By now you may be deciding to choose one goal or the other.

If you are choosing the thru-hike, I suggest starting to walk immediately. Get a pedometer like the Fitbit Zip to help keep track of miles.

If you are a planner, I suggest reading, "Average People, Extraordinary Trail." He was a B-52 Navigator who seemed to plan almost every step.

If you like to plan as you go, I suggest "See you Down the Trail." Shadow was in great shape when he started, but reduce the daily miles and you will get the idea.

For a fun book, I suggest "Footpath my Ass." She didn't know much about what she was doing at the start, but she made her way up the trail.

If you REALLY want to finish, I suggest spending a small sum to take Warren Doyle's class this year. Then hike the trail next year.

If you need gear and haven't done all the research, I suggest skipping all the research and calling Mountain Crossings They are at Neal's Gap along the trail and people fix their bad choices there. Their prices are about the same as everyone else's.