Walking Well: Trail Training

Psychological problems loom as large as the physical difficulties for hikers. They take several forms and are less obvious. Realistic preliminary trail hikes will help you accommodate to trail conditions. But there is no perfect way to prepare. Just be aware of the depression that hits frequently and can be called the “Virginia Blues." This can occur in any state, but the 544 miles of Virginia render it more likely there.

Weather can precipitate frustration. I suspect that in 1994 the 60 days of 100-degree temperatures drove many hikers off the trail. The frequent and prolonged rains of 1992 were a similar challenge.

Loneliness and homesickness strike many hikers during the many months in the wild. On my first hike I did a flip-flop. Heading south from Abol Bridge gave me an empty feeling that only later did I identify as a combination of loneliness and anticipation of the unknown of the 100-mile wilderness. When I called home a few days later, I realized that loneliness was a factor. During my second hike I experienced deprivation of civilization in Connecticut and beyond. It drew me into more towns than usual to stay in motels, eat in restaurants, and watch television. I have observed these moods in other hikers, which they have also reported.

Having a firm written set of goals for the hike and concentrating on them will make success possible.

Dr. Vernier graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1949. He was an instructor there, performed and directed pharmacology research at Merck and DuPont, and was Director of Pharmacology Research before retiring in 1985, subsequently consulting until 1991. He has been hiking since scouting days. He is known as"Del Doc" on the Appalachian Trail.