Long Trail Out & Back Unsupported FKT - 17 days 8 hrs 42 min
My backpack started off at 51 pounds and would lose 1.9 pounds per day as I went through my nutrition. I did not go for resupplies on trail and slept in my tent every night with no outside help. I was told by the FKT team through email and Instagram that I was not aloud using the Lean too on trail because its considered a shelter.
Day 1-4 was the hardest. It always will be for big unsupported projects like this. Your backpack is at its heaviest, your body is making adjustments to nonstop movement and you know you’re so far away from home. If you can survive those days, you’re typically in the clear unless you injure yourself.
I did not eat all my nutrition for the first 8 days, which in the end, saved this adventure. I packed for 16 days. I went into day 18.
This project gave me so much experience, it poured rain so many times, I nearly dropped into hypothermia, I had to set up camp while everything is soaked after a long day and just want to get to sleep. I had back chafing, I had a shin splint that acted up for 5 days straight, I had blisters, cuts to take care of. I fell SOOO MUCH! the rock on trail is all slippery because it’s always wet. The fact that I survived some of those days with a heavy backpack is honestly a miracle lol. I did not sleep well at all because my hips were throbbing every night for over a week. With that much weight and all the descents, it’s a lot of force to the body. I did not consider this and really wish I brought I blow up mattress, not a firm sleeping pad that is cut in half to save on weight lol.
The south end of the Long Trail (the last 100 miles) in my opinion was very easy. It connected to the Appalachian Trail so I saw a ton of thruhikers and I really for the first time got to experience that world. Usually when I'm out doing projects I'm not exposed to so many people enjoying the trails, but this was definitely a nice mental break. Because it was an out and back, It was 200 miles of the easy stuff.
The trail was really well marked and was easy to just shut your brain off and focus on moving. Very little navigation the entire time.
I loved every second of it. I wanted a challenge and this certainly delivered. Lots of climbing and when it rained, it rained hard!
I came into this project with much more confidence, I’m on year three now with doing these multi week projects and I’m still learning. But I know my body and mind can handle the job. This FKT was something I’ll never forget, I really did have an absolute blast out there.
I wanted to thank my coach Ray for being my mentor and showing me what’s possible. Next year we’re taking on close to a month long project and Im incredibly stoked about it. I made the investment to run with Ray in the desert in 2023 and it changed my life, I wouldn’t be here without you brother. I knew running in the Atacama Desert in Chile would be a life changing thing and i certainly was.
The inspiration for this project came from my buddy Jamieson Hatt. Jamieson and I did a project together last year and this was his idea. He saw me in the mountains and knew I was fit for the job, I made my decision as soon as he told me about it. I love Vermont and I love the mountains. Jamieson has also been a coach to me ever since the Bruce Trail, I call him all the time for advice. When I was on the Long Trail I called him often for advice on pacing. Him and is partner Chantel are incredible athletes in the FKT world and totally worth a follow. Thank you so much Jamieson for everything you do for not just me, but for the FKT community.
I also want to thank Norda for the help. I wore one pair of 002s and they lasted the entire adventure like they always do. Literally the best trail shoe in the game.
When I’m out there and things get hard. Or my body is acting up, I always tell myself “ your body will adjust “ we’re meant to move. Even my shin splint took care of itself after 5 days. Just keep moving.
Thank you so much to my friends that came to see me finish, my parents surprising me at the end and my wife being my daily emotional support. I called her everyday.
And thank you guys for all the support ❤️.
On to the next!
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full YouTube video on the adventure!
https://youtu.be/6sOT1Ko8Pyo?si=J-YJ_Nlb0beBMAm2