Overcoming FKT Tragedy on The Pacific Crest Trail

In this conversation, Katie Gunvalson shares her journey attempting the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Fastest Known Time (FKT) in 2024. She discusses her long-standing dream of hiking the PCT, her training and preparation, the challenges she faced including fire closures, and how she found motivation despite setbacks. Katie reflects on the intrinsic value of her experience, the highs and lows of the trail, and her determination to push through to the end, culminating in a remarkable final push to complete the trail. In this conversation, Katie shares her experiences and insights from her journey on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) while attempting a Fastest Known Time (FKT). She discusses her food strategies, the meticulous planning involved in her FKT attempt, and the emotional challenges she faced, including reflections on failure and the importance of perseverance. Katie also touches on her identity transformation through hiking, the significance of her trail name, and her passion for adventure and art.

takeaways

Katie had been dreaming about the PCT for over 10 years.

The goal was to achieve the southbound record or hike as fast as possible.

Katie transitioned from road running to trail running during the pandemic.

Her first real thru-hike was the Arizona Trail, which helped her prepare for the PCT.

She faced significant challenges with fire closures right at the start of her hike.

Despite the setbacks, Katie remained committed to completing the trail.

She learned to find joy in the journey, not just the destination.

Katie's motivation shifted from achieving a record to personal fulfillment.

The experience taught her the importance of intrinsic motivation in outdoor adventures.

Katie completed the last 140 miles in a continuous push, demonstrating her resilience. I structured my day to have very limited breaks.

I was cold soaking the good old Talenty jar.

I had a spreadsheet and a lot of help from previous record holders.

I had a very long time to think about failure.

You don't have to be the person who gets the thing for it to matter.

It's a puzzle and I want to figure it out.

Can you turn around and do it again?

It's okay to fail and you can find success in anything.

I think more women just need to get out there and try it.

Failure is not as scary as it sounds when you're starting something.

Sound Bites

"I was devastated. I didn't even get to try."

"This means nothing, but it can matter to me."

"I did a couple of 45s, a bunch of 40s."

"I finished delirious. Yeah, losing my mind."

"I tried to allow myself to sleep."

"I was cold soaking the good old Talenty jar."

"I had a spreadsheet and a lot of help."

"It's a puzzle and I want to figure it out."

"Can you turn around and do it again?"

"It's okay to fail and you can find success."

"Failure is not as scary as it sounds."

Chapters

00:00 Setting the Stage for the PCT FKT Attempt

06:02 Training and Preparation for the Trail

12:09 Facing Challenges: Fires and Record Attempts

18:10 Finding Motivation Amidst Adversity

23:52 The Final Push: A Race Against Time

26:05 Fueling the Journey: Food Strategies on the Trail

36:04 Planning for Success: The FKT Strategy

41:15 Reflections on Failure: Lessons Learned from the Trail

45:43 Post-Trail Emotions: Coping with Disappointment

50:36 Identity and Transformation: The Meaning of Trail Names

52:29 The Art of Adventure: Balancing Passion and Reality