They say it takes three weeks of repetitive action before a habit develops. Last Sunday marked my third week on the Appalachian Trail. If the saying is true, then I have developed the following habits:
- My natural state is walking.
- Hiking poles feel as if they’re extensions of my arms.
- I consume the same amount of calories as a buffalo.
- I am incapable of getting full.
- My “bedroom” smells like the inside of a guy’s high school locker room.
- My diet consists of almond butter, trail mix, snickers, pop tarts, cookies, Clif Bars, beef jerky, summer sausage, and Gatorade.
- I poop in the woods.
- I hitchhike.
- I sleep without a pillow.
- I often put on damp/sweaty clothes in the morning.
- The sun determines my sleep schedule.
- I shower twice a week. On the off days, I rub my stinky spots with a baby wipe or two. Some days, I’m too tired for any form of hygiene (which are the days I actually need it most).
- I chafe (except for when I remember to use Enzo’s Chamois Cream).
- I hang all of my food in a tree at night.
- I sleep with a knife no further than 12 inches from my face.
- I am in constant awe of the beauty around me (keep in mind- I just came from southern California).
- “Shaving” has left my vocabulary.
- I see myself in a mirror at most twice a week.
- Regardless of temperature, I break a sweat by at least 9am every day (usually earlier).
- I am less consumed by the ongoing barrage of my own thoughts.
- I am used to, and borderline expecting, everything to be dirty all of the time. Food included (muddy, sweaty hands go straight into the trail mix bag with zero hesitation or consideration).
- I consume anywhere from five to eight liters of water per day. Eight liters of water is insane.
- I have very little stress in life, and the stress that does occur is deserved.
- I am used to my legs being covered in bug bites.
- I itch. All the time.
- I can sleep with a stranger no more than eight inches on either side of me.
- My water source is whatever stream is closest to me.
- I appreciate toilets.
- I appreciate a warm meal.
- I appreciate clean clothes.
- I appreciate a clean body.
- I appreciate running water.
- I appreciate a stranger’s willingness to give.
- I appreciate good health.
- I appreciate.
