Good question. The only thing I used to be able to think of, other than getting on trail with a pack and starting to hike, was to put on a 25 lb pack and walk stadium stairs for 8 hours a day for three weeks. I decided to search the internet for plans and here’s what I found.

The program outlines a program that includes work on the treadmill, balance/strength exercises, stair walking and hiking. The program gets progressively more intense over 12 weeks. Level 1 allegedly prepares for 6 miles a day at up to 6,000 feet of altitude. Over another 12 weeks, Level 2 is for 10 miles a day at up to 10,000 feet. I’ll be completing Level 2 before the summer when I go to Maine.

So far, the program is working well for me. I’m half way through Level 1; I’m stronger and more agile.

For balance, I’m using a slack line board. The Gibbon Board https://gibbon-usa.com/ has been a fantastic trainer for me.

So that’s it. I’m off to the Y to hike 5 miles on their indoor track today. Happy Hiking! “Puffin”

It is not often that a man can make opportunities for himself. But he can put himself in such shape that when or if the opportunities come he is ready.

Theodore Roosevelt

Today was definitely a success, albeit a slow one. The long steep downhill continued to take its toll on my legs. Despite my slow pace, I finished the hike back to Uncle Johnny’s.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #2 (10/9/25)
Start - Stealth Camp (353.9)
End - Uncle Johnny’s (344.5)
Today's mileage: 9.4
Total section miles: 20.3
Section Avg:  10.1
Total miles on AT: 1298.5

“Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.” —Theodore Roosevelt

Update: I reviewed my hike while working on my book. In two days, I covered 20 miles of trail with almost 5,400 ft of descent! Not too shabby if I say so myself. Definitely a success!

I picked up where I left off a year and a half ago. I hiked the hurricane bypass and then over Unaka Mtn and Beauty Spot. Both downhills took their toll, but some Meloxicam and rest made it OK.

I found an awesome stealth site for the night. Didn’t eat dinner; I was too tired.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #1 (10/8/25)
Start - Iron Mtn Gap (364.8)
End - Stealth Camp (353.9)
Today's mileage: 10.9
Total section miles: 10.9
Section Avg:  10.9
Total miles on AT: 1289.1

Do not worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older it will avoid you.

― Joey Adams