Originally Posted by
stranger
I think it can go either way, you could be advantaged becuase you know what it's like to hike 500 miles straight, or this could disadvantage you as well.
In 1995 I reached Pearisburg, and in 2008 I reached Atkins...before getting off the trail. Also in 2001 I did a 500 mile section in the mid-atlantic. On all those hikes, I was ready to stop when I did. In 2008 I definately felt stronger from my experience, kinda keeping quite and smirking when other hikers are talking about how 'they heard' the climb out of Stecoah Gap is overrated, or 'how easy' the Smokies are, and 'tough' the Roan Highlands are,etc...It definately gives you an edge in many ways. Also knowing the towns, which ones need maildrops, which ones have great motels or good restaurants, knowing about the Pond Mountain blue-blaze, the crazy neighbor at Greasey Creek Gap, etc...
But I must say, sometimes for me, having this 'knowledge' took something away. Not a whole lot, but it was there. You also know about the pain, the blisters that are coming, the chaffing, the full motels in town with hikers who've been there for 4 days, so it makes it hard to take it in stride when some things can be anticipated.
Finally, something happens around 500 miles, always has, we used to call it the Virginia Blues. For me, I've noticed with first time hikers there is a huge milestone in reaching Damascus for some reason. I know it was for me the first time. Alot of people quit within 200 miles from leaving Damascus, the Atkins-Troutville section ends alot of hikes, for whatever reason. I also think Trail Days ends alot of hikes.
I do think heading back to Springer is a good idea, starting at Atkins might be depressing, might not however. Also, maybe consider sobo? If I were to go again and try another big hike, I would start at Springer (for the 3rd time) just cause I love the south and hike up to Harpers Ferry or something, I would like to reach the 1000 mile mark, but I have no interest in thru-hiking anymore. It's different for everyone.
Hiking 540 miles is a huge accomplishment, huge...never forget that. For many years I thought of my 1994 (270 mile) Long Trail thru-hike as my greatest success and my 1995 (620 mile) AT hike as my greatest failure - amusing to me now, but it's how I thought back then.
Regardless of what you decide, I would plan some clear goals and strategies for southern Virginia. Doing longer days, avoiding more towns...essentially getting through that section quicker, with less time to think. Go into Marion from Partnership for resupply, then blast through Atkins without stopping and get to Pearisburg, overnight and then get to Troutville, then I like your chances.
Finally, I might share this...in 2008 I knew I wasn't thru-hiking by the time I reached Erwin, I knew it wasn't going to happen, and that was cool. So I kept walking, it didn't dampen my motivation, the day I left Erwin it was raining and I hiked 24 miles - no worries. Even in Damascus I kept saying to my friends 'we gotta get going' even though they wanted to stay put cause it was raining, taking like 3 zeros, etc...But when I reached the top of the ridge before Atkins, up above I -80, the wind was blowing, the grass shaking, and I heard the interstate. All of a sudden a sense of calm and accomplishment came over me, not relief, but perhaps contentment. My hike was over at that moment, I just didn't know it yet, I soon found out a couple days later - and that was cool, I was OK with that.
I would encourage you to try again, you have what it takes to do it, if you can walk 500 miles you can walk 1000, and if you can walk 1000 you can walk 2000. But what do you 'want' to do? And...how will you 'feel' when you reach that critical point again? I guess that's when you will find out.