Scariest Day of My Life

Today is the scariest day of my life.

Today was the last time I have to make my 27 mile commute to Northridge.

Today I had my last spin class.

Today I had my exit interview from my job of over 7 years.

Today I had to say goodbye to best girlfriends.

Today I received my last paycheck.

I've never had a day like this before, and it is SCARY.

I read somewhere that if it doesn't scare you, its not worth doing.

Well, I am terrified, so I guess this thing is going to be out of this world!

My wonderful coworkers threw me a surprise party, I was surprised to the point of tears. I've never felt so loved and appreciated.

These lovely ladies have a heart of gold, and I am truly blessed to have gotten to know them and call them my friends.

A Little More Prep Now - A A A A (a a a a) A A A A

I've always found planning and prepping somewhat of a pleasure. I like planning outfits (well at least I used to when I had money to spend- now nearly every extra dollar goes to this hike), trips (again, before my budget went on a diet), and even a busy work week (that is, before I quit to take a hike).

For the PCT, there has been an extreme amount of planning and preparation. And even then, not near enough. At this point, less than 30 days until our start date, we are still planning SO much. Such as with all the snow in the Sierra's we're thinking of throwing a trip to Florida into the mix to allow the snow an extra week to melt. We are crazy.

As far as preparation goes, for the last 9 months I have been kicking it into high gear by working out 4-5 days a week. I've been mainly focusing on cardio- climbing stairs and spin. I've never been in better shape, and I can't wait to test myself on the trail as far as endurance goes.

I've read a couple books; one on the physical hiking of the PCT and the other on the psychological hiking of the PCT. "Pacific Crest Trials: A Psychological and Emotional Guide to Successfully Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail" by Zach Davis and Carly Moree has been quite insightful.

In the book, Zach recommends making three lists: I am Thru Hiking because...., When I successfully thru hike I will..., If I give up on thru hiking I will...

So here they are

I am Thru Hiking the PCT because...

• It's a huge challenge, and one that will change my life forever
• The idea of doing it makes me oh so excited
• I love the outdoors
• I need the stimuli that has been missing
• It will help me re-evaulate my career and life path
• Prove to myself and others that I am strong enough 

When I Successfully Thru Hike the PCT...

• I will have amazing stories and memories
• Extreme confidence
• Have wild experience
• Have a clearer idea of my life and what I want from it
• Become more fearless
• Inspire others

If I Give Up on Thru Hiking the PCT...

• I will be immensely embarassed and ashamed
• Show others that I did not properly plan or prepare
• Question who I am, and where my life is headed
• Eat all the donuts and drink all the frappacinos, and get fat
• Eventually return to the trail

And here are some beautiful photos <3

ANNOUNCEMENT

It’s officially official!
I put my notice in at the company where I’ve worked for the last 7 years!
And talk about stress release; It feels so good to know in just a few short weeks I have zero conference calls, and zero deadlines, and zero emails to send.

Here it is people- I quit my job to spend the next 6 months hiking from Mexico to Canada!
Tent life it is! We move from our beach apartment in 3 short weeks, and then fly to San Diego to stay with Scout and Frodo, and then to the trail we go. The PCT!

Here’s some proof of our training ;)