🌄 RECAP - Day 20 - 2024 Appalachian Trail - Fastest Known Time Attempt 🏃‍♂️

⏰ Start Time: 3:58 AM

📏 Distance: 56.3 miles

⏳ Time on Trail: 14hrs 50mins

🚶‍♂️ Avg. Speed: 3.8 mph

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 8,290 feet

⬇️ Elevation Loss: 9,002 feet

Today, I crossed the halfway point at Harpers Ferry—a significant milestone, but one that felt almost intangible, like a moment in time we all pass through. In this moment, many thru-hikers take on the famous “half-gallon ice cream challenge”—an iconic tradition. But I opted not to as it would have slowed me down too much.

There, in the parking lot, supporters offered words of encouragement as I took my leave and pushed forward. I crossed the river and began the familiar ascent, but the view was new. Last time I climbed this, a hiker gifted me homemade wild deer sausage—a token of connection, of journeys shared.

This time, I was accompanied by a long-time friend. Together, we dove into deep, meaningful life conversations as we ran, a beautiful reminder that it’s not just the miles that shape us, but the souls we meet along the way.

Each time I step on this trail, I see it with new eyes. The Appalachian Trail is constant, but I am not. With every journey, I grow, evolve, and learn. This year, I will embrace the flatter sections—like the run today where I gained only 8,000 feet—allowing me to run further, faster.

🌟 Life, like the trail, isn’t always about the destination—it’s about the path and who we become along the way. 🌟

If you’re inspired by this journey and want to take your running to the next level in 2025, I have spots open for Run Coaching. Let’s explore your limits together! 🌱

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