Doubting my Abilities for the AT Thru Hike.

Too much time on my hands and in my mind!  Still 5 weeks to go before the Big Launch and it’s all I can do to get through the days.  I start my Appalachian Trail hike at the end of March in Georgia.  My mind has multiple browsers open thinking about all the aspects of my hike. Most importantly is the length of time I am taking from my “Real Life” to participate in this adventure.  6 months is a LONG time!

I reached out to a hiking friend and told her I was doubting I could accomplish such a lengthy task.  She gave me a big burst of confidence and reminded me that I only need to walk each day.

That I can do!

Another aspect is letting other people’s comments affect my own perceptions of my abilities. When a friend finds out I am thru hiking some will give their own fears/judgments of what could/will happen to me while on the trail.  Or they will provide their own advice, I know it’s well-meaning, but still they haven’t hiked it either. Ugh.  I just need to start already.

In the meanwhile, I am camping alone in state parks practicing using my gear, journaling, and documenting.   It has been fun getting to visit new parks here in South Carolina. I am going for the #ultimateoutsider designation. This moniker is accomplished by visiting all 47 parks in the SC Park System.  I will finish this before I leave for the AT. This little project helps in making the time go by faster.

A backpackers Dinner

Beautiful view outside my tent in a South Carolina State Park

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 10

  • Joan : Feb 22nd

    You go girl! Ignore the naysayers!! You can do this???????

    Reply
    • Jenny : Feb 26th

      Thanks so much Joan! They will be much easier to ignore once I am on trail 🙂

      Reply
  • Ultra : Feb 23rd

    So cool about the ultimate outsider adventures, what a great way to practice and see some beautiful places. You got this!!

    Reply
    • Jenny : Feb 26th

      Been loving having that distraction while waiting to start my hike.

      Reply
  • YeeHa : Feb 27th

    Sounds like great preparation and you’ll be primed and fully ready by your start date. We hope you might visit with us at BeeChHill and celebrate being 1/3 of the way to Katahdin (Troutville, VA). We can even offer puppy therapy if you want! Come on up, then just relax when you arrive here.

    Reply
    • Jenny Reed : Feb 28th

      Hey BeeChHill,
      Thanks so much for the invitation, my first from a hostel! I am making a note to come stay with you (mile 731.3) This is a great incentive knowing you are waiting with puppies! 🙂

      Reply
  • Anne : Feb 28th

    Iam F30 and starting my first long distance hike in early april. Being it the longest I have ever done does worry me. But I love the “walking everyday I can do”

    Lots of things you say sound so familiair. People are always quick to point out that going as a single woman will be dangerous.

    I will be doing 3500-4000km in 6+months.

    Don’t forget to have fun. Even if you don’t make it all the way or things go diffrent. Having fun is why we do it.

    Reply
    • Jenny : Feb 28th

      Anne,
      Teach you for your comment. I wish you a wonderful hike in April! And Yes to having fun!

      Reply
  • Larry Drake : Mar 1st

    Hi Jenny,

    I’m going to say that you will finish thru to Katahdin. Reasons why:

    1. Good start date. Snow and cold exposure will be minimal .

    2. You are trying out your gear ahead of time.

    Blisters can be a major problem. Try sock liners and or rub sunscreen on your toes to reduce friction. Footwear should be 1/2 size larger, expect you may already know this.

    Have fun out there!

    Old School Me GA 2017

    Reply
    • Jenny Reed : Mar 2nd

      Hello Old School!
      Thanks for the comment. And your prediction is the juice I need to help make it there (I thrive on positive encouragement) 🙂
      In all the miles I have hiked (not ALOT but maybe 500?) I have never had blisters.. So I am not going to wear liners.. Hope I don’t jinx myself.

      Reply

What Do You Think?