From my PCT thru-hike in 1985....the first month from the Mexican border north is a grind (though the scenery was much more beautiful than I expected...inspires you every day). I'd bulked up in preparation, then lost 15 pounds in 30 days...my hiking partner Larry Budd dropped 30 lbs in 30 days....and we were eating like pigs. We'd planned to do the entire 2,650 miles, but for a few days early on thought of scaling our ambitions back to California only...helped psychologically at the time. Beyond the initial 30 days and some serious blister issues and gear and clothing changes, I was through the requisite break-in period and revved up to go the distance. Larry, Jeff Sauer and I (Team Ohio) crossed into Canada on Oct. 10th, having started on April 17th. As Phil Forrest (my nephew) says, the psychological preparation and drive to go on is vital. Not every day will be fun and wonderous....you're living life on the trail....but the good always vastly outweighs the bad.
Great book review Phil. 👍 This one is now on my buy list 🙂 I run ultra races and for me the mental side is more interesting and important too for a completion.
I have Appalachian Trials and enjoyed the read. Have you listened to Zach/Badger’s podcast, Backpacker Radio, and Trail Correspondents? They’re both great.
I think that you will do very well with the trail because you are willing to look at the Psychological physical And logistical Trials you are preparing to face👍
@@dangaspar1707 a lot of people have been successful despite not being as physically prepared as they could be (who's to say what's "enough"), but the important part is that you're working on it! And I have heard the same, that's why I enjoyed this book specifically and wanted to share it. As with anything in life, I truly think our mentality is the key to success. Our bodies will do what our minds demand. Hope to see you out on trail & thank you for following along.
From my PCT thru-hike in 1985....the first month from the Mexican border north is a grind (though the scenery was much more beautiful than I expected...inspires you every day). I'd bulked up in preparation, then lost 15 pounds in 30 days...my hiking partner Larry Budd dropped 30 lbs in 30 days....and we were eating like pigs. We'd planned to do the entire 2,650 miles, but for a few days early on thought of scaling our ambitions back to California only...helped psychologically at the time. Beyond the initial 30 days and some serious blister issues and gear and clothing changes, I was through the requisite break-in period and revved up to go the distance. Larry, Jeff Sauer and I (Team Ohio) crossed into Canada on Oct. 10th, having started on April 17th. As Phil Forrest (my nephew) says, the psychological preparation and drive to go on is vital. Not every day will be fun and wonderous....you're living life on the trail....but the good always vastly outweighs the bad.
Great book review Phil. 👍 This one is now on my buy list 🙂 I run ultra races and for me the mental side is more interesting and important too for a completion.
I haven't read the book, but I would imagine it provides some very useful information for all hikers in general (long-distance or otherwise). 😊
I have Appalachian Trials and enjoyed the read. Have you listened to Zach/Badger’s podcast, Backpacker Radio, and Trail Correspondents? They’re both great.
Nice! I haven't listened to their podcasts yet but I will certainly check them out today, thanks for the recommendation!!
I think that you will do very well with the trail because you are willing to look at the Psychological physical And logistical Trials you are preparing to face👍
@@UncleGeorgeTV I really appreciate your support!! Excited to put myself to the test.
What is your start date?
April 5th!
@phil_forrest March 14 for me. Not fully prepared physically but working on it. Mental and emotional part is really tough, everyone tells me.
@@dangaspar1707 a lot of people have been successful despite not being as physically prepared as they could be (who's to say what's "enough"), but the important part is that you're working on it! And I have heard the same, that's why I enjoyed this book specifically and wanted to share it. As with anything in life, I truly think our mentality is the key to success. Our bodies will do what our minds demand. Hope to see you out on trail & thank you for following along.