This is harder than I thought it would be.

So quick update, I found myself spending this weekend on a mountain with miles and miles of trails, perfect.  I also found myself entering this weekend with a particularly nasty arthritis flare, probably still from camp last week.  Not so perfect.  Regardless, I figured I should get some practice doing small hikes with my jank knees.  That is the ultimate plan, right? Here's the path I took.

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1172202

Three miles? Awesome.  Practically in my backyard? Great. 1,132 ft elevation? There is NO SUCH THING as an easy afternoon mountain hike.  Lesson learned.

Here are some other things I learned on the first hike:

• No opened toed shoes, yes even if they are as cute as the Chacos I wore today.
• Sweet tea as hydration, as easy to justify as it is, SUCKS at 97 degrees forty-five minutes into a hike. 
• Be friendly to others on the trail, but remember, they're not here to socialize.

(I learned this one quickly as I passed people who, although they were perfectly nice, did not even slow their stride.  But no offense taken!)

• What goes down, must come up.  I really must be more wary of getting overconfident on downhill sections, because the ascent proves just as quickly how awfully out of shape I'm in.

Regardless of these harsh lessons, I am so excited to keep on learning and growing on the trail.  There are truly beautiful things out there to see, and each time I go out, I plan to be a little more prepared. 

Until next time! -Hannah

Hello!

Hello! My name is Hannah and I plan to use this blog to chronicle my preparations to thru-hike the AT in 2016 NOBO.  During the actual trek, I will probably use it as a trail journal. 

 Anyway, some background! 

 I was diagnosed with JRA when I was 8 years old, but have always had very mild symptoms.  Arthritis was always more of an excuse to get out of running in P.E. than a 'disability'.  Since graduating high school a few months ago however, my symptoms have gotten a lot worse and I am starting to walk much slower and with a bit of a 'pimp limp'.  I know these symptoms are not that serious, but they have made me seriously evaluate my potential limitations in the not so near future.  

Now, obviously I am not the most athletic person, but I did grow up on a mountain and with a significant appreciation for nature.  This has led me to make the drastic decision to undertake this awesome journey before I'm not able to anymore. 

Hopefully this journey can be followed by other hikers and arthritics alike, I'd love to hear opinions from anyone!

Here's some pictures at my sad beginnings on some local trails in the past month or so, I still have such a long way to go!