Anyone hiked the Appalachian Trail?

I know at least one person here who has hiked it all. I have always wanted to do at least part of it. I would need some new boots.

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/trail-35946-appalachian-woman.html

Residents at the Air Force Enlisted Village have honored the steps one woman took to raise money for them. Dana Phillips hiked the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness and funds for the nonprofit assisted living facility for the widows of enlisted military. Her six-month hike raised more than $5,000.