I moved to Colorado 2 1/2 years ago from Illinois. 10 years ago I started thinking about a through hike. Work kept me from doing it as I knew I wanted to do it as a through hike, not segments. I have decided to start planning for 2011 when I am 60. I will likely have take my time. Last summer I hiked a 14er. 5000 feet up and down, 16 miles in 12 hours. I was the oldest and slowest of the group, but other than the thin air and a need to rest more than the 14 and 30 year olds I was with had no real problem and no recovery time. For a while I thought the aging body would keep me from the trail, but after last summer I decided age would not be a problem given some conditioning. I would like to hear from others in my age group about their experiance and suggestions.

Hi
I am 61 this year and have been hiking for many years, have no problems as long as " I hike my own hike" that means I go to sleep when its dark (sometimes earlier) I need more sleep out on the trail. I hike at my own pace somedays its good and I hike really fast other days I am so slow I wonder what's wrong and usually its just my body saying take it easy today. I love being out in the bush and never have any mental issues. I don't get blisters because I really look after my feet, also I use 2 hiking poles this really helps with the steep downs, takes the pressure off my knees.
I am doing a NOBO starting mid march 2010 yep all the way from Australia, love the idea of being out there for 6 months.
My advice for you go girl just keep going at your own pace and not to worry what others do in the way of mileage etc.

Happy Hiking
Tanya
gipcgirl

You'll be fine on the trail...Last March I met a 78 year old in VA on the AT. Plus, anyone who can do a 14-er involving 16-miles above 9000 ft will have no prob with the AT. I'm 38, and about 5 yrs ago did an "easy" 14-er involving about 10mi above 10,000ft in October...thought I was gonna die (coming from elevation 700ft or less here in Chicago I had a terrible headache). The AT is a dream compared to that. You'll probably "skate" through some sections of the AT. Good luck!!