Southbound on the Appalachian Trail – No One Said it Would be Easy.

The original joy I had over the years while daydreaming about this trip has been rekindled.

It came to me after a series of tough days where I was emotionally beating myself down. I lightened up and found a new appreciation for the way this hike is going. I don’t think the advice I’ve taken from others has held me back necessarily, but it definitely put me at a slower pace than I originally planned.

Sunset at Stratton Pond.

I spent longer in Maine than I expected for a number of reasons.

For starters, it was the hardest hiking I’ve ever accomplished. I’ve driven to the summit of Mt. Mitchell before but I’ve never hiked a 5000 footer ever before. I took a lot of influence from people, which is generally unlike me as well. Warnings of bad weather, scary climbs, and tough terrain all played a part. The tropical storms didn’t make it any easier as I found myself slipping and sliding all over the trail. I sustained back-to-back injuries to my left knee that slowed my pace to a crawl for several days, and then again to my right knee in New Hampshire. It was hard to accept it in the moment but I now appreciate everything I experienced along the way, no matter the timing.

Sunrise at Kid Gore Shelter.

At this point, I feel like the most technical parts of the trail are behind me.

The day we crossed into Vermont I completed an 18 mile “hero” (when you go into town, resupply, and get back on trail in the same day). “At this point, it’s just walking” is what my tramily keeps saying. The tramily (trail family) is also ever-evolving and I’m finding myself in a network of ultramarathon-minded thru hikers (Wing-it, Sia, Smoko, and Marc to name a few). We all started from Katahdin within a week or two or three of one another and have passed each other at some point, all expecting to finish around Thanksgiving.

The southern terminus of the Long Trail.

It’s such a strange feeling moving onward at my current pace.

I hiked with Xi for almost 2 weeks, including on his birthday, but I haven’t seen him since the ME/NH border. The same goes for Ghost, Detour, and Snaps. I saw Pimp at Pinkham Notch and we’ve texted a bunch, but I’m still ahead. Moneyshot and I have hiked together for 500 miles from Katahdin and I recently hiked ahead of him, trying to stay on my target goal (now 25 miles a day, every day). He did a sporadic 30-miler and is suffering from shin splints. I always have the expectation of people catching up, but I feel like I may not see some of them ever again. It’s kind of sad, but also feels good to be making bigger miles. My body is capable of amazing things and I am so grateful for it. 

Such a cute lil ladder.

As of recently, anyone who talks to me about my itinerary is flabbergasted by what I’m attempting.

There’s less judgement and more shock, which is sometimes a more enjoyable conversation but sometimes people in camp talk about me as if I’m not there. “This guy’s says he’s gonna do a marathon today, and he hasn’t even left camp yet. It’s 8am!” (I did 29.2 miles that day). I’ve simply stopped listening to anyone who isn’t supportive of my goal. I might make it in time, I might not. But I’m definitely not going to get anywhere with a doubtful mind. Every single step I take is with the intention of making it to Georgia, no matter what. 

The Lookout in VT- a privately owned cabin, open for hikers for overnight use.

The northbound hikers I’ve met recently have been super fun and inspiring.

Some have plans to flip up to Katahdin and hike south to where they left off, some are pushing onward. I’ve had a lot of enjoyable evenings at camp swapping war-stories and reflecting on our adventures. At this point, everyone seems to be enjoying their hike.

Smarts Mountain fire tower.

I cannot thank my family and friends enough for the support they’ve given me.

My kids and their mom, my brother, sisters, mom, step-mom, aunts, uncles, and cousins have played a crucial role in me getting this far. I’ve received an overwhelming amount of support and encouragement that has inspired me to keep going. My bestest buddies Pigpen and Lil John have reached out and reaffirmed I’m doing great. The Ridgerunners and my previous Appalachian Conservation Corps. crews have all expressed their support as well. I have an incredible pool of followers from The Trek and Instagram in addition. I’m rich beyond my wildest dreams. 

Summit of Mt. Greylock.

Summiting Greylock provided a day of comedic relief. 

As I left town to traverse the mountain, I found myself in a group of college students literally running to the summit. It was their annual “race up the mountain”. Unofficially, I took part with a full pack. I power-walked most of it but still got some good stretches of jogging in. It felt unreal. I managed to not be last, received a complimentary donut, and endless words of encouragement as I continued on with my 28 mile day. I had a good laugh at the end.

“Midnight by the Water” – Tyler Childers.

As of the VT/NH border, I’ve been doing no less than 18 miles a day.

I’ve accomplished two 28 mile days, and a few other 20+. I’ve been thinking a lot about Tara Dowers recent FKT (Fastest Known Time). I doubt she remembers, but I saw her pass by just south of Monson, ME. She was fresh and chipper, smiling as she jogged by. “Wow, Maine is full of crazy people. I can’t believe the locals here run on this trail” is what I thought to myself. Knowing she started practically a week after I, and finished well before I, is entirely mind-blowing and so inspiring.

It’s these little things we notice throughout the day that make the bigger changes in our life.

In honor of Tara and badass women everywhere, I decided I will take on the Connecticut Challenge- approximately 52 miles of CT in 24 hours or less. 

I don’t know if I’ll make it under 24 hours but I have to try. Maybe it’ll be a new personal record, maybe it’ll blow up in my face and I’ll get shin splints. The lesson I want to teach my kids is to follow your dreams, no matter how challenging. With this mindset, I can’t lose. Just a few days until my attempt…