14 Days Out

I’m currently on a 9-day work stretch. Those of you who understand, that’s a lot of flying with nothing more than a 24 hour FAA break in between day 6 and 7. During that 24 break at home I did laundry, I repacked my food bag, I had a chat with HilaryU and caught up with my dad and a few other friends on the phone. I also squeezed in a few miscellaneous household chores, applied for my Canadian Entry Permit, I packed my backpack — again — and weighed it, again — and I slept somewhere in the middle of all of that. (Sidebar: backpack weighs in at 30 lbs with food and water to get me through Section A, to Warner Springs. I’m really happy about that number.)

Now with all that being said 24 hours flew by and I’m back at work. In 14 days my new job will be hike, eat, sleep…. repeat. Sounds simple enough but the greater challenge will be the endurance. While in my head I have a target end date that end date requires 160 days of hike, eat, sleep. Averaging 17 miles per day I’d like be touching Monument 78 at the Canadian Border on August 31, 2018.

Is it possible? Yes. Can I do it? I sure hope so. Lately I’ve been asked how my training has been going. The common answer is this: it really hasn’t been happening. The prep work has been never ending but I have hiked with and without my pack. I’ve walked many days of my overnights with no water and no snacks. And guess what… the idea of challenging myself to thru hike the PCT is still unimaginable. I still cannot grasp the thought of I AM DOING THIS until it happens. And then I will cry 🙂 The long answer is: I know what I’m capable of. I know how my body responds under certain pressures. AND I know I’m committed. There’s no other plan in my life right now other than this. This hike, this journey and this experience.

My hiker legs will come in the first 2 weeks. Those first 14 days will define how my body will adapt to the endless stress of carrying 30+ pounds on my back for days on end. I am hopeful and optimistic. I am determined and I am resilient.

So here’s to 14 days out!!!! And the first 14 days in! Love you all!