First Day on the AT: “I almost quit today”

Hey,

I’m laid up in bed, enjoying a nice zero at St. Luke’s Hostel in Virginia, when it dawned on me:

“I almost quit today.”

That phrase. That simple little, four-worded sentence was my first journal entry on the AT. Now, I think back to that day and laugh, but it was anything but funny at the time.

You see, it was February 1st, 2017. The day had finally come. I was actually going to hike the Appalachian Trail. I had my trusty ruck strapped to my back, sturdy trekking poles in hand, and I was about to cross the iconic archway of the Amicalola State park when it hit me like a dump truck.

“What the hell am I doing?”

I was overcome by a sudden wave of nausea, twisting my insides into a matted ball of doubt and self-loathing. Every question I had been avoiding came pouring into my mind, drowning out my confidence.

“Am I even ready for this? Should I have trained more? Did I even train at all? Did I buy the right gear? What is the right gear? Do I even like camping!?”

These questions rattled around my head, blinding me. My footsteps became heavy. My pace slowed to a crawl. I reached out for the archway, hopping to find the answer etched somewhere in the stone slabs cemented into its foundation. The materials were smooth, cold to the touch, but they had no answer for me. I quickly undid the straps to my ruck, letting it fall to the ground with a thunderous thud. My trekking poles collapsed, clip-clapping against the rocks at my feet. The taste of acid bled into my mouth, forcing me to dry-heave. I was about to quit. I was about to succumb to my fears before I had even stepped a literal foot inside the park.

And that’s when it happened.

Something began to build up inside me. Something subtle at first. It started off as a tickle–an itch I couldn’t scratch–and turned into heat. It was warm inside my belly, boiling up into a full-blown laugh. I was standing there, just outside the archway, with my gear scattered about my feet, laughing like a lunatic.

Then I turned, tossing my phone to the closest person I could see, and asked them to take a picture of me. Except, I didn’t stand there, pretending to be brace or invincible. No. Instead, I layed on the ground and had them take a picture like I had passed out a few feet inside the park.

“Why?” You may be asking yourselves.

Cause fu$& my fears. They don’t get to decide what I do and don’t do. They don’t get to have a say in anything. I’m going to hike this trail and there is nothing they can do about it.

Now, 600 miles later, I still take photos like that every chance I get. Anytime I feel tired or overwhelmed I toss my phone to Reddmage and have him take a picture. I’m not doing it to make a statement. I’m doing it because it makes me feel better. It makes me feel like all of my fears of failure are nothing more than a joke–a passing moment in time.

And that makes me feel in control.

So, to all you aspiring Thru hikers, I say grab your fears by the horns and laugh directly in their smug, little faces, because nothing can stop you but you.

Lostuphigh

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Comments 18

  • randall : Mar 27th

    hey,way to go and keep going.I plan on a 2018 threw hike.I live in nj and plan on doing all 72 miles this spring to prepare.you should realize you are one of the lucky ones actually out there enjoying the AT.over coming your fears is a big hurtle.?let me know when you ur in nj I’ll be a trail angel.let me know ..peace

    Reply
    • Trey Cate : May 7th

      Thank you! I hope you love every second of your Thru hike as well! It will change your life forever. Oh, and I just made it into New Jersey.

      Reply
  • Jackie : Mar 27th

    LOVE this article!!

    Reply
    • Trey Cate : May 7th

      Thank you so much for the kind words!

      Reply
  • Mr Maps : Mar 27th

    Classic stuff….keep it coming!

    Reply
    • Trey Cate : May 7th

      Thanks! I’m working on a new one right now. ?

      Reply
  • Lucky : Mar 28th

    I’ve been loving your instagram posts… especially the ones with you laying face down in the middle of the trail. It’s good for a laugh, and good for a smile.

    Reply
    • Trey Cate : May 7th

      Thanks! I hope you’re still following along on Instagram, cause I have some cool ideas coming up for pictures. ☺️

      Reply
  • Lori : Mar 28th

    I love the pictures and the honesty

    Reply
    • Trey Cate : May 7th

      Thank you. ?

      Reply
  • Jim McNelis : Mar 28th

    I had the same freak out before I even boarded the plane for ATL. Glad I didn’t let it overcome me. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Trey Cate : May 7th

      I’m glad you didn’t let it overcome you either. Happy trails!

      Reply
  • Sara : Mar 28th

    LOL…I love this so much!!! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Trey Cate : May 7th

      No problem! Thanks for commenting!

      Reply
  • Zach : Mar 31st

    I’ve gotta say, your lifeless pose is world-class. Very inspirational and well written, Trey.

    Reply
    • Trey Cate : May 7th

      Thank you, Zach! And thanks for letting me write for the Trek. ?

      Reply
  • Shelly : Apr 17th

    So glad this came up on Fb. Now I understand the pics that have given me so many chuckles. Great inspiration and realist view. Can’t wait to see your shoes at Katahdin!!

    Reply
    • Trey Cate : May 7th

      I’m glad people are even sharing it on FB. Oh! Even though I’ve got new shoes I still have the original pair that I’m going to wear in my Katahdin pic. ?

      Reply

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