doing a thru-hike of the John Muir Trail? Or going on your first expedition? Are you seeking waterfalls or a great view? Or another hiking challenge. Whatever it is, be sure your heart and mind are into it. The mental aspect of a hike is the number one thing that can kill it altogether if you are not ready and eager to get out there and experience the lows as well as the highs. The good and the bad. All of it is a learning experience. Stay positive even in the hard stuff. Limit expectations and take it one day at a time.

By looking at these different aspects of a hiking journey, you can better prepare for the perfect trip to fulfill your hiking dream this year. 

Do I Need to Be in Physical Shape to Hike?

“Do I Need to Be in Physical Shape to Hike?”- a young hiker asked tentatively on social media.

I responded in the thread – “No. The trail will help in that.”

And was rebuked in front of all. I was informed that is bad advice. Dangerous advice. Advice that can put that hiker in jeopardy. Make them miserable and quit. I had no business saying that. Of course  

they need to be in the best shape they can!

I thought about that. If one needs to be in physical shape to accomplish a trail.

I thought then about my son, a couch-type guy, in no shape whatsoever, who did the entire Appalachian Trail with me (in fact, he wanted to quit midway, in the best shape of his life at that point).  

I thought about the seven-year-old child who has done it. I thought about the blind person who did it, the one who has joint replacements, the 80 year old woman, the one with heart issues, cancer, or other issues, do it….

Were they physically fit?

No.

What did they have then that physical shape did not?

The will to accomplish something great in their lives.

I believe in the power of the mind. The will. I have seen the powerful will overcome whatever physical limitations a body has. I have seen folks with the drive and determination to make things happen and succeed when the odds speak against it. I have also seen physically fit people quit because they were mentally miserable. Multiple times.

To me - if you keep walking, it makes sense the physical shape will come right along with it. If you stop, it won’t.

That is what I meant by saying – the trail will get you in physical shape. “If” you keep walking.

You see, I was one of those people that was told I couldn’t do something (both in grade school and when I was injured as an adult). I was not in physical shape at all. I had a sports doctor tell me I’d never hike again because of a bad ankle. It was all impossible. But I found a doctor who said I could accomplish it. Most importantly, I had my will, my dream that I had dreamed for 30 years to keep me going. What the body seemingly could not do, the will could. And the body followed. One way or the other. Short or long.

The Florida Trail, a flat trail - is mental!

SO I did it. The Appalachian Trail, not once but twice. The Florida Trail. The Allegheny Trail. The Long Trail. The Colorado Trail. And yeah, I wanted to quit. I had physical issues. Mental issues. But I rose up with prayer and the will to do it. On some of those hikes I was in great shape when I wanted to quit. I was miserable anyway. But the mind overcame it. I found a reason to go on.  

Is it necessary to be in physical shape? It can’t hurt, except if that physical shape is from bicycling or running, for sudden backpacking and carrying a load uphill can still cause mega issues (those sports uses different muscle sets than hiking. ITB issues are major). Cardiovascular shape can help some. But I advise getting your mind in shape above all. And through that strong mind, you will make the right decisions so that you ARE in the best shape to hike. You will make the right decision with planning. Goal setting. The gear you need. Safety. Going to see the doctor and dentist too to make sure you are set (you never want to forego annual physicals). Have the mind ready to get up and do a hike, even in rain, sleet, snow, or when you are hurting or feel like, why am I doing this? You will keep walking. You will get in shape because you keep walking. But most of all, you keep walking in response to the will to keep walking. Then you will see a dream reached.

That is what I feel and believe and share with others. I don’t believe it's dangerous advice. I believe it’s victorious to achieve a dream.

4000 Miler. When doctor said I couldn't...

Rain... Part of a Hiker's Life

Blissful in the fog of PA before descending down to Palmerton

I felt like tonight I should blog about rain, since many hikers out this year are encountering rainy events. And not just any rain, but sometimes major events or even tropical systems. There can be downpours and strong winds. Heavy stuff. There isn't much weather protection that can keep you and your gear dry in that kind of extreme weather, except a good ol' warm hostel or other place of refuge.

But rain is a fact of life on the trail. And you must protect your gear and yourself. In some conditions it can be a life saver, especially if you hit the 50 degree temperatures with a wind that can actually cause hypothermia to set in rapidly. Hypothermia is a condition where your core body temperature begins to drop. Symptoms include shivering, clumsiness, poor decision making, weakness, drowsiness - if it progresses further you are in serious trouble. In the case where the temperatures warrant it, I always don my full gear - rain jacket, rain hat, and my rain pants. In the summer I don't bring rain pants as its warm enough that a good shower can actually feel good. My son loved to carry an umbrella. But in colder conditions they can help prevent you from getting soaked to the skin and having real issues.

This is a picture that a fellow hiker took of me atop Springer Mountain during my southbound hike a few years back. It shows me with full rain gear in action as it is November. Because of my glasses issue, I prefer wearing a rain hat. I have tried both the Marmot and Outdoor Research brands and has served me well. I am wearing a Marmot precip rain jacket (the orange color here came in handy when I hiked through the states of TN and NC in the fall and full hunting season with hunters out actually carrying their rifles - slightly unnerving). I did switch to DriDucks for a light weight option in the summer and it served me well on the Long Trail, but note - it is NOT durable if pine branches snag it! You can purchase rain gear made of simple silnylon or cuben fiber but remember they do not vent well and you may find yourself wetter on the inside than the outside. My son disliked rain gear and carried a lite umbrella for the summer rains on our thru hike of the AT.

In the above photo I am also wearing Marmot precip pants. On warmer days, a rain skirt such as the ones sold on Lightheart Gear has done well to keep the upper part of me dry. I only have regular trail runners on, not waterproof, but on a nice sunny day afterwards, I find they dry out amazingly well. But I did use a pair of the Gore Tex waterproof trail runners to test them out in the spring snow-like conditions. And I must say, having dry feet at night sure felt good.

As for pack protection, in this photo my husband sewed for me a sil nylon pack cover (we also made our own stuff sacks). You can get kits to make your own covers like this at Thru-hiker Gear which sells kits and materials for that creative person. I have met hikers that have made many of their own gear items, including a backpack, a sleeping bag, a vest, etc. Just recently I purchased a Sea to Summit pack cover and it has worked out well. But in heavy downpours, no pack cover keeps a pack dry, so it behooves you to keep the contents dry.  On the inside I have lined my pack with a trash compactor bag. The thicker the bag (in milliliters), the better. After a heavy storm though, I found the Z packs cuben fiber pack liner a must-have, esp as I still got water inside the trashbag line.  Nothing gets by this - it's bombproof. They also make a variety of stuff sacks for clothing and sleeping bag (which must stay dry no matter what). Worth the $$. I tend to go overboard and double bag my camp and clothes and sleeping bag. if all else fails and you are wet and cold, these can really save you and make you comfortable. Be sure also to have a working stove to heat up water for hot soups and drinks, and carry a good tent to protect you at night.

These are a few ways I have coped with rain while hiking. Sometimes its hard to see the fog rolling in and know you are missing some good views. But there is also good to be found on a rainy, foggy day. Clean fresh air. Plenty of water at the springs and streams when you need it. And knowing the sun will eventually come out.

Mental Aspect of Long Distance Hiking Explored – Part 2 After the Trail

Congratulations! You’ve finished the trail. You’ve completed the goal. You’ve basked in the glow of it all and the congratulations of others.

Then it hits. You are back in society. Back to the grind of a job, perhaps. Or there with no job and needing to pay bills. Back to society like a busy city. The simple life is gone. It’s so complicated and overwhelming. I yearn for trail life again.

Help!!

I know, I‘ve been there. It’s already coming to light that there can be a certain stress syndrome involved with hikers leaving long distance trail life and returning home.  You can get depressed, anxious, nervous, moody. You can’t think, can’t sleep, can’t do multiple or complicated tasks. You try fitting back in but feel you are only on the outside looking in. You wonder what to do and really, how to live again.

So what can you do?

Realize that you will experience some kind of post trail stress after returning home. I dealt with a letdown – (lots of this is chemically induced that happens when engaged in high activity then suddenly crash when that activity ceases). I dealt with guilt for having been away from home and leaving my husband. I dealt with the guilt of not being able to do certain things, like multi-tasking. I was used to the simple life of a hiker with lots of exercise, plenty of sunshine, and limited decision-making. So give yourself a break and realize there’s going to be some adjustment involved, and it may take time. Have a plan BEFORE you hike is crucial so you aren’t overwhelmed when you return home. Especially if you need to make financial or life changing decisions. Limit those for now until you adapt back into society.

After two AT hikes, I turned to ridgerunning and speaking

Go on a diet post trail. Why should I? I look great. Not for long. Your metabolism will slow down and the pounds will start adding up quick. DO NOT eat what you did on the trail. You are no longer using up 4-6,000 calories and can therefore eat useless carbs. Stop now and eat lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and good types of protein. DO NOT eat a bunch of Snickers candy bars like you did on your hikes. The sugar alone can send you crashing and your mood crashing too. No potato mixes, Ramen, stuffing either. Eating healthy helps you feel better. Drink lots of water too. And skip the sugary drinks and alcohol.

Go on an exercise regimen. I started a running program. You need to do something aerobic. Don’t just stop everything. Your body will rebel. So will your mind. Start by some jogging. Or just walking. Walk everywhere. Keep walking and running if you can. If you can take a day hike at times, do it. But do not STOP exercising! Your body and mind need the chemicals exercise generates to help you feel better and sleep better. And you need the sunshine.

If you find you are not in sunshine a lot or its winter take some Vitamin D3. This will help ward off colds (it’s easy to get sick when you are home and around the public) and helps strengthen bones and the immune system.

Reconnect. Set up interviews (like town newspapers) and places to share about your hiking experiences. Write about them on trail journals. Or blog about them. Offer to speak about your journey so others can experience it. Become involved on social media in hiker forums to help others realize their hiking dreams. Concentrating on others rather than yourself helps lift your mood. Find a job having to do with your interests (I turned to ridgerunning and speaking). Be a part of a hiking group in your neighborhood. Or take kids hiking. We started a church youth group and took kids on lots of adventures. Get involved with scouts. Or become involved in trail maintenance. DO something and share about your experience with others! By all means stay in touch on line or by phone with other hikers and join in on an event that brings hikers together. Plan to attend Trail Days or other activities too. I also get involved more in praying and reading the Bible. I felt it helped me a lot by letting God give me the strength when I had none.

Be sure you reconnect with those you left behind. Be a part of their lives. You may have been on the trail for many months. I had get togethers with my friends and showed pictures of my hikes. I went and acted in a play with my husband and son to reconnect our family. Try some new but simple things that maybe

To reconnect in our family post hike, our family performed in a play 

you’ve never done. Avoid multi tasking. and work toward a new goal or dream. Resist the urge though to get out on another long distance hike right after the first. It may be tempting, but honestly, the problems will still be there when you return. Make the adjustment but keep goals for future hikes in mind.

If you find yourself overwhelmed, then by all means seek professional help like a counselor. You may need a little more doctoring afterwards, just like if we suffer a physical injury from too much stress. Stress can lead to mental injury that also needs doctoring. So seek help if things are just not working. Especially seek help if you are feeling like life is not worth living or at all contemplating ending your life – SEEK HELP! Please!    

Most importantly don’t be too hard on yourself. It takes time. Don’t set yourself up with tons of things to accomplish. I found I couldn’t multi-task for a while and told my husband that. Do one thing at a time and do that one thing well. You’ll start getting back into the groove of community living again. But it can take time, so don’t get discouraged. Cherish the great memories you had on the trail and look forward to making new ones.

Related Blog

A Mental Aspect of Long Distance Hiking Explored - Part 1, The Before

How Easy It Is to Quit on the Trail

How Easy it is to Quit

I have hiked in all kinds of weather. Snow, sleet, thunderstorms, rain. And I know how tempting it is to walk away from the hiking trip you’ve planned for weeks or even months, only to see yourself calling up a friend to take you home. It’s not easy when even your first day in the woods is spent in heavy rain and wind that soaks you. Or your muscles are crying out for relief. The terrain is battering your flesh to a pulp. Or this wave comes over you of – “What am I doing out here!” Yes, I have been through all of it and more.

Some reasons why hikers may quit their hike and some solutions:

1.       Heavy pack weight. You are carrying everything you can think of, and normally that means you are carrying way too much to make the hike comfortable. Take out needless ounces that add up to pounds. Take only what you will use. See if there are weight-saving alternatives, like a headlamp vs. a heavy flashlight. A small knife rather than a big one. Chemical treatment for water vs. a pump. A titanium pot vs. a heavy aluminum one. Also, hikers tend to carry too much food. I blog on food choices. There are lightweight choices out there, too. Even dried peanut butter. Just be sure you are also packing good nutrition. If you are out for only a weekend  or even a week, you won't yet have the hiker appetite of long distance hiking.  

2.       Long miles. Okay, so some buff hikers breeze by you on their way to a 15 mile day, and you think you should do that too. The next day you can barely move. Not a good idea. Slow miles at first until you acclimate. Give yourself a chance out there. It’s not a race. Or a competition. Take ti easy and enjoy the journey.

3.       Unreasonable expectations. It can go along with the above but you have some grandiose idea what the hike will be like, only to find it is not meeting your expectations of fun. Fun can be defined in many ways. It does not mean it will be pain free. But surely it is better than being stuck at home or behind a desk in the office. Shift your mental aspects to finding some positive things about the experience. A great sunset. A spider web dotted with dew. A flowing stream. The companionship of fellow hikers you meet along the way. The good feeling at meeting a goal, however small or large it is.

4.       Bad Weather.  Yes, a nasty rain can suck the life out of a hike. Things get wet. You get wet. Be sure you are protecting yourself and your gear. Invest in good raingear. A pack cover and a pack liner (I am liking Zpacks pack liner more and more after being through some nasty storms). Bag your sleeping bag and clothes in waterproof bags so if your pack gets wet, your core clothing and sleeping bag is dry. Most of all, realize the sun WILL come out and you WILL be able to dry out.

5.       You’re hurt. Not necessarily an injury (which is a different scenario that may require you to temporarily get off), but you are suffering aches, pains blisters. Well, you are putting your body through things it’s not used to. Realize the pain will not last either, so long as you are wearing the right shoes, the right socks, and carrying the pack that fits you properly. Reducing pack weight will help minimize the aches. Cut your mileage to begin. Dry out your feet whenever you stop. I think gaiters keep your feet pretty hot in warm weather, so I don’t wear them. The little aches and pains will diminish. Take frequent rest breaks. Drink plenty of water. If you can tolerate it, taking some Tylenol will help with the pain. Usually after a few days those pains begin to diminish. If they do not, then you may need to reassess your gear to find out what’s up. Or if there are physical limitations that need to be addressed.

The next time you are thinking of quitting, check out the reasons above and see if you can make some changes. Guaranteed with some minor adjustments, the idea of quitting a hike will become a thing of the past. 

Related Blogs:

Mental Aspects of Long Distance Hiking Explored
Rain...Part of a Hiker's Life
When Injury Sidelines You

Top Five Worries About Thru-Hiking the AT

Blissful Hiking is republishing this excellent guest blog by thru hiker "Datto" with some good commentary on the worries hikers have concerning a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail and applicable in many ways to any long distance trail or hike.
 

Okay, so you're looking to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and have some worries and concerns. Let's go through the Top Five Worries About Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail -- if others want to contribute and add their list of AT thru-hiking worries and remedies, by all means jump right in:

Worry Five: My [girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse, parents, friends, resident alien, mother-in-law] think the idea of leaving work and your good life back home just to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail is nuts.

It's unsafe. It's irresponsible. It's useless. It's impossible. I could go on and on describing all the reasons I've heard before, during and after my AT thru-hike. The best one was the utterance said right to my face when I had been thinking of thru-hiking the AT: "Why would you ever want to doing something like that?" and I'd responded, "Why did they climb Everest?" and the response back to me was, "That was almost as crazy!" It's still makes me smile to think about that day. Look, the vast majority of people don't like change and society doesn't like things off the curve. But you'll find those experiences are the specific things that make life memorable, that make life worth living, that allow you to live life fully. Taking on great challenges -- and succeeding. I honestly can't thing of many things more enlightening, enjoyable, just-plain-fun, exciting, frustrating or memorable that I've done in my short life than my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. For extra credit, look at the link to view my listing of the Top Ten Likely Benefits From Completing Your AT Thru-hike that I'd composed previously. And you'd want to give up the things on that list of likely benefits just so you could go to work every day and come home at night to watch Wheel Of Fortune? Maybe your mother-in-law was right about you. Wapner. Wapner at 4:30.

Worry Four: I'll run out of money.

That's a big concern since running out of money is in the top five reasons AT thru-hikes end prematurely. It's pretty simple -- if you haven't saved $5,000 cash to spend on your AT thru-hike, it's likely you'll run out of money or may go into considerable debt just to complete your AT thru-hike. That $5,000 cash includes the money you spend from the time you get on the plane/train/bus in your home town to when you arrive back in your home town after you complete your AT thru-hike. It includes gear you would replenish or replace on the Trail but not gear you start the Trail with at Springer Mountain for northbounders or Katahdin for southbounders. Even if you have $5,000 saved up, here's an important part of the utilization of that $5,000 -- if you're a northbounder you need to have one-half of that amount still available to you when you reach the southern Connecticut border. Reason: the New England states are very eye-opening expensive and you've been spoiled by the cheaper costs of the southern Appalachian Trail states.

Worry Three: I don't know if I'm physically capable of carrying a backpack 2,186 miles.

You would not believe the number of people I know who had started their AT thru-hikes in the absolutely worst physical shape you can imagine. Way overweight, all kinds of medications they had to take that made them [choose your side-effect here], all kinds of physical disabilities. I know people who were seventy pounds overweight who made it from Springer Mountain, GA to Katahdin in Maine. Heck, a blind guy started his AT thru-hike with his white cane and went over all those rocks in North Carolina moving the cane back and forth. Earl Shaffer was just ahead of me on his third AT thru-hike when I was on my AT thru-hike -- and he was 80 years old. That's right -- 80 years old. So, are you telling me you can't do what an 80 year old guy could do, a blind guy could do and someone who starts their AT thru-hike being 70 lbs overweight could do? As some sage thru-hikers before me have said, "It's just walkin'". You get used to it, relish it, begin to enjoy it, begin to enjoy the life on the Trail. And you know what? When you have completed your thru-hike you'll likely think it was the best time of your life.

Worry Two: What if I get bored -- I've never been in the woods for that long of a period of time and I've never been away from my family for that long of a time -- maybe I should arrange to start my AT thru-hike with someone?

Ha, if you're a northbounder you have no worries at all. The Trail will be crawling with people who are starting their own AT thru-hikes. You don't need to find someone to start an AT thru-hike with -- there will be loads of people hiking along with you. Interesting people from all walks of life -- hairdressers, history teachers, recent college graduates, retirees, Army generals, furniture salespeople, people just back from the Peace Corps or similar, computer professionals, divorcees, happily married folks, rich executives, people who've been out of work for a long time, foreigners, domestics, conservatives, liberals, people with alternative lifestyles back in "society", FBI agents, journalists and cab drivers. Those are just some of the individuals who I'd hiked with during my AT thru-hike. On the Trail it's a microcosm of the world. It's not just crazy outdoorsy people -- in fact, outdoorsy people are pretty much few and far between. I would say it's more about people from all walks of life wanting an adventure, wanting a challenge, wanting to do something interesting with themselves. The outdoorsy part you learn on the Trail if you don't already have it when you start. You'll probably meet people for the first time right on the top of Springer Mountain, who've also climbed up the side of the mountain to start their AT thru-hike just like you, that you'll also go up Katahdin with when you finish your thru-hike in Maine. I know it is hard to believe -- I was told that it would be that way by past thru-hikers when I was preparing for my AT thru-hike and I'd been skeptical of it. But you know what? I met up with several of the people I'd first met on Springer Mountain, GA when I went up Katahdin six months later. You develop friendships along the Trail -- sometimes life-long friends, sometimes romances, most of the time it's people you'd never met before you'd started your AT thru-hike. Some of those people are not going to be at all like you -- but you'll still enjoy each others company. I can tell you I met up with introverts, extraverts, groups of hikers, people who liked to hike and camp alone, devoutly religious folks and atheists, Moms and Dads. It's takes all kinds to show up one day by chance and start north from Springer Mountain or south from Katahdin. There isn't necessarily a "type" per se but since you are reading this I can expressly say that you are the type and you'll meet up with many of your type right on the Trail during the first few weeks of your AT thru-hike. So don't worry about it at all.

Worry One: What will I do afterwards?

Now there is something to think about while you're hiking. Not every day, just occasionally -- once a month or so. There's a chance when you get to about, oh, mile 2,000, you're going to think to yourself, "I can't go back to how it was before. Not after having experienced this." The "this" meaning your life on the Trail. One suggestion I can give you -- if you have the ability, plan ahead of time to take 30 days after you complete your AT thru-hike to put a plan together before you start moving in any direction with your life. It will give you time for perspective as well as time to get yourself back to experiencing that amazing colossal spigot in the kitchen that has clean flowing water coming out of it that doesn't need to be treated. Take a walk through your local Wal-mart after your thru-hike and gaze upon the people who never had the chance, nor will have the chance, to experience what you've had over the course of several recent months. Watch how other people lead their lives. What you currently think is normal, before your AT thru-hike, may seem so odd when you return from completing your AT thru-hike. When you first watch the Nightly News upon return from the AT, remember about all the kindness that you'd experienced on the Trail, about the happiness you saw first-hand for yourself. That is how the world truly is -- not the way it is presented on a nineteen inch diagonal view of the world. Whatever you decide to do with yourself after you return from your AT thru-hike, I know you are going to be thankful.

Best of adventures to you!

Datto

10 Things to Do Before You Begin Your Long Distance Hike

You’ve been thinking abut this trip forever, it seems. Your big step onto a long distance trail hike. The nerves are getting to you a bit but so is great expectation. Especially the gnawing sensation if you have everything you really need to do this. Try this checklist to see if you have covered all your bases before you embark on your adventure.

1. Your gear. Have you got everything you need for what may lie ahead? Esp. weather wise? Try this

Gear choices can be overwhelming. Do the best you can.

gear list to see if you may have forgotten something, even the small stuff. Have some money on hand during your hike to replace some gear issues for long distance hiking. Even if your gear choices aren't perfect, it will be ok. Some extra money can help remedy some of that, esp if it is a safety issue. Other times, just let it go.

2. Your means of communication. While we like to get away from the electronics out in the wild, electronics are necessary for planning ahead, calling home, checking on shuttles and hostels, unplanned emergencies, etc. Plan for a cell phone. Some family members may want to follow your progress so consider a SPOT or similar device. Leave an itinerary at home. Though it may change, it gives your loved ones an idea where you will be.

3. Your navigation. Most say just follow the blazes, but lots of time, esp. in surprise weather, that doesn’t always work. Have the means for navigation on you. Maps (or map apps for your cell phone), current guidebook and / or guidebook pages, etc. If using a phone for map apps, be sure you have an extra power pack for it. A compass is an added bonus, but make sure you know how to use it. Same for a GPS for certain hard to follow trails.

 

4. Your health. Have you been to the doctor AND dentist for all necessary checkups? Make sure you will have the medicines you need. How about extra prescriptions, esp. for glasses should they break while on the trail? Do you have a prescription for things like doxycycline for a tick bite on the trail? Also, be up to date on shots like Tetanus. Don’t forget to bring a good first aid kit and consider taking a first aid course before the trip. 

5. Your money. Check your accounts to make sure everything is up to date and you have the money you need should you have to spend a few extra days in town due to bad weather, illness, gear replacement, etc. Carry some cash on you as well as a debit card and credit card on you, along with your driver’s license or other form of ID. Be sure you have an extra debit card at home to mail out just in case the magnetic strip wears out.

6. Your trail mail. Are you expecting mail on the trail? Make sure you have your mail drops ready to go or a person ready to do them for you and a responsible person to mail them. As things can change en route, be sure you give yourself plenty of time for the drops to get there. Use Priority Mailing case you need to forward drops (which can be done for free if you don’t pick up the box at the PO). Use this checklist for maildrops and what to put in them.

7. Your house, bills, pets. Is your place or residence being cared for as well as the bills for it? Things like this can really distract from a hike unless you have prepared for it. Make sure all these things are covered. That also includes any pets left at home – that they are cared for by responsible people and have the food, medicines, vet info, etc they need.

8. Your job. If you have a leave from your job, make sure everything is OK at work for you to return. If you quit your job, have some ideas what you will do when you get back. Maybe make a list or have an idea of a job that interests you.  Be sure there is money to cover several months of bills after you get back as you look for a job or to pay the bills until you start work and get paid.

9. After the trail. Prepare for the after the trail doldrums. See my blog on coping with post-trail issues

which are very real after any major hike. Don’t
let depression and other issues kill the joy of your great adventure.

10. Now…Relax. The bases are covered, so get out there and enjoy it. Take it day by day. And don’t be afraid to change things on your hike if needed. Be flexible. The journey is more mental than physical.  

A Mental Aspect of Long Distance Hiking Explored – Part 1 The Before

Just recently on Facebook, a hiker made an interesting yet accurate observation concern hiking. He said -

“I'm going to bring up a touchy subject but it needs to be considered as you prepare for your own journey on the AT (Appalachian Trail). Simply put, a thru-hike of any long distance trail is not a solution (to) the problems and stresses that face you in everyday life. When the work and strain of 5-6 months is over and the exhilaration is fading, you will find that all those stresses and problems are still there. As (another hiker) so accurately pointed out, that can lead directly to a post trail stress disorder of its own. Perhaps you're thinking, I can just go on to the next trail and everything will be OK. Wrong. The truth is, if you’re hiking to fix your life problems, you're not fixing them, just postponing them. The trail can give you time to think and prepare, minus your normal daily stresses, but it is not a permanent fix for dealing with them. The trail can certainly build you a support network of other hikers, trail angels, ridge runners, etc. but the first thing you have to do is acknowledge is the trail is its own journey and not a complete substitute for the journey of your life.”

What he said is so true. I have seen hikers out there who think a hike and the trail will solve their life’s pressing issues. Yes it can be a marvelous time to sort out those things. The fresh air and sunlight along with the physical exercise, can invite a sense of well-being and provides many mental health benefits. But once the hike is over (and at some time it must end) you are then faced with life itself. And that’s where the issues can come into play.

It’s important not only to get ready physically, prepare your gear, map out your goals, etc. But one must get ready mentally too. Not just for what the trail can dish out. But make mental preparations now for the aftermath of your adventure. That is best done before you set out on your hike. For instance, do you have job prospects lined up so there is work to do when you get back? Are you financially secure enough to take time away for a long distance hike, yet not be out on the street homeless afterwards because of no money?

It’s important before and while on the trail to involve friends and family back home. The trail family you meet are great, and you may stay in touch with them once you get off. But it’s important to keep those contacts you now have. They may be the very ones who can help you adapt back into life post trail. 

I also believe in having an active spiritual life. Praying, meditating, reading (I find much solace in the Bible) helps a great deal. Be sure to maintain a spiritual life especially before during and after the hike. I find God to be a source of great strength, understanding, and help in times of need. No matter how big or small that need is.

In Part II I examine a few steps you can take to curb the post trail stress that sometimes strikes after a long distance hike.

Other Mental Issues on a Hike

Are You Ready to Hike?

How Easy it is to Quit

Quitting a Hike - Valuable Insights

When Injury Sidelines You

Quitting a Hike - Valuable Insights

Why doesn't one finish the hike they had planned? Following up on an earlier blog I wrote on a similar topic, I wanted to share this very insightful post from a fellow hiker on White Blaze. There are some good insights to consider. 




"This spring I set out to do a 6 week section, and didn't make it as far as I wanted to. So I guess I'll talk about why I quit. I actually quit twice, went home for a week and then hit the trail again with some gear readjustments.

Gear Issues:
Started with a 40lb pack the first time. Brought "7 days" of food that I didn't eat more then 1/4 of in the first week. All that extra weight put a lot of strain on my knees, ankles, and muscles. Fixed second time out, carried 25 lbs. Still brought too much food, but much more reasonable load.

Physical Issues:
Did not have enough physical preparation for the hike. Ramped up my mileage too quickly, went from doing 7s to 17s and didn't let myself rest at all, just kept trying to do more mileage than I had the day before. This from a basically sedentary lifestyle. My body just didn't have time to heal day after day.

Dietary/Nutritional Issues:
I brought "too much food" but I also wasn't eating enough, or necessarily the right things. Crashed really hard the first week because I hadn't eaten more than 300 calories in 24 hours. That was a really rough day, but taught me to make myself eat something even if I'm not hungry. But my diet on the trail was very low in protein and iron, which are needed to build all that muscle. By the time I quit for the second time blood tests showed my iron levels were very low. I basically made myself anemic by building too much muscle too quickly without proper nutrition.

Mental Issues:
I hiked alone, and being a normally pretty solitary person I had no idea that the loneliness would get to me so much. Some people on WB complain about "overcrowding" on the trail, but hiking in New England in the early season it was very empty. Went entire days only seeing 1-2 other people and spending the night alone, I couldn't handle it. I probably wouldn't have quit if I had a partner with me to keep me from overstretching myself and skipping meals, and keep me from getting so bored/lonely.

Things I'll Change: Plan to try a section again next year, with a few differences. My gear list the second time out, being about 25 pounds with food and water, worked out well. I plan to be more physically prepared by doing more warm up hikes, and make myself eat properly and take resting days. Going to bring nutritional supplements, especially iron, but being more in shape to start will help with those deficits, too. Going to hike with a partner, or if I cannot find one look for a more populated part of the trail, probably by starting further south that early in the season."                
- courtesy of "Amanita"  



What are some reasons you haven't finished what you started out to do? Feel free to post a comment below (where it says Post a Comment.)