When I started the AT, I thought I was in decent shape. I was an active and healthy 24-year-old. I took my dog on long walks and went on at least one 10+ mile hike a week. I figured the start of my thru-hike would be physically challenging, but once my body adjusted to constant movement I would settle in and comfortably walk to Maine. WRONG. Several days after leaving Springer Mountain, my body was sore. ...