Where Does the Time Go? Appalachian Trail Countdown

Sixteen days before I head out on Springer Mountain in Georgia, the southern start of the Appalachian Trail.  I can't believe how fast time has flown and that it is almost here and I feel like I still have so much to do before I can leave.

Since being in Joshua Tree for the last couple of months, my training schedule has taken a complete dive due to work and renovations on the house.  I finally took a hike up Chaparrosa Peak in Pioneer Town Preserve and I felt a bit of pain in the top of my patella when hiking uphill.  What the heck?  I've never felt pain in me knee going uphill!  After doing a bit of online research, it is from overuse.  See, I take the dog for a walk around our home and I had been carrying a very heavy pack, heavier than I would actually carry on the trail as I was training.  This was no muy bueno.

So I have been resting this week.  I am now worried about not having any training before getting on the trail in a few weeks.  I will continue to do my walks around home, which are usually 3 miles or so, sans the heavy pack, so that is probably better than nothing.  I am sure I am stressing for nothing, though.  Last year, when I had a stress fracture in my foot before my 200-mile hike in England, I had very little training before leaving as I had to spend several months healing in order to be able to even go.  I still managed to do two back-to-back 15-mile days on the first two days of hiking.

It's difficult for me to acknowledge that my knee joints (and other joints) simply do not work the way they used to.  Injuries or mystery pain pops up whenever it feels like and for what appears to be no reason.  I feel like I have no control over this and I simply want to keep on doing what I love - hiking, climbing, etc., for as long as I can.  Today I read Infinity's (my A.T. trail partner) trail journal and something she wrote was very inspiring and helpful for me:  "Ladies – don’t let those aches and pains stop you from hiking. My joints in my feet, hands, elbows and knees have progressively become more painful, but I know if I stop moving, they will only hurt more – so out I go and push my body to its limits!"

It's a reminder that first off, I am not the only one with aches and pains and secondly (so I need to quit my whining), I have to keep moving...maybe much slower than I am used to or want, but just keep moving!  Thank you, Infinity, for that inspiration.

I have my maps, food, all my backpacking gear (still assembling, but it's all there) and just need to get on my flight and go.  Another Summit Sister, Melanie Evans, is kind enough to pick us up at the airport and drop us at the Hiker Hostel.  All arrangements have been made and the trail awaits. 

I can do this.