[pct-l] I failed my thru hike this year!!!!!!

[Jeffrey Olson]

Because I'm a section hiker I have started long hikes four or five times 
in the last 20 years.  Michael's list is pretty good, but

#10 - hiking alone, is pretty much an individual choice.  Most people 
hook up.
#9 -  I haven't hiked from the border heading north, but I've hiked from 
Manning heading south, and trying to make miles is a huge mistake for 
anyone not in half-marathon shape.  Start slow, and nurture the body and 
its parts.  8 or 9 miles a day for a week or so will give over to 12 for 
the next week, and 14 for the next.  Spend two nights a week for the 
first four to six weeks in a motel if you can afford it, or the tent 
next to a stream.  Cherish the body and listen to it.
#7 - There is no reason to EVER carry more than five or six days of food 
(except for the Sierra).
#6 and #5 and #3 - I'm a 59 year old section hiker and it's worth the 
money (which I have) to get my base weight to 15 pounds or lower.  When 
my pack is less than 20 pounds I don't feel it.
#2 - It is NOT necessary to condition properly before a trip.  I know 
I'm going to get yelled at for asserting this.  Remember, HYOH, and 
everything lies on a continuum.  If you aren't in condition, six miles a 
day for a week is a good start...

Thanks Michael for sharing your experience...

Jeff, just Jeff...
Martin, SD, where it's getting down to 26 degrees tonight...

On 10/18/2011 5:28 PM, Michael Lerner wrote:
> I am a 50 year old who attempted a thru hike this year. well my body broke down at Mikes place halfway thru section B, but what I learned in such a short time will definitely help me on next years attempt. 
> The main reason for this Email is to thank those 5 unknown individual thru hikers that literally picked me up and helped me along the PCT on my final mile to Mikes place. This was my first attempt and will chalk it up to a great learning experience and what not to do in the future. Even though it sounds a little like David Letterman talking, these are my top ten reasons I failed my thru-hike.
>
> 10. I hiked the trail alone (couldn't find anyone else I knew to hike)
>
> 9. Tried to bite off to many miles per day. (based on my condition at the start)
>
> 8. Bought a great GPS but to bad i didn't really know how to use it properly.
>
> 7. Brought all these fancy freeze dried meals all packaged seperately and it just added to all the weight I was carrying. (carried 18 days worth of meals)
>
> 6. Did not have proper lightweight raingear.
>
> 5. Didn't use a lightweight backpack,tent,sleeping bag. (used an 80L large pack)
>
> 4.  Didn't use shoe inserts to cushion the walk
>
> 3. Tried to carry everything but the kitchen sink. (pack weighed in at 65 pounds, yes 65 pounds crazy huh?
>
> 2. Did not condition properly. (realized this hike takes months of prep and conditioning)
>
> 1. I missed a water source and didn't go back 1/2 mile. Instead I pushed forward 7 more miles to the next source. (BIG MISTAKE BECAME DEHYDRATED REAL FAST)
>
>
> Once again to the five individuals that helped me, I thank you!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Also I am the Publisher of several magazines including Holistic Life Magazine and the recent issue has an Editorial on the PCT. I am going to Publish a follow up Editorial in an upcomming edition. This Magazine is distributed at 900 locations throughout Los Angeles county. you can find it at Ralphs, Vons, Whole Foods. CVS Pharmacies, Pavillions and many more locations. Or read the Magazine online at www.holisticlifemagazine.com
>
> Happy Trails And See You Next Year,
>
> Michael (Wasn't on the trail long enough to get a trail name!)
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