JR Hikes the Appalachian Trail Ryan Hopkins

A lot has changed since early March, far more than any of us would have anticipated. After leaving Georgia injured, sick, and disheartened, Ryan decided to head back to finish off the state and leave on much better terms.

We aren't sure what the future holds; more section hiking or another thru-hike attempt are all on the table. For now, the small accomplishment of finishing the first state was a much-needed mindset recalibration.
Make sure that you follow Ryan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hopkins.pdf/
Music for the show was provided by Tie Goes To The Runner. Hear more from the guys at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMWG5WIgVofzJDxgZ7KTdJA and find them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tiegoestotherunner/
The artwork for the show was provided by Rachel Saunders. See Rachel's work at https://rachelsaundersart.wixsite.com/rsaundersportfolio and find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rachelsaundersart/

The Avalanche of Adversity. No real show notes. Just listen to Ryan.
Make sure that you follow Ryan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hopkins.pdf/
Music for the show was provided by Tie Goes To The Runner. Hear more from the guys at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMWG5WIgVofzJDxgZ7KTdJA and find them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tiegoestotherunner/
The artwork for the show was provided by Rachel Saunders. See Rachel's work at https://rachelsaundersart.wixsite.com/rsaundersportfolio and find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rachelsaundersart/

Ryan and Steve catch up one last time before Ryan sets out on his journey. He shares thoughts the night before the hike and then twice on day 1 at two big moments. Many more miles (and rain) to come.

Make sure that you follow Ryan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hopkins.pdf/
 
Music for the show was provided by Tie Goes To The Runner. Hear more from the guys at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMWG5WIgVofzJDxgZ7KTdJA and find them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tiegoestotherunner/
The artwork for the show was provided by Rachel Saunders. See Rachel's work at https://rachelsaundersart.wixsite.com/rsaundersportfolio and find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rachelsaundersart/

On the last show before the start of the hike, Ryan and Steve discuss updates on gear, last minute feelings, and the logistics of the show moving forward in the hike. While the last six months before the hike have proved to be challenging for preparation, it was probably the best option there was. With many other hikers already heading north towards Maine, Ryan is eager to get started.

Make sure that you follow Ryan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hopkins.pdf/
Music for the show was provided by Tie Goes To The Runner. Hear more from the guys at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMWG5WIgVofzJDxgZ7KTdJA and find them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tiegoestotherunner/
The artwork for the show was provided by Rachel Saunders. See Rachel's work at https://rachelsaundersart.wixsite.com/rsaundersportfolio and find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rachelsaundersart/

Ryan and Steve discuss the concerns, expectations, and fears that come along with attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. It is always interesting hearing the concerns of friends and family versus those of fellow hikers. Ryan shares his "Frequently Asked Questions" about the hike from those on both sides of the pond. Most importantly, what about fears? Steve asks what things are keeping Ryan awake at night with the fast-approaching start date at Springer Moutain. Finally, what role will this hike play in the lifelong journey of mental health?

Make sure that you follow Ryan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hopkins.pdf/
Music for the show was provided by Tie Goes To The Runner. Hear more from the guys at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMWG5WIgVofzJDxgZ7KTdJA and find them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tiegoestotherunner/
The artwork for the show was provided by Rachel Saunders. See Rachel's work at https://rachelsaundersart.wixsite.com/rsaundersportfolio and find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rachelsaundersart/

Ryan and Steve discuss the working gear list for the hike, everything from the big three to toe socks. As ironic as it might be, Ryan has been away from his gear for the last six months abroad. With this in mind, there will be a mixture of tested older gear and brand new gear all coming together for the first day at Springer Mountain in just a few weeks. Taking a page from Bruce "RTK" Matson's book, there will even be a "winter supplement" for the first section of the hike until Ryan gets to his home state of Virginia.
Make sure that you follow Ryan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hopkins.pdf/
Music for the show was provided by Tie Goes To The Runner. Hear more from the guys at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMWG5WIgVofzJDxgZ7KTdJA and find them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tiegoestotherunner/
The artwork for the show was provided by Rachel Saunders. See Rachel's work at https://rachelsaundersart.wixsite.com/rsaundersportfolio and find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rachelsaundersart/