Try to walk 10,000 miles in 1 year

A lot has happened in the last few days! Instead of writing a separate blog post for days 319-321 of the year, I’ll simply tell you about the last few days. Is anyone surprised it’s not over yet? During the first 318 days of this year I walked 8,405 miles across the United States. Connecting a trail from Key West, Florida to the Canadian border near Houghton, ME. I also walked from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. Then from Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide Trail.

About 7,000 miles into the year, I never could have imagined passing the finish line. I was exhausted and tired. I spent a 9 week period averaging 37 miles every day. And not on the easiest terrain. We’re talking about Washington, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. By the end of it I was exhausted. I gave everything I had in that chapter. And then I was finally able to catch up with a much-needed break at the end of the year.

But something strange happened once I rested a little. He was no longer exhausted. My body still felt strong and was injury free. And once I got my rest back I was no longer burned or fried. It’s crazy what a little rest can do. And even once I no longer had to do it, I still got the big mileage done. I had gotten used to it by that time. So, as I neared the end of the year in New Mexico along the CDT, I began to contemplate a few things.

I could definitely be happy with completing my mission. I came here to travel the triple crown of the calendar year from border to border. And that’s exactly what I did. But I also came here to crash to the ground. I wanted to attempt something that seemed like the most difficult task imaginable. I wanted to push myself far beyond the limits I had ever respected. The goal this year was to give everything I had and leave nothing else on the table. But I haven’t done it yet.

When I reached the Mexico border at the end of the CDT I felt great. I had gotten numerous zeros and was cutting back on my mileage a bit to enjoy time with friends. I knew I hadn’t given my all on this hike. I had more left in the tank. And this increase is not called the 10-month triple crown. It is the triple crown of the calendar year. There was still time to try harder and see what else I had in me.

It was really nice to be able to see this whole big bubble of hikers before leaving the trail.

A couple of weeks before finishing this hike I made some plans with another hiker, Slide. It’s also doing the triple crown of the calendar year from border to border. And is currently in the Alabama/Florida area completing the ECT to Key West, Florida. Their goal is to reach 10,000 miles during the year in the process. So in theory, if I headed down and joined him on the trail, then I might as well hit 10,000 miles for the year. We are both neck and neck on mileage at this point.

It seemed like an offer too tempting to refuse. And with a mandatory daily average of 38 miles per day until the new year, it also seemed like the last challenge I needed for the year. I want to end this year feeling like I’ve really run out of time. Even on the nice flat terrain of Florida, this will definitely be a challenge. But for the first time this year I will do my best with someone else. And that is something very exciting.

An adorable little cup that I’m going to carry.

So after completing the CDT and the border-to-border calendar year triple crown on day 318, I had to do some traveling! I spent the night in Lordsburg after the finish. Then I took a bus the next day to Albuquerque. I actually rode the bus with Steam Engine, which was also cool. Then we separated and I stayed in Albuquerque. There were no night flights from there to Denver. And the next morning I flew to Denver.

On day 320 I arrived in Denver and got a room for the night. Then I did some chores and waited for my friend Sparkle to arrive. We calculated the time so we could spend a day and a half together. I haven’t seen Sparkle since we finished CDT together almost a year ago. It was amazing to spend quality time with her. As my hike was officially over, hers is about to begin! Will do the B2BCYTC next year!

Dinner with Sparkle near Denver.

The next day, day 321, I spent more time with Sparkle. We had breakfast together and then ran some errands. Then we took a train together and she dropped me off at the airport stop. I had a flight around 4 pm from Denver to Pensacola, Florida. The journey was nice and easy and I arrived around 11 pm So the final phase of the journey was underway.

Lights at the Pensacola airport.

I was able to take an Uber and head to the hotel in Pensacola where Slide was staying. And tomorrow morning I will officially be back on track! I plan to complete the entire Florida Trail and then some. To reach 10,000 miles a year we will have to add miles whenever we can. But I think it’s definitely doable.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.