View Full Version : 50's Age Group
DeeHiker
07-07-2011, 12:50
i have section hiked some of the AT from Springer...3 days out there in 08. I truly want to try and hike half of it and then the other half the next year. I'm second guessing myself because I'm in my 50's. I'm in great shape and I've always hiked and spent alot of time camping and in the outdoors. Are any of you hiking the AT in your 50"s?
Deehiker, do not let your age make you think twice about doing anything that you want to do. I hiked the AT last year at the age of 51.
DeeHiker
07-07-2011, 12:55
LIke the quote...feel time is running out and I need to do this now! Thanks for the encouragement.
Sounds like you had the same train of thought as I did. You only live once.
Feral Bill
07-07-2011, 13:02
We have a through hiker this year in his late eighties.
WingedMonkey
07-07-2011, 13:27
Hiking don't kill ya, stopping hiking does.
:welcome
hikerboy57
07-07-2011, 13:43
Ive got 3 months next year to hike, intend to start at springer, finish at DWG on memorial day. I'll turn 55 next year. Age aint nothin but a number.
Mr. Bumpy
07-07-2011, 15:01
I know a guy who hiked it in his late 50's after he retired. He lost about 40 lbs and looked about 15 years younger. That was about 5-6 years ago and he still looks better and is in better general health than when he hiked it.
I've always hiked and spent alot of time camping and in the outdoors. Are any of you hiking the AT in your 50"s? Being in your 50's is a great time to thruhike. Many have done it and enjoyed it immensely.
Be careful though, this is not a "camping" trip. A successful thruhiker breaks camp almost every day for 6 months and HIKES. There is a world of difference between camping and hiking.
Stir Fry
07-07-2011, 16:03
Just a guess, but most of my section hike about 40% are over 50. I'll 55 when I do my thru hike.
Kerosene
07-07-2011, 18:12
Lots of 50-70 year olds out there, but the number drops precipitously above 70. I had the good fortune to run into the 80+ Pink Panthers on 6 weeks ago just south of the Smokies. It's not the age but your fitness level that counts, although you should really strive to get your pack weight down below 30 pounds if you've ever had any joint issues.
50's Age Group. It looks like you are not rushed for time. I suggest going out next year for 3 months and don't worry how far you will get. Spend time on the Trail and enjoy it. If 3 months is too long stop at 2 months. Go out again the next year and continue your hike. 50+ is not too old. I'm 58, and still hiking without alot of problems. However, New Hampshire and parts of Maine kicked my butt this year. I took off to soon, should have waited 2-3 weeks before leaving Hanover. I left on June 1, I think it would have been better if I left June 21st.
Country Roads
07-07-2011, 19:37
I section hike each year and have plans for a thru in 2014 (early retirement and the next life chapter). No one knows if they can complete a thru or not, even the the younger folks. I think most of it is mental and everyone knows old folk are pretty mental :)
Just start walking, enjoying and don't worry about how far you get.
wythekari
07-07-2011, 19:55
I'm 56 and have to work at least 3 more years before I retire and I plan on a thru the spring after I retire. I believe if you take care of yourself and stay fit that a long hike should not be an issue. I have seen posts here on WB and read other comments in long hiking literature that many people get off the trails, especially some of those that drop out early, for the mental issues. In some cases it is not necessarily a physical malady (though they claim folks as well) but they fact that they were not mentally prepared to be wet, tired, sore, and so on for days on end.
Old Hiker
07-07-2011, 20:47
Wasn't going to butt into the female's forum, but since others have..........
My Scout Troop has been sectioning for 5 years now. I'm 54, turning 55 this Aug - starting a thru next Feb 29. I'm prepping for this year's section and will continue the rest of this fall and winter for the thru start. Good luck - see you on the Trail.
Slo-go'en
07-07-2011, 20:58
Yeap, lots of 50+ thru-hikers out there, both male and female. I do think you are wise to break it up into two trips. A bit easier on the body and if your willing to jump around a bit, you can optimize the time of year for different sections.
ironman y2k
07-07-2011, 23:10
DeeHiker.... age has nothing to do with the success of hiking the A.T. You say you're in "great shape" so you are already ahead of many who begin their hike. Being older gives us the knowledge of how our bodies react to stress so we tend to be more careful and take time to enjoy the trail. I started a thru-hike when I was 53 and passed many younger hikers, not because I was fast, but because I was in better shape. I've started 4 times at Springer, but had to return home 3 times due to family medical emergencies and once because of equipment failure. I'm now 64 and intend to be back at Springer April of 2012 ....I'm still in shape because I keep myself that way. I've always told younger people that it's "easier to maintain physical fitness than it is to regain it". I know from experience since I lost most of my conditioning in '04 after needing shoulder surgery due to being T-boned in my suv by a driver who made an illegal u-turn. I've regained most of what I lost but it's been a tough getting there. Enjoy your hike.
Trailweaver
07-08-2011, 03:25
Before you start out, go get a really good physical (check out your heart) and talk to your doctor about any meds you might need in an emergency on the trail. That will give you the assurance that you have the physical stamina to do the trail, and should the need arise, you should have the first aid supplies you need. You should also start training - walking a lot, walking a lot with a backpack, working out doing stretches and lifting some weights maybe with your legs. (Maybe a trainer can help with this?) Mostly what you need to hike the AT is confidence. You're definitely not "too old." As others have said, a lot of folks older than you have succeeded.
I started "walking" several years ago, without doing any training. As I've gotten older, the only thing I regret is that I didn't start walking sooner. Also, as I've gotten older, I have started working out some at home and in a gym. It just does make it somewhat easier. Don't know why I doubted it; I trained before I started out on a long-distance bike trip. It just makes sense.
I suspect you knew the answer! Still I'll say: "Goforit!"
@ 56 I can still out hike some of my partners, & the oldest one of them is a "baby" at 35. AND, I'm still out hiked by many Ive met on the AT in their 70s & 80s. So age is what you make of it, & if you have the chance to, make the most by going hiking.
I suspect you knew the answer! Still I'll say: "Goforit!"
@ 56 I can still out hike some of my partners, & the oldest one of them is a "baby" at 35. AND, I'm still out hiked by many Ive met on the AT in their 70s & 80s. So age is what you make of it, & if you have the chance to, make the most by going hiking.
I was 51 when I thru-hiked. My motto was to use age and guile to make up for lost youth and strength. Good luck!
ekeverette
07-08-2011, 07:44
i'm 52, retiring this march.... i'm in good shape.... i'm going for it baby!!!!!!!!
ekeverette
07-08-2011, 07:47
52,feel 85 sometimes..... but still going to try!!!!
Have to agree with Winged Monkey. With age we get experience and hopefully common sence. Nothing like a challange as long as it remains fun. Go for it.
Keep in mind that you don't have to "outhike" anyone. You can just go at whatever pace is comfortable. As others have said, there are many AT hikers over 50 out there.
I'm 57 and have been section hiking the AT for over 15 years. It's gotten tougher over the years since I am in the Whites right now but I intend to finish one of these days.
sixhusbands
07-08-2011, 13:32
I will be 59 when I start my thru hike this October SOBO and turn 60 on the trail somewhere. I think that I am not stronger than I was in my thirties but definitely wiser. Time has always been the issue to do the entire trail in one outing. I completed the AT NOBO in the early 90's with section hikes , so now the twist is I will be doing the entire AT in the winter and hopefully be in Springer when the 2012 NOBO's are starting out. can't wait to see their faces! Live your dreams and have fun doing it.
I'm 56 and have been section hiking the AT since 1997. This summer I'm doing the Whites in NH. I can't say it gets easier, but with time I have developed more skill. I'm still excited by "getting out there" and I'm determined to finish the AT. I say go for it. If you have a passion for something, never give up your dreams. I too see plenty of people out there older than myself who are doing just fine. I'll never forget meeting Grandaddy Longlegs (age 75 at the time)on the way up Katahdin.
birdygal
07-08-2011, 16:12
my husband and I are planning on our first hike on the AT just 4 days in the smokey mountain national park, we have only done dayhiking 4-6 miles we are 55 and 71 never carried a pack , I am most concerned about sleeping as I have a very comfy bed, Thinking about getting a hammock
I'm 58! Last year my older sister and I hiked from Springer to Woody Gap. My sister decided that this type hiking was not her thing! She much prefers base camping! So in a week I plan to take up where I left off and cover as many miles as I can in the week I have! I plan to continue in this manner , picking away at the trail a little at a time, until I reach a point where I'm able to retire! Then God willing I will attempt a thru hike!
I'm not in perfect shape, but I'm in better shape at 58 than many of my co-workers who are 20 - 30 years younger!
I say listen to what your body tells you. Use that information wisely and GO FOR IT!
Piling on here, Mary and I are in our mid-50s and planning a thru next year. We're walking or bicycling every day, and backpacking at every opportunity. This winter we'll be out on snow shoes. We're fine tuning gear, and getting our pack weight down to where we can carry 5-7 days worth of food with pack weights of 30 lbs. We can't remember when we felt better. Go for it!
runfifty
07-08-2011, 21:52
There is no reason at all you couldn't do a thru hike in your 50's if you are already in great shape. I thru hiked last year and finished 4 days after I turned 59. I'm a runner and actually found the physical demands of the trail to be easier than I anticipated. Not so the mental aspect, though. The general sameness of each day, lack of views, homesickness etc. began to wear on me after a while. If you really want to thru hike and have the mental toughness, then you can do it physically. Good Luck!
DeeHiker
07-12-2011, 16:15
Thank you for so much encouragement! Alot of wonderful and wide people on here. Maybe when I get ready to do this, I can find someone on here to start with me. I appreciate all the feedback
DeeHiker
07-12-2011, 16:17
Sorry, meant to say "WISE" People in my post,,,not WIDE...
I completed the southern 1,000 mi last fall from Aug 14, to Nov. 14 at 54. I trained for three months to prepare. It might have been the hardest thing I have ever done as an athlete. but extremely worth it. If you train, and I suggest the book "Climbing: Training for Peak Performance" is a great guide to be really prepared for the effort. IMO--hiking when not in shape, especially at our age is certainly no fun....
Feral Nature
07-12-2011, 17:52
I am old as dirt too. Although previously an athlete, I am fat, out of shape and have bad knees as of now. I am mostly worried about the knees. I know for a fact that when I am quite thin, my knees do not hurt like they do now. They have hurt bad for 10 years. I went to a sports med ortho and had them x-rayed a month or so ago. He said that I have "bilateral patellar sublimation" (kneecaps not properly in their grooves and facing outwards). I was given instruction to bicycle to improve quad strength and possibly bring kneecaps back in alignment. He prescribed a walking cane. I got the cane but at home I just use a stick to walk with or nothing, depending on pain level. I have been practicing going up and down small flight of front deck steps. Nothing stops me once I get an idea in my head and decide I am going to do some thing (like hike the AT). I am stubborn like that. I have the logistics figured out, it is just getting myself in a little better shape and talking to more doctors. I have been seeing a cardiac specialist as I have high blood pressure. I will be slow slow on the trail. But that simply gives me more time to stop and get out my drawing pad or photograph things along the trail. If I am hiking too fast to do those things, then I am hiking too fast!
earlyriser26
07-12-2011, 18:40
I'm 55 and hike more now than at any age. No thru trips scheduled but 4 section hikes this year so far. I don't think you will have any problems different from every other hiker (just the normal problems).....
cricket329
07-12-2011, 20:22
I am getting up there in age too. One of the things that help me (especially with aging joints) is yoga. It keeps me strong, especially my core, which prevents back pain and it keeps the quads and hamstrings loose which helps knee issues.
HiKen2011
07-12-2011, 20:40
I'm 52 and up til last year was in terrific conditon. Back, knee and liver problems have slowed me down but I'm on the way again! Plan to do some extended hiking this fall! Know your body and limitations, enjoy yourself!
Just Jack
07-12-2011, 21:06
Can't remember that long ago. 50's!!! Hell--that's just a bunch of kids!!!
Good for you Jack!! I'm 57, have hiked all my life, but never backpacked until last fall. I have a bad back from years of lifting a younger brother with CP (would do it all again.) Thanks to UL gear I'm hitting the trails and having the time of my life. It's even upstaged my canoeing trips. 4 more years til I can retire and in the meanwhile I'm working to stay fit and getting all the experience I can. Being older, it is a bit of a race with time, as things do tend to wear out, but of course that beats atrophy! I look at all the folks that are hiking in their 60's and 70's and I just pray I can do the same!
Leigh
Spirit Walker
07-21-2011, 10:55
The group I was thruhiking with consisted of two women in their mid-50s, two men in their mid-50's, two 60 year old men and a 76 year old. There were also 3 younger hikers (30's.) The two 60 year olds could outhike the rest. One of the 50+ men dropped out because of his home situation and one of the 50+ women sprained an ankle, but everyone else did fine.
A lot of people thruhike when they retire, so you get a lot of 50-70 year olds on the trail.
Go for it. I didn't start hiking until I was in my 40's, now on the high side of 50's and stronger than I was when I started. Do what you can do and what you like. And for me, it be hiking.
swamprat
07-21-2011, 17:57
51 this year, retired this year, beginning thru hike March 13 ish.
hikerboy57
07-21-2011, 18:24
Im 54, and I found out that you actually begin to grow younger after age 50.
By 90, I expect I'll be wearing diapers again.
You're never too old, and as Lone wolf loves to say, "its just walking"
Feral Nature
07-21-2011, 18:27
Im 54, and I found out that you actually begin to grow younger after age 50.
By 90, I expect I'll be wearing diapers again.
You're never too old, and as Lone wolf loves to say, "its just walking"
I like it!
singing wind
07-22-2011, 00:15
Best hiking of my life - so far, is in my 50's. There's a rich her-story of women's journeys later in life - on the AT and elsewhere. You'll know what to do and what is best for you. Have a wonderful time!
ThreeLeaf
09-06-2011, 10:24
Hello! I just joined WB and saw this thread. I'm planning to join the Class of 2018 when I will be 56, a year after I retire. Loved when I read above "Hiking don't kill ya, stopping hiking does." Isn't that the truth? And yup, "Age aint nothin but a number." I read many of the books written by thru-hikers and a fair amount of them are retirees, and therefore likely 50 and beyond. Let's go for it!
Most 50+ hikers can be alot of fun to be around. But, they also tend to have the highest ratio of snorers !!!! If you share a shelter with a 50+ hiker use a good set of earplugs.
Bunch of 'ol farts on this channel !
All think you're Hurculez!
'Ol men with tits!
So fat you havn't seen yo' winkie in years!
Stand aside and let us young'ns get bye....
Don't know what the world's coming to?
B
.... Are any of you hiking the AT in your 50"s?
Already did and the year before that rode my bicycle fully loaded across country. Looking for the next adventure now...... YEEHAW!
Most 50+ hikers can be alot of fun to be around. But, they also tend to have the highest ratio of snorers !!!! If you share a shelter with a 50+ hiker use a good set of earplugs.
Jeff's right, and they tend to rise early and hit the trail before the college kids roll over in their sleeping bags.
Deehiker, I just finished my thru-hike Aug 27th. I turned 52 in April. ...When i decided to attempt a thru-hike i didn't own a backpack and had never been on a single overnight hiking trip. If the will is there you just adapt. As long as you have no serious health issues you'll be fine.
Thru-hikers on the A.T. in their 50s and 60s are not uncommon.
Cookerhiker
09-06-2011, 14:53
More testimony: I completed section-hiking the AT in 2005 at the age of 57. At least 60% of my AT miles were completed after I turned 50 including my longest single (and toughest) hike: 300+ miles Gorham-to-Katahdin in '05 to finish the AT.
At the age of 63, I just finished a thruhike of the Colorado Trail - 481 miles encompassing over 89,000' of ascents.
I'm not in the best of shape (well right now I guess I am so soon after the CT).
You'll do fine - go for it!
DebbieinNH
09-06-2011, 16:58
Don't let age stop you it is just a number. If you are in decent shape then you can do the AT. I am 59 years young and di almost half the AT this year only stopped because my knee (which was bad to start with) got too sore to continue. Had it been in good shape I know I could have done the whole trail. The community is so supportive and there are a lot of 50 plus hikers out there. My suggestions>>> Go at whatever pace is comfortable for you it is not a race no matter how fast others are going. Keep your pack weight down and, when you feel like resting rest. Take a zero when you need it and take care of yourself. the miles per day and speed will come if, in the eaarly months you go at a speed which does not wear you out.
Pippi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yiannis_Kouros
If I remember correctly, H (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yiannis_Kouros)e set world records for ultramarathon running in his 50's. For ultra-endurance sports, age isn't as important as long as you're healthy.
The year I did the PCT two 100 mile runners attempted to set a speed record. THey started on the same day as a 63 year old man. After 1 month he was about 150 miles ahead of them, and was just hiking for fun.
Also, I've only had about 5 hiking companions in my time on the trail. One of them was a woman in her 50's; she did 35ish miles every day without a problem.
Ladytrekker
09-06-2011, 18:15
I am 56 and have done a small section of the AT but am presently section hiking the FT. I will say after most of my hiking in Florida the AT kicked my butt that hiking up hill not something we can really simulate in Florida and it was tiring. But am gonna do it again and again and again or until it kills me.
58starter
09-06-2011, 18:37
I only started section hiking at age 58. I am now 60 and have over 300 miles of section hiking. Go for it I will probably see you out there one of these years.
I'm looking to hike within the first two weeks of March 2012 and looking for female partners. I'm 49 married, and have two grandkids. Hoping to fined females to hike with around my age. Anyone interested lets hook up......and GET-R-DONE!!!! Looking at a thru hike south to north.....
"I'm second guessing myself because I'm in my 50's."
DeeHiker,
Although they mean well, you must ignore the sixty nay-sayers who've gone out of their way to discourage you. Don't let negative waves stop you.
LisaJ5227
09-07-2011, 12:42
I'm looking to hike within the first two weeks of March 2012 and looking for female partners. I'm 49 married, and have two grandkids. Hoping to fined females to hike with around my age. Anyone interested lets hook up......and GET-R-DONE!!!! Looking at a thru hike south to north..... I might possibly be interested my bio matches yours married, 2 grchildren, was going to do it solo but, might be interested in doing it with a group. We should talk, I am leaving for Michigan tonight will be gone couple weeks location will have no cell phone or internet service but as long as your on this site and still interested I am sure we'll hook up.
I might possibly be interested my bio matches yours married, 2 grchildren, was going to do it solo but, might be interested in doing it with a group. We should talk, I am leaving for Michigan tonight will be gone couple weeks location will have no cell phone or internet service but as long as your on this site and still interested I am sure we'll hook up.
This sounds really good to me.......YES lets hookup some how when you return from your two weeks away. I'll be on here....
I'm have hiked twice in Virginia-around Damascus and Shenandoah National Park. I need a partner also but can't begin until May 2011.
58starter
10-29-2011, 18:23
My screen name is 58starter. I retired at 58 and started section hiking the AT. I have made if from Springer to Elk Park, Tn so far. I do 3 to 10 days at a time.
I love it and when I am not hiking I am planning my next trip and seeing which one of my friend, or relatives can go with me and for how long. I am doing 3 days from Nov 8-11 from Sam's Gap to Erwin. See you out there hiking.
I'm not 50 yet but I'm almost 45 and still do 30 mile days on the AT on a regular basis - I deal well with cold, rain, sleet, snow, etc. - when all of my friends got married, fat, and just wanted to sit around the campfire and reminisce, I decided to seek out younger friends. My regular hiking partners are all in the 18-24 age group crowd - they are way more optimistic and fun to run with --- when they get married and fat, I'll just repeat the process (I'm married by the way, and I'm very happy, but my wife knows that I need the woods and helps facilitate it for me) - oh, yeah - I know this is the girls forum - I'll get out ........... but go for it - you'll be fine.
Stir Fry
10-29-2011, 18:35
Hope to see you I retire 1 March 2014 will start my thru hike end of March or early April.
o hiker guy
10-29-2011, 20:12
I too am making plans for my thru in 2014, i,ll be 61 when i retire and somewhere on the AT i,ll turn 62. I think about the trail daily and can,t wait to start.
58starter
11-03-2011, 16:52
o hiker guy, have you hiked any of the Sheltowee Trace? I live in Florida but came here from KY in 1974. I may tackle parts or all of it in 2012
bamboo bob
11-03-2011, 17:03
Oh ma. If your in "great shape" its not a problem for sure. I thruhiked (in average shape, definitely not "great") at age 51 and again at 53. I'm thinking of a ten year anniversary hike next year at 63. I met a guy in his 80's on the trail in Maine once doing his umpteenth hike. Age is just a number.
PackOnerBacker Mel
11-05-2011, 11:29
New here. I think I found the thread I was looking for. I am 52, gma of 3 and was a stay at home Mom. Now, it is my turn in life. I admit I am not in the best of shape now, a little bit overweight and a recent ex smoker so my lungs are healing..I hope. I walk everyday pretty much and have very strong legs from my old mountain bike days, backpacked till I was 34. I have always wanted to hike the AT since I was wee little. Im in the Atlanta area. Would like to connect with other females that I can talk to and possibly hike the AT with starting in Georgia in the spring? Anyone know where I can get started here in Georgia...that is getting info and meeting some encouraging woman like me that want to do the AT? Is there a Georgia group out there...doesn't have to be all woman. Thanks
jimtabor
11-05-2011, 18:53
Hi, I am 52 and hike all the time, about 100 miles in October, my legs and knees hurt but my pants fit better , I hope to hike thru when I retire but that's a few years away yet.
Yep. 50's are the new 40's!
Yep. 50's are the new 40's!
coach lou
11-13-2011, 13:09
Dee, if you stop... your done! [54]
Hi DeeHiker-
I'm going to be 54 in March 2012 when I hope to hike half the trail, then half in 2013. I am in excellent condition too, and anticipate a good experience. I have hiked on the trail many times, but never longer than about 5 days at a time. I think if we are smart and careful we have a great chance for success!
Sounds like you had the same train of thought as I did. You only live once.
Hey Troll, brings to mind coming accross Mt Rogers this fall, was asked by a hiker if "did you get much rain?", I had to have him repeat it. Thot he said, did you get my train?...:)
Avalanche1
12-01-2011, 15:34
I started backpacking the AT in my mid 60s. It's hard work but doable if you are in good health and train for it. Repeat: TRAIN FOR IT. Also, get the lightest equipment. You worked all these years to get to this point. You don't have the youngest legs and lungs. Make up for it with the lightest gear you can find. Enjoy your trip.
Planning a 2013 NOBO. I'll be 65 when I hit the trail and I can't wait. Spent most of last spring and summer hiking various AT sections in SNP, NH and ME and although tough up north I enjoyed every second. Would love to start in 2013 but circumstances rule it out. Go for it!!
Whoops... meant to type "Would love to start in 2012...."
Go for it, I hiked the southern 1,000 mi. in 2010 @ 54. Get fit, get light and it will come true....
Bianchi Veloce
12-02-2011, 00:30
Three names come to mind.
Grandma Emma Gatewood - http://www.trailtherapy.org/Grandma_Gatewood.html
Bill Irwin - http://webhost.bridgew.edu/jhuber/readings/an_historic_accomplishment.html
Ed Garvey - http://www.aldha.org/garvey.htm
Quadzilla
12-06-2011, 11:19
In 1977, I hiked the AT in 5 months. In 1982, I hiked the AT in 5 months. In 2010, at the age of 55, I hiked the AT in 3-1/2 months and loved every minute of it. Strengthen your mind and your body can follow.....
Nitrojoe
12-06-2011, 13:20
Iam 70 and will be thru hiking the AT in 2012. Ive done other thru hikes in my 60s. I got hooked and find thru hiking a great challenge and fulfillment in my life.
Creek Dancer
12-07-2011, 10:08
Forgive me if this comes accross the wrong way, but I guess I don't get the 50+ group thing. I am 51, but I don't understand the significance of the number 50 and why this is somehow a group different from all others solely based on age. As Quadzilla and others mentioned, age isn't necessarily a factor. I mean, I can out hike people half my age. And a friend of mine, who is 71, can hike circles around me.
Creek Dancer
12-07-2011, 10:10
In 1977, I hiked the AT in 5 months. In 1982, I hiked the AT in 5 months. In 2010, at the age of 55, I hiked the AT in 3-1/2 months and loved every minute of it. Strengthen your mind and your body can follow.....
That is so cool. Congrats on your thru-hikes! So what did you do differently to be able to hike the AT in 3 1/2 months?
The ATC magazine did a great article on older female thru's a couple of years ago. I loved it. I can't try a thru until I retire at 55. I am good but I worry about my feet. I will be 50 next week. So the smaller hikes will have to do me until then. I liked what the poster said above. Hiking does not kill you, stopping hiking does. Go for it.
bonbon47
12-24-2011, 14:56
56 here from Brevard NC and so ready this year
I think it's transition decade from middle age to senior. I can feel the changes but I still like to get out there and hike. I only have 365 miles left to complete my sectioning of the AT. Please note that I am 57.
In 1977, I hiked the AT in 5 months. In 1982, I hiked the AT in 5 months. In 2010, at the age of 55, I hiked the AT in 3-1/2 months and loved every minute of it. Strengthen your mind and your body can follow.....
I did a 5 month thru hike in '85 and I know that I'm "only" 44 but I'm MUCH faster and ABSOLUTELY more capable than I was at 18 years old --- I run circles around most teenagers so, don't give your AGE a second thought -- you (like anyone of any age) should obviously evaluate your health but since you say you are in good shape, I think that you will do GREAT and get a lot out of a thru-hike. Now, all that said, a 50 something with a few bucks is much more likely to seccumb (did I mis-spell that?) to the lure of hot showers and good food in the front-country and tire of hiking 15 miles or more a day, but if you want it, you should go for it!!
My goal is to stay in hike-ready shape, the AT keeps me focused on fitness which is of course good. Fitness is the closest thing to the "fountain of youth", that and a smart meal plan.
I do find that as I age things get broken faster and heal at different rates, pain is a part of the process I guess.
Ultimately, would like to complete the AT, LT, PCT and CDT............have talked my wife into doing the coast-to-coast walk across Great Britain.
As the World gets more and more unstable, I am more and more pleased that I found this passion/hobby. Have learned to live with less and happier as a result
Slow n' Steady
02-11-2012, 10:40
I'm 60 and began section hiking on my 50th birthday. I have now section hiked during summers from Maine down to central VA and thru hiked the Long Trail. Age only makes you wiser...
coffee kid
02-11-2012, 12:15
Ditto to the wisdom above about taking it easy, doing good preparation, paying attention to your own body. In 2008, at age 55, I did almost 600 miles in 7 weeks. Only had second thoughts the second night out. I do work out at a gym 3-4 days a week and prepared by walking with a loaded pack, increasing weight and distance. It was hard work, but I hiked my own hike and had a wonderful time! I met so many interesting people! One of the highlights of my life! In 2010 I went back with a guy I met my first night out (on the first hike) and did another 80 or so miles. And I look forward to going back May 25 for another 8 days with the same hiking buddy. I intend to do the whole thing by sections and hope/intend to stay healthy enough to do whatever is left or maybe the PCT when I retire.
peggy29forever
02-11-2012, 12:22
I am 52 in age, 29 in spirit. My husband (60), my son (16) and myself will be doing a 100 miles this spring. Mom my always told me "you are as old as you feel". I say do it!!!!
Bucketfoot
02-11-2012, 12:39
50 and 60 are nothin but numbers. I plan on sectioning Damascus to Springer this spring and may head North from PA. after that if all goes well and I"m 62. Just take it easy. Injuries are most likely to come from pushing yourself too hard.
MightyMouse
02-14-2012, 15:18
I've day-hiked with my husband, Chief. He's letting me go along on my first hike of any distance come this April - we're going to hike part of the Foothills Trail in North Carolina. He's section-hiking the AT when time allows...he's 55, I'm 56.
I got used to being a stay-at-home, and now I can barely stand to stay here...I'm excited! Hike ON, DeeHiker, I'm with you in spirit.
I'm turning 50 in June. Really looking forward to it. Getting in shape for it. I find now that I am older I have to be more consistent, or I fall apart one way or another, but if I do stay consistent the payoff is great. Hard to find like minded people locally that do what I want to do, like hiking, cross-country skiing, paddling, so its nice to have the support of the white blaze community.
I'm hoping when I'm 59 I am looking forward to my 60s as much as I am looking forward to my 50s now.
40s were good, but I'm really going to work at making my 50s better. Best regards all.
Have been section hiking the AT since 21 and plan to do a NOBO thru-hike in 2014 at 60. In my next life I will be doing a SOBO thru-hike at 18.
Im 54, and I found out that you actually begin to grow younger after age 50.
By 90, I expect I'll be wearing diapers again.
You're never too old, and as Lone wolf loves to say, "its just walking"
Yes, age reversal is possible. You can get younger and fitter. Although, I think I'll take a pass on the diapers!
bobtomaskovic
02-23-2012, 23:48
Did my first 20mi day with Walkabout Roo last year I believe he was 69 at the time.
I'm doing that exact hike this year and next. I'm doing Springer to Harpers Ferry this year....second half next year. I'll be eligible for Medicare/Medicaid two weeks into my hike. You figure it out. :) 50s...no sweat.
TrayllSnayll
02-26-2012, 01:25
Hey Dee, I am 57 and I'm planning on leaving Springer close to mid April..... Taking that Midnight Train to Georgia! COME ON DOWN!...
I turn 57 this year and have worked all my life, I have the fortunate opportunity to retire this year so I am going for a hike or two. I'll start SOBO or NOBO I haven't yet decided and go until I get tired and if I do not finish I'll pick up where I leave off later. I am not in a hurry anymore.
I will b turning 50 on the trail ...yikes! Gettg old!
rocketsocks
02-27-2012, 11:17
i have section hiked some of the AT from Springer...3 days out there in 08. I truly want to try and hike half of it and then the other half the next year. I'm second guessing myself because I'm in my 50's. I'm in great shape and I've always hiked and spent alot of time camping and in the outdoors. Are any of you hiking the AT in your 50"s?1 more year,just one more year to go ,then I can hike like the big boys and girls do...with cane and blue hair:D
DeeHiker
03-15-2012, 10:34
wow....so many great responses. I'm sure we've all been encouraged by some of these posts...lots of good advice too. Thank you. Hope to go ahead and retire and get out there May 2013 and do what I can...probably will split it up. I love my 50's!!!!!
DeeHiker
03-15-2012, 10:36
Good luck!! Believe in yourself and you will accomplish it!
jus10kase
03-15-2012, 18:40
I don`t realize I`m in my 50`s (51) until asked. Realized I have the opportunity of time right now so doing a thru hike this year. Bit out of shape, have never worn a backpack till recently, have only even camped out maybe once since high school, but ready to go. Really looking forward to hiking and not having to think about stopping and turning around.
GrandCanyonWildflowr
04-07-2012, 23:28
i have section hiked some of the AT from Springer...3 days out there in 08. I truly want to try and hike half of it and then the other half the next year. I'm second guessing myself because I'm in my 50's. I'm in great shape and I've always hiked and spent alot of time camping and in the outdoors. Are any of you hiking the AT in your 50"s?
My friend and I hiked Georgia last year, and we actually passed up some of the young men, because we were determined! I'm thinking of doing another section this year after I get laid off June 1.
"We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing."
I think it's Ben Franklin, but not sure.