I am wondering if it is still considered a thru hike if I start on Sept 1, 2020 (Harper's Ferry to Springer) and finish by August 31, 2021 (doing Harper's Ferry to Katahdin in the spring)? We have obligations that will force us to break it up...which will then slow down our hiking legs, but figure it can be done. Is there anything specific that says it has to done within a calendar year(jan1-dec 31)? We are still going to HYOH, but would make me happier to know it is legit.