Embracing the Anxiety on Eve of My Thru-Hike

It’s 1:15 a.m., and it’s my last night in my apartment before I ship out to roll south. I currently reside in New York but in these coming months I will be calling my Big Agnes tent my home. I am embarking on my first thru-hike and I am as anxious as I have ever been. I am nervous because I have never done anything this “risky” before. I have been in some pretty nerve-racking situations: graduation speeches, college theater plays, championship hockey and lacrosse games. None of which compare to the unknown this adventure presents as my registered start date inevitably races toward me. As of right now, I start tomorrow. In Georgia. What? How did this happen? I knew it was coming, but… like… wow! It’s here. I have friends who have thru-hiked. And their advice has been playing on repeat in my head. I feel it is important to share that I am facing this anxiety and embrace the fact – we (you and me) are not alone with these feelings. My friends’ advice is, do this for you – it will change the path of your life for the better. It’s scary as it approaches. But you got this. You got this! YOU GOT THIS! Life is too short to dream and not do. Dream and achieve. Then dream some more.

If you’re reading this and thinking about doing a thru-hike, start the planning. Start the doing. My heart is pounding, but I can feel the blessing about to come my way.

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Comments 3

  • Smokebeard : Feb 23rd

    Either way 5 months from now you’ll be 5 months older. Better to spend that time doing something epic, than something you can do without much effort. I felt the same way on my AT hike and my PCT thru attempt last summer – but once you get out there, it all melts away. Good luck!

    Reply
  • Nico : Feb 23rd

    Congrats! Can’t wait to start my NOBO trip in 2 weeks!!!

    Reply
  • Curtis Murley : Feb 24th

    I love the idea of you reading this post 6 months from now

    Reply

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