To everyone who has followed me or shown me support throughout my journey,
I cannot express in words how much all of your love and support has meant to me. There were several times since starting the Appalachian Trail when my body was quite literally on the verge of giving out, and the thought of all the people back home who were praying for me to have a safe and wonderful journey was enough to keep me putting one foot in front of the other.
That being said, I went out on the trail knowing there would likely be some point at which I would realize the goals I had set for myself on this trip. That point for me was April 26th. On this day I realized my heart was not into hiking the rest of the trail and spending another 3 and ½ months out in the wilderness.
I set out on the Appalachian Trail with a specific set of goals in mind:
· Recharge my batteries
I had become tired of constant school work for almost 17 years. While I am forward thinking enough to realize that all my hard work in school will (and in some respects already has) payoff in the end, I just needed some time to reassess my goals in academia and “recharge my batteries”.
· Prove to myself I could survive on my own
This is a goal of most students; Although, I would say I put a slight twist on this typical goal considering my “survival” was a lot more literal than most! But I think it is pretty much the same idea.
· Decide on a specific career path
There are several big questions that every student is asked. The first typically comes in the form of “So where do you want to go to college?” This is such an intimidating question for most students because usually we have not thought about it by the time we are asked. Then even, when we are ready to answer that question, almost immediately we are bombarded with another…”What do you want to major in?” And so this cycle of big life-changing questions goes. Each time we think we’ve figured things out, we are reminded that there is still much to be decided. I felt that having a lot of time to think on the trail would be exactly what I needed to get away from the stress of everyday life and contemplate where I see my life in 10 years.
· Think about the possibility of Graduate School
Self-explanatory.
· Reflect on various relationships in my life
I am not perfect, and I know that there are many relationships in my life I would like to improve upon. Having the time and solitude of the trail to reflect on these relationships and how I have handled them in the past helped me understand how I can improve who I am and strengthen my friendships with others.
Although these goals were not the only things on my mind as I hiked nearly 700 miles of the Appalachian Trail over the better part of 2 months, I believe posting them here gives everyone an insight into my true reasons for doing this hike. While reaching Katahdin was definitely a goal of mine, it was largely secondary compared to these more life-changing goals I have listed.
For a few days before April 26th, I was starting to feel far less motivated to keep my feet moving along the trail because I realized deep down inside that I had achieved what I set out to do. I do not consider myself a quitter, so it was very hard for me to finally admit to myself that I had enough and it was my time to stop. While physically I could have stayed out on the trail for another 3 ½ months, mentally and emotionally I was ready to come off and begin my real life again, refreshed and with answers.
It is true that I will not actually thru-hike the Appalachian Trail this year, but I have no regrets. I hiked 1/3 of the trail at once (700 miles). I achieved all my primary goals I set out to achieve. I am beginning my normal life again with a renewed drive, and I am in the best shape of my life (to quote Chuck Norris). While reaching Katahdin is ultimately still a goal of mine (and you better believe I will section hike the trail till completion someday), I got what I set out to get, and I truly believe I am a better person for it.
Once again, thank you for all the support you all have given me throughout my journey. Also, while I did not complete the trail, I still love talking about all my adventures over the past two months, and I would be more than happy to share any stories, experiences, or just general hiking advice with anyone who cares to ask!
One last weight update:
Beginning weight: 195+ lbs
Ending weight: 175 lbs
While I did see some people doing the trail to lose weight (most of them had really lost massive amounts of weight), I would hesitate to endorse hiking the trail as a “healthy” way to lose weight quickly.
I cannot express in words how much all of your love and support has meant to me. There were several times since starting the Appalachian Trail when my body was quite literally on the verge of giving out, and the thought of all the people back home who were praying for me to have a safe and wonderful journey was enough to keep me putting one foot in front of the other.
That being said, I went out on the trail knowing there would likely be some point at which I would realize the goals I had set for myself on this trip. That point for me was April 26th. On this day I realized my heart was not into hiking the rest of the trail and spending another 3 and ½ months out in the wilderness.
I set out on the Appalachian Trail with a specific set of goals in mind:
· Recharge my batteries
I had become tired of constant school work for almost 17 years. While I am forward thinking enough to realize that all my hard work in school will (and in some respects already has) payoff in the end, I just needed some time to reassess my goals in academia and “recharge my batteries”.
· Prove to myself I could survive on my own
This is a goal of most students; Although, I would say I put a slight twist on this typical goal considering my “survival” was a lot more literal than most! But I think it is pretty much the same idea.
· Decide on a specific career path
There are several big questions that every student is asked. The first typically comes in the form of “So where do you want to go to college?” This is such an intimidating question for most students because usually we have not thought about it by the time we are asked. Then even, when we are ready to answer that question, almost immediately we are bombarded with another…”What do you want to major in?” And so this cycle of big life-changing questions goes. Each time we think we’ve figured things out, we are reminded that there is still much to be decided. I felt that having a lot of time to think on the trail would be exactly what I needed to get away from the stress of everyday life and contemplate where I see my life in 10 years.
· Think about the possibility of Graduate School
Self-explanatory.
· Reflect on various relationships in my life
I am not perfect, and I know that there are many relationships in my life I would like to improve upon. Having the time and solitude of the trail to reflect on these relationships and how I have handled them in the past helped me understand how I can improve who I am and strengthen my friendships with others.
Although these goals were not the only things on my mind as I hiked nearly 700 miles of the Appalachian Trail over the better part of 2 months, I believe posting them here gives everyone an insight into my true reasons for doing this hike. While reaching Katahdin was definitely a goal of mine, it was largely secondary compared to these more life-changing goals I have listed.
For a few days before April 26th, I was starting to feel far less motivated to keep my feet moving along the trail because I realized deep down inside that I had achieved what I set out to do. I do not consider myself a quitter, so it was very hard for me to finally admit to myself that I had enough and it was my time to stop. While physically I could have stayed out on the trail for another 3 ½ months, mentally and emotionally I was ready to come off and begin my real life again, refreshed and with answers.
It is true that I will not actually thru-hike the Appalachian Trail this year, but I have no regrets. I hiked 1/3 of the trail at once (700 miles). I achieved all my primary goals I set out to achieve. I am beginning my normal life again with a renewed drive, and I am in the best shape of my life (to quote Chuck Norris). While reaching Katahdin is ultimately still a goal of mine (and you better believe I will section hike the trail till completion someday), I got what I set out to get, and I truly believe I am a better person for it.
Once again, thank you for all the support you all have given me throughout my journey. Also, while I did not complete the trail, I still love talking about all my adventures over the past two months, and I would be more than happy to share any stories, experiences, or just general hiking advice with anyone who cares to ask!
One last weight update:
Beginning weight: 195+ lbs
Ending weight: 175 lbs
While I did see some people doing the trail to lose weight (most of them had really lost massive amounts of weight), I would hesitate to endorse hiking the trail as a “healthy” way to lose weight quickly.
-- Hellion
Trevor Helderman
I must say I was shocked to see that you were home, but that isn't to say, that I knew you couldn't have finsihed the trail because I know you could have. I am glad to see you are home safe. I am very proud of you for getting to 700 hundred miles. I know it wasn't easy at times, but just think of the stories you will have for the of your life. Job well done Trevor!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Trevor, on hiking 700 miles! Quite an accomplishment of which to be proud. Not only have you tested yourself physically but also you have learned what a strong person you are emotionally and mentally. The world is yours and you certainly are making the most of your opportunities. You're blessed to have such a supportive and loving family and so many friends. Sonia Brokaw
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