I am a midwesterner and graduating college in a few weeks. I have a teaching job in Virginia that starts in August. Before the job starts I wanted to go on a backpacking trip on the AT. Thing is I have little experience backpacking, a small budget, few supplies, and likely no partner to go with. The rough plan would be to go on two, five day trips where I can refuel and take a few days off in between. Please give any advice for me to help make this happen, supplies to get/avoid, places to go, ways to keep it cheap, and most importantly advice in convincing my family this is not crazy. Ideally, this will be the beginning of a life camping and hiking in the mountains.

Some of many questions:
Should I just plan on staying at the shelters or invest in a tent or hammock?

Will I need a really good sleeping back if it is going to be hot?

What are commonly overlooked items I will need?

Will I need a bear bag/barrel in Virginia?

How many miles should I expect to cover in a day (I am a runner that has ran a lot of trails but hiking carrying a backpack is a lot different)?

Thanks for everything!!!