Adirondack Sports March 2024
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COMMUNITY continued from 47<br />
MARCH <strong>2024</strong> 49<br />
The Packing List – backpack, trekking poles, rain gear,<br />
shoes, hiking clothes, camp clothes, hydration, filter, food<br />
for trail and dinner, stove, spoon, cup, tent, communication,<br />
phone and battery chargers, earbuds, and first aid stuff.<br />
The Long-Term Impact – What I was not prepared for<br />
was the level of joy and positivity that has filled my heart,<br />
body and soul since finishing the AT. Early on the thru-hike,<br />
I read about how post-hike depression impacts many folks<br />
when they finish the trail, or are forced off due to injury or<br />
other challenges. I took note of the warnings and thought<br />
about what I would do when I got off-trail. I have survived<br />
and recovered from depression many times and I know<br />
how hard it can be. I have also survived post-race depression<br />
after training and racing marathons, Ironman and<br />
other ultra distance events. It’s not fun. I hoped that my<br />
post-hike plans would help me avoid the negative impact.<br />
I knew that I’d be challenged and put my mind to what<br />
I’d be doing when I got off-trail. I would spend time with<br />
family and friends, get on my bike, do presentations about<br />
the trail, and continue to build the SHAC Community<br />
Center. What I did not expect was to feel so incredibly<br />
positive, grateful and invigorated, that I now get up early<br />
every morning and reflect on all the wonderful things that<br />
make my life incredible. I have found that my appreciation<br />
of all the good things in life has infinitely multiplied.<br />
My wife, kids, community and close friends, as well as all<br />
the comforts of our modern world are incredible things<br />
that I am lucky to enjoy and share. It’s been three months<br />
since I finished the Appalachian Trail’s 2198.4-mile trek. I<br />
feel more alive, productive, compassionate and filled with<br />
love and joy than ever – life truly is awesome!<br />
■ DIVING SWAN AND<br />
SWISS MEET UP<br />
AGAIN IN MAINE.<br />
John Slyer (skyhighadventures@gmail.com) is a<br />
multisport athlete, triathlon coach, 20-time Ironman<br />
finisher, founder/president of SKYHIGH Adventures,<br />
and the non-profit SkyHigh Adventure Center. He is<br />
the proud father of three girls and happily married<br />
to his Sunshine, Kathy Mulligan-Slyer.<br />
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