Running the Big Duck has been a dream for a few years. A house-sized duck, two ferry rides, and a run through some of the most beautiful scenes on Long Island. What more can you ask for? The night before I drove out and dropped water/gels in North Sea and Mattituck, hoping they wouldn't freeze overnight. Morning of it was 24 degrees. The long haul down Flanders road with traffic whooshing by wasn't the best, but better to do it early in the AM when traffic is light. My legs felt great from the Duck through Southampton and to my first resupply at North Sea. I began to develop some blisters around Noyack, but that comes with the territory. I cruised into the Sag Harbor ferry terminal just as the South Ferry was about to close the gates. Perfect timing but got very cold on the ride, so I tried to keep the pace up over Shelter Island to regain some warmth before the second ride. Hand warmers were essential. Had to wait a good bit for the North Ferry, and the whole crossing took probably 20 minutes, about double what it took Mike. Took off again and felt stiff but the paces were still good. Unfortunately I drank my last water with 20 miles to go, and with 14 miles to go realized I'd dropped my second stash of water and gels on New Suffolk Ave, not Rt 25. Rerouting would add about a mile, so I decided to push on. The last 10 miles was a mental challenge, but somehow my legs kept going. I eventually decided my legs were in better condition than my brain, so the best thing was not to think until I saw the duck again.
Many thanks to Mike for sharing tips and tricks about this route. I was hoping to set the overall FKT, but mostly just glad to finish the route. I'd love to see more people run it.