Preperation

Very Recently, i started preparing my body for the abuse it will endure on my hike. I fit somewhere between average and beer belly. So cardio is a must. I have been going to the gym every day during the week with good friends Chase and Nicole. Around a hour and a half of cardio and a hour of weight training. I want to be around 185 when i leave for springer. This will allow me some room for weight loss on the trail and still be healthy.

          Another big step is cutting back on my alcohol. Lord knows i love beer. More than any man should. Iv spent many days at work just counting down the minutes until i can reach into that cooler and grab a ice cold beer. Cutting back from every day to 2 to 3 times a week should be a big help. Is this possible???

Going into a restaurant and ordering a salad and grilled veggies is a big change from a philly, baked potato and a gallon of ranch dressing. It is something i will have to get used to. At least until i drop the weight. Only 15 more pounds until i can start indulging in man food again! My mouth waters just thinking about it...... This is going to be a tough ride.

The Decision To Go

          Lets get something straight. I am not depressed. I am not lost nor morbid. I have a decent job, making decent money. Great family and friends. A house, and a some what dependable vehicle. I am content with myself, who i am, and so far who i have become. I am Truly Happy

"Do i really want to leave all of this behind"

I am sure this is a question that i will ask myself counless times over the next year.

         Maybe staring in awe of the mighty Appalachian Mountians intruiges me, feeling so insignificant in its presance. All of the Challanges flashing before my eyes.  Knowing the physical and mental hardships that will plague me every single inch of this journey.  The reason doesnt even matter. All that matters is i made a promise to myself. A commitment.... to finish what i start. To finish the Appalachian Trail.


I decided to break the news to a few close friends and family members first. To my astonishment the response was suprisingly positive. They Actually believe in me and my abilities. What a wonderful feeling. The next couple of months were full of  "How's,What if's and No ways". Of course i enjoy talking about it. Answering questions and hearing the reactions only adds fuel to the fire.

Is it safe to say i am Obsessed?

Discovering an Obsession

           Backpacking has been a new interest of mine introduced to me recently by a friend. I have Always been an outdoorsman, and i have always enjoyed a challange. Hiking into the wilderness for days with nothing but the bare essentials is a challange right? immediately i was interested.

she also told me about The Appalachian Trail. Sure i have heard of it, but never knew much about it. The more she told me about it the more it sparked my interest. My immediate reaction was "So people actually Hike From Georgia to Maine? Thats a long way aint it? where the hell is Maine"

Before you start making fun of my ignorance, let me put my sheltered life into prospective for you real quick. I am 24 years old. i have never been out of the Carolinas. Never been on a airplane, or a train for that matter. Been to the beach only 1 time in my life. This was as recent as last summer. Never had a interest in traveling. lets just say i have not seen much in my 24 years of existance.

            The Appalachian Trail is a monumental accomplishment for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Completed in 1937, It is one of  the longest continously marked footpaths in the world. The trail is roughly 2,168 miles long. Trecking across 14 states from Springer Mountian Georgia to Mt. Katahdin Maine. roughly 2,000 people attempt the trail every year. less than 10% will acheive there goal. Over 30% will drop out before reaching North Carolina. The elevation gain and loss on the trail is equivelant to Hiking Mt Everest "The highest mountian peak in the world" 16 times.

Now that i have your attention. I accept the challange