I'm 19 years old and I'm ending my first year of college; I am planning on doing the PCT in the summer of 2011(because I need to start saving now...I'm broke) I've been told that I will not be able to do the whole thing all at once (I refuse to believe this) I was wondering what you guys think about this.

Also I was wondering if I should go with trail runners or hiking boots and which piece of equipment should I go all out and purchase no matter the price.