Dawn Patrol: Jackrabbit’s First 10 Days on the PCT

Early mornings, relentless miles, and surprise after surprise on trail. The first 320 miles.

Relentless

This word perfectly describes Jackrabbit’s first 10 days on trail for his Calendar Year Triple Crown (CYTC) attempt. On April 20, 2025, he set off on the first trail of his adventure: the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). With an unwavering spirit as boundless as the wilderness itself, Jackrabbit’s earliest days on the PCT have been a testament to human power and determination.

Since day one, Jackrabbit has conquered an impressive 30-35 miles daily—and with remarkable enthusiasm. His pre-dawn wake-up calls at 4:30-5:00 a.m. require unzipping a cozy sleeping bag in frigid spring temps. But he’s woken up to greet each day as a fresh opportunity to excel on the trail, and infectious energy, all while the sky transitions from glimmering stars to shining sun.

MASTERING THE RHYTHM OF THE TRAIL

Every minute and every mile counts. Jackrabbit calculates daily mileage against his overall goal, factoring in how even small "bonus miles" to restock food and complete chores in town will impact his record attempt. His first major milestone goal: Completing the PCT in speedy time by being meticulously efficient and sticking to his 30-35 mile-per-day average.

Before he started, Jackrabbit knew that clocking miles instead of networking with the trail community would take a toll on his mental health. Yet, his magnetic personality has already enabled him to meet several folks, even if only for brief moments of time. He’s shared in celebration of his ambitious attempt with cheers of encouragement, including the kindness of strangers—like Peggy and her husband, the supportive Sherpa, his friend Tink in Big Bear, and our very own Build a Pack founder, Squalo.

Already, he has created an uplifting support network (on trail and online), sharing in both the joys and challenges of his journey.

While most have marveled at his extraordinary commitment, others have given him playful nicknames (e.g. “sicko" for taking on such a grueling attempt). Some have even questioned his ability to complete the full CYTC given his light gear load and shockingly ambitious daily mileage.

To keep his motivation soaring, Jackrabbit has spent much of his time visualizing his hike as a race against an imaginary "time trial ghost"—transforming solitary stretches into competitions that fueled his inner fire. Daily challenges persist, from waves of loneliness to stints without many options to stop for water, but the hardest challenge by far has been his time on San Jacinto Mountain.

Jackrabbit CYTC Stats

MILES (AND MILES) OF CHALLENGES

One of his biggest challenges so far was on April 27 (Day 6), when he woke up to an inch of snow on his tent. In what felt like negative nine-degree weather, he conquered six inches of snow in bone-chilling temperatures. Though his pace temporarily slowed to 1.7 miles per hour, his determination remained unstoppable, culminating in a victorious 31-mile day against the odds.

On May 1st, Jackrabbit surpassed the 300-mile mark, embracing a growing rhythm and confidence. He looks forward to future, simple pleasures (and fun milestones), like the anticipated feast at McDonald's in Cajon Pass—a well-deserved celebration fueling the exciting next stage of his adventure.

Jackrabbit’s incredible adaptability has also come to light while battling ongoing foot injuries that have made hiking feel like "walking on static." Thankfully, the discovery of chocolate milk—a delicious elixir providing vital nourishment—has become his secret weapon in pushing through hard times and long days that feel never-ending.

Beyond the Breaking Point

So far on his CYTC attempt, Jackrabbit has demonstrated an extraordinary blend of physical endurance, mental resilience, and strategic planning to make it all possible. He’s not just hiking the PCT (or the CDT or AT); he’s attempting to redefine what was possible on long-distance trail challenges.

It’s a testament to how determination, unwavering focus, and a relentless spirit can transform an extreme physical challenge into a potentially record-breaking adventure.

And he’s far from throwing in the towel.

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