Thoughts on Starting My 2021 PCT Thru Hike 80 Pounds Overweight
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- Опубліковано 4 бер 2021
- Hey guys! In this video, I wanted to talk a little about my journey as a plus size hiker, and how I feel about starting the PCT overweight. Thank you all for your kindness and support. Stay tuned for my PCT through hike, starting 3/19!
These are some of the hikers and groups who have inspired me in my journey as an overweight /plus-size hiker. Check them out!
Second Chance Hiker
• Second Chance Hiker | ...
Ashley’s Adventure
ashleysadventur...
Unlikely Hikers
unlikelyhikers?...
Fat Girls Hiking
fatgirlshiking?...
well i'm 56 years old and black and have a rod in my left leg ,but i starting my sobo PCT hike in late july i sure i'll get a few looks but ,all i have this body this face so, i can't control other people only myself ,so don't worry too much about other people you are to have way more important stuff to worry about .oh and thank you for your sevice as a nurse ! good luck!
Exactly right. I’m excited to be on trail with you. I suppose we’re sure to cross paths at some point. 😊 Thanks for the support, and you have mine as well! Let’s rock this with our heads held high! Happy trails
Yep being black sure does suck 😂
You got this! I started out on my AT thru in 2019 being very overweight. Struggled in the first half with knee pain, but I listened to my body and took breaks when needed. Finished in 5 1/2 months, 50 pounds lost, and so happy with my successful thru hike. And yes, I gained weight back. But my mentality changed on how I live my life and I have used that fuel to chase big dreams. You will too!
Also, I live right off the PCT in WA. If you need anything, let me know! I'd love to sprinkle some trail magic your way!
Thank for sharing your story. So encouraging for me, especially as the nerves are kicking in here a few days before the start of my hike 😊 Congratulations on a successful hike and the positive impact it had on you.
And thank you! 🙏Will keep that in mind!
I found you by accident, now I’m a fan.
Haha. Well I’m glad to have you along for the journey now 😊
DITTO
Another unlikely hiker here. I'm a senior hiker, a retired RN. My permit for the PCT is for early May. San Diego is my home, feel free to reach out to me, if anything falls through with your plans getting to the trail. Or if you need a break, a hot meal or shower or a soak in a hot tub. For us curvy hikers, Body Glide is our friend, we just have more parts that can rub together. And the first part of the trail is hard, not flat at all, don't be sucked in by other's calling it easy, it's not!
Thank you so much. I appreciate that! And best of luck on the trail this year. I think we’re in for an amazing adventure. 💙 ... Honestly, there was a time I thought of the desert as a “warm up” for the rest of the trail, nice and easy. I’ve since learned that’s not exactly the case. 😌 I think it will be a big shock to this Florida girl, but I’m really excited about that different sort of beauty in the desert.
Being over weight will not stop you hiking the trail but you will be slower than someone carrying less weight, and more likely to get injured. Take it easy, go at your own pace. Enjoy it.
I think you're am amazing person. You are wise, introspective, thoughtful, and inspirational. I start mid April but I would have loved to have met you out there. I wish you all the best in your journey with lots of wonderful experiences and memories made along the way. ~Condor
Such kind words. Thank you so much. We may not get to meet on the trail, but I feel the support. Know that you have mine as well 💙 Here’s to an incredible, life-affirming experience for both of us!
I have been searching for someone to follow who is plus sized and is starting this journey. So excited to follow you!
Awesome! There’s a place for us in the hiking world. 😊 Glad to have you along for the journey.
I am starting the IAT 80 lbs over weight too. No one should give up a dream.
Absolutely. Happy trails, and all the best to you 💙
Thankyou for sharing a smart, honest, insightful, and positive video on this subject. You are very strong. I actually think that starting out with some meat on your bones isnt a bad idea. You will be fine. Although i will miss you, i am utterly thrilled that you are not missing out on life and the joy of being truly yourself.
This was beautiful, I am also a plus size hiker and I'm rooting for you!
Cold Kills
Nature is Neutral, and
Mountains Don't Care
If 2021 is anything like 2019, you will quickly lose any sense of being out of place. imo anyway there are only three categories: Hikers, future hikers, and everyone else sitting on the couch.
Also, because I treated all fellow hikers as equal in 2019, I actually had especially wonderful encounters with short distance hikers who often said "I'm just a local or section hiker, etc." I always said, "Your a hiker and that's all that matters"
I am so proud of you honey. You’ve got this! You are strong and have worked hard for this. You deserve it. I will miss you terribly but I will be your greatest cheerleader! I love you Rosey! ❤️
Thanks so much mama. I know you will, you already are 💙 love you!
So good to have Mom cheering you on. Yay Mom!!
I did the first 20 miles in 2017. I was 56yrs old and 250 pounds. Getting to Lake Morena took me 3 days but I made it. I had intended to go as far as I could go in 3 weeks time but I quit early. Not because it was physically hard, it absolutely was, and I loved it! I was so happy and proud of every mountain I climbed. Getting out of Hauser Canyon was my Everest.
The hard part was, come to find out, that I was lonely and didn't have anyone I loved to share my days with. I met people, talked with them, hiked with them, everyone was really cool. But in the back of my mind, I knew my family worried about me and that made it mentally hard. My son checked that SPOT app every half hour and I knew he would freak out if I was in one place too long so I kept pushing on. I was worried about my family worrying about me so much that it almost made me mad.
But then about the second night I got really lonely. There was no cell service where I was camped and I REALLY wanted to talk to someone. I never realized how much I relied on family and friends for emotional support.
Well, this was a news flash! I think I may have cried, I don't remember.
I felt so weak and vulnerable after that. I kind of knew then that I wasn't going to go on for the 3 weeks. I absolutely knew I could do it physically but I wasn't at all prepared for the mental part of it. And that was only 2 days in! So, when I got to Lake Morena I called my son to come get me. The weekend after I quit the PCT, I took my family to Catalina Island, put them up in an Air B&B and I hiked the Catalina Trail for a few days instead! LOL!
Anyway, the point is, you can do this no matter what size you are, how old you are or how far you go. You will get something out of it. We all get something out of it. But I suspect you already know that, that's why you're doing this.
You also know you're going to have the BEST time you've ever had in your life! ;)
Fast or slow, miles are miles! I can’t wait to see you on trail! I know we are sure to meet! I’m 236 lbs due to poor diet and medication to manage my bipolar disorder. But, I’ll be out there, rocking the curves. You’ll know me when you see me...I’ll be the one lying on the trail!😘
Thanks girl! We’re in this together! I’m enjoying following your journey, and wish you the absolutely best in this incredible adventure we’re setting out on. See you out there! 💙
You've got this! I start on the 24th ... it's coming up so fast!
Old luck to you both on the trail.
You are courageous and clearly prepared. Campo awaits!
I started big, too. I lost 55 lb by the time I hit Mammoth Lakes. Only 10 after that but it got me where I needed to be. I might see you on Day 1, I'm dropping off a buddy that has the same start date. Also, I'm hiking south from Crater Lake to Tehatchapi so I might see you twice. Happy Trails!
Thank you for sharing that. Knowing others have been in similar circumstances and been successful is very encouraging. And what a cool coincidence. Best of luck to you and your buddy. Maybe I’ll see you (once or twice 😊) out there!
Thrilled to happen upon your channel. Excited to watch you GO!!!!
Thanks so much! Glad to have you along for the adventure 😊
My favorite line..... “I am planning to hike from Mexico to Canada in this body.” YES!!!! You go!! What a marvelous attitude you have and much wisdom. Excited to follow your journey!
Haha. I figured I’d own it 😉 Thanks for following along on this journey! 💙
Way to go girl! One of my favorite quotes (Oscar Wilde) is "Learning to love oneself is the beginning of a life long romance". I love what you said about being kind and having grace for oneself. I'm one of those skinny chicks 🤪 but so much of what you said applies to anyone, no matter the size. I hope to meet you out there but I'm not starting until mid-April. Have a blessed journey! You're going to do great with your positive outlook. P.S. have you heard of Shannon, Fire Roaming Wild? You might see her on trail cuz I think she's starting sometime near you. Happy Trails!🌻💛
Thanks girl! And thanks for sharing that quote, love it! ....I’ll be starting slow 😉, so may still see you...And yes, I think Shannon (Hot Mess) is starting the same day as me! ...Happy trails!
@@MilesToGo1 that's awesome! It's gonna be great. Go girl go!
Let the adventure begin!
To paraphrase a sign a boss of mine had: "Blessed are they who love themselves, for they shall never be without love."
This video resonates with me so much! I have a similar body to you and I aspire to a PCT hike in the future. I also follow Unlikely hikers for inspiration. Our bodies got us here and they will get us there, and that is something to be great full for!
Absolutely. If you want to hike the PCT, I hope you do...Sounds corny, but I believe our bodies can take us there if our minds and hearts are strong 💙 Happy trails to you
@@MilesToGo1 I believe that too! I am really looking forward to following your journey. Thank you for taking us along with your videos. It inspires me to keep hiking locally and keep up my fitness routine, to prepare for my own big hike when the time comes 💗
I've dropped 50 pounds over the last year and still have 30 to go so we are all in this together. You got this
Absolutely. Thanks so much 🙏 Congrats on how far you’ve already come, and best of luck as you continue on!
Looking forward to your trail updates and there’s no doubt that you too will be a hiking machine.
I hope to be by the end 😊 Thank you for following along!
Best wishes for a successful hike! Look forward to following you to 🇨🇦.
Thanks so much! 🇨🇦 here I come!
let me just say that i am so *freaking* happy that you’re not hiking to lose weight!!!👏👏👏 as females we always have to be doing any and everything *to lose weight* !! especially if we’re a bit chubbier!! like we can only exercise to lose weight but not for fun. anyways! i like you! you’re cool!!!😺😺
Right?! Thanks girl. Glad to have you along for this adventure 😊
@@MilesToGo1 glad to join you :D
You are going to do great. Look forward to following your trip.
It's nice to see a very intelligent discussion about weight instead of the typical flashy click baity topics many on UA-cam use. I look forward to your journey! I probably lost 30 lbs the first month alone but it all stabilized as I got a routine going. Good luck out there! It looks like your channel is going to get pretty big!
Hey, I know you! 😊 Thanks for checking it out and commenting. Happy trails to you!
Girl you are an inspiration to me. The comment about being patient with yourself really struck me. Can't wait to follow you on the PCT!
“In this body!” What a great attitude, Marcy. The PCT is much more than an athletic contest. As a ADZPCTKO organizer, I’ve often heard it said, “the PCT will mess you up -- in a good way!” I’m so excited about your journey, be it 2021 or in years to come.
Very well said Marcy! I am so excited to cheer you on during your hike. You are an inspiration.
Thanks so much 🙏
Can’t wait to follow your journey. You got this!!!
Thank you for putting this positive video out there. I’ll probably watch it on repeat until I have the courage to get off the bench. Cheering you on from Oregon!!
Thank you! I’m cheering you on too! 💙
Life is short so do not judge yourself by other's opinions. I've followed a lot of hikers of various ages and challenges. Attitude seems to be everything. You've got this.
Thank you so much 🙏
Really well said, Marcy!! You're a strong person and you've prepared yourself well for this journey. You'll do great. Oh my gosh - I can't wait to see you take your first steps on that trail!!
I’m so happy to have stumbled onto your channel today! I too am a plus sized athlete and can relate to everything you said in this video! ♥️ You are such an inspiration and I am so proud of your courage and tenacity!!! Can’t wait to watch your journey unfold! I will be praying for a safe and fun journey... Happy trails!!
Thank you so much! 🙏 Happy trails to you as well!
So glad I found a fellow nurse out on the trail. We do so much to care for others that sometime we forget to care for ourselves. Hiking is self care. Looking forward to watching your PCT hike. HIKE ON!
Good for you. Look, I hike but I am an old guy, not in the best shape and recovering from a gastrectomy after cancer. You should not give a hoot on what others think. The funny thing is, that I hike not because I am getting old or seeking answers. I hike because it is AWSOME, it is lovely. Go out there girl. enjoy and love life.
Best of luck on your trip! Excited to watch your journey. We are 2023 with my Daughter. My Daughter is the young whippersnapper and I'm the older Dad. With us being 756 days away... I'm trying to dial into my weight also before my trip. You're going to do great. You will listen to your body as you go and you will find the speed that works for you to try and keep away from injuries. Doesn't matter how in shape or size people are... we all have to listen to our body and try and keep it "happy" as much as possible. Best wishes! You will be inspiring to many! Love from Canada
Thanks very much 🙏 and best of luck as you prepare for your hike. It will be here before you know it! And it’s awesome you’re getting to hike with your daughter.
You are a true inspiration. I love your authenticity and I’m looking forward to following you on your journey! 😊
You are incredible! I've actually found the most pushback in body positive spaces, particularly once I decided to start treat my obesity. I got the sense that body autonomy isn't as inclusive as it should be. I decided to treat my obesity out of love, not hate for my body.
You have such a positive attitude enjoy your hike
Thanks so much 🙏
Looking forward to your journey ... I follow several PCT thru-hikers and am adding you to my list. I’ve section hiked most of it in CA, some few miles in OR and none in WA so far despite the fact that I moved there ten years ago ... time to make up for lost time, so I may see you on the trail near the end. Best of luck on your hike ... it will change your life. 🙂👍🏼🏕⛰🏔
Awesome! Hope you get to put in some Washington miles, maybe I’ll see you out there. Thanks for the support 🙏 Happy trails!
Hey first off thanks for being a nurse .. Zulu guys and underpaid and overworked and are the heartbeat of a hospital... I am a bigger guy and thanks for sharing you’re video ... good luck and I look forward to seeing you on you’re journey ... have fun!!
Thank you, on both counts 🙏 Glad to have you along for the journey!
Good luck!! Thanks for being open and honest.
A journey to a thousand mile begins with a single step, I’ll be cheering for you and looking forward to your vlogs, you go girl😍Gilbert, AZ
Thanks Gilbert! Glad to have you along for the journey 😊
New subscriber here. I love your attitude of being just another hiker and of hiking despite your weight not because of it. I will be watching your journey. As I am in Texas, I cannot offer any physical trail magic, but you will have my complete support through UA-cam. Enjoy your journey!
Thank you so much for that support. I truly appreciate it! 💙
So excited for you and wish I could go with you. Have fun and stay safe.
I’m ready to join the hiking community as a 42 year old overweight woman. I can’t wait! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Leslie,
I through hiked the AT in 2017 and am planning to hike the PCT also. I checked out your gear list and it looks like you have done a good job dialing it in for what you are going to experience. Don't worry about your weight. You have a good plan and are going to be flexible enough that I can tell you are going to do just fine. You will loose weight. You also mentioned a concern about the types of food "junk food" that you may end up consuming along the way. Don't let that bother you. You can try to be as healthy as possible, but it will all come down to finding enough calories in whatever form each day because of the length of the trek you are undertaking. For example, if you are carrying five plus days of food between resupplies, you ultimately will need to be eating high caloric density foods to limit the amount of weight you have to carry. When I hiked the AT, I lost so much weight so fast that I knew it wasn't going to be sustainable. I had to abandon being a vegetarian and ended up adopting a philosophy of consuming any and every calorie that came my way.
As you get further down the trail, things like making sure you maintain enough salt and electrolytes in your diet will be as important your total caloric intake. I live near in central Oregon not too far from where the PCT crosses the Santiam Pass on US20. When you get up there, if you need anything just drop me a note.
I've always looked up to your level headed, positive attitude about basically everything in life. You're a BOSS. You're gonna rock this and I'm very excited to follow along through your updates! -LC
You’ve got this! You are inspirational for many reasons. Can’t wait to follow your journey. Peace and love from New Mexico 🙌🏼
By the time I had started back my hiking on 28th April 2018, I was 93 Kg; weight doesn't matter. Lot of love and respect from a solo mountain hiker from Chitral Pakistan!
Thank you for sharing that, and for following along on the channel 😊
Thank you for a thoughtful, intelligent and insightful video. Looking forward to following your journey -
Marcy, I enjoyed our hike that we took the other day to White Springs Stephen Foster Memorial. That was a lot of fun. I enjoy spending time with you you are an inspiration and I wish you the best on your trip. Will be looking forward to videos and and staying in touch and and following your progress. We love you! Uncle Steve
I really enjoyed our hike as well, and just spending time with you. Thank you for all the love and support. Love you guys! 💙
You're an inspiration. I'm also overweight, and self conscious and also Trying to get Into backpacking. I appreciate your video!
So happy to have found your channel:) I love how genuine you are.
I love your thoughts and attitude. You have a great attitude and I cannot wait to follow your hike.
You are going to do great, just as you are! Really excited to see your journey, all the best! 💚
you are a great communicator! thanks for your video. God bless your hike!
I will be watching and cheering you on!! You got this!! Have fun!!
I’m so excited for you and cannot wait to continue following your journey! Happy trails to you!
Thank you so much! 🙏
You will do great... and I look forward to seeing you on the trail.
Thank you! Same to you!
I’m SO proud of you! You’re a beautiful, strong, intelligent person. I’m loving your videos and your journey! 🙏🏼
You are so sweet and clear on your goals! Enjoy the trail!
So excited to follow your journey!
Get it girl! Looking forward to watching your journey. The best way to get a “backpacking body” is to put a backpack on your body. Have all of the fun... living vicariously through you until I hit the JMT this summer.
Watching this after I watched your hiking videos! Really enjoyed watching you! I was sad to hear you got off the trail! I commend you for even trying! ❤️
I really hope you’ll have an amazing time on trail girl. Don’t beat yourself up about miles, hike YOUR hike. Be unique, be yourself ❤️
Thank you so much! 💙
Wishing you all the best! I look forward to your update videos!
Same here girl. I totally understand how you feel. Good for you that you are doing what makes you happy despite what people may say or think. You are very inspiring.
So happy to have stumbled upon your blog. I am turning 60 next month and am also a bigger person. I will be starting my first long distance hike in a couple of months, Te Araroa. Inspired by your down to earth approach.
Awesome attitude! Just the kind of resolve that will get you to Canada! Good luck and happy trails!
I'm 80 pounds overweight atm too. I start on 4/5 and still hoping I can drop 20-25 before my start. Last year I started training for the pct 9 months in advance and my weight went from 305 to 241 by my start. I dropped another 10 pounds the first week on the trail. I quit my hike last year after they recommended leaving the trail due to the virus.
Good for you, and best of luck with your goals for yourself and the trail this year. 💙 Maybe I’ll see you out there. Happy trails! 😊
God Bless You Miles... Your personality and character shine through. As you said - Be Grateful. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Those who meet you should feel blessed by interactions with you. Believe.
I wonder what you do for a living as you are wise beyond your years. Where you are at mentally most people spend a lot of money to learn how or how to let go - to just "Be". You appear to be there already. I look forward to watching your journey. Be safe, enjoy the world you immersed yourself into, and pass along your "being" to help others on their life journey.
Much respect! Looking forward to watching your journey. More smiles than miles! Safe travels
I like that! Thanks so much 🙏
Looking forward to following your PCT journey!!
Thanks for sharing this piece of your journey. I am a PCT hopeful for next year and have been trying to shed some weight before my start. Everything you said resonated with me. I look forward to following your journey!
Thanks for following along! And best of luck with getting on the trail next year. That’s awesome! 💙
Hi Marcy. I just found your channel. Looking forward to following your journey. My husband and I live in orange county, Ca. We just hiked the a tiny section of the PCT this last Monday near Warner springs/eagle rock and saw a thru hiker pass us by. Great time to start... Weather is absolutely beautiful right now. If you need someone to reach out to while you are in so cal please let me know. I'm happy to send my contact out to you and provide some support. Good luck w the prep and the start of the journey.
Thanks so much, so kind of you 🙏 I’m feeling good about my start date and thankful it’s looking like good weather for a while!
Great to hear!! Get err done.. can't wate to watch your journey 😎😎😎
I will be cheering you on!!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! I look forward to following your PCT adventure. Have a great time! :)
Thank you so much 🙏 Excited to get on the PCT soon. Glad to have you along for the adventure!
Good for you! Good luck on your hike.
You are a champion and hope to see you when you get to the Tahoe area. I am a guide on the Tahoe Rim Trail and teach backpacking 101 for the TRTA. Would like to hike with you when you get to Carson pass. Let me know what I can do to help.
Thanks so much 🙏 I’d love that!
Look forward to see you on the trail. Dont see making it to Canada as your primary goal, first of all you should enjoy the advenventure. I see alot of people hiking the PCT for loosing weight but not changing their food and drinks. To loose weight its important to change your eat and drinking habits. I wish you a lot of fun on trail. greets from the Netherlands.
Thank you so much, and well said. While I would love to make it to Canada, my chief goal is to enjoy the journey. Hope to see you out there. Happy trails! 😊
You are awesome! God bless you and your journey.
Cant wait to see your journey !!
I'm proud of you I have a friend I always backpack with he is over weight he is slower but I wait for him and we have the best times together you will get stronger every day you are out on the PTC . Ive been a fasting for 2 years look it up ! I've lost 65 pounds! I know what its like to hike over weight ! It just makes your heart stronger Enjoy the PTC you will go thru my state Washington.
Good Luck on your journey! Looking forward to seeing updates from the trail
Thanks so much! Glad to have you along for the journey 😊
I have never commented on a UA-cam video before, but I just wanted to say that I am SO rooting for you! I am inspired by your bravery. I am hoping to start out doing some short backpacking trips this year and am filled with the “what-ifs” from never having camped this way before. Your determination and grit makes me know that hard things can be done by strong people. I’ll be following your journey from across the country. Be safe and have so much fun!
Thanks so much for the kind comment 💙Glad you found it encouraging, and best of luck as you start out. You can absolutely do it. Glad to have you following along on this journey with me! I’m cheering you on too!
There is water at mile 0.7 (CLEEF horse facility, water spigot) and usually at mile 4.3. But, prepare for a long water carry before Lake Morena at mile 20.0. Check Guthook app for water report at Hauser Creek around mile 16.
Knowing the water carries early on can save you some early stress (weight) before you get your trail legs. Camel up when you get to water sources. Relax and pace yourself. You are going to have a hell of a time. I'll be one month behind you.
Awesome. Thank you. Happy trails to you!!
I definitely will subscribe! I like your story and I love the PCT!!!
I saw a recommendation for your channel earlier this evening. I’m looking forward to following you on this adventure!
Thanks for checking it out. Glad to have you along for the journey! 😊
Okay, a couple of things, 1) ain't nobody on any trail that dont have "challenges", period. 2) you have an even bigger advantage, and that's your nursing knowledge. Use it! 3)take a knee support, or 2, to help along the trail (even those skinny folk need them occasionally).Ive been using walking sticks over 30 years. My challenge is balance and being to stupid to stop when my body says so. 4)Its your hike, hike your own hike! Any way you enjoy it. 5) Keep the attitude you portray here, it will help later.
What you have verbalized on this and other videos, you will be a welcome addition to any "tramily" you join, start, or become a member of! You are amazing!
Hike on Cracker, hike on!
Super excited for you and thank you for sharing!! Blessings from Michigan!
Thank you so much! 💙
Great articulate message. Good luck!
Your going to do great! Happy Trails 👊
Will be following you on your PCT adventure.Stay safe my friend
We're probably in some of the same FB groups! Thank you for sharing your trail adventures, I'm hoping to someday hike the PCT either section hiking or wait til my kids are grown. I'm also an unlikely hiker.
Your going do awesome, I'm looking forward to vicariously following along!
Thanks so much! Glad to have you along for the journey 😊
I admire your willingness to get out on the trail, regardless of your physique. Hike YOUR hike and you’ll be successful. Many worthwhile things in life are hard but the rewards for having persevered are so much sweeter. Best of luck!
Absolutely. Thanks so much! 🙏
@@MilesToGo1 No, thank YOU! You’ve already completed half your journey. Now, go hike a few miles. I’ll be following you all the way!
Awesome! Enjoy it and stay safe.
Great video. I do not think hikers or vlog followers will do anything but cheer you on and encourage you. Your enjoyment and success depends on you. Can you hike smart each day pushing your body but not abusing it. Can you be happy with the progress you make even though it means you cannot keep up with groups you want to become part of. I know without a doubt you can do this. Now go Do it!
Thank you so much! 🙏