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

[Sir Mixalot]

Michael, I think we met and I'm glad to hear your spirits are well enough to
join us here.  I know from personal experience that it's tough to deal with
failure on the PCT even when continuing was not an option.  My body and
heart were broken for a long time.  I hope I see you next year feeling much
better than you did earlier this year.

On Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 4:28 PM, Michael Lerner <mdodger00 at yahoo.com> 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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