Not giving up Yet!

[stumpknocker]

Both Kudos and Kludos to anyone even considering thruhiking at 71 years old!

Tomman probably has lots of years of walking left. I've got some friends in a running club I belong to that are both in their later 70's and they can still run sub 24 minute 5 K races and they still run sub 4 hour 30 minute marathons.

I really admire people who keep on keepin' on.

[STEVEM]

I hike rather slowly, maybe my BP medications or just short legs. As a result, I usually hike alone. I don't want to slow anyone down or have to rush to keep up. I think everyone has a natural pace which feels good to them. I don't think it really matters if you take 8 months or 8 years as long as you enjoy yourself. At my current pace I'll need another 20 years.

A few years ago I was hiking a mountain trail when a small group of hikers came up from behind and passed me. I caught up to them later having lunch at a nice overlook. One member of the group who was obviously the oldest was telling stories about living in Europe during WWII. I commented to another member of the group that he was quite a character and a strong hiker for his age. That person told me that he was 85 years old and had both knees an one hip replaced. I guess they forgot to tell him the part about sitting home in his rocking chair, or maybe he forgot to listen.

[Blissful]

Tomman probably has lots of years of walking left. I've got some friends in a running club I belong to that are both in their later 70's and they can still run sub 24 minute 5 K races and they still run sub 4 hour 30 minute marathons.

I really admire people who keep on keepin' on.

Yes, I also know a man in his 70's who still runs marathons, be it a bit slow.

SO go for it, take your time and enjoy the journey!

[tomman]

I want to think everyone for the good advice. I will for certain start the trail in March. I will then hike as far as I can. If I reach a point where I need to flip flop then so be it, that is what I will do.

If by chance I have to leave the trail before I finish, due to illness or injury, I will return the next year and continue. I have dreamed of this hike since back in 1962 so I am not about to give up now as long as I can set one foot in front of the other I shall hike the AT.

tomman
Trail name Cherokee tom

[Sly]

One step at a time Tom, you'll be fine.

[highway]

While it was a difficult concept for me to understand at first, I came to realize that:

"The Journey is the reward-not the destination"

So, take as long as YOU feel like it!

[neighbor dave]

go for it, you'll be fine! one step at a time. stay focused. good luck!!!

[Doctari]

FANTASTIC!

Have a great hike.

Keep us posted, when you can.



Doctari.