[pct-l] What to do when losing gumption?

[pcnst@oakapple.net (David hiking PCNST in bits)]

> Having done my 3rd long distance journey this summer, I finally realized
> that when things are getting me down, I need to get back on the trail.

I haven't done any long distance hiking yet.
We'll see if I can get it together
for next spring's pilgrimage.    My theory is that a lot of long distance
hikers and other extreme athletes are fighting chronic mild depression,
so coming off the trail SHOULD lead to chemical withdrawal symptoms.

> I have heard a number of people say that when somebody is thinking about
> quitting the trail they should take 3 days off.

Actually, the best would be an instant transport back to the problems of
job and families for three days.   That would motivate many of us back to
the trail.

> Most of my battle in this regard is pyschological, and I find that a social
> or town environment is not helpful.

>  ... My lowest times are invaribly  at resuppy points

I'm still at the stage where a town stop for a hot shower is really inspiring.
I'm told that I'll get over that and concentrate on the hot food if I ever
go for a month or more.    But I think I'd still be inspired by the hot food.

> When I am
> really tired after 1000-1500 miles, it will take months of rest to
> recuperate and get the soreness out; 3 days does nothing but make me feel
> more tired.  I think this is stress related and know that I do not deal
> with stress very well.

Interesting point.   I'm still tired and
sore all over from a mere week around Glacier Peak.
It's been a week since, so that should have worked out by now if it were mostly
tired muscles.

> to think about where I am going but where I am.  I slow down a little
> (usually this turns out to be an illusion, I just take all the hurry out
> and relax more, and often I go as far as when I was pushing).

My short trips are always on a pretty definite timetable and that adds to
the stress.   Even my long trip next year, if it follows plan, has a very
definite starting and ending time and place and a very definite average
daily kilometerage.    Maybe that's the problem, but since this is the
PCT list, even for most through hikers, the very definite desert, high sierra,
and north cascades hiking windows must be ever kept in mind, especially if
traveling ultralight.
I would suppose that e.g. the AT southbound would be different -
once you get out of New England the trail itself doesn't impose too much
schedule pressure.     If you do it northbound, then you're racing with
winter just as if heading toward the North Cascades.