Fit2Excel

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!

08/05/2026

🏁 Checkpoint 2: Miles 16–30
🕓 Start: 10:10 a.m.
🏁 Finish: 3:17 p.m.

After refueling (mostly on Newman's Own pizza) and repacking my CamelBak, I was ready to head back out for the second stretch, a 14 mile section of regular, but mostly gradual climbs. Feeling strong, I decided to quicken my pace and run more aggressively whenever the terrain allowed, in an effort to bank some time before the next section. I felt light and energized through Laraway, Butternut and Bowen Mountains, enjoying the occasional lookout along the way. Seeing an old acquaintance sitting at Laraway lookout gave me an extra energy boost. It was the first people sighting in 20 miles. The miles from here on included a lot of runnable ridgelines to speed along on.

Feeling great through Devil's Gulch, I approached a rugged section of trail featuring 157 stone steps. By the time I was halfway up, everything changed. I started to overheat and felt lightheaded. I was noticeably more fatigued and had to stop frequently. Head games set in and I wondered if this was going to be the beginning of the end for my hike. It was a reminder that even when things are going well, the Long Trail has a way of humbling you. By the time I reached the next checkpoint, I was out of water and couldn’t stomach any of my food. Moving forward into the next very rugged and potentially most challenging section of the course was not weighed lightly. I was concerned about a heat illness without cell service for help. Fortunately I had my first companion on the trip, Tristan. At least I wouldn’t be alone, so I gave it a go.

This leg covered 14 miles in 5 hours and 7 minutes, with an average speed of 2.74 mph, while climbing 5,040 feet of elevation. Despite the challenging finish, I was well ahead of pace and knew that I could take the time I needed to hopefully recover.

There are 4 days left to donate and help us reach our goal for the Alzheimer's Association! We are 70% of the way there.

https://events.alz.org/login/sponsors

08/04/2026

🏁Checkpoint 1: Miles 1–16
🕓 Start: 4:11 a.m.
🏁 Finish: 9:50 a.m.

Looking back, what I remember most about the start was how peaceful it was. The bright moon, when it ventured out of the clouds, lit up the trail far more than I expected, making those early miles feel serene. Standing at the bottom of Madonna Mountain at 4am., I was excited to finally get going after months of planning.

I felt great from the start, and everything went according to plan. The first steps began the second biggest climb of the entire 60-mile route and were followed by the biggest descent. Getting through it feeling strong gave me confidence for the miles ahead. My first viewpoint was a clearing where the moon illuminated the peak of Camels hump, just before summiting Whiteface mountain. The descent led me to a long suspension bridge, hung above the Lamoille river. It was just past the river that my eyes landed on the first trail sign indicating my destination, “Canada 46.8 miles”. A few miles past this sign I arrived at my first checkpoint, where Sheila was waiting with supplies in hand.

I averaged 2.83 miles per hour this leg, which was right on pace and it had me feeling very optimistic.

There are 5 days left to donate and help us reach our goal for the Alzheimer's Association! We are 70% of the way there.

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

08/03/2026

https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/johnstawinski/adventurejohnshikefordementia
Success! The hike is complete, but my fundraising goal is not. We are $6,621 toward our $10,000 goal. I know that we can rally and achieve this goal! Every dollar counts. Please help us reach our goal- for John II and Charlie!

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.

07/31/2026

From a few hours ago…. John is nearing the 1/2 way point here soon 💪💪💪🥾🥾🥾

07/30/2026

10 HOURS UNTIL 60 MILES!!!!

The time has arrived, in just a few hours I will be off to hike 60 miles straight on the long trail. Praying for safe & dry conditions.

Every step I will be thinking of the many memories that I have with my father. I am so grateful to God for a body that can do hard things!

A HUGE thanks to everyone who has donated over $5,000 to beating Alzheimer's. Our goal is in reach!!!

UPDATES FROM THE TRAIL TO COME.

DONATE HERE: https://events.alz.org/s/11937/11634

07/29/2026

48 HOURS TO GO!!!!

Two days from now, I’ll be taking on 60 miles on the Long Trail in honor of my dad, father in law and everyone impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

It’s kind of wild looking back at where the training started. Cold winter mornings, frozen trails, numb fingers, and a lot of miles when no one else was around. There were days I questioned why I was out there, but every step had a purpose.

Those winter miles turned into spring miles, then summer miles, and now it’s almost time!

I’m grateful for everyone who’s followed along, shared the fundraiser, donated, or simply cheered me on. Every bit of support means more than you know.

Here’s to finishing what started on those cold winter trails. 💜

If you’d like to support the Alzheimer’s Association and this 60-mile journey, the link is in my bio.

07/29/2026

2 DAYS LEFT UNITIL 60 MILES!!!!

Donate HERE:

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.

07/28/2026

64 HOURS TO GO!!!!!!

We are 1/3 of the way to our $10,000 goal. Thank you so much for your support. Getting ready to hit the mountain :)

Donate HERE: https://events.alz.org/s/11937/11634