Fit2Excel

08/15/2026

A few days left to help us reach our fundraising goal!

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The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

08/12/2026

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08/12/2026

🏁 Checkpoint 5: Miles 47.5–60.2
🕓 Start: 3:50 a.m.
🏁 Finish: 10:07 a.m.

The final leg began with Sheila joining me for the last climb. Entering the final meeting place, I tapped her car window, waking her from her “cat-nap,” and said, “We’re going!” Somehow, despite the hour, she roused quickly and was full of energy! Having her there was exactly what I needed. I replenished my supplies, nibbled on more sandwich and pizza, then headed out.

My legs were definitely feeling the previous 47 miles, and I was concerned that this next climb, one of the biggest of the trek, would bring back the nausea and fatigue that I experienced on the last big climb several miles ago. Relieved, the climb up Jay Peak, in the darkness, actually felt better than I expected. We settled into a steady pace, making good progress toward the summit. I was actually feeling stronger as the climb went on.

Reaching the top just as the sun was rising was something I'll never forget. After hiking through the night, watching the first light spread across the mountains was an incredible reward. I spent a few moments taking it all in, feeling grateful to be there, grateful for God's creation, and grateful that my body was able to carry me through such an incredible challenge. It was hard to believe the final climb was behind me. This was certainly one of the trek's highlights.

The descent, however, was the most rugged and slippery of the trip. Caution slowed us dramatically. This sketchy terrain seemed endless. We were tired and longed for less intense stepping. When we weren't tip-toeing down slick rock, we were running through the Hobblebush, hiding the trail and slowing us down. Argh!

After 10 miles of this, we popped out onto a road marking the final section. We time checked, and I realized that my goal of finishing in under 30 hours was actually within reach! That gave me a burst of motivation, and with about three miles and 40 minutes remaining, I took off running. The race was on. My legs should have been exhausted, but I was able to run the flats and downs better than any part previously. The ups were still a struggle, but I was flying down the trail toward the finish. I finally reached the Journey's End Monument and asked a couple of hikers for the time. I made it! With just four minutes to spare! I was exhausted and elated! Trip over, success!

I stayed alone at this landmark and contemplated the journey, not only what I just did, but who I did this for. I remembered the past few years of my father’s deteriorating health, his death, and also his strength. I prayed, thanking God for the strength to do this, and for the support of so many friends and acquaintances. What a blessing to honor John II and Charlie this way. Thank you, Dad; I love you! And thank you all who supported this activity with donations to the Alzheimer’s Association!

This final leg covered 12.7 miles in 6 hours and 9 minutes, with an average speed of 2.1 mph and approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain.

Also, thank you to Mark and Laura for meeting us at the end to celebrate!

I started hiking at 4:11a.m Friday and reached the finish at 10:07 a.m., completing 60.2 miles in 29 hours and 56 minutes, 4 minutes under my 30-hour goal. *Including a 60-minute wait at refuel #2 due to a miscommunication.

THERE ARE ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT TO DONATE!!!! WE CAN DO IT!

https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/johnstawinski/adventurejohnshikefordementia

08/10/2026

🏁 Checkpoint 4: Miles 40.5–47.5
🕓 Start: 11:20 p.m.
🏁 Finish: 3:10 a.m.

This entire section was completed in the dark, and Lauren accompanied me the whole time. At this point in the hike, it was comforting to have family out on the trail with me. When we started, I was pretty sure I would need to take a few-hour break at the next checkpoint before attempting the final stretch. I had already told Sheila that was likely the plan.

However, about two miles in, something changed. I got a second wind. I am not sure how much of this was due to the hefty turkey sandwich I had eaten at the last checkpoint, but I was feeling surprisingly good. Lauren and I started talking about the possibility of continuing straight through rather than stopping to sleep. She reminded me how good it would feel to finish the entire hike in one continuous effort. The more we talked about it, the more I realized I might actually be able to do it.

Having Lauren there made the miles pass quickly. We chatted the whole time, and when she would occasionally look at her watch and tell me what time it was, it was strange to hear that it was the middle of the night. Neither of us felt particularly tired; we were energized and steadily making our way through the miles.

Thankfully, the terrain was a welcome change from the previous sections. Instead of the long climbs and steep, technical descents I had been dealing with for most of the day, the trail rolled steadily up and down. None of the climbs were overly taxing, and the descents were gradual enough that I didn't have to be quite as concerned about my footing. My legs actually felt pretty good, and I was able to settle into a comfortable rhythm.

As we got closer to the checkpoint, we spotted Jake's headlamp coming toward us. He had hiked in to meet us for the final half mile. We made it back to the car, where Sheila had managed to get a little sleep while waiting for us. Since I had previously told her I was going to sleep for a few hours when we got there, she was pretty surprised to hear me say, "Get up, we're heading out." We refueled quickly, gathered our things, and headed in an attempt to be on top of Jay Peak for sunrise! Back onto the trail toward Jay Peak together for the final stretch.

This leg took 3 hours and 50 minutes, with an average speed of 1.85 mph and 3,448 feet of elevation gain. At this point, I knew the finish was within reach. Getting there safely was the priority.

There are a few more days left to donate; we are almost to our goal!

https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/johnstawinski/adventurejohnshikefordementia

08/10/2026

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08/06/2026

🏁 Checkpoint 3: Miles 30–41
🕓 Start: 4:55 p.m.�
🏁 Finish: 10:30 p.m.

When I left the third checkpoint, I still wasn't feeling my best. Through a miscommunication, I had waited an hour without water and was unable to stomach any food before restocking and finding that the only thing palatable at the time was pizza. Nerves had definitely set in, as worries of not completing this challenge were very present. I had a partner for the first time of the trek and knew that he would take care of me if my condition deteriorated. I started up the longest ascent of the trip, three miles to the top of Belvidere Mountain. I portioned my efforts, and thankfully, as the miles went on, I slowly started to feel a little better. After spending so much of the day hiking alone, having Tristan join me for this leg made a huge difference. It was nice to have company and someone to chat with, and the conversation helped pass the time and kept my mind off the miles.

The trail continued over Tillotson and Haysstack Mountain. It remained rugged and technical. It was so humid that the rocks were moist and slippery as ice. Those descents took much longer than expected. They were hard on the footing in daylight, and once darkness set in, every step had to be taken carefully under the beam of a (mostly working) headlamp. It wasn't worth rushing and risking a fall, so we slowed down and focused on staying safe.

Lauren, Jake, and Sheila hiked in to meet us for the final mile. I was incredibly relieved to see their flashlights after a long day on the trail. I have to admit, though, I was a little disappointed when I realized they weren't waiting at the parking lot; they still had one more mile of trail for me to hike. However, having them there for that last stretch was exactly the boost I needed, and I realized that I had regained most of my energy. I was still eating nibbles and bits, but more pizza and a deli sub delivered by Sheila was welcome to my belly!

This leg took 5 hours and 35 minutes, with an average speed of 1.97 mph and 3,110 est. feet of elevation gain. While it was my slowest section of the hike, the combination of technical terrain, darkness, and careful footing made it one of the most challenging.

There are still 3 days left to donate, link in bio!