I wish I could do that!

   You can tell the time is near for me to enter the woods as my beard is getting long and scraggly.  That inner excitement has started to stir and the smile on my face is getting bigger every time I tell my story to someone that is hearing it for the first time.  But I have noticed a trend when I tell someone that I am embarking on a 3 month journey and walking 1200 miles... they always respond with "I wish I could do that" or "I would love to do that but I'm too old and out of shape".
It bothers me to hear friends and relatives say these things.  Then I realized that I was saying the exact same thing last year.
   In the summer of 2011, Rachel and I decided to downsize our lives.  We wanted to focus less on keeping up with the Jones' and more on quality of life and things that are important to us.  Things started to happen quickly, our plan was actually working.  Though a lot of hard work our goal was becoming a reality.  In fact, things were coming together so nicely that completing the A.T. was a topic on the table.  I actually had the support of my family to leave... voluntarily... for 3 months... just to walk!!!  This is very exciting, but there was one problem... "I'm too old and out of shape to do this".
It has been 9 years, 2 kids, a broken knee and almost 30 pounds since I hiked my first section of the Appalachian Trail in 2003.  I can't do much about the time, kids or my knee but I could absolutely do something about the 30 pounds.

On my May 1, 2012, we made the decision that I would hike.  I had 2.5 months to prepare.  On May 12, I started my nutrition and exercise program.  With the help of a long time family friend and nutrition coach, I have lost 23.5 pounds and felt better than my younger self did in 2003.  I have more energy throughout the day and there is no doubt that I am absolutely ready to hit the mountains of the Appalachians.  

Here's to Chuck and all the help!  Thank YOU!!!

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