Shakedown overnight tonight. Six out, camp, six back. Planning to hit the AT at Woody Gap on Monday morning for up to three weeks ending at Fontana Dam. Feeling strong.
Beginning my last training push. About 2.5 weeks until launch.
Did 11 mikes in the woods with a full pack 2 days ago. Now i just have to maintain until my start date (late May or early June).
Lost a week of traning due to a bad cold. That just means my immune system will be stronger when I get on the trail.
The training continues. Salomon mid tops appear to be the right choice of footwear. Aches and pains keep traveling around my body. I am hoping to expel more of those demons as I train. My treadmill and paved park training sessions are incredibly boring. Really looking forward to getting into the woods. Patience and persistence.
Continuing to train. Exploring footwear. Merrills seem to hurtt my feet. Discovered their insoles have an arch that is too far back for my foot. My Adidas tennis shoes are better for walking but i doubt they would gold up on the trail. Might just buy a new pair of Army boots? Am going to try Soloman mid top hikers. Treadmill yraining while the temps are beliw freezing in TN. Just read an artcle about another old soldier who thru hiked last year and is a little older that I am. There is hope...
Trainup is going well. Doing 5 to 10 miles several times a week. Carrying a 30 pound pack for most of that. I can feel my legs getting stronger and my feet getting bigger. I have discovered Darn Tough merino wool hiking socks and how to properly use hiking poles. I have about 120 days to build stamina, find some good shoes and settle on my gear. I did short sections in 2013 and 2016. Gear has totally changed since then and anything from my military days (1985-2010) is seriously obsolete (including my youthful stamina).
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