Hi everyone. I am preparing for an attempted thru hike of the CT next summer. I've been getting in lots of training hikes and have my mileage up to over 10 miles already. I'm planning some over nights on the A.T. to refresh my back packing skills. I back pack every summer a weekend or two. The longest trek I've done was 5 days, 4 nights along the A.T. I'm used to hanging my food. I wanted others opinions on whether I should hang, or just bring a bear canister? I know the terrain is much different then the A.T. I do have plenty of family and my best friend all live in Colorado, not too far from the trail. I know I will have support if I need it. But I'm worried about that thin mountain air? I do live on the east coast. I plan on driving into Denver, instead of flying. So I can acclimate more naturally. I also plan on hanging out for a few days in Denver before starting my hike. My hubby is a pharmacist and recommended getting an Rx from my Dr to bring in case I get altitude sickness.
For the most part people are being very supportive. But I'm also hearing that my chances are low on completing this hike because I am from the east coast. I don't want to set myself up for failure, but there are no mountains that are that high over here. I train at the gym at very high intensity with a personal trainer 1-2 x's a week. Plus I do a 10 mile hike once a week to every other week. I walk or work out 3-4 x's a week. I feel like physically I can do the miles. I think it's the altitude and the mental part of it that is worrying me. Like not having enough faith in myself. I am getting older. I'm 38 and have 3 kiddos. I really want to complete my first thru hike before I turn 40!
Any advice would be great! I would like to hear your success stories as well