5 Weird Things I Do To Get Myself Hyped

By hyped, I mean it is processing what I’m about to do. Walking from Mexico to Canada is no joke, and neither are these things I do to mentally prepare myself for this huge undertaking, despite this endeavor being months away. If you’re a psychologist, please comment, as I’m curious about your thoughts.

1. I keep my newest piece of gear visible in a place I pass often. Right now it is my new REI Trail 2 Waistpack. I smile when I look at it because I know it will soon be used. The rest of my gear is neatly organized in my closet.
   

   My newest piece of gear sitting out on my dresser.

2.  I look at a PCT map, pictures from past hikers, and read others’ blogs before I go to bed. Some nights I scroll through the elevation chart of the Sierras. Other times, I calculate potentially long, heavy water carries in the desert.
3. Every once in a while, I’ll pack my pack, put it on, and stand in front of the mirror and say “You are going to do this!” This hike is going to be challenging, and I want to associate positive feelings and thoughts with the few things I’ll have with me for 5-6 months. It’s also pretty rad to visualize myself walking on the trail.
4. I find trails to run or hike on that are similar to the PCT. It’s hard to do in PA’s green tunnels, but there is one trail, the High Traverse Trail in Frick Park, that is open, exposed, and has great views (peep at the Squirrel Hill Tunnel Traffic!). This gets me excited for the different environments I’ll be hiking through.
   

   My #1 pal Colleen and me on the High Traverse Trail preparing for our White Mountains hike.

    

5. I think about how I’ll feel at mile 1, 350, and the finish. Mile 1 because I’ll be thinking, “What the heck did I get myself into.” Mile 350 because I’ll only be halfway through the desert and still have over 2000 miles to walk. Lastly, the finish, as I’ll have walked from border to border.

Of course, weird is relative—hiking from Mexico to Canada is pretty odd, right?! As strange as these things may seem, it’s important to find little joys in life. These months leading up to my one-way flight to San Diego are critical to my success– I’ll need to learn to find small ways to motivate myself on the days I want to sit on my butt instead of hike. In the meantime, I’ll keep hyping myself up in front of my mirror.