Date: October 18, 2025
Style: Supported
Time: 13:26:16
Distance: 69.75 miles
Elevation Gain: 738 ft
Start: 03:00 — St. Augustine Pier
Finish: 16:30 — St. Augustine Pier
Prologue / Motivation
I set out on this route with a simple idea: take something that looks straightforward on paper and turn it into a meaningful project by adding an out-and-back stretch to reach 112 kilometers. I wanted to run without music, podcasts, or distraction, allowing for the sound of breeze, early-morning traffic, and my own thoughts. This effort became a test of solitude and patience as well as a physical challenge. I dedicated the run to my family, whose support has shaped my evolution as a runner.
Route Overview & Conditions
The route follows the coastline between St. Augustine Beach to Jacksonville Beach and back, connecting the two iconic piers. October proved to be an ideal window: slightly cooler temperatures, lower humidity than summer, and a steady coastal breeze. I began at 03:00 in order to clear the highest traffic areas and bridges before sunrise. Running along the white shoulder guidelines became essential because the pavement is noticeably sloped toward both gutters. Staying on the flatter paint line reduced stress on the joints and ankles. Conditions were slightly humid and sunny with moderate wind and no rain.
Execution & Challenges
I settled into a controlled and sustainable pace from the start, focusing on consistency and avoiding unnecessary spikes in effort. Traffic was minimal early in the morning, which allowed for long, uninterrupted stretches across the causeways before daylight brought more vehicles and occasional delays at traffic lights. The biggest challenge was not elevation but pavement and camber. The angled roadway created constant micro-adjustments and placed greater strain than expected on hips, knees, and ankles.
The second half became a battle with rising heat and full sun exposure. By mid-day I was consuming two bottles per hour, and the salt in the air mixed with sweat to create noticeable buildup on clothing and skin. The monotony, combined with periods of mental isolation, required a checkpoint mindset: one bottle, one gel, one mile at a time.
Gear & Fueling
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Fueling: Maurten Energy Gels (alternating 160s hourly with 100 and 100 CAF variants)
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Hydration: One bottle of Thorne Hydration mix and one bottle of filtered water, replenished frequently
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Shoes: Mount to Coast R1 for the first half and Saucony Triumph 23 for the second half, with maximum cushioning strongly recommended for this route
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Navigation: Garmin Enduro 3
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Lighting: Nitecore 500 lumen headlamp and reflective vest
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Other Notes: I carried minimal gear, using a belt instead of a vest to limit heat retention. Chafing balm is essential due to salt, humidity, and constant friction from pavement running
Support & Verification
This was a supported effort with crew access for hydration, resupply, and safety.
Lessons Learned
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Pavement is far more punishing than trail over ultra distance
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Road camber significantly affects efficiency and joint stress, so line choice matters
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Heat and sun exposure can escalate quickly on this route, even during October
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A strong crew plan and frequent hydration schedule are critical for success
Closing Reflection
This effort delivered what I hoped for: a meaningful test of patience, durability, and focus. The solitude, simplicity, and repetition, hour after hour, required me to stay present and disciplined. I am grateful for the support of my family and crew, and I am thankful for the opportunity to experience this stretch of coastline on foot in a way that most people never will.