First Known Time


Often not first nor fastest. Maybe first claim to be fastest?

Old age is a good excuse why I cannot record a Fastest Known Time (FKT). But I was never a fast runner to begin with. These days, I record my activities as walks rather than runs.

Instead, I chase First Known Time—still FKT acronym—on new trails with no recorded time on them. That way, the first time is always the fastest.

See map view for location of these trips.

Bonus is to explore & enjoy a new area inspired by other runners from the FKT community.

When FKT is not an option, I still enjoy trails in New England & around the world.

Pack

This list is suitable for long runs in mild temperatures. Separate list of very hot humid weather worked well in Hong Kong. And another list for ice & snow conditions in the White Mountains.

I carry all gear in running vest Arc’teryx Norvan 14: water, clothing layers, food, phone, & other accessories. It is very comfortable & stable, with plenty of accessible pockets in front to use while on the run. The vest does not have a good pocket to carry poles.

  • Water 2 liter in reservoir unless very cold where the hose may freeze then use insulated bottles.
  • Electrolyte capsules: Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes in small container of 12 capsules.
  • Headlight Black Diamond Deploy small & light battery lasts about 3 hours. Black Diamond Storm with long lasting battery for overnight run.
  • Shell jacket for rain & wind: Arc’teryx Norvan. Protect from rain & cold during & after run.
  • ID, credit card & emergency cash $20 to buy lunch or dinner at a local restaurant where credit card is not accepted.
  • Phone fully charged, low power mode, airplane mode & loaded with route map.
  • Whistle.
  • Water filter: Katadyn BeFree 1 liter. Supply from wilderness water sources along the trail.
  • Insulated bottle with hot chocolate on cold days.
  • Cotton bandana or neck wrap to wipe sweat, clean phone screen, & clean sun glasses.
  • USB battery + charging cables
  • Sun screen & lip balm with sun protection.

On me:

  • Toe socks liners: Injinji wool
  • Socks with medium cushion: Vermont Darn Tough
  • Sun shirt long sleeve
  • Sun pants long
  • Poles
  • Shoes
  • Sun glasses
  • Sport boxers
  • Sweat gutter: Halo headband with silicon strip to direct sweat away from eyes

Garmin Fēnix 7 most trusted watch:

  • Full charge
  • Route
  • Map when traveling to other coverage area from North America
  • Heart rate strap
  • Temperature sensor: Garmin Tempe. Measure the temperature away from ambient heat, sun light, or other factors. Clip to vest strap.

Some remote trails require I stay overnight before or after with a few extra supplies.

Pemi Winter Loop

New winter variation was introduced recently to this revered loop. I had hoped to complete it the previous year in March 2021 during a very short weather opportunity.

In 2022 the FKT was still blank. No one had claimed it yet.

44.14644°N 71.53715°W

I was not first nor fastest. Maybe first claim to be fastest?

Recorded 11 March 2022 4:54 on Garmin & Strava ➡️48.09km ⏩20:56/km 🔄16:46:41 ⬆️3,091m ⬇️3,082m ↗️64.3m/km 📶-1.3ºC ⏬KML & GPX.

Full details reported separately.

Similar trip reports in the area to consider:

Seven Sisters

The most beautiful walk on the South Downs Way over chalk cliffs. Two lighthouses. Finished the day at Flour Pot bakery in Brighton.

50.73615°N 0.22998°E

Easy day or weekend trip from London, the area is hugely popular. Surprised no one had claimed this FKT yet.

There was a serious Cuckmere river crossing at 4km. It was deep & required swimming across in high tide, which I was not prepared for without getting everything wet. Instead walked up river to find a more shallow crossing. No such luck until road & bridge. Or plan to cross during low tide.

Recorded 30 August 2023 10:57 on Garmin & Strava ➡️19.02km ⏩8:49/km 🔄2:47:40 ⬆️579m ⬇️541m ↗️30.5m/km 📶25ºC.

Seeuferweg Hallwilersee

With all the trips & favorite places to visit in Switzerland, I had to find an FKT.

This trail was near Laura & Philipp.

47.32294°N 8.19427°E

Many swimmers were tempting me to dip. Trail was well maintained. Mostly double track smooth stone dust & pavement. Few dirt sections. This can be a very fast loop—not for me. Enjoyed the slow pace.

Recorded 23 August 2023 7:53 on Garmin & Strava ➡️22.12km ⏩7:29/km 🔄2:45:22 ⬆️144m ⬇️139m ↗️6.5m/km 📶30ºC.

Nearby adventure reports to consider:

Tour de Paris

Not a typical tour of Paris to visit prominent sights. An FKT to spend a few hours in transit between flight from Corsica & train to London.

Route skipped all major tourist areas except one brief glimpse of Arc de Triumph. Otherwise all in back streets, some crowded areas, all along bicycle route & plenty of other runners.

Recorded 12 October 2023 12:01 on Garmin & Strava ➡️35.15km ⏩7:56/km 🔄4:39:04 ⬆️246m ⬇️240m ↗️7m/km 📶23ºC.

Yeşilköy Beach & Lighthouse

On a trip to İstanbul & tour of Jordan, I explored this coastal trail.

Fueled by a few (too many) pieces of lokums with pistachios took the train early to near start of trail. Beautiful trail entirely along the sea. Dark clouds in horizon from rain all day before. Sun was about to rise.

I was particularly excited to finish the trail at a lighthouse.

Recorded 30 November 2023 8:08 on Garmin & Strava ➡️35.15km ⏩7:56/km 🔄4:39:04 ⬆️246m ⬇️240m ↗️7m/km 📶23ºC.

Cerro Provincia

Stopped in Santiago to rest for two days before transfer to trekking trip around southern Patagonia.

This was a tough course. Dry. Hot. Lose gravel on steep sections. Blistering sun. Thin oxygen toward the end. Beautiful views all the way. Wild flowers in all bright colors. Cacti. Snow capped peaks. Wide open views at the top.

Carried 3L water on the trail. Hardly enough. Filled 2L using Katadyn BeFree filter on the trail from some dirty water available in lower elevations.

Activity extended beyond official trail started from C09 bus stop & finished at market for 2L sparkling cold water.

Rested that evening with two glasses of pisco sour.

33.42672°S 70.43471°W

Recorded 10 January 2024 9:18 on Garmin & Strava ➡️28.78km ⏩19:36/km 🔄9:24:12 ⬆️2,116m ⬇️2,116m ↗️74m/km 📶28.6ºC.

Trails of New England

Big challenging days worth special mention:

Or choose from this list of lists:

Winter adventures in the snow. Check the weather before attempting any of them.

More Trails to Enjoy

See map view for location of these trips:

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