Mile 556. 25% complete!!
A little over 7 weeks ago, I resigned from my position as Executive Director for Labcorp Drug Development in order to pursue my dream of hiking all 2200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, starting in Springer Mountain, Georgia and ending in Katahdin Mountain, Maine.
I am now 25% complete!
Every single day, I am grateful for taking this tremendous personal and professional risk. My personal mission is to dream big, go boldly and live life to its fullest. I am doing this in spades!
Highlights from my 52 days on Trail:
Trail Name: Appalachian Trail tradition suggests that an alias be assigned to each through-hiker, based on a personality characteristic or poignant story. My trail name is “Phoenix Rising”.
Biggest risk: I committed to this challenge with just one day backpacking and hiking experience - just one mile from my house and two weeks prior to leaving!
Most endearing moment: Walking into Hawk Mountain shelter, I nervously asked for help to find a tent site. Even with my pearl earrings, white teeth and clean clothes, I was welcomed into the hiking community with open arms.
Biggest breakthrough: I stealth camped on the top of the 6200 foot Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands. I was rewarded with 360-degree views of the most spectacular sunset and sunrise I have ever witnessed.
Greatest accomplishment: The Great Smoky National Park will go down in history as my personal version of a very cold hell. I survived 80 miles of freezing rain, sleet and snow while schlopping in two-foot trenches filled with shoe-gripping mud.
Most epic sufferfest: The day after a 21.5 mile hike, I came down with the norovirus: 48 hours of violent vomiting, fever, and other unpleasantries. I was inches from checking myself into a hospital for an IV; thankfully, I took a turn for the better.
Most heart-warming surprise: The Appalachian Trail is a utopia of human kindness, generous spirit, and soulful connection. Strangers practice random acts of kindness with no expectation of reciprocity. The Trail truly is a magical community.
How to follow me: (1) On the days that I have connectivity, I post “My Daily Commute” on Instagram and Facebook. This is just one picture capturing the breath-taking beauty I see every day. (2) Also on the days that I have connectivity (and energy), I post on my blog, Instagram, and Facebook 4-5 paragraphs reflecting on experiences from that day’s hike, my innermost thoughts, and the beautiful people I meet along the way. (3) Finally, at each major milestone, I post a professional update (like this one) on LinkedIn.
Blog: GoBoldly.life
Instagram: @Cris_Howard
Facebook: Cris.Howard.14
LinkedIn: CrisHowardPMP
