Epoling

Hello A/T world,
I have fantasized about this for awhile now. I am heading out in the next week to Springer Mountain. I'm off work for the summer as of yesterday and am attempting to put it all together in the next few days. I am sure there is a slang term for the style I am choosing to do this, as cheap as possible, no expectations, little experience. I've read a lot about the trail and the only thing I think I really have going for me is a strong back, long legs, and family to send me re-supply along the way.
I am really looking forward to meeting people along the way but I am also concerned I will be months behind the majority of other thru-hikers. I assume there will be plenty of other people to meet though, and if I bust ass I might catch up with some people.
Any and all advice is appreciated. I will be posting my gear lists soon and hopefully getting some feedback from anyone who may be reading this.
-Eric (needs a trail name)