Back in the Game

The last 50 or so miles of Pennsylvania all the way through New Jersey and New York kicked my butt. It was rocky, there was a ton of pointless ups and downs, my feet hurt constantly, and I was frustrated that I couldn't do the 20 miles a day I was use to pounding out. Connecticut and Massachusetts were better as far as terrain and trail goes, but I was still wiped. I think part of it might have been poor nutrition, but regardless, it felt harder than it should have. I loved Vermont, but it too felt as if my body was breaking down. The last 30 or so miles in Vermont kicked my butt. I did one 19 mile day into West Hartford and felt completely wrecked the next day. 

I knew I was approaching the Whites in NH quickly and wasn't feeling confident about them at all. The weather can get fierce up there and the elevation gain and loss is brutal, more so than any of the trail thus far. 

But the last 4 days has been a huge confidence booster. I resupplied at a co-op in Hanover with a lot of fresh food and other healthier options, plus bought some new multivitamins. That combined with my new shoes (pair 4) has been a game changer. The last 4 days of hiking has been over some rugged and hilly terrain and I've felt strong. Today I hiked over Mt Moosilauke, which is suppose to be one of the harder climbs of the Trail and felt great. I'm now excited to be starting The Whites tomorrow feeling capable and confident. 

View from Mt Moosilauke <3