I started my hike conditioning in Feb/2013. I began with 2.5 miles approx every 3 days…. Im up to 7 miles now for each hike, averaging about every 3 days. My goal will be a max of about 10-12 miles while training. Over the course of the coming year that should give me enough miles under my belt to be at least a half of a real hiker on the AT when I begin. Im doing most of my training at the Fort Worth Nature Center. They have about 20 miles of trails but primarily just 1 trail that suits my purposes. Currently that trail is 7 miles in length. I ll post the occasional pic in here so you can see the incredible transformation take shape !