Midyear Goals Update

In January I posted a list of my goals for 2024. Now that the year is half over (already?!), it’s time to report on my progress!

My 2024 Goals

Walk from Mexico to Canada.

48% complete.

I’ve hiked 1,288 out of 2,655 miles. I hope to finish mid September, and need to finish by the end of September. Though I’ve used more than half the time to complete less than half the miles, I’m fairly confident I can meet the goal. With stronger legs and easier terrain, the second half should go significantly faster.

Complete a sloppy first draft of a memoir of at least 50,000 words.

60% complete.

I’ve written about 30,000 words. I’m not sure at this point exactly how this project will unfold, but I’ve captured some scenes from my AT thru-hike and other mini-retirement adventures. The project is on pause while I’m thru-hiking the PCT, but once I’m home I will resume working on it.

Correct lower body muscle imbalances.

Effective.

In my daily workouts before leaving for the PCT I focused on glute strengthening and integration.

This frankly wasn’t a very well-written goal because it’s difficult to measure. How does one know if and when they’ve corrected an imbalance? I do know, however, that my foot pain is significantly better than last year.

There are other factors as well — new shoes, new orthotics, different terrain — but I believe that the work I did in the gym played a part.

Kayak from Maryland to North Carolina.

17% complete.

I have kayaked 26 of the roughly 150 miles. This project is on pause while I’m thru-hiking, but I’m excited to finish when I return home to Virginia this fall.

Write 50 blog posts.

56% complete.

Between writing for The Trek and posts here on my personal blog, I’ve published 28 posts so far in 2024.

Journal every day.

On track.

I have journaled 195 out of 195 days since January 1st. Occasionally I do get behind but I always go back and fill in the gaps. So I have a record of every day, and that’s really what I’m after.

Create 50 tangible things.

24% complete.

Before leaving for the PCT I made 12 small leather and wood craft projects.

Memorize 2 poems.

50% complete.

I have memorized The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. A classic.

Read 28 books.

32% complete.

I have finished 9 books so far. I carry a Kindle in my pack while thru-hiking, though I haven’t been reading as much as I’d like to at night.

Post my progress.