Date: 2015-09-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't think it would be all that hard to get my last post together after I finished the trail and spent a few weeks at home. I was dead wrong. I tried a few times, but just couldn't seem to put together a post that properly describes my final thoughts. I wanted my last update to do justice to my entire experience, but I realized that it won't be possible. I will have to settle for just doing the best I can.I don't miss the horrible trail food, the lack of regular showers, the wet gear, the biting bugs and mosquitos, or having pain and tiredness for my constant companions. However, I miss the trail. I miss the comeraderie of the hiking community, the unexpected trail magic, the wonderful people in the small towns along the trail, the sense of purpose of always going north, and the stunning views that were a daily occurrence.I had some of the best times of my life on the trail, and some of the worst times of my life. It wasn't so much that huge events took place that made things good or bad, it just depended on my mental state at that particular time to experience wonderful highs (mostly) and devastating lows (rarely). I did not realize how mentally challenging it would be to get up and push myself day, after day, after day. Nor did I realize how easy and natural it felt to walk, day after, day after, day after, day. I know, it doesn't make any sense to me either.I am now throwing myself back into running. I enjoy going out and running twenty miles at a pop on weekends again. I am slower than I was before I spent four months on the trail, but my speed is slowly coming back. I want to run a sub three hour marathon in the not-too-distant future. Working towards a goal like that will help me get past the AT withdrawal I am still experiencing. (I still can't go into a grocery store without thinking about the foods I would get if I was still hiking). What will I set my sights on next, after running a sub three hour marathon? Who knows, maybe the PCT?I want to acklowledge and thank some of the people who made this endeavor possible and memorable for me. I thank my parents, Ben and Sadie, for taking good care of my dog while I was gone, and for being interested in what I was doing. My brother James for taking care of my yard and my mail during my absence. Arwen, for coming out to join me during several portions of the trail, and for sending me supplies at several points on the trail. My friends, Ray and Leroy, for joining me for a day in Virginia. Dana and Kathy S. for coming out to support me and spending some time on the trail with me. Mark B. for spending the better part of a day on the trail with me. My uncle Dan, Sam B., Matt S., along with my parents and my brother for spending half a day on the trail with me. Running friends Beth W. "Medic" and Mike R. for letting me pick their brain about what works and what doesn't on the trail. All the wonderful people that I hiked with, and spent time with on the trail. The wonderful shuttle drivers and hostel owners that I had the privilege to meet. Grandma Patsy and Santa for buying my half gallon challenge at Pine Grove Furnace. And last but not least, for all you readers who were interested in my hike and for all the great comments on Trail Journals. You guys made my journey more enjoyable.