Ten days off the Appalachian Trail and I’m deep in the post-trail fog—so I’m doing what any reasonable human would: grading my own record attempt. In this episode I hand out a full report card on the AT self-supported FKT—physical execution, sleep, injuries, nutrition (hello 1,000-cal drink mix), logistics (RIP Shenandoah resupply), mental game, weather, terrain, and storytelling—then tally the GPA. I riff on why drone shots aren’t a story, share some Mammoth 200 takes, and explain how two left shoes, a missing electronics bag, and shoe-toe peekaboo somehow still add up to a record. We hit night hiking tactics, the “toughness groove,” and field a few listener questions. Also: a quick bit on why it’s “Appalachia,” not “Appa-lay-sha.”
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Chapters
00:00 Post-Trail Reflections and Celebrity Shoutouts
02:34 The Popularity of 200-Mile Races
05:45 The Appalachian Trail Experience
08:22 Report Card on the Appalachian Trail FKT
10:57 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance
17:35 Mental and Emotional Resilience During the Hike
23:00 Personal Reflections and Motivation
23:57 Logistics and Gear Choices
25:41 Resupply Challenges and Navigation
28:17 Environmental Adaptation and Terrain Management
30:30 Community Engagement and Storytelling
32:21 Self-Assessment and Future Aspirations
32:48 Audience Questions and Insights
44:41 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
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