Appreciation post: hitting 500 miles on the Appalachian Trail this October

I started section hiking the AT about 4 years ago, just doing small weekend trips. Last month I finally crossed the 500 mile mark near Daleville, Virginia. I honestly didn't think I'd ever get that far since I only hike a few times a year. What convinced me to keep going was meeting a older guy named Bob at a shelter who told me he started at 62 and hit 1,000 miles after 8 years. That just stuck with me. Now I look at my map book differently, seeing how those short trips add up. Has anyone else been surprised by a milestone when you weren't really chasing one?

3 comments

3 Comments

avery_jackson24d agoMost Upvoted

Wait - are we really calling 500 miles in 4 years a big deal? Thats like 125 miles per year. I did that in a month on my thru-hike attempt a few years back. Not trying to tear you down, but hitting 500 over 4 years just means youve been taking a lot of weekend strolls. Bob the 62-year-old is cool and all, but setting the bar that low seems pointless. Why not just aim for a real challenge instead of patting yourself on the back for showing up a few times a year? Everyone loves a feel-good story but this one feels like youre celebrating average effort.

kimr7424d agoTop Commenter

Oh come on, you're totally missing what this is really about. 500 miles over 4 years isnt about bragging rights or some low bar, its about showing that this 62 year old guy found a way to keep moving consistently when life gets in the way. Most people his age dont even do 50 miles in a year because of jobs, injuries, or just feeling too tired. He probably has a full time job, maybe grandkids, definitely some aches and pains. Setting a goal that fits your life and actually sticking with it for 4 years is way harder than some young person crushing a thru-hike for a month when they have no real responsibilities. Not everyone has to live like an ultrarunner to be proud of their effort.

wood.faith24d ago

Had a buddy who tried the same thing at 55 after a heart scare, and he walked 8 miles a week just to feel normal again. That consistency for 4 years is way harder than a month long push when your body still works right. Respect the approach even if the numbers look small on paper.