Pitfalls and lessons learned from Pennsylvania to New York

Over the past few weeks, I’ve traveled through five different states and passed the 1100, 1200, 1300, and 1400 mile markers. I actually enjoyed the Pennsylvania rocks (for the most part) and had fun reviewing some of the rock scrambles. And New Jersey has been nothing but beautiful.

All that said, the last few weeks have shown me some of my biggest obstacles as a hiker, as well as things I should do differently in the future.

The biggest pitfall I keep falling into is comparison, which subsequently causes me to fall into the trap of running long miles even when doing so might not be the best idea. The result is that I am beaten physically and then I beat myself up mentally and emotionally. In fact, it has made the last week more difficult and, perhaps, less enjoyable than it would have been otherwise.

These are the lessons I am learning.

The comparison trap

Despite the common mantra of “do your own hike,” it can be very difficult not to compare yourself to other hikers in the area. How many miles did you travel compared to those around you? How fast do you go against them? Do you have to take more breaks than others?

I am fighting these questions regularly. The last few weeks I’ve been pushing myself really hard: 20+ miles on days in a row. When I think about doing fewer miles, my brain tells me I’m failing as a hiker. I tell myself I should be better, faster and stronger. I feel like I’ll never finish if I slow down.

That mental spiral has kept me trying hard. And a lesson I have learned? You can’t get through New York.

The New York Challenge

To put it plainly, New York is a challenge. I don’t think hikers often talk about how difficult it really can be. It appears to be surpassed by states like Pennsylvania. But let me tell you, New York is no joke.

I think I fell into the trap of thinking I could cover as many miles in New York as I did in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. However, this particular section is full of continuous ups and downs that are technical and require a lot of rock climbing. The consequence of trying to overcome all of that is a harsh physical toll on the body.

I continued to end each day exhausted even if I took breaks throughout the day. The heat and lack of good water sources certainly didn’t help. No amount of magic on the trail or rest at night lessened the physical exhaustion I felt.

Which, as you may have guessed, led to more mental berating on my part.

The good

As you can probably tell, I’ve been struggling recently. What helped me is that I took a break with a trail angel who told me that what I was going through is common among hikers in this area. She told me that many hikers are exhausted, depressed and/or hitting a wall when they arrive in downtown New York. And for many of the same reasons as me.

She didn’t know it at the time, but her words helped me a lot. For some reason, knowing that I’m not the only one who feels this way was encouraging. I’m sure many hikers can cover long miles in New York and don’t mind it. I just have to remind myself that I’m an amateur. That I had never done this before. So the fact that it’s in New York is a feat in itself.

It’s very clear that I need to cut back on the miles going forward. No more 20+ mile days for me, at least not regularly. I’m going to aim for 15-18 miles a day so I can take the time to enjoy the trail again. Take a break by a stream to soak my feet or lie on the grass to enjoy the summer breeze. Appreciate with joy being in God’s creation.

Despite how I have felt, I am grateful that God continues to give me another day on the road. That He is teaching me all these lessons, even if I am learning them the hard way. I am also grateful for every trail angel, every bit of trail magic, and encouragement I have received.

I am less than 800 miles from Mount Katahdin. I’m very close but I still have a long way to go. I’m sure there will be many more challenges and lessons along the way. For now, I’m happy to be here.

And so we continue the adventure….

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