I was the kid who counted down the days until Christmas, my birthday, and the end of school. So, why wouldn’t I countdown to the biggest endurance event in my life? But the question is, do I really need a countdown timer?
At first glance, no. I don’t REALLY need a countdown timer. I just thought it would be fun to have a visual reminder of how much time I have before setting off on this grand adventure.
So, what does having a timer do for me? Mentally, physically, emotionally?
A Countdown Timer Helps Me Mentally
Having a timer keeps me focused on my thru-hike. As I watch the days tick down, I am reminded of all the things I need to accomplish. The timer is that gentle reminder. Also, whenever I am at work and someone asks me when I am starting the A.T., I just check my timer and say 343 days (or whatever the count is). It is a fun way to include people in my anticipation for the fun day.
A Countdown Timer Helps Me Physically
I don’t know about you but whenever I had an event coming up it was always good to keep the calendar in front of me. When I was racing bicycles years ago, I would make sure that I was on track with my training and that I would be physically prepared when the day finally came. The tracker for my thru-hike keeps my physical preparation on track.
A Countdown Timer Helps Me Emotionally
Whenever something is too far in the future, I get complacent and the fun feelings start to wane. By having a countdown timer, I stay emotionally invested in the plan. With so many moving parts, it is nice to have one focal point to look at to stay on track. Also, I get charged up when I haven’t looked at it for a few days or a week and the number “jumps” down.
A Fun Countdown Timer: TickCounter.com
I found this countdown timer and am using it in the sidebar for my website. It is free to use and easy to embed into your website. Check it out and use this for free: TickCounter.com
Here is my actual countdown timer I made on TickCounter. I know, not too glamorous but it does the trick.
Countdown
Final Thoughts
I love that I have less than a year before I hike the Appalachian Trail. By seeing my gear list come together, and my physical prep pushes forward, I am glad that I can see the timer. Staying on track and keeping focused on the goal.
As an older hiker, I am working toward a goal I really should have done 30 years ago…but I didn’t. So, having the countdown timer fits perfectly into my plan to be ready when I step onto the AT Approach Trail at Amicalola Falls next year.
Follow me on my preparation for the A.T. I post pretty much every week here.