View Full Version : How to mentally approach a thru hike.
Shelterleopard's thread got me thinking. Thru hiking season is just around the corner, and a lot of people are getting prepared. For me, walking is the easiest part of hiking, and I was surprised by the amount of psychological stuff that I didn't expect. So, what do some of you veterens have to say to the class of 2010 in regards to how to get yourself mentally prepared for a thru hike?
For me, I found that I really miss music out on the trail, so now I hike with an ipod. I don't listen to it a lot, but if I'm in a sour mood, a few songs usually helps to lift my spirits.
I can't remember the exact quote, but I think Grandma Gatewood said something to the effect of "you do more walking with your head than with your feet."
Pacific Tortuga
11-18-2009, 15:57
Well, music is good especially since your from that, touchy, feely
Oregon State University Bowl Cahampion Series OSUBCS#1 school.
Ha, just kidden, :)
Anything and everything work's, I've been told and believe. The key is finding what work's for you.
Excellent question!
Stay flexible. Do all your planning, get prepared, get informed, but realize unexpected and unknown events are going to occur. Read that again! You will have to find ways to deal with them! And, that includes dealing with those events in your mind. Don't be afraid of the unknown. Seek solutions, answers, ways around, through, over rather than wasting time and energy being angry or complaining. Go in knowing that your comfort zones and habits will be challenged! You will have to adapt to a new lifestyle! Read those last two sentences again!
Don't fall into an inceasingly negative thought pattern. CUT IT OFF! If you don't you will be miserable, not thinking clearly, and eventually your mind will come around to, "I'm quitting, because blah blah blah!" For example, if you are on the fourth day of all day rain, you are soaked, and it seems it just started raining harder, when you thought that wasn't even possible, find a way to enjoy the rain or get out of it.
I find it helpful going in to have firmly established positive reasons why I ever considered doing this hike in the first place. I fall back on these reasons when things, including my thoughts, start getting negative. I go in thinking about how I will grow, the adventure that I will experience, the new plants I will discover, the new scenery that I will experience that not very many get to experience, the many great people associated with the hike that I will get to meet, the challenges I will overcome, the stories I willl have, the mental clarity that will be achieved, the incresaed health I will have, the goals that will be achieved, the new things I will learn, the fresh perspectives I will have, the nature I will commune with, that I even have the physical ability to complete this hike, the positive patterns that will be reinforced on this journey, etc... I try to never forget that during the most trying times in my life was when I often grew the most; these are some of the most memorable times of my life when I look back! Now, I try not to forget that WHEN those trying times are ocurring! When I have a long list of these types of core positive reasons to fall back upon, if and when I start to get negative, I find I'm in a better place mentally because I'm being appreciative rather than being angry, negative, or complaining!
Many Walks
11-18-2009, 16:47
Well done, Dogwood! Bottom line for me is if a person has a definite reason to complete the trail they can, but only by working with what comes their way rather than trying to conquer it all. Fight it for a while and the trail wins, fight it more and you go home disappointed. You'll have good days and bad, but keep in mind just how cool this journey is and how lucky you are to be out there.
papa john
11-18-2009, 17:12
Good answer Dogwood! I spent nearly a year planning my hike. I worried about gear and physical conditioning but was not even aware of the mental portion of the hike or how to prepare for it. That turned out to be the hardest part and what ended my hike...twice!
I think that tuning expectations is important. I.e., it's not always going to be fun all day every day. Barring specific physical issues that can't be surmounted, I think that thru-hikers as a group are folks that manage to just keep walking each day if whatever issues they have going (there always will be some, mental and/or physical) don't absolutely prevent it.
So knowing that it won't always be a good time, expecting that, and resolving to keep going if possible is a significant part IMO.
buff_jeff
11-18-2009, 22:55
"I'm going to walk until I stop having fun."
"I'm going to walk until I stop having fun."
Walking and backpacking, especially backpacking long distances ARE NOT exactly the same things! Backpacking does include walking but goes way beyond just walking! You should fullly understand that if you expect to complete a planned long hike, like a thru-hike. Obviously, not everyone does because it's one of the reasons why people quit!
If you do expect to finish a planned long hike of specific length, like an AT thru-hike, which is what I think the OP was asking, then what you are saying is you always feel you are having "fun" when you are tired, cold, hot, sweaty, hungry, thirsty, wet, and filthy? Because on an AT thru-hike you will experience those situations. What I think the OP was asking is, "how do you mentally get through those situations?"
Maybe, Buff Jeff, you can share with us how you mentally manage to have fun in those stuations! Tell us how you do it!
I think the most successful LD hikers (meaning those who enjoy themselves!) are those who have a combo of flexibility and stubbornness combined with a sense of humor.
Stubborn enough to push through the snow, rain, pain and mud.
Flexible enough to know when it is OK to alter your plans...and not have to push through the snow, rain, pain and mud. ;)
And having a big smile and a laugh on the face when Murphy's Law rules.
superman
11-19-2009, 01:06
Good answer Dogwood! I spent nearly a year planning my hike. I worried about gear and physical conditioning but was not even aware of the mental portion of the hike or how to prepare for it. That turned out to be the hardest part and what ended my hike...twice!
I remember that you were sick and coughing in the early part of your hike in 2000.
superman
11-19-2009, 01:17
My training for my thru hike in 2000 consisted of sitting on the couch eating Ben and Jerrys rather than skiing and jogging as I normaly do. I didn't want to risk injuring myself before hiking. When I started I had to start slow since I'd put on about 20 lbs. I figured I'd just go for a long walk with my best friend. I simply never had a thought about quitting. Even the cold rainy days were taken in stride, so to speak. :)
buff_jeff
11-19-2009, 18:55
Walking and backpacking, especially backpacking long distances ARE NOT exactly the same things! Backpacking does include walking but goes way beyond just walking! You should fullly understand that if you expect to complete a planned long hike, like a thru-hike. Obviously, not everyone does because it's one of the reasons why people quit!
If you do expect to finish a planned long hike of specific length, like an AT thru-hike, which is what I think the OP was asking, then what you are saying is you always feel you are having "fun" when you are tired, cold, hot, sweaty, hungry, thirsty, wet, and filthy? Because on an AT thru-hike you will experience those situations. What I think the OP was asking is, "how do you mentally get through those situations?"
Maybe, Buff Jeff, you can share with us how you mentally manage to have fun in those stuations! Tell us how you do it!
OK, fine, "I'm going to backpack until I stop having fun." :rolleyes:
The whole deal isn't rocket science. Go out and get used to backpacking prior to leaving on an extended trip. Successful AT hiking doesn't require some sort of esoteric knowledge or skill; you pick a backpack, throw the appropriate gear in, and start walking with said backpack and gear on.
I have a blast when it rains; I make better miles. Just keep walking and have a sense of humor about it.
Lone Wolf
11-19-2009, 18:59
"I'm going to walk until I stop having fun."
it's what i did back in 86 and 87. i got off the trail in gorham, n.h. both times
Blissful
11-19-2009, 19:56
I think the most successful LD hikers (meaning those who enjoy themselves!) are those who have a combo of flexibility and stubbornness combined with a sense of humor.
This is really true. And I think it's also good to have someone at home base who can encourage you when you're feeling down and help you keep going.
And dont underestimate the trail community too - they are great with the mental aspects of this. That is, talk things over, share in the good and the lousy. Many times those hikers will give you advice that keeps you going. Don't try to be a lone ranger and handle it all yourself.
It's not a huge long trail, it's a multitude of sections broken by town stops. Take one section at a time.
Cheers
Lone Wolf
11-19-2009, 21:15
It's not a huge long trail, it's a multitude of sections broken by town stops. Take one section at a time.
Cheerslike an ultramarathon. one aid station at a time. an AT thru-hike is a mental marathon
Slo-go'en
11-19-2009, 21:23
Hiking the AT end to end, or a long section hike, is not a vacation, its a job.
Somedays its a great job, somedays its bad job, but either way, you have to go to work. Almost every day you have to lug a 20 or 30 pound load on your back, for miles and miles, up and down mountians, through the cold, through the rain, through the heat and when your lucky, on some pretty fine days. Its not just walking, it backpacking! And it is a job!
All in all, I like my job on the trail and I like my co-workers.
OK, fine, "I'm going to backpack until I stop having fun." :rolleyes:
OK fine! LOL! I don't think we are on the same page.
The whole deal isn't rocket science. Go out and get used to backpacking prior to leaving on an extended trip. Successful....what does that mean to you? have you ever completed a long distance hike? 200 miles?, 500 miles, 2000+miles.... AT hiking.... I thought the OP was referring to thru-hiking..... doesn't require some sort of esoteric knowledge or skill;.....maybe it does, maybe it doesn't, but there are many who believe completing a thru-hike entails a strong mental aspect, some who successfully(assuming that means backpacking from one terninus to the other terminus) complete long distance thru-hikes even believe it is more important than,,,,,you pick a backpack, throw the appropriate gear in, and start walking with said backpack and gear on.
It seems you are one who largely ignores or minimizes this mental aspect and is instead focusing mainly on the physical preparations for a thru-hike. Of course, if hiking all the way to Mt Katahdin going northbound is not your goal or meets your definition of being successful than I apologize. You are welcome to get off the trail where ever you want, which I assume means for you, when you stop having fun. Lots of perspective AT thru-hikers get off the trail at Neels Gap or somewhere else when they stop having fun.
I have a blast when it rains; I make better miles. Just keep walking and have a sense of humor about it.
I congratulate you if you can always have a sense of humor when you are tired, cold, hot, sweaty, hungry, thirsty, wet, and filthy? You are the first that I've met!
gravy4601
11-19-2009, 21:37
thanks guys that is alot of good advice to keep in mind make short goals to get to the big one right
I have carried a MP3 on a few trips, decided to stop after last time I ran out of batteries for it. Some lasted 2 or 3 nights, all night, but others died after a few hours. It seemed the more I wanted it the less likely it was to work. My flute works every time & don't require batteries, so that is what I carry. The flute oddly enough, weighs the same as the MP3 & 4 spare batteries.
The sheer enormity of walking 2178 miles can be overwhelming, making it difficult to feel a sense of progress. Some thru hikers measure advancement toward Katahdin by checking off each state along the way. The problem is trail distances differ from state to state. One fourth of the Appalachian Trail lies in Virginia.
Tag-along and I found it helpful to track our progress in one hundred mile increments. One hundred miles always seemed doable. A hundred miles can often be accomplished in about one week. By tracking our progress using short-range mileage goals, rather than the number of states completed, we felt an ongoing sense of getting there.
jersey joe
11-20-2009, 11:18
"I'm going to walk until I stop having fun."
There is a satisfaction in pushing through the times where you wan't to quit and accomplishing your goal(if completing a thru hike is even your goal). Quitting gets easier and easier the more you do it.
sherrill
11-20-2009, 13:21
In 83 I was just going to hike to Fontana and get picked up by friends. Well, from there, one of them wanted to go through the Smokies to Hot Springs. Fine. Then I met a girl in Hot Springs who wanted to get to Damascus. Wow, ok, let's go. Then in Damascus (the girl thing didn't pan out) I met a couple of cool guys who were hiking through the Shennies. Etc, etc, etc.
Then one day I was on top of K. Didn't start out to make it all the way, but after I got halfway, I decided, what the hell.
And that, boys and girls, is how I made it to Maine. :p
ShelterLeopard
11-20-2009, 13:45
Shelterleopard's thread got me thinking. Thru hiking season is just around the corner, and a lot of people are getting prepared. For me, walking is the easiest part of hiking, and I was surprised by the amount of psychological stuff that I didn't expect. So, what do some of you veterens have to say to the class of 2010 in regards to how to get yourself mentally prepared for a thru hike?
For me, I found that I really miss music out on the trail, so now I hike with an ipod. I don't listen to it a lot, but if I'm in a sour mood, a few songs usually helps to lift my spirits.
I can't remember the exact quote, but I think Grandma Gatewood said something to the effect of "you do more walking with your head than with your feet."
Really good thread, thanks! I know a lot of us 2010ers have no idea how to mentally prepare. We're getting gear, food, and trying to get out trail legs used to our boots and our shoulders back in the pack straps, but I think some people don't even consider mental preparation.
As for me, I planned food that I'll like and a book for those days when I want a break, but apart from that, what can you do? I'm kind of anti-ipod, but I am considering (considering, mind you) putting it with all my gear so I can call home and ask for it to be sent with a maildrop...if it doesn't get lost in the shuffle...
ShelterLeopard
11-20-2009, 13:53
Hiking the AT end to end, or a long section hike, is not a vacation, its a job.
Somedays its a great job, somedays its bad job, but either way, you have to go to work. Almost every day you have to lug a 20 or 30 pound load on your back, for miles and miles, up and down mountians, through the cold, through the rain, through the heat and when your lucky, on some pretty fine days. Its not just walking, it backpacking! And it is a job!
All in all, I like my job on the trail and I like my co-workers.
It doesn't have to be a job- it can just be a painful vacation! :D
The Weasel
11-20-2009, 14:11
I found there to be a huge dichotomy between the need to be with others and the need to hike on my own, and I never fully resolvd it: When I was fully on my own, without friends at shelters or campsites, I traveled faster and smoother, usually for longer distances each day, and felt more 'free'. Yet after a week or so, I'd also have a hunger for what the Boss called 'that human touch' of listening to others, sharing ideas and helping each other. But not all such contacts were productive, either.
When I return to my thru, I think I'll find a way to mentally prepare for loneliness far more, since that means not being tied to others, and while not being unsociable, try to be mentally prepared for more of a solitary effort.
TW
I'll agree with others. Plan all you want, in as much detail as you want. Just know that your plans will probably be out the window, or at least seriously modified, by the time you hit Neels. Maybe even before that. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, in fact, it's a good sign, you're learning and adopting.
Biggest two things:
First: Stay flexible. Plans are made to change. Unexpected events should always be expected and welcomed.
Second: Have Fun! Make sure you find at least three or four things to laugh about each and every day. Even if it's just how miserable and dejected you and your friends look at the end of a long, cold, wet day. There is always something to laugh about if you actively seek it out.
Guess I'll add a third: NEVER decide to quit when you are miserable. Give yourself at least a week to make that decision. If at the end of the week you still feel like quitting, take a day or two off in town. Get clean, fed, dry, whatever. If you still feel like quitting, give yourself another week, then decide. You planned this for a long time (most of you) don't sell yourself short by making a hasty decision to abandon it.
HAVE FUN!!!
ShelterLeopard
11-20-2009, 14:19
Good point Lyle.
Lots of good responses. I like the idea of having fun. I think too often I forget that I am supposed to be having fun.
I hope this thread is helpful. When I attempted a thruhike, I spent so much time preparing and yet was completely unprepared for things such as lonliness and homesickness. Some of the better adjusted people I met, had friends or family with them on the trail. I think without that kind of support, the need to rely on fellow hikers is important. I never realized this, until I decided to leave the trail. Without exception, my fellow hikers seemed genuinely sad that I was leaving and almost all tried to talk me out of it. Unfortunately, by that time I was in such a crappy place mentally that I'm not sure staying on the trail would have helped. I think that support from home while on the trail is important too. Even if it is just an act, the folks at home should try to be supportive. There is nothing worse than calling home for the first time in a week and the person on the other end just seems irritated that you're out there instead of at home.
While not technically thruhiking, I will be heading out of Damascus in the spring with the intent of finishing the trail. Strangely enough this time around I haven't even thought about gear and maps and maildrops and all the stuff that most people spend so much time on before their hike. I haven't even set a start date, I think I am just going to keep saving money and when I feel ready just go. I'm hoping that by just relaxing and not over thinking it, I will have a clear head when I set out.
Also this time around, I want to make sure to touch base with all the people that are important to me before I leave. A lot of things can happen in 5-6 months and there is no guarantee that everyone will be there when you get back, or for that matter, that you'll make it back.
So, thanks for all the replies and keep them coming. I'm especially interested to hear from anyone that has quit a thruhike, and then gone back and finished a thru hike.
I was a PCT hiker. I started at the Mexican border in May of 08. My plan was only to hike to Ashland, Oregon. But I didn't make it. I got off the trail in far northern California because I hurt my feet. It was devastating to go home. I mourned the loss. I felt like who I was had died. I wasn't my trailname person anymore. I was a big giant nobody and a failure.
At the time I went home, the hike kind of wasn't really that much fun anymore. I was lonely and I missed my animals back home. My feet were truly broken, but I think if they had been healthy, I might have found another excuse sooner or later.
But when I got home, it gnawed on me that I hadn't finished. Not only that I hadn't finished to Ashland, but that I hadn't finished the entire trail. So I went back this year and finished it.
Again, after about 2 months it stopped being fun, but I knew how awful it feels to go home so no matter what, I kept hiking. I refused to go home until I got to the end. There were a few places I holed up in for a few days just so that I could wait for things to improve rather than quit and go home.
I agree with the person who wrote that having a positive attitude toward adversity is the best preparation. But if you are someone like me who is prone to negativity, you can't really force a positive attitude. I pretty much forced myself to the end with the fear of what it would feel like not to finish coupled with stubbornness. I had a really hard time with rain near the end. I don't think I'd make it on the AT because of the rain unless I can somehow get over it and learn to enjoy it.
So, if you have any sort of way to figure out what your weaknesses are in advance and find a way to truly feel in your heart a positive attitude when you are in the midst of them, you'll be far ahead of me who struggled to the very last day.
superman
11-21-2009, 23:27
I don't think you have to be crazy to do a long distance hike...but it helps.:D
Many Walks
11-22-2009, 22:46
I also have to go with the thought that a bad day on the trail is still better than a good day at work.
singing wind
11-22-2009, 23:34
I agree - flexibility mixed in with a bit of stubborness/determination + knowing when to take time off is a recipe that has helped heaps.
With all the planning and prep + mental work + any hiking/backpacking has anyone considered supportive measures for reentry after the hike?
Jim Adams
11-22-2009, 23:41
You will have bad days. There will be times that you are cold or wet or wet and cold or miserable or tired or sore and mentally it will be hard to deal with....just ask yourself...although it is bad, would I rather be at work? Enjoy the rest of your hike!
geek
OK, fine, "I'm going to backpack until I stop having fun." :rolleyes:
The whole deal isn't rocket science. Go out and get used to backpacking prior to leaving on an extended trip. Successful AT hiking doesn't require some sort of esoteric knowledge or skill; you pick a backpack, throw the appropriate gear in, and start walking with said backpack and gear on.
I have a blast when it rains; I make better miles. Just keep walking and have a sense of humor about it.
First of all it's not always fun. Most of the time it's enjoyable, but not always fun.
My advise would be: Leave as much of your mental baggage home. Don't take your everyday off trail problems with you. Don't worry about what is happening off trail. That can be hard, but in the long run it will help you to get to Katahdin.
Don't try to stay connected. If you feel you need to take a cell phone, leave it in your pack for emergencys. Don't be conserned about sports you follow or even the daily news. You have a goal. That is to hike, so you have to prepare yourself to do that. It has to become your new job. And as I have told many, after my hike, " It's the hardest job I ever had."
So just remember. It isn't always fun. It will become a hard gruleing experience. The strong will make it and the weak will faulter.
ShelterLeopard
11-23-2009, 11:28
I really like what everyone is saying- it makes so much sense! I have had bad days on trail. So I know that they can be hard. But I also know that sometimes, instead of stopping and collapsing or turning around, just getting to camp and getting in a sleeping bag and having hot chocolate and maybe even starting a fire on a cold, rainy, and otherwise terrible day can really help.
And it is a good idea never to quit on a bad day, and always wait for a good day. Just to let y'all know, some of this is getting written down and taped in my guidebook!
ShelterLeopard
11-23-2009, 11:30
And I like your advice Grampie- I'm only bringing my cell to use in towns (family would be not happy if I never called, and I don't want to spend money on pay phones, etc...) and in emergencies. It'll never be on on the trail. And checking sports? People actually do that on trail?
Idealist
11-23-2009, 11:37
I agree with the above advice (staying flexible, establishing a base of support, being positive, etc.).
Additionally, to prepare, our pre-trail prep regime included:
(1) an intense study trail wildlife. I was never bored on the trail because I could indentify that the woods & the critters within it changed constantly.
(2) reading tons of trail stories, histories & journals. This served to connect me to trail & aided in giving me a heads up as to difficulties & excitements on any given stretches of trail.
(3) Among my physical preparations for the trail, I ran a marathon. Unlike previous races, I never rescheduled a training run for rain/snow/etc. Instead, I trained as usual and then, sitting soaking wet inside my apartment and feeling exhausted, I’d think to myself “On the AT I’ll be this tired, this wet and then I’ll eat some meager dinner like couscous and sleep on the ground.” This exercise in particular really served me well.
Evil Eye
11-23-2009, 12:19
Mentally it was my intention, during my '07 NOBO Thru, to Summit Mt. K.
Not my wish, hope or dream - but my intention. Not only to make it to Maine - but to summit. Had heard too many stories of those that did get to Maine and were not able to summit.
Enjoy, but make progress, every day - it is "only" a series of 3-6 day hikes - a long series, but a series with starts, stops, resupplies, clean up, friendships, etc. & Progress is not always just miles - but rest, relax, learn, visit, calorie load, etc.
All things, both good and bad, change along the way - expect that they will and you will not be disappointed.
I too planned a daily itinerary before I started - by Mountain Crossings it was trash.
In the end - everyday was not fun, but I enjoyed and appreciated everyday & hated to see the grand adventure end.
Preppin for a long trail thru this summer. When things get tough and I feel like I want to quit (oh, it'll happen) I'll just remind myself that I have bad days at home too. If you just push on, you'll be glad you did. Its a lesson I've learned from the ultimate mental marathon; grad school!
Don't quit on a bad day is good advice. I heard that, too, and used it.
It's also true that the hike becomes your new job. If you're like me, your new job comes with a ruthless boss.
Have you ever had one of those awful jobs where you actually cry thinking about having to get up and go to work tomorrow? I mean, you're like sitting there with your loved one blubbering about how awful your job is and how much you can't stand to go there one more day and please don't make me go I just can't take it anymore. That kind of a job? Well, if you are like me, you might have a couple of days like that on the trail.