Mentally preparing

[HiKen2011]

Whats the best way to mentally prepare missing family and friends, comforts of home, any food you want when you want, dealing with cold, heat, rain, snow, being uncomfortable? What do you guys do?

[kayak karl]

if your going to miss creature comforts then don't go LOL
BUT there may come a time in the hike when you miss your family and loved ones and if it makes you too unhappy GO HOME

when it stops being fun, go home. the trail ain't going anywhere.

[CrumbSnatcher]

your friends and family will still be back home
doing the same old things when you get back!
don't over think things, embrace this journey and enjoy it.

[Hooch]

your friends and family will still be back home
doing the same old things when you get back!
don't over think things, embrace this journey and enjoy it.

Best hike adivice ever.

[10-K]

The only time I don't get homesick is when my son goes with me.

Not a lot I can do about it. I just let the waves wash over me and keep on moving. It's not constant, and like crumbsnatcher said, they'll be there when I get back doing what they've always been doing.

Set your sights on finishing and keep your eye on the prize.

I kinda disagree with what KK says about quitting - setting a goal like that and quitting (unless I became physically unable to do it) just isn't in my vocabulary. If I start, I'm going to finish.

[kayak karl]

setting a goal like that and quitting (unless I became physically unable to do it) just isn't in my vocabulary. If I start, I'm going to finish.

very selfish attitude. you mean no other problems a home could send you back? and when is going home quitting? (you also need a dictionary)

and as far as things being the same when you get home. don't count on it!

[10-K]

very selfish attitude. you mean no other problems a home could send you back? and when is going home quitting? (you also need a dictionary)

and as far as things being the same when you get home. don't count on it!

The question was about being uncomfortable on the trail and missing people at home. What I meant was that I wouldn't quit for either of these reasons, no matter what, as long as I was physically able to hike.

You were suggesting that if he got homesick to just go home if he wasn't having fun - I *kind of* disagree with that in that you might be able to get through it if you don't quit.

Anyway, for the record, there are an infinite amount of things that could get me to terminate my hike early:

1. Death or injury to my spouse
2. Death or injury to one of my children
3. House burn down
4. Tornado blows away my house
5. Hurricane washes my other house away.
6. I could go on all day but I think you get the point.

Edited to add: I'm only speaking for, and am an expert on, myself - I'm not saying everyone has or should have my attitude about things. If someone gets homesick or gets tired of trail life and goes home it's not my business to label their hike as a success or failure.

[sbhikes]

Whats the best way to mentally prepare missing family and friends, comforts of home, any food you want when you want, dealing with cold, heat, rain, snow, being uncomfortable? What do you guys do?

There may come a day for most of us when we feel these things. The thing I was told is to never leave the trail on a bad day.

[CrumbSnatcher]

also depends on what kinda family were talking about
you have a 2 year old daughter at home
or you missin your momma

[10-K]

also depends on what kinda family were talking about
you have a 2 year old daughter at home
or you missin your momma

Or a cousin you're really fond of.

[HiKen2011]

also depends on what kinda family were talking about
you have a 2 year old daughter at home
or you missin your momma

10 yr old daughter

[HiKen2011]

10 yr old daughter

But I do miss my Mom, passed away 10 yrs ago

[CrumbSnatcher]

But I do miss my Mom, passed away 10 yrs ago

she'll be with you every step of the way

[HiKen2011]

The reason I started this thread is because most, if not all people, who have long distance hiked say that the mental game is harder than the physical one. Just wondered if anyone wanted to share how they handled it or prepared, if thats really possible.

[CrumbSnatcher]

10 yr old daughter

i went to maine to hike for a month in 2009, had a 2 yr. old(almost) daughter at home and it really messed with me and i actually flew home a week or so early. did most of my hiking before she was born, just me and my ole' dog. i do have some long sections planned within the next 2 years and too will figure out how to deal with that. but also look forward to her hopefully enjoying hiking with old dad.
be cool to have your daughter hike a week or so with you, if thats possible

[HiKen2011]

i went to maine to hike for a month in 2009, had a 2 yr. old(almost) daughter at home and it really messed with me and i actually flew home a week or so early. did most of my hiking before she was born, just me and my ole' dog. i do have some long sections planned within the next 2 years and too will figure out how to deal with that. but also look forward to her hopefully enjoying hiking with old dad.
be cool to have your daughter hike a week or so with you, if thats possible

Her and her Mom plan to visit periodically (trail towns) so we'll see!

[johnnybgood]

NOTE TO SELF : I absolutely NEED to go hiking --everyone is driving me crazzzzzzzzzy...and my Snuggie makes me look fat.

Now repeat this every day till you leave for your hike.

[CrumbSnatcher]

just take it one step at a time and day by day.
most things you will handle by just reacting, if its raining? get out of the rain.
if your hungry? eat something! it sounds like you and your kid have a good thing going? you and your daughters mom sound like you get along ok.
the emotional thing can be tough! the hikes a emotional rollercoaster. one moment your happy as **** and the next, maybe not so much. just handle it as you go.

[CrumbSnatcher]

TRUST ME!
you will not be upset or mad at yourself for finishing this journey

[HiKen2011]

TRUST ME!
you will not be upset or mad at yourself for finishing this journey

Thanks, all great advise here!!!!