RUN THE POINT: What I learned From Planning a 2,175 Mile Hike From Georgia to Maine

On Saturday May 9, I will have another birthday. I find myself thinking of ways to celebrate. I’ve had all kind of ideas, from taking a trip to Georgia to visit friends to finding a secluded area where I can reflect on the past year and put plans together for what I wish to accomplish before my next birthday. Leaning toward the latter, I found myself on the Appalachian Trail website, reading about what’s known as “Thru-Hiking.” This is a 2,175 mile hike that takes an average of 6 months to complete and travels from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin Mountain in Maine. It’s quite a challenge to take on with all kinds of uncertainty (weather, trail conditions and possible injuries). The more I read about preparing for the “Thru Hike” the more it seemed like preparing for any big goal; we have to plan, check on our progress from time-to-time and most importantly, we have to take action.

Below are some key points from the “Plan a Hike” section of the Appalachian Trail website. I’ve added my Quarter Life Answers in Bold to suggest how you can use it in your life.

Preparing for the Thru-Hike / Goal

Do I have to register?
There is no official registry when setting your goals, but it is helpful to let a couple of people know your goals so they can perform a search and rescue if you get off track.
What kind of equipment will I need?
Less than you may think. Using a pen and a journal to capture the goal and keep track of progress will do. In addition, search for individuals who have already accomplished what you seek to conquer can be helpful.
Do I need to carry a map?
You can map out your path toward your goal, but there will be detours along the way; don’t be discouraged! Also note that in some cases you may be traveling in uncharted territory and come to many unlabeled forks in the road. If you are a fan of Robert Frost, you may “choose the road less traveled and that will make all the difference.” If you are a fan of Jay-Z, you may, “choose your own fate; come to the fork in the road and go straight.”
How do I get supplies?
No need to carry too much. Along the way there are opportunities to refuel and you will also encounter unexpected people that are willing to help you get to your destination.
How much does it cost? What’s the “opportunity cost” (by taking or not taking one action, what are you missing out on?)
There are really two questions you need to ask yourself: how much will it cost to go for my goal? and how much will it cost to do nothing?
Physical preparation?
You will need to work your way toward your goal. Set a plan that allows you to gradually get stronger as you get closer to your scheduled completion date.
Mental preparation
This part can easily be overlooked. Your attitude toward temporary setbacks and your
“stick-to-it-tiveness,”(I know it’s not a word, but if sports announcers can use it, so can I ) can make all the difference when the going gets tough, and you should expect the going to get tough from time to time. When it looks like the sun will not come out tomorrow, keep your goal in mind and the benefits of accomplishing that goal. I suggest creating a vision board. If you need help contact me.

Checkpoints

How are you doing?; mentally and physically
You have to stop and check your progress. Take stock of what’s going on in your mind and body. Have you been able to stay positive? Are you in a funk that is making your goal harder to attain? How about your body? Are you getting enough rest, nutrition and exercise? All these things play a part in the energy you need to make things happen.
Are you are track? Where do you need to make adjustments
Let’s say you are in month 5 of a 6 month goal and not even 50% completed. What adjustments you need to make? Do you need to double up on your efforts or do you need to push out the end date?
Check in with someone to let them know how you’re doing
I strongly suggest that you have at least one person who is aware of what you are trying to accomplish. It will do two things; 1. It will give you a sense of accountability, knowing that someone is waiting to hear if you did or did not do what you said you would do. 2. Having someone along the journey makes it more fun. It provides someone to share the ups and downs with, the triumphs and the temporary defeats. If you don’t share your victory it may feel like it did not happen. Remember the old riddle: “If a tree falls in the woods with no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?”

Happy trails / goal setting!