What a week! On we go.

I’d like to post a brief update of the week and how great it is when things actually seem to run smoothly.

After the incredible Sunday we had in which God provided us with $8,900 in less than 12 hours, I was excited about starting out this week. Beginning with about 37 miles remaining in New Jersey, I made it 53 miles on Monday with a goal to be really close to Virginia by the end of the week. The remainder of the week went as follows: 45.5, 50.3, 51.8, 48, and 60.6!!! Anyone who knows the AT in Pennsylvania knows this is a mentally tough section with the rocks. The weekly total was 309.2. To say I am excited about this week is an understatement. The only issue I had this week was a sore Achilles on Friday evening, but fortunate icing, rest, and prayer allowed it to heal in 8-10 hours.

With just over 1000 miles to go to finish at Springer, it’s nice to know that the toughest part of the trail is behind me. Everyday gives me more of an appreciation for the trail and all the challenges it presents. Just a few days ago a passing hiker asked me if I was training for something, I answered by telling her what I was doing. After thinking about it, I wish I would have said yes. I am training for life. I am training for living in a 3rd world country. I am training for the challenges that will need to be overcome. I am training to finish life giving all that I am.

We all face times in life when we know the final outcome will be less grand than what we intended from the start. What God is teaching me on the Appalachian Trail is that this is no reason to stop giving all of myself. If we stop trying when we know the outcome may not be great, we are saying the only outcome worth fighting for is the grandest one. Wake up everyday and give all of yourself. In the end, you won’t regret it. Finish the race strong.

33 days: 1167.5 miles