Unfortunately, I make two more mistakes with water. Thoughts of pace and FKTs leave my mind, right now there is only me and the mountain. Perhaps the Fritos will be the only food that goes down easy. I have two different options: Heather Anderson, a legend in the FKT community, had been texting me for the few days before the trip. Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy’s new record is one for the books — and not just because of his FKT. Luckily, I saved those Fritos! Average 2.5 mph, finish at 7am, just under 5 days total, Average 2 mph, curl up into a ball and cry. You can have it.” Upon rewriting this experience, it feels like I’m reenacting The Devil Went Down to Georgia by Primus, where the devil offers me a sip of water in exchange for my soul. The deep, dark place that only I know exists. My watch alarm is set to 4:10AM. My thoughts wander to little electronic gadget shooting a beam of light from my head. His final time was 4 days, 23 hours and 54 minutes, beating the the previous unsupported record by almost 24 hours. How Joe McConaughy Crushed the Long Trail FKT By Nearly 24 Hours. After 42 miles that day, I cuddle up just past Middlebury Gap. In about 2.5 hours, I’ve covered eight miles. set by Jeff Garmire in 2019 with a time of 5 days, 23 hours, 48 minutes, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, beating the the previous unsupported record by almost 24 hours, Go Faster on the Trails in the Rabbit FKT Shorts. I examine the filter and notice a small plastic O-ring is suspiciously missing. After leaving the light on while sleeping on the third night, the battery died. It takes most people six months or more to complete the approximately 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail (AT). My phone has about 75%. This time, I thought it was only necessary to carry one. A Goal: Beat the supported record set by Jonathan Basham of 4 days, 12 hours and 46 minutes. I find an appropriate spot to camp with 16 miles to go. Referencing my Green Mountain Club Long Trail map, it appears I’ve covered approximately 40 miles. With coldness trying to permeate my quilt, I try to catch a little sleep. I’ve been hiking the whole day lifting and sucking on my water bottle to try to get whatever water I can. Speeding through the last section took it’s toll. That’s when I decided to go until it’s out and camp wherever I’m stuck.”. I am dehydrated, sleep deprived and a little bit desperate, so it is no surprise that I accept their kind gesture. I’m begin to feel like my old self again. The thought seems tragic. The trail is 2,190 miles long and he accidentally took a 3-mile detour, so this put him at about fifty miles a day. You don’t have any water?” they reply. Suddenly, the light on my headlamp dims. However, Joe earned his 2,000-miler status with an impressive 45-day, 12-hour, and 15-minute hike. “In 2015, I got destroyed by it, so it’s been in the back of my mind since.”. The clock hits 6AM, then 6:10AM, then 6:20AM. The smartest move would seem to be sleep. Every so often I check my watch. Keep showing me the way of running and adventuring with a solid mix of love, purpose, and balance. The trail continues to be technical and I’m excited to hit the flat section around Vt. Route 15. B Goal: Beat the unsupported record set by Jeff Garmire of 5 days, 23 hours and 46 minutes. The raw skin on my shoulders and lower back stings as it comes back into contact with the backpack. I breeze through the first 9 miles in at Jay Peak. 936 Likes, 90 Comments - Joe McConaughy (@thestring.bean) on Instagram: “Long Trail FKT Announcement . I yell again. Could I possibly finish before nightfall tomorrow? Joe McConaughy declared his intentions for pursuing the Appalachian Trail speed record on June 21, 2017, in a Facebook post. I look at my watch. I carry onward. I run into my first hiker, Hero, shortly after Jay Peak. Despite everything going on, I’M DOING IT. I start the day strong. With 9 minutes to go I holler in desperation, hoping that Katie will hear me from the southern terminus. This is one of two road sections on the trail. Luckily, it seemed fairly flat. His knees are puffy, swollen masses, walking is “a chore” and his appetite is unrelenting. I only slept an hour because I’m cold. Holy crap. I’m three hours into my night hike/run. How we test gear. I linger for 10 minutes before putting on my socks under my quilt. Immediately upon putting on my shoe, I realize I am mistaken. Plus, I’m not sure if my headlamp and flashlight will last two more overnights. The trail traverses a lot exposed rock, and I’m not even close to the top. At 2:15AM, well before the peak, I find a decent enough spot to pitch my bivvy and nearby water next to the Bear Hollow Shelter. Designed without switchbacks, the Long Trail is known for relentless ups and downs, rocks, roots, and mud. The Long Trail allows me to test my limits, to live in awe of the natural world, to laugh, to cry, to heal. Why would I be hearing Katie’s voice? The miles continue to tick off, the hours continue to move ahead. It’s not looking pretty. My highs stop being as high and my lows start to feel lower. Going into the final night, I had one option: run as far as physically possible. Finally, I hit Stratton Pond and the 1,700ft climb begins. With 1-2 more nights remaining, my headlamp reads two-thirds charged, my iPhone was just recharged and my Anker battery pack has a half charge remaining. My mood shifts towards increasingly irritable. This is the underrated part of the FKT where your problem solving skills and knowledge are more important than your physical fitness and ability to crank out miles. The joy is in the experience and if I can hit one or two of my goals with a smile on my face, I am a happy boy. My nickname came during my speed record attempt on the Pactific Crest Trail in 2014. Best to you and Katie on your new adventures in WA! My gaze is locked on the trail. New Long Trail Men’s FKT on the 273 mile Vermont Long Trail - 4 days, 23 hours and 54 minutes ⛰⚡️. And, hear what NOT to do! For his attempt on the AT, he went self-supported, meaning he mailed gear to pick up along the way over 45 days. Food is harder to eat, particularly nuts. It takes most people six months or more to complete the approximately 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail (AT). I try this for a minute and get less than a mouthful of water. Congratulations on reading my Long Trail FKT recap. I feel a rush and yell into the night in joy. 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