You could:
Start later. Use the time to get in better shape(physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually), dialed in, and
to save up maybe more $$$. Be patient but apply the time wisely with an overall LD plan - YOUR PLAN - rather than a more chaotic Zombieing north towards Mt K - the supposed terminus of the AT - wondering where the next AT lean to is all the time or so and so's pocket UL guidebook or App says is water. Strongly consider limiting or even avoiding the mind numbing data, info, and opining overload sites like WhiteBlaze that overwhelming are based on advice given from the perspective of how someone else has done THEIR HIKE. You might have a greater adventure. Start in shape ready to go bigger from the get go. Better weather. Even more daylight. By not limiting yourself to backpacking during daylight that too can add to MPD Avgs and a faster overall(less total duration on trail) more rewarding hiking experience. Another thing shared many times before. Hike behind the bubble liberated from the Interstate AT NOBO Thru hiker congestion. 90+ at Springer Mt shelter, 8 in line to get H20, two with dogs simultaneously allowing their 'support pets' in the water to ruin and def ; 65- 75 at the Fontana Hilton, you're # 12 waiting to use the bathroom; 85+ at Ed Garvey Shelter. Eek.
Might as well do an urban 'hike' through Manhattan.
Amp it up as you hit the masses. You'll be way ahead of the curve as you reach the tail. Blast through to get ahead of the masses. This is the agenda of some FKTers and speedier hikers. Don't do as the cookie cutter sheeple do if you don't desire a cookie cutter sheeple experience. BREAK OUT OF THE BOX! So easy to read or say it; so few do it.
*It's also an approach to a truly frugal thru hike. Frugality of finances, frugality of time, frugality of perhaps fewer town visits that tempt one to spend spend spend,....
This is not new information. It is not rare information. Consider embracing more adventure; break away from the everything has to be familiar and done before mindset. Don't turn your mind off! That's the cause of many problems...too many sheeple not willing to think outside of the common thru hike norms. That's what's been going on all the way back to Earl Shaffer, Bill Irwin, Grandma Gatewood, and..._______ Space reserved for you IF...
If WhiteBlaze had been around, as popular, and similar as it currently is Earl, Bill, and Emma may have never did what they did - exhibit creative intelligent will.