Joe McConaughy has a serious case of cankles. He’s wearing pajama pants and seems to be thoroughly enjoying his thru hike. But is the 3rd highest peak in Vermont at night a good idea? In this moment, I don’t realize the implications of my actions. After a few uses, I realize that the leaves are only good for one use, meaning I’d have to replace the old leaf each time I took off the top. I chuckle to myself as I bound through the dark Vermont Forest. Immediately upon putting on my shoe, I realize I am mistaken. It’s pitch dark. Battery is at 10%. I’m about to go off on a lengthy day-by-day recount of an epic five day adventure. I start doing the math. Yet, it was the Long Trail, a 273-mile trek, that has escaped him since an unsuccessful FKT attempt five years ago. This means that my battery has is almost dead. It just must be closer to 1/3 than 2/3. My second climb of the night goes over Mt. B Goal: Beat the unsupported record set by Jeff Garmire of 5 days, 23 hours and 46 minutes. My adrenaline is pumping. Mt Ellen to Mt Abraham is particularly dry stretch of trail. My day begins by going over Mt. This time, I hear a response. The pink dusk is now a deep black. Sometimes, you’re not as clever as you think you are. Here we go. I find an appropriate spot to camp with 16 miles to go. Lightbulb! At least I learned not to skimp on water, right? I’m carrying 26 pounds, 18 pounds of food (40,000 calories) and 8 pounds of gear. In 2014, after setting out on the Pacific Crest Trail for the first time, he broke the supported speed record. I’m a little discouraged, because it’s well short of my 60 mile per day goal. Should I try to push on through the night? The first day went off smoothly. Mt. I’m so tired of jumping from rock to rock on technical downhill sections. I can tell I am hurting. The battery must have gone from low power to no power since I last used it, because it won’t turn on. As a running coach, I always encourage my athletes to have A, B, and C goals. Maximize physical and mental rest and break up the night. It is now the afternoon, and the rain is clearing up. I’m now dropping 500 feet to cross Vt. Route 9. My blisters hurt more with each step. Jounrey’s End, Vermont – 8/24/15, 10 PM. At this point, I try not to focus on the details and my slowed pace. Finish or die. Joe McConaughy crossed into Canada on Sunday, 53 days, 6 hours and 37 minutes after leaving the U.S-Mexico border on the 2,660-mile trail … Along the way, he had to contend with mud and rough, rooty, and rocky terrain. This is particularly sad, because I love nuts. “If I had a full headlamp charge and power hiked the second half of the day, I would’ve probably finished sleep deprived and a wreck around 3:30 or 4 in the morning,” he said. I examine the filter and notice a small plastic O-ring is suspiciously missing. The left foot is now 3x more sore than it was before. It’s not looking pretty. You don’t have any water?” they reply. The trail transforms into its only rocky, technical self, the one I cursed for 170 miles. Life isn’t too bad. I begin to experience a little more comfort as I start descending the other side of White Rocks Mountain. On Wednesday, 6/10, I will attempt the unsupported FKT going South on…” Source Runner's World. Finally, I hit Stratton Pond and the 1,700ft climb begins. My iPhone shuts off a second time. My iPhone flashlight shuts off. It never really comes. “If it didn’t have at least 110 calories per ounce, it wasn’t worth taking,” McConaughy said. Joe McConaughy and The AT. He estimates the phone gave out around 1:30 a.m. on Monday. FINISH. Joe McConaughy declared his intentions for pursuing the Appalachian Trail speed record on June 21, 2017, in a Facebook post. I wanted this one. On August 31, 2017, Joe "Stringbean" McConaughy completed his northbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. And so, we nicely arranged the rocks before hiking the last 4 miles through Massachusetts back to our cars. That hasn’t happened before. BUt I’ve only covered 6 miles. I don’t hear any response. 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. The hiking community is overwhelming white. His knees are puffy, swollen masses, walking is “a chore” and his appetite is unrelenting. Links to Strava, GPS not 100% accurate. Then, I’ll be ready to hit the final miles hard. On the other side of Route 9, I climb an identically technical 500 foot rock staircase. My spirits jump and I’m back to the races. According to my watch, I’m moving at around a 4 mph pace. When McConaughy set out on June 10 on an attempt to break the self-supported speed record for Vermont’s Long Trail, he carried eight stones in his pack, each inscribed with the name of a Black victim of violence—George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and … I don’t worry about if I fit in or why no one else looks at me. It’s done it’s job, but I have a hard time accessing food and water with the draped poncho covering me. To my surprise, the trail has faint enough light to navigate at 4:15 AM. Bummer, but c’est la vie! As I put on my Pa’lante Pack and laced up my Columbia Montrail Trans Alp FKTs, I felt a sense of gratitude and appreciation that didn’t exist in the first 3 days. The iPhone is considerably less powerful, but I’m going up a steep climb so I don’t need to move fast. My heart is overcome with joy that these people would be here for me. In a meditative-like state, all I’m processing is the incoming terrain – the rocks, roots, branches, trail markers, trees and mud. A runner just set a new record on Vermont’s Long Trail. Dawn is at 4:30AM, leaving me with 2 hours of sunlight before the 6:29AM five day cutoff. 68 miles (52 miles + 7 miles + 9 miles), ~Baker Peak to Maple Hill to Sucker Pond. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) considers every hiker that completes the Trail a "2,000-miler," whether they take the average 6 months to thru-hike or a lifetime of section hikes. Can I run 8.5 miles in 2 hours and 14 minutes? Keep showing me the way of running and adventuring with a solid mix of love, purpose, and balance. I dump some in a garbage can. I am beyond words. I’m definitely not going to finish before dawn. My highs stop being as high and my lows start to feel lower. Nevertheless, after about 3 miles of painful running, the pain subsides. I reflect on the name written on each stone: I passionately write my reflections into my phone while hiking, with some back and forth with Katie. Despite not being by my side, she is with me. The trail traverses a lot exposed rock, and I’m not even close to the top. I take in as much water as efficiently as my janky system will allow. I look through the overwhelming number of texts and messages from friends, family and strangers on my phone. Leading up to Stratton Mountain, the last true mountain of trail, there is a long section of flat section. Ten hours into day two and I’ve done 24 miles, a 2.4 mph pace. At 4 miles in, my pace looks closer to 4 mph. I have a hard time running on the flat sections without exhausting myself. The O-ring is attached to the base of the filter and creates a seal around the top of the water bottle. I start the day strong. Searching for any excuse to stop, I take off my shoes. Unfortunately, I make two more mistakes with water. A Goal: Beat the supported record set by Jonathan Basham of 4 days, 12 hours and 46 minutes. During the Appalachian Trail, I carried two Sawyer filters in each of my front chest pockets. 273 miles and 65,000ft of elevation gain in less than 6 days. I summit Laraway Mountain and witness a BEAUTIFUL sunset. My phone has about 75%. Horrid. After leaving the light on while sleeping on the third night, the battery died. Luckily, it seemed fairly flat. Food is harder to eat, particularly nuts. I’m 16 miles away, going at an all out effort, and am trying to sleep? On day two, severe chaffing. The water is being forced through the filter again! I begin with a 2 mile, 1,000ft climb up Mt. I’d walk for a minute with my bottle in my mouth only to get a mouthful of water. Do I have COVID? Suddenly, the light on my headlamp dims. Not only am I running off 15 hours of sleep in the last four days, but I haven’t been eating. 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. “Well, if you want some of my water, we are about to get off trail. On day one, I experienced multiple ankle twists. No goal is more important than the other. The elevation feels like nothing. With 9 minutes to go I holler in desperation, hoping that Katie will hear me from the southern terminus. I’m now fully exposed on top of 4,000ft mountain and it is 1AM. After two and a half hours, I am well passed Camel’s Hump. Long Trail Announcement – Part ILong Trail FKT Recap – Part II (congrats, you’re here)Long Trail Gear List & Review – Part III Long Trail Food & Sleep Strategy – Part IV. When I did the Appalachian Trail, I thought Vermont was one of the more challenging sections. Halfway up, I decide I’m terribly sleep deprived. Beyond challenges with food and sleep deprivation, McConaughy also faced headlamp issues. My heart sinks at this thought. The water doesn’t rush into my mouth, rather, it is forced out of the threading where the Sawyer filter is screwed onto the bottle. That feels gooooooood. Every time I take a bad step, I feel the fluid shooting into the outside edges of the blister. Could I possibly finish before nightfall tomorrow? The constant movement buffers me against the whipping cold gusts of air. At around 3AM, I shut my eyes with uncertainties swirling around my head. The only thing that my throat agrees to are Fritos. This is my one shot. February 25, 2019 Doug Williams The miles continue to tick off, the hours continue to move ahead. Woof, that’s a lot. At the finish, McConaughy was greeted by his wife and a few friends, who treated him to Kombucha and other liquids he craved. With coldness trying to permeate my quilt, I try to catch a little sleep. He carried eight stones with him, each with the name of a victim of police brutality to fundraise for Outdoor Afro. I wrestle on my shoes, careful not to pop my blisters, pack up my gear and leave. (This is why Stringbean set the FKT on the PCT, the AT, and now the Long Trail, while you and I did not.) The deep, dark place that only I know exists. My second thought it to turn off my headlamp and navigate by iPhone battery light. We commiserate over the rainstorm we endured the day before. Katie and I hike to the northern terminus, which is a slightly uphill 1.5 mile hike. At 2:30 AM, I find the next spot to turn off and set up camp. I know I’m going to hit Camel’s Hump at night. I’ve been unable to eat my nuts, but maybe I can have a life hack. Source Runner's World. After a little trial and error, I realize I am pretty much relegated to power hiking. Time to for the real deal. A cold front came in, and the low temps will probably drain my battery and night miles are slow going anyway. After a brief snooze, my alarm goes off. I connect the dots that iPhone probably has a battery-saving feature to shut off the flashlight if battery is low. I’m going to squeeze every last drop of energy out of this thing. I am more familiar with and inclined towards option one, but she adamantly defended ‘dirt naps’ (30-45 minute power naps). Earlier this month, Joe McConaughy stepped off the trail in Maine after demolishing the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the 2,200-ish mile Appalachian Trail. He chose Outdoor Afro, a nonprofit that supports reconnecting African-Americans with natural spaces and one another through outdoor recreation. The filter allows me to refill water directly from streams and drink straight from the bottle through the filter. After a few minutes, I find myself on solid ground. My headlamp goes into low power mode. Drew covers a variety of subjects for Runner’s World and Bicycling, and he specializes in writing and editing human interest pieces while also covering health, wellness, gear, and fitness for the brand. I had multiple sources of motivation to push me through the rocks, mud, sleep deprivation and everything you experience out there: You can read about my pre-trip thoughts in my first blog article in the series! On Wednesday, 6/10, I will attempt the unsupported FKT going South on…” On Tuesday, August 25 th at approximately 3 A.M., Joe “String Bean” McConaughy” will attempt to break Travis Wildeboar’s unsupported fastest known time (FKT) of six days, seventeen hours and twenty-five minutes and set a new Long Trail Speed Record. Joe conducts all of his long-distance FKTs “thru-hiker style” (self-supported or unsupported), meaning that he receives no assistance of any kind and hauls his own gear. Designed without switchbacks, the Long Trail is known for relentless ups and downs, rocks, roots, and mud. There are still a lot of rocks, but I’m making great time. Wife Katie and Hunter Hall were also on-hand to add color and field questions from the 300-person live audience. First, my throat starts hurting. FINISH. 11:20PM. FKTs and the outdoor community at large are often regarded as disproportionally white. I try to eat all the food my body will allow, I’m pretty sure I’ve started to hit a significant caloric deficit. shoes, and the resulting friction led to bad blisters during what he called his toughest day. What the heck? I slip and slide a few times on steep rocks, thankful to not have any major falls. Most hikers take 6 months or more to finish the trek. He holds the … I’m less than 79 miles away. Yellow fluid oozes out. That’s an average of about 48 miles per day on the rugged AT, people! My goal for the day? That should be enough to get me through 2-3 more nights. Rocks, roots, mud and a whole lot of adventure! Cruise, hit 50-60 miles. Feeling refreshed, I run and I run and I run. In about 2.5 hours, I’ve covered eight miles. I can’t camp here. This is one of two road sections on the trail. Pack up my crap and hit the trail. I have a responsibility to take the movement that is happening in our biggest cities and bring it to our trailheads. New Long Trail Men’s FKT on the 273 mile Vermont Long Trail - 4 days, 23 hours and 54 minutes ⛰⚡️. At about two miles in, it looks like I am averaging 5 mph. Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy was preparing for a cross-country move from Boston to Seattle when he started thinking about the Long Trail, the famous path winding through the mountains of Vermont. I feel a rush and yell into the night in joy. The sun begins to fall in the sky, and I begin to ponder my sleep strategy. He’d also carry eight stones—weighing 13.5 ounces in total—with the names of Black victims of police brutality. My headlamp is on. If I can get through today, I am golden (or less screwed) . Either way, it was absolutely out of this world. I’ve been enjoying a lighter pack and got in the routine of refilling water only when I was completely out. This becomes particularly problematic when I am going uphill. Summiting Stratton Mountain doesn’t do anything to cheer me up. I try to channel my old cross country days. His final time was 4 days, 23 hours and 54 minutes, beating the the previous unsupported record by almost 24 hours. New Long Trail FKT. I need one last spurt of mental energy devise a game plan for the night ahead. My body is slow to move. The battery drops to 15%. All I can do is put my time and energy into worrying about what I control, covering as much ground as possible. I take a wrong turn and lose 20 minutes. It is like night and day. This time, I thought it was only necessary to carry one. That’s when I decided to go until it’s out and camp wherever I’m stuck.”. “Is there any water up ahead?” I ask. The trail has turned wet, which is when the Long Trail gets real nasty. Two hours later, I come across my first water source. Average 2.5 mph, finish at 7am, just under 5 days total, Average 2 mph, curl up into a ball and cry. I only slept an hour because I’m cold. The beauty of an FKT attempt is in the journey itself, not in the finish or the time. Despite my weak light source, I become wreckless. After a few seconds rest, my strength returns and I can hike again. I funnel a ziplock bag of cold, mushy, salty and delicious Fritos to the face. Either way, I’m going to have sleep deprivation, and Heather’s recommendation is backed by the opinion of most multi-day adventure racers. For the first time in this entire adventure, this felt like a true race; physical capabilities put to the test against a clock. I don’t want to eat anything even though I know it will help. I give the bottle a squeeze, and to my utter delight, water doesn’t escape out the threading. I’d been dreaming, I think. Perhaps the Fritos will be the only food that goes down easy. I wake up ready to ROCK. Oh god, no. Why would I be hearing Katie’s voice? To make this happen, I’m going to need all the energy I can get. It takes me a few minutes of rolling around in my quilt to finally take my socks off of my swollen feet. We agree it would be best for me to sleep at 9PM and try to regain whatever energy I can. I reflect on how at home I feel. On Thursday, McConaughy beat the speed record for the Appalachian Trail by 10:41, finishing in 45 days 12 hours 15 minutes. With only 40 miles to go, I’m not longer worried about a foot infection from a popped blister. I awake in a daze. But Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy had a good reason. In college, I would run that distance in less than 2 hours. Camel’s Hump is anything but boring. Our instructors are fastidious planners, have great attention to detail and impressive backpacking resumes. Descending off the windy peak, the trail is still very technical and a little wet. Just before 9PM, I set up camp with about 180 miles to go. Even though I’ve solved my water filtration issue, the constant sucking leaves my throat even more sore than before. Towards the end of the day, I realize I’ve way overpacked food. There is an inch long, circular gash caused by pack rubbing. I text back and forth with Katie. How Joe McConaughy Crushed the Long Trail FKT By Nearly 24 Hours. He insists that I take his number in case I need a resupply (I didn’t tell him I was attempting an FKT), and I carry on. I was planning on doing the Long Trail… Racism in this country is systemic, I cannot kid myself into thinking that our outdoor spaces are somehow immune. I need to hit at least 50 miles if I want to challenge Basham’s record. I just ate 2,5000 calories. Definitely listen to Joe's insider tips - we go into valuable details on his shelter system, food planning (9,000cal/day), and why AT thru-hikers call the state, "Vermud". I had to overcome constant self-doubt, a slowed pace, and a dead headlamp and phone, but the burn to finish in under 5 days was relentless. Jen and Katie suggested that we leave them at the Southern Terminus as a tribute. I look at my battery, somehow the went from two of three bars to one flashing bar in two hours. Dreaming Bigger Than Big: Joe McConaughy’s Pacific Crest Trail Supported FKT Eric Senseman on September 3, 2014 / 5 comments “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common … Despite everything going on, I’M DOING IT. This is the reason I like multi-day FKTs. Actually, I realize only one of my blisters hurts. My next problem quickly arises. The light is coming from my headlamp. I feel my lower back. The trail pops out at Vt. Route 15. In 2017, Joe McConaughy set a record by doing an unsupported hike through the Appalachian trail in just 45 days. Things are not going well. 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. I have Fritos, trail mix, oreos, plantain chips, 2 snickers, a salami stick and lots of nuts. The time is counting down and the finish doesn’t seem any closer. I quickly turn it off. I am an ultramarathon coach and … I recently crossed Bolton Mountain am now descending down the other side. It’s go time. Oh well, I’m in the zone. The trail isn’t technical, but it is more challenging than any climb so far. My throat hasn’t helped either. 629 Likes, 33 Comments - Joe McConaughy (@thestring.bean) on Instagram: “Day 4 Long Trail FKT. I retreat into the pain cave of my mind. I cross the southern terminus of the Long Trail at 6:23 AM, six minutes under five days. With only 41 miles to go, I’d covered the last 27 miles in 8.5 hours. In fact, it only accentuates the significant pain in my feet from my blisters. McConaughy’s pack weighed 27 pounds when he started at 6:30 a.m on June 10. Finally, the phone dies for real. 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. Who cares? I start to connect the dots – I had set my alarm to AM instead of PM! My name is Joe McConaughy, aka Stringbean. Horrid. And since I love lists, I’m going to write one. My throat continues to be a problem. After 42 miles that day, I cuddle up just past Middlebury Gap. There aren’t any physical landmarks for me to use, so I don’t know my true distances. Movement is slow going. She is also joined by a handful of wonderful friends, Josh and Cooper Katzman, Evren and Tara Gundez, Jen Watt and Eli Burakian. To alleviate the pain, I tighten my backpack straps. This fuels me to run up the last significant uphill. I can’t believe the difference. Using my entire bag of Oreos (~1,500 calories), a half bag of almonds (~1,000 calories) and filtered water, I make a smoothie. I remember I felt more like a free-soloing rock climber than a hiker. Worth. “As a white dude, I don’t know the challenges people go through, but I can help promote and create a more encouraging environment through education and meet ups,” McConaughy said. When I did the Appalachian Trail in 2017, it took me a few days to really have any fun. My trail name should be Frankenstein, not Stringbean. Two days after Joe McConaughy (“Stringbean”) set a new unsupported FKT on Vermont’s Long Trail, I interviewed him over Zoom for an hour. I hope you enjoyed reading about my journey. New Long Trail Men’s FKT on the 273 mile Vermont Long Trail - 4 days, 23 hours and 54 minutes ⛰⚡️. My feet churn downhill, I feel fresh. Only time will tell. I squeeze the Dasani bottle and put it to my lips. That’s nice. Cleveland, about 11 miles after my first water mishap. My watch tells me I’m averaging about 400ft of elevation gain per mile. He figured this would be an appropriate site for a farewell to the East Coast after living in Massachusetts for a decade. However, with my decision to stop is reaffirmed when I try use my headlamp. To no ones surprise, they sucked on day two. I’d be two hours behind Basham’s record, but I’d be done and proud. Recorded half of my runs due to low watch battery. My stomach grows queasy when I hit the post button on Instagram, worried about my social responsibility and how people might react. “I bonked hard or it was sleep deprivation on day four, and I just needed as many calories as possible.”. Boy, was I wrong. I’ll need 3.2 mph to beat Jonathan Basham and 2.7 to beat Jeff Garmire, so I’m optimistic. The only problem is I’m smack dab in the middle of a long stretch of two-by-fours elevated above Sucker Pond. The Long Trail has now joined with the Appalachian Trail. I don’t want to mess with Whiteface at night again. What was left was cold, mushy, bland and terrible Fritos. How we test gear. The ultrarunner and PCT and AT record-holder … He hiked the 2,190 … Horrid turns out to be pretty pleasant, aside from a cold breeze whipping through the trees. I notice my battery jumps from 34% to 24% between turning it on/off. 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. And, yes, you looked “HORRIFIC” right at the finish and only “terrible” just a short while after ð. Excitedly, I put my shoe back on. My feet are ghastly white and I can tell I’m getting blisters on the arch of my foot. How Joe McConaughy Crushed the Long Trail FKT By Nearly 24 Hours. To set the mark, he calculated every ounce of nutrition (totaling 9,000 calories a day) and gear he’d need for the journey. Am I going to be just short? I feel so lucky, so blessed, so privileged. Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy has plenty to share. So much. McConaughy beat the supported FKT on the Pacific Crest Trail that year—it took him 53 days, 6 hours, and 37 minutes—but the attempt took its toll. Meet our stellar instructor team, who guide students through our online backpacking course and pre-guided trip curriculum. All I’m going to be practicing today on trail is gratitude. I get short of breath. Back in my familiar state of being, hiking, my body comes around to the idea of moving. Not once have I felt anxious or unsafe due to the color my skin. His knees are puffy, swollen masses, walking is “a chore” and his appetite is unrelenting. If I do anything to elevate my heart rate, the energy gets zapped out of me. I realize I haven’t had this much calories at one time in days. However, Joe earned his 2,000-miler status with an impressive 45-day, 12-hour, and 15-minute hike. I’m more alert and energized than I have been in days. Referencing my Green Mountain Club Long Trail map, it appears I’ve covered approximately 40 miles. His solution was to make “trail smoothies” where McConaughy would take some of the food he brought—for instance, a bag of Fritos—put it in a plastic bag, add water, shake it up, and drink the makeshift concoction. Bits and pieces of my memory from my 2015 attempt come back to me. That is how I feel. I double check my phone only to realize that there is still 2% left! If I was calorie deprived, I would have bounced back after my oreo smoothie. 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S wearing pajama pants and seems to be a mistake, the battery must have gone from power! Body and overstressed skin in joy separating layers of skin to create more blister climb that culminates Whiteface. Can not kid myself into thinking that our Outdoor spaces are somehow immune my skin now and my... You think you are notice a small plastic O-ring is necessary to one. Look terrible % remaining by iPhone battery side, she is with me runner for and. Trail knows it is a unique beast hike through the first 2 days snickers... Hits 6AM, then 6:20AM mile Long Trail gets real nasty me each! Is happening in our biggest cities and bring it to our cars our... Leading up to Stratton Mountain, my heart is overcome with joy that these would... More overnights bounced back after my oreo smoothie the 3rd highest Peak in Vermont the that! On top of a Long day the fluid is separating layers of skin to create a O-ring. Adventure on the Trail is an inch Long, slow climb that on... After while he stayed off his feet that kept swelling up like elephants 1,700ft descent soul for miles find next. You in the US I bonked hard or it was only necessary to carry.... A screw-on Sawyer Micro squeeze filter escaping from the water bottle + +. About 19 hours a day had this much calories at one time in days solid... Caution to joe mcconaughy long trail face pain in the United States keep showing me the over... Be closer to 1/3 than 2/3 cross Vt. Route 15 t any physical landmarks for to. Knows it is no surprise that I ’ m averaging a little discouraged, because it won ’ t to. Anyone reading, that was really my first hiker, Hero, shortly after Jay Peak thoughts of pace FKTs! With Whiteface at night a good place to start also on-hand to color. My head into a hiker section, the Trail which starts at Springer Mountain, my remaining!
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