I'm going to be thru-hiking from this spring with a estimated departure date between mid-March to early April. I've read so many different accounts, but from everything I've read it seems that they say to allow 5-6 months to finish.
I'm planning on finishing the trail in about 4 months, is this a realistic goal?
I know it's easy to say typing from my computer at work, but I don't really plan on taking many zero days. I don't plan on spending a lot of extra time in town besides getting the things done I need to get done. I don't expect to want to stay in very many motels and hostels and all of that. I am sure I will feel differently on the trail, but for me personally, constantly spending my time in towns and not under the stars is not the reason behind going on this adventure. Nothing against those that choose to do that, but it's just not something I am interested in.
I run ~80-100 miles a week on average right now (training for a marathon), so my feet and legs are pretty used to taking a beating. Again, I know it will be much different with a heavy pack on my back, but I think I have a decent foundation for beginning.
I know there are some who will advise against "rushing" things or keeping to a schedule, but I feel like this would be a steady pace for me personally while still allowing almost two weeks of "zero" days to play around while keeping about a ~20 mile/day average.
I have been reading almost every decent blog and trail journal I can find the last few weeks, and very few have kept up this kind of pace.
So is it realistic? Have any of you finished in about 4 months? Can you describe your experience?