Date: 2015-03-05
To: Last Training Days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

As I seek to update a journal which might possibly be of some help to someone else, it occurs to me that perhaps other planning hikers might find themselves in the quandary in which I do find myself now -- only weeks away from the start of my hike and yet woefully unprepared for it physically. I had worked so hard these past several years, walking nearly daily, working up to 10 or even 12 miles a day, doing all I could do to stay in hiking form as I waited for my next opportunity. But then this case of plantar fasciitis struck me back in October forcing me to back off of my daily routine. Then winter hit with repeated waves of nasty weather -- even here in the Deep South -- making any attempt at consistent walking impossible. Then, I caught the flu bug which sidelined me for nearly two weeks. So, the final analysis is that I'm way behind in my prep walking, with only three weeks to go. What does one do?Well, first of all, I take comfort in the advice of an old friend, Joe Wells, who hiked the trail with his son, Eric, a few years back. Joe said, "Nothing really prepares you for hiking up and down those Georgia hills every day with a pack on your back -- but just doing it -- hiking every day with that pack on your back." In other words, it is possible to work oneself back into hiking form once you're out there on the trail. Don't misread me, it won't be fun. In fact, it will be downright ugly at times. Those Georgia hills are demanding even at their elevations. I'm sure I'll encounter times (perhaps even in my initial climb up Springer) when it would seem that my heart is ready to jump out of my chest and I've broken a lung. But the key is to take it slow and easy over the first few weeks and let the body adjust to the demand. It will happen.Then, secondly, I remember some advice from my friend, Walky-Talky, another 2,000 miler, who urged the early practice of stopping every hour for a fifteen minute break. Personally, I'm trying to figure out a way to expand on this notion to fit in an hour siesta after lunch. But that may not happen. Anyway, WT's advice is good. Don't be in a hurry. It isn't a race. Stop and smell the trillium. If you see a rock or a log, sit down on it. Never pass up a water source. Celebrate the topping of a climb with a brief POBO (Pack Off, Boots Off) break. It will be good for the spirit.My only other encouraging thought here is that in my foot seems much improved and I should be able to get back to walking today if this latest round of winter will allow it. Also, in just one week from today my wife and I are to drive up to our NC mountain cabin where I hope, for the final two weeks, to get in some serious walking up and down our mountain. It may prove to be too little too late, but I hope it will help.So, the main thing I'd offer is to not be discouraged, but plan to take it easy and enjoy the experience. The hike may be, for you, the dream-come-true it is for me. Don't ruin it but trying to go too fast, expecting too much of yourself too early. Hope this helps someone and I especially hope and pray that I take my own words to heart.Be safe out there!