What if I’m not a hiker?

As the nervousness becomes more and more real, as the PCT start date approaches. This other little thing has started to bubble up inside me. A fear. To be honest, a pretty unwanted one. A big, scary question keeps coming up from time to time.

It’s like a pesky little creature in the corner of my mind trying to scare me a little. As if trying to wrap your head around the idea of ​​walking 2,650 miles wasn’t overwhelming enough in itself. The arduous effort it will be to overcome everything that the road will throw at us during the period of 4 to 5 months. As well as all the preparations before and what comes after.

Every cell in my body is excited just thinking about it. It will be amazing to finally get out there. Finally our turn has come to walk this incredible trail. We have been dreaming of these moments for years! But again, this fear appears almost without me realizing it. What happens if I don’t like hiking?

And if Don’t I like being totally covered in mud, dust and sweat for days at a time? Is it so stinky and sticky it’s barely bearable? And nowhere to wash or clean myself even a little until the next city?

And if Don’t I like having to set up my tent in a new place every day for the next few months? Exploit my sleeping mat while lacking the energy to keep my eyes open? Pack everything up, only to put it away again the next morning, and repeat?

And if Am I not strong enough? Will my shoulders give out before my ankles or hips? Or will I just never be able to get those trails everyone talks about? Can I keep up with Benjamin or whoever our trail family is?

And if Can’t I force myself to eat shitty food for months? If I can’t convince myself to eat those damn ramen noodles one more time? Those cold, soggy, overly sticky oatmeal or mashed potatoes? Will I be able to support myself? Getting enough nutrients?

And if I don’t know how to navigate? Won’t you fit in among your fellow hikers? Do I struggle to keep my mood up?

But the most important thing, or the scary question, And if Don’t I like walking 2,650 miles in a span of 4 to 5 months? What if I just don’t enjoy life on the trails and being trashy hiker while attempting my PCT hike?

Kilimanjaro trekking via the Lemosho route

What if I like the dream more than reality?

Every time the creature tries to scare me, I pause. Reminding myself that questions and fears like these are exactly one of the reasons I started dreaming about advancing the PCT in the first place. I want to get out of the comfort zone, feel challenged, feel uncomfortable; I want to grow. As a friend of mine who climbed the AT once said:

“I have some great advice for you: EMBRACE THE DUCKER!”

I want to embrace the suction and have the best time on the road while doing it. Laugh about it. Shout. Cry. Smile. Be happy. Angry. Scared. Curious. Grateful. I know I’m meant to be a hiker because I want to be. Even on days that will suck.

PCT I’m ready for you and everything you have in store for us in the 2026 season!

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