Thank for being so open with us Laura. Getting these concerns out of your head and vocalizing them is a very healthy thing to do. 👍 Your concerns are very real and rational. Don't overwhelm yourself with all of them at once. You're saving when you can, so there's 1 wheel in motion. 🙂 You're an incredibly strong young woman that has accomplished great things. Don't forget to stop in the mirror and be proud of those accomplishments, and who you've become. 😊 You've always got my support. ✌️
I think the mere fact that you're talking about these fears, and not shielding your consciousness from them, means that you will find a way to overcome them all, and get back out there when the time is right. I look forward to it.
The thing about fear is that it causes you to ruminate. If you think about everything that you’re saying, the answers are in the fears. You’re afraid you’re not ready financially. So this summer is probably not the year. But you can save til next summer and maybe be ready. You’re afraid you’re not physically ready. So spend some time getting your healthiest. These things are all within your control. Does it make you happy to think about doing it? Then go for it! You do need your job, so you have to figure that out but moving forward means taking action on your setbacks. You got this!
Thanks! Yes I’m working on the physical and financial pieces bit by bit.. just going to take a while to get there. The job part is something that I don’t know how to figure out but we shall see
@lauraevelynashley also take a short overnight near your home and where you have access to your car. Are you not happy in your job ? I took a leap and quit a job I dreaded it worked out. Take each decision you have to make and tackle it little by little. To look at the whole picture is daunting and can hinder you from taking steps forward. That is my personal experience.
There is nothing magical about a thru hike! Section hike if you want! Do shorter trails. You have many options. Enjoy yourself! Hike your own hike! Your vids are enjoyable. Go back to Damascus and bike the Creeper! Blue blaze the NOC or the Shaneys. You're only limited by your imagination. Congrats on completing your running goals! It's not about fear, it's about risk. How much risk are you comfortable with? Advancing in anything requires risk. You can accomplish, and have accomplished more than you think. Life is not a job, but an adventure that rarely takes the path you think it will. Be flexible. Hike your own hike!
1) You know what to expect now- huge advantage, you know it’s a mental challenge, you know how much you’ll need to embrace the suck! You got this. 2) You aren’t in a hurry, go as fast or as slow as you want. 3) Going solo is the bomb - yep it’s terrifying day one- BUT you’ll realised walking at your pace you’ll meet your peeps and those peeps will become your tramily and you’ll walk 100s in not 1000s of miles together and make friends for life. 4) Don’t worry about your weight. Just remember to go at your pace. You’ll lose a ton of weight on trail. 5) Go without a plan and just take it one day at a time. Thinking about the whole journey is overwhelming, you are just going out for a whole heap of day hikes back to back! Good luck dude.
I feel for you girl. The emotions after dreaming up something like that and not finishing are heavy. In terms of your physical state and climbing mountains, you could literally start out with 5-6 miles a day. Day by day you would get stronger and possibly lose weight. Then you can up your mileage. But you’re a runner! You could definitely do it, even if you start with low miles.
Thanks girly! Yeah I’m workin on building back up my running. I’ve been slacking since my last races. Training officially starts next week. In the mean time I’ve just been lazy 😂
I've Hiked Amilacola falls to North Conway Nh solo, when I was frightened to camp out alone (especially when I started) I approached other single woman hikers and tried to make arrangements to meet them at a common camping spot in the evening, this almost always worked for me to have that security of camping overnight in numbers which made me feel safer, Eventually you have nights where you just end up alone and with a few of those here and there you become less afraid, eventually you have enough alone overnights and positive solo day hikes that you are not so afraid, It also helps to leave at Amilacola in the bubble, then you can meet hikers who are also just starting their fitness journey and are looking for the same support and starting with similar fears, however the money part of it is always challenging- and getting resupply is tough, after many days of hiking and your realization that the Good is so good and outweighs the fewer negative moments, your fears usually dissipate to a manageable level, also you finally get to the point where quitting the trail means re-earning your trail legs which is definitely less than optimal, the trick is getting to that point where the trail-fear just isn't that much of a thing.
Hi Laura thanks for sharing about your fears. I believe things happen for a reason. I remember when you got off last year. I know you will figure it out
I hope to see you out there. I'm working on getting back to trail now and as soon as everything is in order, I plan on being on trail every year as long as I'm physically able.
I think doing any part of the trail, however you choose to do it is a win. I also don’t want to backpack alone. Hiking alone has no appeal to me. I know that so many love to hike alone or just are okay with it but that’s a very personal choice. Just enjoy your hikes not everyone is meant to thru hike for many reasons.
I subbed wayyy back before your AT adventure, then lost track, so been catching up! From what I can see, you have some unfinished business on the Foothills Trail, that was supposed to be your first "Thru-Hike" that kinda ended short. You ever consider a south bound section hike, that you could do after school let out? Then just go as far as you can until you either run out of money, stamina or time? If you then did little hops over the breaks, by Spring Break the next year, you'd be meeting the next year's N. bound hikers. That's 2 seasons worth of trail life and culture without the hassle of quitting your job and without the pressure of keeping up with anyone else but you're still meeting people, accomplishing goals and vlogging. Good luck with whatever you decide!
@lauraevelynashley I have a series contract with Netflix so that has to be full filled first, then I definitely would like t o be in better shape so I make it past hotsprings lol
Laura, more people share your fears than are willing to admit it. If you want to take on the hike alone, certainly do so. But you don't impress me as a loner, more of a social person. Don't discount hiking with someone (or more than one person) just because of your previous experience. My sense was that you and your sister-in-law, as much as you might enjoy each other's company otherwise, just weren't compatible hiking partners. That's not saying anything negative about either of you; two perfectly nice people just might not mesh well as hiking partners. But that doesn't mean it would be that way with everyone you might try to hike with, and I would not be discouraged from teaming up with someone else. You'll be a much better educated "picker" of a companion next time, if you choose to do so. And even if you start out solo, I would be certain you would meet up with compatible folks along the way you would enjoy spending miles with (see above comments about your apparent social nature).
Yes, social aspects of the trail pull me eye. However, I think with my personality starting out solo until I find people I vibe with and hike with a similar style as me I think solo is the best option for me
Go back to Hot Springs and see if you can get to Damascus. Don't retrace old steps! Be a section hiker. Otherwise you're setting yourself up for more disappointment. Just keep moving forward!
@@lauraevelynashley Whether it takes 6 months or 6 years, it will be a great accomplishment to complete the AT. Having said that if you must thruhike you could start from Hot Springs Nobo then come back and finish Sobo to Springer...if you feel like it. Either way you will have done the whole thing. Fwiw.
@@tonylillis8435 yeah it’s not out of the question.. just gotta see what I feel like doing. I actually think doing the same part of the trail would be good for me. It would make me feel comfortable with the process and where things are. Make me feel comfy while being solo. Something I am familiar with so it’s one less worry in my brain. I know repeating 300 miles is not ideal for most, but I think it would be good for me. But a flip flop is not out of the question for me. It would actually work out better with my work schedule too. But we shall see what I feel comfortable with when I save up enough money and where I’m at mentally.
Hey Laura!! I’m wanting to hike the AT as well. This has been a dream of mine for about 10 years now and I’m tired of watching others accomplish their dreams when I’m sitting home on the couch watching them. It’s time for me to make my dreams come true. So, I was wondering would you be interested in hiking the AT with me and we can accomplish our dream of the AT while encouraging each other along the way? I’m not sure I’m able to do this hike by myself and would love to have someone hike with me that could be there in the good and bad and encourage each other to summit Mt. Katahdin together? If you’d be interested in being my hiking partner along the way, I’d love to give this a try and see each of us of the top of Katahdin! If interested, let me know and I’ll be open to talking to you and see where this goes. I do have IG and X or my email of you’d like to chat. Thanks, Todd
Thanks for reaching out. You should definitely do it. I’m planning on hiking solo. Unfortunately, me hiking with a partner didn’t work out the last time. But def join Facebook groups, plenty of people are looking for partners
I Laura you clearly want to be out hiking/back packing. You'll easily regain your fitness, then your mental health improve. Maybe do shorter hikes for now. You're more than capable of achieving whatever you set your mind at. Best wishes Laura
Thank for being so open with us Laura. Getting these concerns out of your head and vocalizing them is a very healthy thing to do. 👍 Your concerns are very real and rational. Don't overwhelm yourself with all of them at once. You're saving when you can, so there's 1 wheel in motion. 🙂 You're an incredibly strong young woman that has accomplished great things. Don't forget to stop in the mirror and be proud of those accomplishments, and who you've become. 😊 You've always got my support. ✌️
Yes one step at a time:) saving money and working on my physical abilities is the first step
I think the mere fact that you're talking about these fears, and not shielding your consciousness from them, means that you will find a way to overcome them all, and get back out there when the time is right. I look forward to it.
Yeah eventually! Gotta save up first
The thing about fear is that it causes you to ruminate. If you think about everything that you’re saying, the answers are in the fears. You’re afraid you’re not ready financially. So this summer is probably not the year. But you can save til next summer and maybe be ready. You’re afraid you’re not physically ready. So spend some time getting your healthiest. These things are all within your control. Does it make you happy to think about doing it? Then go for it! You do need your job, so you have to figure that out but moving forward means taking action on your setbacks. You got this!
Thanks! Yes I’m working on the physical and financial pieces bit by bit.. just going to take a while to get there. The job part is something that I don’t know how to figure out but we shall see
@lauraevelynashley also take a short overnight near your home and where you have access to your car. Are you not happy in your job ? I took a leap and quit a job I dreaded it worked out. Take each decision you have to make and tackle it little by little. To look at the whole picture is daunting and can hinder you from taking steps forward. That is my personal experience.
I think you are going the right direction. You are working towards your dream. You are a strong young lady.I look forward to seeing future videos.
Awww thanks
Loved hearing some of your thoughts on the trail!
Thank you ☺️
There is nothing magical about a thru hike! Section hike if you want! Do shorter trails. You have many options. Enjoy yourself! Hike your own hike! Your vids are enjoyable. Go back to Damascus and bike the Creeper! Blue blaze the NOC or the Shaneys. You're only limited by your imagination. Congrats on completing your running goals! It's not about fear, it's about risk. How much risk are you comfortable with? Advancing in anything requires risk. You can accomplish, and have accomplished more than you think. Life is not a job, but an adventure that rarely takes the path you think it will. Be flexible. Hike your own hike!
I’ll get there eventually 😀
1) You know what to expect now- huge advantage, you know it’s a mental challenge, you know how much you’ll need to embrace the suck! You got this.
2) You aren’t in a hurry, go as fast or as slow as you want.
3) Going solo is the bomb - yep it’s terrifying day one- BUT you’ll realised walking at your pace you’ll meet your peeps and those peeps will become your tramily and you’ll walk 100s in not 1000s of miles together and make friends for life.
4) Don’t worry about your weight. Just remember to go at your pace. You’ll lose a ton of weight on trail.
5) Go without a plan and just take it one day at a time. Thinking about the whole journey is overwhelming, you are just going out for a whole heap of day hikes back to back! Good luck dude.
Thanks
I feel for you girl. The emotions after dreaming up something like that and not finishing are heavy. In terms of your physical state and climbing mountains, you could literally start out with 5-6 miles a day. Day by day you would get stronger and possibly lose weight. Then you can up your mileage. But you’re a runner! You could definitely do it, even if you start with low miles.
Thanks girly! Yeah I’m workin on building back up my running. I’ve been slacking since my last races. Training officially starts next week. In the mean time I’ve just been lazy 😂
I've Hiked Amilacola falls to North Conway Nh solo, when I was frightened to camp out alone (especially when I started) I approached other single woman hikers and tried to make arrangements to meet them at a common camping spot in the evening, this almost always worked for me to have that security of camping overnight in numbers which made me feel safer, Eventually you have nights where you just end up alone and with a few of those here and there you become less afraid, eventually you have enough alone overnights and positive solo day hikes that you are not so afraid, It also helps to leave at Amilacola in the bubble, then you can meet hikers who are also just starting their fitness journey and are looking for the same support and starting with similar fears, however the money part of it is always challenging- and getting resupply is tough, after many days of hiking and your realization that the Good is so good and outweighs the fewer negative moments, your fears usually dissipate to a manageable level, also you finally get to the point where quitting the trail means re-earning your trail legs which is definitely less than optimal, the trick is getting to that point where the trail-fear just isn't that much of a thing.
Congrats! That’s a lot of hiking.
Hi Laura thanks for sharing about your fears. I believe things happen for a reason. I remember when you got off last year. I know you will figure it out
Thanks! Yeah it was rough last year. I’m working on figuring this out
I hope to see you out there. I'm working on getting back to trail now and as soon as everything is in order, I plan on being on trail every year as long as I'm physically able.
You go dude!
Just do it. You won't regret it. It is a great experience.
Gotta start with saving money and losing weight so I don’t get injured.
I think doing any part of the trail, however you choose to do it is a win. I also don’t want to backpack alone. Hiking alone has no appeal to me. I know that so many love to hike alone or just are okay with it but that’s a very personal choice. Just enjoy your hikes not everyone is meant to thru hike for many reasons.
True story!
Hope you faired ok through Helene, Laura. 🙏
I did thanks
Clearly recognizing your fears is an act of strength.embrace that strength you hsve.all the best from saugus.mass.
Thanks! Yes naming the fear is the first step for sure
I subbed wayyy back before your AT adventure, then lost track, so been catching up! From what I can see, you have some unfinished business on the Foothills Trail, that was supposed to be your first "Thru-Hike" that kinda ended short. You ever consider a south bound section hike, that you could do after school let out? Then just go as far as you can until you either run out of money, stamina or time? If you then did little hops over the breaks, by Spring Break the next year, you'd be meeting the next year's N. bound hikers. That's 2 seasons worth of trail life and culture without the hassle of quitting your job and without the pressure of keeping up with anyone else but you're still meeting people, accomplishing goals and vlogging. Good luck with whatever you decide!
Yeah I’ve considered it. We shall see. I’m not saying no to anything. Never say never right
I would be scared when it gets dark!
Totally agree
You and me both chick! It'll be a year or two before I have the freedom to go again. So we will see what happens lol. Keep the dream. Maybe one day
Yesss gotta start with some steps in that direction. Saving money and getting my weight in check are first up for me. Hbu?
@lauraevelynashley I have a series contract with Netflix so that has to be full filled first, then I definitely would like t o be in better shape so I make it past hotsprings lol
Laura, more people share your fears than are willing to admit it. If you want to take on the hike alone, certainly do so. But you don't impress me as a loner, more of a social person. Don't discount hiking with someone (or more than one person) just because of your previous experience. My sense was that you and your sister-in-law, as much as you might enjoy each other's company otherwise, just weren't compatible hiking partners. That's not saying anything negative about either of you; two perfectly nice people just might not mesh well as hiking partners. But that doesn't mean it would be that way with everyone you might try to hike with, and I would not be discouraged from teaming up with someone else. You'll be a much better educated "picker" of a companion next time, if you choose to do so. And even if you start out solo, I would be certain you would meet up with compatible folks along the way you would enjoy spending miles with (see above comments about your apparent social nature).
Yes, social aspects of the trail pull me eye. However, I think with my personality starting out solo until I find people I vibe with and hike with a similar style as me I think solo is the best option for me
Go back to Hot Springs and see if you can get to Damascus. Don't retrace old steps! Be a section hiker. Otherwise you're setting yourself up for more disappointment. Just keep moving forward!
Ehhh we shall see.
@@lauraevelynashley Whether it takes 6 months or 6 years, it will be a great accomplishment to complete the AT. Having said that if you must thruhike you could start from Hot Springs Nobo then come back and finish Sobo to Springer...if you feel like it. Either way you will have done the whole thing. Fwiw.
@@tonylillis8435 yeah it’s not out of the question.. just gotta see what I feel like doing. I actually think doing the same part of the trail would be good for me. It would make me feel comfortable with the process and where things are. Make me feel comfy while being solo. Something I am familiar with so it’s one less worry in my brain. I know repeating 300 miles is not ideal for most, but I think it would be good for me. But a flip flop is not out of the question for me. It would actually work out better with my work schedule too. But we shall see what I feel comfortable with when I save up enough money and where I’m at mentally.
Hey I'll go with you
lol thanks! But I’m actually not wanting to start off with a partner
Hey Laura!! I’m wanting to hike the AT as well. This has been a dream of mine for about 10 years now and I’m tired of watching others accomplish their dreams when I’m sitting home on the couch watching them.
It’s time for me to make my dreams come true. So, I was wondering would you be interested in hiking the AT with me and we can accomplish our dream of the AT while encouraging each other along the way?
I’m not sure I’m able to do this hike by myself and would love to have someone hike with me that could be there in the good and bad and encourage each other to summit Mt. Katahdin together? If you’d be interested in being my hiking partner along the way, I’d love to give this a try and see each of us of the top of Katahdin! If interested, let me know and I’ll be open to talking to you and see where this goes. I do have IG and X or my email of you’d like to chat.
Thanks, Todd
Thanks for reaching out. You should definitely do it. I’m planning on hiking solo. Unfortunately, me hiking with a partner didn’t work out the last time. But def join Facebook groups, plenty of people are looking for partners
I Laura you clearly want to be out hiking/back packing. You'll easily regain your fitness, then your mental health improve. Maybe do shorter hikes for now. You're more than capable of achieving whatever you set your mind at. Best wishes Laura
Thanks