Joe McConaughy and Coree Woltering independently decided to try for an FKT on the Arizona Trail. Our Social Media Coordinator Allison Mercer heard about this, contacted them, with the result being Joe and Coree decided to start at the same place at the same time ... and see who makes it from the Mexican border to Utah first!
"I think we'll have different FKT strategies ... I'm not sure how much he is going to divulge, and not sure how much I'll divulge ..."
Coree was Nominated for the Fastest Known Time Of the Year last year for his Ice Age Trail FKT, and Joe was #2 FKTOY for his Long Trail FKT, so both have endurance cred. And both are fast - Coree has a 2:26 Marathon under his belt, and Joe has done a 50 miler in 5:22.
"I've always started slow and built up ... and will do that this time especially ... "
NOTE: Very unfortunately, Coree experienced technical difficulties for both our two recording attempts and so was unable to be on this podcast.
NOTE #2: Even more unfortunately, Coree later became injured, and on 3/15 decided NOT to attempt the AZT at this time.
JOE Update:
"I'm still on! The snow is a bit concerning, but I feel good that the majority of it will melt off, assuming no more snow. I'm also guiding with Andrew Skurka Adventures after, so it is either 3/23 or bust!"
Joe McConaughy
- Age: 29
- City of Residence: Seattle
- Family: Katie McConaughy, wife; Crash Bandipooch, Australian Shepherd fur child
- Occupation: Endurance coach; backpacking guide and program manager for Andrew Skurka Adventures
- Sports Highlights - -
- Long Trail FKT (self-supported) - #2 FKTOY 2020
- Appalachian Trail FKT (self supported) - #1 FKTOY 2017
- Pacific Crest Trail FKT 2014 (supported)
- PRs: 4:12 mile, 5:22 50 mile, 12:53 100 mile
- Social Media - -
- Strava: https://www.strava.com/pros/35377490
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestringbean1
- 'Gram: https://www.instagram.com/thestring.bean/
- Website: http://thestringbean.co/
- Fundraising - -
- Chizh for Cheii - https://www.facebook.com/ChizhForCheii/ - No donation link yet
- Native American Rights Fund
Subscribe to the Fastest Known Podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or Spotify.