How is Training for the PCT Going? (Spoiler Alert: Not Well)

If you have read my previous posts, you know by now that I am not a planner. I typically fly by the seat of my pants. I plan 2 days in advance, MAYBE a week ahead if you’re lucky. This understandably stresses some of my neurotypical peeps out. Believe me, at times it stresses me out too! It’s a constant battle between my brain and I (yes, we are separate entities). Getting myself to do pretty much anything that I find boring requires trickery and a reward system.

Training is so Fun, I Promise (Me to Me)

Having a lack of motivation to plan ahead makes preparing for a long-distance hike rather difficult, as you can imagine. Training in the off season is the hardest part for me. I have to basically trick myself into following a training plan. My bag of tricks includes telling myself it is ‘exciting!’, rewarding myself with treats, recruiting friends, and pretending that the trip is sooner than it actually is. I need a close deadline to be able to feel any sense of urgency.

I am pretty good at sticking to my weekend hikes. Having friends that are willing to hike with me in not-ideal weather helps tremendously (I’m looking at you, Amelia, Emily, Janny, Kat and Kristy!). I also feel a million times better when I get outside, no matter what the weather is. I am the most grounded when I am in nature. 

The tough part for me is following a workout plan during the work week. I only have so many ‘spoons’ (a term NeuroDivergent people use for executive functioning) after a full day of work. On an ideal week, I am able to complete core and strength training exercises. One of my previous physical therapists gave me a plan for injury prevention, as I am very prone to tendon issues and sprains. I have Hypermobility, or as I call it, roly-poly joints. Another huge part of the training plan is foot and ankle strengthening workouts. In all honesty, I have not been sticking to my plan for the past couple of weeks.

The Dangers of Overconfidence 

Another thing about me is I tend to do too much too fast. I’m an all or nothing kind of person. Last weekend, I was feeling a tad bit too confident about my hiking abilities. I hiked 10 miles on Saturday, my longest walk in months! I felt like I was on a roll, so I attempted a 6 mile hike the next day. This was clearly too ambitious, because I ended up taking a tumble and spraining my ankle. This humbled me real quick. It is the 3rd or 4th time I’ve sprained my left ankle, which is extra wobbly. Luckily, my friend Janny was there. She was kind enough to carry my full backpack while I hobbled along with a Gandalfesque tree branch she found for me. On this day, a lesson was learned: ALWAYS bring hiking poles.

Getting Back on Track

While this is a minor setback, I am determined to resume my training after my ankle recovers. The majority of thru-hiking is a mental game, which I have already proven to myself I can handle. Physical training beforehand is icing on the cake. I also believe this injury will motivate me to stick to a consistent workout plan when I am physically able to. In the meantime, writing blog posts helps keep the dream alive. Longer days and warmer weather on the horizon doesn’t hurt, either! Right now, I am focusing on resting and taking it day by day. This experience is a great reminder to gradually build up my mileage and focus on strength training. 

Until the next one, happy hiking, fellow dirtbags!