Setting the PCT Record with Nick Fowler, the FKT extraordinaire

Summary

In this conversation, I interview Nick Fowler, a renowned thru-hiker and FKT (Fastest Known Time) record breaker. We discuss Nick's experiences with thru-hiking and FKT attempts and dive into his record-breaking Pacific Crest Trail hike. Nick shares his training approach and the challenges he faced during his PCT FKT attempt, including health issues and a hurricane. The conversation highlights the determination and resilience required for long-distance hiking and FKT pursuits. We talk a little bit about my own experiences on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT). We also dive into the book that Nick wrote about the Pacific Northwest Trail record. Overall, Nick is just an amazing backpacker, thru hiker, and everything in between.

Support Nick's book: ⁠⁠https://pntbook.com/⁠⁠

Takeaways

Thru-hiking and FKT attempts require determination, resilience, and careful planning.

Training for FKT attempts often involves strength training, long-distance running, and building up mileage gradually.

Challenges during FKT attempts can include health issues, adverse weather conditions, and difficult terrain.

Thru-hiking and FKT attempts are not only physical challenges but also mental and emotional journeys.

He faced challenges such as difficult stream crossings, extreme heat, and physical ailments.

He has written a book about his PNT FKT and plans to attempt more FKTs in the future.

Sound Bites

"I've always known about thru-hiking. I've always known about the Appalachian Trail and everything, but I never really gave it any thought until I started getting into big day hikes."

"I started with running a half marathon a day in January, 2021. And then I bumped it up to a marathon a day with a couple of rest days a week in February, 2021."

"I was struggling to open water bottle lids. I was drinking water out of trash cans."

"I started off with 5,000 calories a day. And then by the time I got to mid Oregon, I was at 10,000 calories a day."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:03 Training and preparation for FKT attempts

03:27 Discovering thru-hiking and FKTs on the PNT

06:21 Building up to the PCT FKT

11:41 Challenges and adversity on the PCT FKT

16:02 Stuck in a cave during a hurrican

25:28 Setting Fastest Known Times on the PCT and PNT

30:08 Challenges and Strategies on the Trails

38:19 Gear and Food for Long-Distance Hiking

41:15 Writing a Book and Future Trail Plans

Keywords

thru-hiking, FKT, record-breaking, training, challenges, PCT, Florida Trail, trail running, running, ultrarunning, Pacific Crest Trail, PCT, Pacific Northwest Trail, PNT, Fastest Known Time, backpacking, hiking, thru-hiking, challenges, gear, food strategy, book, future plans