Updates On This Whole Getting Ready To Walk 2,190 Miles Thing

So it’s been a hot minute since I’ve posted a blog. Life has been crazy busy. This whole preparing to walk 2,190 miles thing is kinda time consuming. I guess I’ll start with all the awesome news!

• I’ve been accepted into the 2016 class of Thru-Hike Syndicate! This is essentially an ambassador program to represent incredible brands during your thru hike. It’s not one of those deals where you are a salesperson on the trail. It’s literally they give you gear and you give honest opinions/reviews to your fellow hikers, social media followers, random hobos on the street. And needless to say, I’m pretty stoked about it! Brand sponsorship includes Osprey Packs, NEMO Equipment, LEKI, Vasque Footwear, and Darn Tough. Freaking awesome. If you are planning to thru hike in the future, I highly recommend applying for Thru-Hike Syndicate when the time comes. Check them out on Instagram for more details (@thruhikesyndicate)!
• My family and friends rock. My birthday was a few weeks ago and almost all my gifts were related to my thru hike. And then every early Christmas gift I’ve received has as well. Like what?! This is awesome. I don’t think they realize how much it means to me to have continuous support. My gear list is almost 100% complete, and when it is I will be making that detailed post. Stay tuned.
• I’m becoming what I call a ‘wannabe runner’. I got myself a pair of trail runners (Pearl Izumi- which I will provide a review here in the near future), and I have been going for a run at least 5 times a week. It’s been a pretty cool experience to see how week after week my distance becomes longer and my times become shorter. My 4 week goal was to run 50 miles and I ran 52. Much proud of myself for reaching my goal! I highly encourage you to start trail running. It’s kinda nice to crush miles without that 25 pound pack on your back.

Okay now to the bad news… So right when I’m getting into the groove of running and hiking every chance I get, my knee starts acting up. In 2010, I returned from a hike at Blood Mountain (mile 34 on the AT), and my knee was swollen the size of a softball. Ouch. Long story short, I was told by my Orthopedic that I have Chondromalacia (aka runner’s knee aka too much activity and not enough ice). Ever since then, I’ve been in and out of physical therapy, taken anti-inflammatory medicine, used Kinesio tape and Biofreeze, the whole 9 yards… It’s a chronic pain and just downright sucks. So I’m taking it easy on the running for a while. I’m not going to risk even more damage that could hinder my thru hike. But this picture is basically my life…

So I’ve got some gear reviews and a complete gear list coming your way soon. I’m super excited for those. Where are you in your planning? Or if you’re not planning a thru hike- just whatcha been up to? Let’s chat cause I could talk about backpacking all day long. The next step in my planning is figuring out what the heck I want to eat for 5 months. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas! Cheers to life and happy trails!

E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: Ashley Schellhase
Instagram: @ashschellhase