On Saturday April 11, 2026 at approximately 6am I lowered the unsupported FKT for the New Jersey Appalachian Trail. Grateful for failing this at mile 40 last year, it made the finish a lot more satisfying.
The night before my buddy Dan helped me drop my car off at the finish area. Saturday begin with my Mom and her bf Rene dropping me off at the trailhead located right off of Lakeside Road on Greenwood Lake. From there I began the warm-up 1.3 mile hike to the NY/NJ Border of the AT. Quick stop to do Duolingo for the daily streak, can’t start with that on my mind...
Long unsupported efforts like this are different than any race. Mental strength and focus are a requirement, you are the only lifeline. It’s important to keep checking on yourself and focus on getting through each mile clean.
The day went smooth for the most part, I had a decent ankle roll and banged it a couple more times around mile 16 but just hiked through most of the rocky sections all day to save my feet.
Exclusively consumed Precision gels and some Skratch throughout the day. Also took in about 1000mg of sodium every 2 hours.
The water situation was wonderful. I made 4 focused stops throughout the day and consumed extra before topping off my bottles and continuing on.
I have been running in these mountains for years now and felt like after passing High Point Monument (Mile 28) that I was on the home stretch. The weather was as good a day as I can remember up in these hills.
After getting to the Buttermilk Falls sign (Mile 50) the finish-line gravity began to build and the remaining 20 miles were a blur, pace picked up and the vibes were high all the way to the final bridge.
Saw some people throughout the day, only really chatted with a guy (Jonathan) who was getting ready to stargaze at the Pile o Rocks. Wanted to join him for a bit but I had places to be.
The bridge finish was pretty stoic. No one but me, darkness and car headlights blinding you from the highway. When I got back to the car I was greeted with a special surprise! At first I thought it was a parking ticket but realized my friends Stefani and Steve (who has the overall supported FKT for this) left me sweet, congratulatory notes on my windshield!
What a cherry on top to an already full plate. I may have gotten a mild case of gardia, filtering off of the Copperhead Spring Pond off of Millbrook Road. AKA Beavertown.
All in all, worth it.