Should I commit to 5 days on the Appalachian trail?

Read A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. It gives you a humorous and accurate view of this very thing.

Considering your physical consition, it would be difficult at best—I believe unnecessaily so. I suspect any doctor worth his salt would advise that you get into better shape before embarking on such an adventure. Don’t be cowed into doing something you feel’re you’re not ready to do.

I agree with you – I think the training comes first. A Walk in the Woods will give you a good and humorous idea of how not to do it.

* Gasp! * I had a dream recently about doing a 5-day hike with a friend’s mother. Ever since I’ve been obsessed with the idea.

I’d consult a doctor, to see if they could give you advice on training. It just sounds like an opportunity I would hate to pass up.

If you are looking for a reason to get out of this trip I give you permission. But I think a month of prep for hiking the Appalachian trail is plenty of time to prepare your body to have a great time out there. Just get the best kicking shoes you can afford and commit to doing it and you will have the camping experience of a lifetime!

It depends on the terrain of the location you’re going to hike. If you can take it (relatively) easy, and it’s mostly walking, I think you’d be ok. If there’s actual hiking over rough terrain, rock climbing, etc., or your sister will be a tireless taskmaster and not let you take breaks when you need them… maybe not so much.

Update: Ok, it looks like I’m going in October for 8 days, and if you don’t see me on Fluther after that, I’ve died and been eaten by a bear.

Good luck! No getting eaten by bears, please. :)