Spring Update - FKTs, CYTC, and Legacy Backpacking’s First Trip
We’re kicking off the hiking season with some incredible news and exciting updates from the trail.
A New FKT on the Florida Trail!
On February 27th, 2025, Deanna “Sweet Dee” Doane shattered the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Florida Trail. Averaging an astonishing 57 miles per day through a combination of running and walking, she completed the 1,111-mile journey in just 19 days, 12 hours, and 13 minutes.
Absolutely incredible.
Since finishing, Deanna has continued to compete in ultramarathons. At Legacy Backpacking, we send a huge congratulations to Sweet Dee for this massive achievement!
On her Instagram, Dee reflected:
“Running the Florida Trail was a life-changing experience and the most challenging journey I’ve ever done. It was a 1,111-mile journey through time and history in my beautiful home state. I had to learn to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and live in the present moment every single day. The Florida Trail taught me that anything is possible if you want it badly enough and fight for it. Growth never happens when you play it safe.”
You can listen to Dee’s most recent podcast where she discusses FKTs with Tara Dower at 030 - Women Rule the Trail: FKT holders Tara Dower & Deanna Doane.
Ricochet Postpones the CYTC
After being off-trail for over 60 days due to slow healing foot ulcers, Ricochet has officially decided to postpone his Calendar Year Triple Crown (CYTC) attempt to 2026. While disappointed, he’s embraced the idea that everything happens for a reason and hopes to find that reason on trail next year.
He continues to travel the West Coast and recover while living in a converted bus, saving up and preparing for another shot next year. We admire his resilience—and you can bet we’ll be blogging about Ricochet’s return to the CYTC in 2026!
Our First Legacy Backpacking Trip – A Huge Success!
We’re proud to share that Legacy Backpacking hosted its very first overnight group trip in the Grayson Highlands and Mount Rogers Wilderness!
Over three days, our group of five—two former thru-hikers, one experienced hiker, and two first-time overnight backpackers—summited Big Pinnacle, encountered wild ponies, and reached the highest point in Virginia, Mount Rogers.
The trail brought new names and memories. Two members received trail names during the hike:
White Monster – Jeff earned this one after craving a White Monster energy drink the entire trip (but only after rejecting the trail name Joe Biden).
Peepee Poopoo – Lisa earned hers after repeating the phrase over one trillion times
Along the hike, participants learned how to:
Pack lightweight gear
Treat dehydration and blisters
Safely manage river crossings using a large stream for practice
At 3am on the second night, a massive thunderstorm rolled through. Thankfully there was enough room in the Thomas Knob shelter for the whole group to avoid any rain. The tin roof rang and the flashes of lightening would illuminate the entire area from pitch black to brilliant blue-white. We were all very happy to have stayed in the shelter that night.
Thank you to Erin, White Monster, Peepee Poopoo, Jazz Hands, and Tickle Me Elmo who joined for the first trip of what I hope to be many!
YALL ROCK!
“No man is a failure who has friends.”
– It’s a Wonderful Life
