Virginia. What an amazing state! I’ve been meaning to do a post for a while, but lately I’ve been focusing on the road. At the beginning of Virginia I was feeling bad, I had been pushing my body too hard and my body was having a hard time trying to keep up. Getting to Damascus took me 3 days from Boots Off Hostel, which was my favorite hostel so far and will probably be my favorite for the tour.
In those 3 days, my body was having a hard time going more than 10 miles a day, the water I was drinking (filtered) tasted bad and I don’t know for sure if it was the water or just my diet, but I felt like it was the water and it was really hard watching people pass me while I was doing the Damascus Marathon or the Damascus Dash doing 26-42 miles in one push while I struggled to get even 1 mile before taking a break. Upon arriving in Damascus I felt that a change was going to occur.
Up to that point I had only taken a few zero days, but I had to tell myself to take more and more frequently. I made a zero in Damascus and then took off doing 27 miles. It was great! But that didn’t last long. The next few days I had problems again.
Zero days ago it was like losing a day. Now they feel like a necessity. I have realized that this is not the PCT and I can’t get the miles done like I would like. So from Damascus to now, here in Waynesboro, I have taken almost 15 zero days in the last 33. Days.
Taking zero days has seemed like an arduous task, but it is both physical and mental. The zero days are helping me mentally focus on the trail and my view of the AT. Physically, it is helping me put on more miles on the first day and slowly reduce them over the next few days.
Mental battles
Mentally, coming to the trail, I knew it would be tougher, but it’s different from other hikes. This time, I have nothing to prove, but I gave up a lot to come here and walk and I forgot before a friend reminded me. I almost went off the trail in Marion because I felt like I was ready to go home after figuring out everything I wanted to do for this trail, but when talking about quitting, Manzo convinced me to stay home with my best friend. Manzo gave me some advice that really helped me and I want to thank him so much for his words of wisdom and understanding.
After continuing on from Marion, I started hiking with Swift and Penguin, who also write for the hike and both cover fewer miles than I would prefer, but that’s what I did on the PCT when I wanted to leave it with just 400 miles to go. I needed to slow down and not chase the miles but chase the smiles and walking with these two has been nothing short of endless heartbreaking laughter. They are a hoot and a half!
Physical battles
Physically I’ve been all over here. I can’t understand this trace! The PCT allows for bigger miles, which is what I want to do, but every time I do more than 30 miles the next day, I want to do it again, but I have a hard time getting over 20 and then 10 the next day.
I’m eating much healthier than on the PCT, so why is it a problem to go down this road? I’m adding fresh fruit, nuts and much cleaner foods, doing my best to keep the weight off and feel healthy doing it. I estimate I’m consuming between 4 and 6,000 calories per day, with some junk foods added for extra calories, but the energy is not available after several days. I’m trying too hard.
I’m currently averaging 15-18 miles a day and my body is starting to appreciate the slower miles. So far I have had 8 30+ mile days with the biggest being 38.4 miles with 8000+ vertical feet that day and I felt good the next day but I also took the day off as I walked 19 hours to get to Pearisburg because I had limited food and needed to get into town because I didn’t want to do 2 days for the 38 miles with no food for the last day. Maintaining fewer miles has greatly helped me stay happy on the trail, and while some days I really want to push myself for 24 hours of non-stop hiking and would love to do a 50+ mile day just for fun, I physically need to save that day for easier terrain so I don’t push myself too hard.
How have I felt about Virginia?
Virginia is beautiful! The flowers have been amazing and the terrain has been pretty easy and the views are incredible almost every day. I don’t get bored of Virginia and I’m very happy to be here today. Music has played a huge role in appreciating each day and I love receiving music from my best friend at home. Music helps get me going in the morning and is the best way to start the day. Usually at midday I turn off the music and start listening to the wildlife and at that point my mood is ready to enjoy the rest of the day.
So overall, even with the slight hiccup of almost going off trail in Marion, I really enjoyed Virginia, out of all the hikers I’ve met, and I’m looking forward to finishing the rest of the trail. Excited for what is to come and happy for those who have stuck with me until now. People make the trail so much better, not just the other hikers but all the amazing trail angels and friends back home who come up and check on me. There aren’t many who do, but I appreciate those who really care about me and that keeps me active both mentally and physically. Here’s to the next 1300+ miles!
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!
For more information, visit the About page of this site.
