Michael Wardian from the USA just set a new FKT for the Israel National Trail. The time, 10-days, 16-hours and 36-minutes (time to be confirmed.)

I was fortunate enough to be asked by Mike and the creator of this crazy idea, Zoli Bihari of Canaan Running Adventures, to document this incredible journey in images and words.

Daily I produced a morning video and chased Mike around the FKT route for up to 20-hours a day to capture images. In the 10-days, I managed to cover 187km’s with Mike and I have to say, I was there at the most remote and beautiful sections of the course. It pays to commit oneself to the process to get the really special images that I seek and desire.

My daily reports typically have 6-10 images selected, but as you can imagine, I captured so many more. So here, I want to summarise the most incredible 14-days of my life with a summary of the journey.

The journey started in Eilat and Mike, Zoli, Erez and myself did a couple of days preparation to get everything ready for the epic journey. This allowed us to check out early sections of the course and do some pre FKT photography.

HIGHLIGHT SLIDESHOW PORTFOLIO

→ HERE ←

*****

PREPARATION DAY 1

PREPARATION DAY 2

DAY 1 FKT

“The landscape and scenery on day-1 is truly spectacular. Beauty comes at a price though – the trails are technical, have plenty of climbing and descending and then add some intense heat.”

 

READ THE DAILY REPORT HERE

 

DAY 2 FKT

“The highlight of the day came at Vardit and Barak Canyons. These natural wonders are truly spectacular, no, mind-blowing.”

 

READ THE DAILY REPORT HERE

 

DAY 3 FKT

“Mispe Ramon towards Mahmal Fort brought a conclusion to the day at 1900 hours. Mike, as the previous day, was robot like. He maintained a consistent pace. At no point did he say he was tired, on the contrary, at all times, he said, ‘I feel so good!’”

 

READ THE DAILY REPORT HERE

 

DAY 4 FKT

“Karbolet is known as the hardest and most challenging section of the whole Israel National Trail – it was stunning. It involved a long technical climb with rungs, exposure and technical sections. Once at the summit, the trail went up and down, mostly on angled slabs of rock. To the left, a drop to the valley below.”

 

READ THE DAILY REPORT HERE

 

DAY 5 FKT

“Day 5 or 6 are not the days to push over the edge, as a team, decisions will be made on day 7 on what is needed over the final couple of days. Mike is prepared for that and quite simply it may well come down to one or two very long days and then a big rest.”

 

READ THE DAILY REPORT HERE

 

DAY 6 FKT

“Today felt very different to the first 5-days. Not only because of the terrain but mostly due to the amount of support Mike received. Throughout the day runners joined him. At no point was he left alone.”

 

READ THE DAILY REPORT HERE

 

DAY 7 FKT

“A marathon was soon covered. Then 50km. At 61km Mike was still saying how good his legs were and at 73km darkness came and for the first time in the day he was alone on the trail. At 9:15pm, he had covered 89km at ‘Mitzpe Modiin’ and then he departed for a final leg to close out the day at 100km.”

 

READ THE DAILY REPORT HERE

 

DAY 8 FKT

“At Poleg Beach (16:47) disaster almost struck. Mike was freezing cold as the wind whipped in off the sea. Wrapped in blankets, he could not get warm. Adding layers including two jackets and woolly hat also didn’t seem to help.”

 

READ THE DAILY REPORT HERE

 

DAY 9 FKT

“For the final sections of the days trail, he had an entourage of runners, all keen to embrace an opportunity to say, ‘I was there!’ They left the final checkpoint at 2125, the final kms of the day would soon pass…”

 

READ THE DAILY REPORT HERE

 

DAY 10 FKT (Part One)

“He laughed and complained about his pathetic 4-mile per hour pace. ‘Dude, this sport is so funny. One minute you feel like you are being stabbed in the heart 50 times and then moments later, you can feel great. I love the depths this sport can take you!'”

 

READ THE DAILY REPORT HERE

 

DAY 10 FKT (Part Two)

“The small group of five left and `mike looked eager to be done with the final miles as soon as possible. Dropping down to river bed, climbing up and finally the running was good. in the night sky, the glow of ‘Qiryat Shemona’ and ‘Krar Gil’adi’ would eventually lead to the finish of the INT in ‘Dan.’”

 

READ THE DAILY REPORT HERE

10-DAYS 16-HOURS AND 36-MINUTES

→  VIDEO FROM SPORT 5 TV in ISRAEL HERE. ←

TIMING RECROD DATA – Importantly Mike accumulated additional distance with navigation errors and look at the vertical gain – 23.575 meters vert in 10-days!

POST FKT INTERVIEW

Conclusion

Sitting in Tel Aviv airport waiting for my flights home and I was trying to process the last 14-days with Mike, Zoli and the team. Israel, Mike and the INT has really made an impact.
I will write more when I have time to process the journey.
For now a huge thanks for all the wonderful words, comments and support.
This FKT would not have been possible without YOU ALL.
Remember, in years to come, you will be able to say, #iwasthere

*****

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American ultra-runner, Michael Wardian, sets a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Israel National Trail, covering the 631-mile journey, south to north.

 10-days 16-hours and 36-minutes (tbc)

The un-planned stop at Arbel last night proved to be a blessing in disguise. It had been a tough call to re-work logistics and abide by National Park rules and not enter from Arbel after darkness. However, after a discussion with Mike, it was absolutely clear that we must do the FKT by the rule book.

Mike had felt rough all day and arriving at Arbel 2223 after a very tough day allowed time for a nap, then dinner and a good 4-hours sleep. 

When we woke at 4am, he had that fire in his eye and it was clear he was feeling good. He relaxed preparing his kit, hydrated and then had a hearty breakfast. At 5am, Roman arrived to pace Michael and at the first glimmer of daylight, the duo departed into a technical section within the National Park.

At Hokuk Bridge, Mike and Roman arrived at 0640 and now the duo had increased to nine. The level of support that Mike has received from the Israeli community, is nothing short of wonderful – this journey would have been so much harder without them!

The first 40km of this day involved technical sections and a great deal of climbing. This group navigated and set an incredible pace that just increased Mike’s mood, particularly after the previous day’s efforts.

 HaPitul at 1035 and then a climb through a dense section strewn with rocks and flowing river. I ran with them here and the pace was hot, for Mike to be running this fast so far into this FKT is nothing short of remarkable. He was being pulled by the energy of the group and almost pushing them to go faster. On all the steeper section, he would drop to a walk and use his poles to maintain a good speed. The banter within the group was special. At all times they talked to Mike,

“Are you ok?” 

“Do you need anything?”

“Can I get you anything?”

“Dude, keep pushing, you are killing this today…”

At Mt Meron top Parking, 1139, the major technical section was done and what followed was an open, exposed and non-technical climb followed by a fast descent to Hamama Ruins – they arrived 1234.

Ramon had been pacing since the very start, but he could not resist another additional 9km to the next meeting point. Avi was also back, if you read my earlier daily posts, Avi paced in the desert on the more technical days.

 With approximately 50km’s of the INT left, it was clear that Mike was starting to smell the finish. I asked, “Is the pace too high Mike?” 

His reply, “Am gonna take all the fast pace I can get, who knows when I am gonna feel bad again, look at yesterday…”

 And with a ‘Thank you everyone,’ Mike pushed off for the next leg to Nahai Dishon. The group arrived at 1400 and the pacers looked worked, “He is running so fast, it is unbelievable,” more than one exclaimed. Mike slumped in a chair and for the first time in the day I could see a little cloud appear. The heat of the day was punishing him and a sore right thigh (from a Cactus needle) was irritating him. He ate, drank and looked around with a hollow gaze. His eyes had an empty look.

“How far to go?”

“Don’t worry about the distance Mike, focus on getting it done, the end will come!”

 “Darn right, we are doing this!” 

He left with Avi and Uri at a walking pace, a sandwich in one hand, poles in the other. The following 6km were no doubt going to be a pivotal point in the day, a good section making good time and Mike’s mood would lift, a tough slow section may send him the other way.

At Wadi Dishon, the three arrived and Mike looked in a better place. He refueled, changed socks and shoes and left at 1515. The next section of 14km’s included the last significant climb of the day, once this was over, it was a relatively ‘easy’ run to the line.

But nothing is easy after 10-days and 600+ miles!

It’s worth noting that Mike has been so positive during this FKT. Despite the lows he has remained positive, focused and polite – he is a true gent!

As daylight finally started to leave us for the last time on the Israel National Trail, Mike and his pacers arrived at Yesha Junction. The past trail section had been ‘crazy technical’ in the words of Mike, but from here the run to the end was considerably more relaxed.

Sitting in a chair, another sandwich was devoured in seconds, coconut water was consumed, and a few mouthfuls of Coke were followed by, “I will have no teeth left after this FKT!”

 From here, the final push would come, Zoli had reworked the schedule to facilitate three checkpoints before the finish in Kibbutz Dan.

 The small group of five left and `mike looked eager to be done with the final miles as soon as possible. Dropping down to river bed, climbing up and finally the running was good. in the night sky, the glow of ‘Qiryat Shemona’ and ‘Krar Gil’adi’ would eventually lead to the finish of the INT in ‘Dan.’

The journey was completed in a wave of emotion.  

it’s difficult to put into words a 10-day journey of 631-miles. Especially when someone has run the whole distance. I have to say, mine was one of relief. Mike had done it. He had achieved his target of running the INT in 10-days and to be part of the journey is beyond rewarding. I witnessed intense highs and lows. So, to finally watch Mike touch ‘home’ and finally be able to stop, I had relief and immense satisfaction of a job well done. 

I truly believe Mike, and maybe us all will need more than a few hours to comprehend the new record, for now though, Michael Wardian is the new record holder of the FKT for the Israel National Trail.  

A huge congratulations Mike from myself and the team! 

#iwasthere

On a personal note: 

This record has been more than a running adventure. It has been an incredible journey that not only allowed us to cross from one end of a country to another, but it has opened our eyes to the beauty of Israel. It’s a diverse landscape all compressed into a very small area. The deserts of the south were truly mind-blowing, the best deserts I have witnessed. The green and stoney trails of the north provided a stunning contrast to the red of the south. And throughout this journey, the people of Israel have welcomed us, supported us and helped Mike in a way that none of us could have predicted. But the help has not only come from trekkers or runners, the story of Mike’s journey has spread throughout Israel and made multiple news channels and in doing so has created awareness. People have come out to offer best wishes and even offer a place to sleep or provide food.

This journey has stirred an awareness and challenged people to ask themselves, ‘What can I do to challenge myself?’

Of course, Mike’s journey is extreme. Only a few people in the world can take on a challenge like this. But the INT and a trail near your own home, is there to be explored. It doesn’t matter how far, Mike has always said, that if he can inspire more people to get active, push a boundary, to test themselves, then he has achieved something worthwhile. 

Needless to say, Mike has been an inspiration. I have known and interviewed him for many years, but on this adventure, I have come to know him like never before. His focus, powers of recovery, his ability to endure pain but most importantly, is mental strength is off the scale. This ‘package’ often results in arrogance and ego. Mike is neither! His warm and open heart has been a pleasure to be around and ask anyone who met him in Israel, they only have good words to say.

Finally, a challenge like this takes a great crew and Zoli Bihari pulled out all the stops to make this 10-days a magical, awe-inspiring adventure of sleep deprivation. Mike could not have achieved this FKT without the dedication of a super slick crew. There are many people to thank and I will say here, a BIG thanks to all who turned up and helped. In particular, Erez, Uri and Regina. 

I will write more of the full 10-day journey when I have time to digest the emotions. It has been a truly exhilarating moment in my life and to witness Mike achieve this goal and set an FKT makes me super proud.

Follow #fktisrael

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#running-vacation
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Sleeping on the floor of a run store has never felt so good. The shower before sleeping on the run floor would normally have been even better… But when you are working 18-20 hours a day, sleeping gets the nod and Mike agreed.

Day 9 had been tough, but Mike finished with pace. The short drive from his finish point to our impromptu sleep station was worth the short drive in comparison to crawling in to tents for a potentially chilly night. 

We discussed the day over a late dinner, and it was decided that there was no real point to give Mike an early start when a good sleep would potentially set him upon for what was going to be a long day, night and another long day to get the FKT done.

Our calculations confirmed that Mike had somewhere between 170 – 190km to cover, to achieve that in 24-hours after the previous 9-days was an impossible ask, so, we all were well aware that the new FKT would be 10-days, ‘x’ hours and ‘x’ minutes. Whatever the finishing time is, this record will stand for some time. The Israel National Trail is a brute and what Mike has achieved and will achieve is off the scale.

So, we awoke at 0645, had breakfast and the departed for the start.

Mike wasn’t feeling it. He looked and felt jaded and yes, emotional. I have experienced this journey with him with the rest of the team. Have seen the high and low points and therefore know better than anyone the undertaking. But I still cannot fully comprehend the depths that Mike has gone to, to achieve this FKT. For sure, it is going to take Mike some considerable processing time in the days and weeks that follow.

To clarify, he has been to a place that he has never been before.

The route today was another green tunnel day with much climbing, some paved roads and early on, passing through congested streets. The Israel National Trail is so diverse. Nazareth and Galilee key names on the days agenda.

At 0814 day-10 got underway. Mike had no pacers and he was glad of the time to reflect and be alone. I joined him multiple times over the first 4-hours running with him, taking photos and encouraging him.

He laughed and complained about his pathetic 4-mile per hour pace. “Dude, this sport is so funny. One minute you feel like you are being stabbed in the heart 50 times and then moments later, you can feel great. I love the depths this sport can take you!”

Route marking was a real issue, and unfortunately this did not help Mike’s mood. The early parts of the day were a struggle and it was so hard to see Mike fight the demons. But this is the sport and Mike knows it, “Quitting is not an option!” Mike said.

Climbing to Mt Tabor, finally things seemed to become a little better and at the summit at 1344 three pacers joined the journey. Finally, Mike would have some constant company.

1438 and Gazit Junction provided a major refuel point and the four pushed on. There were one or two navigation errors, but the mood started to lift, and Mike was beginning to feel better.

At Yardenit (1930) I treated Mike to 4 large fries from McDonalds and Erez prepared race and avocado burritos. Now an ‘elite’ pace team was ready for the darkness and Mike said, “Now the temperatures are cooler, I feel good!”

They left and the pace lifted. Tiberias came at 2108 and make was pacing the pacers. They all commented on how fast he was moving!

At 2223, the team arrived at Arbel, the entrance to the National Park.

National Park rules say that you are not allowed to be in them during darkness, so, to abide by the rules, an impromptu camp was arranged, and Mike will depart at first light with pacers.

Friday is a new day, with 100km to go, who knows what the new FKT will be? One thing is for sure, it will be 10-days, ‘x’ hours and ‘x’ minutes – that for me is remarkable.

More to come… GO MIKE!

Follow #fktisrael

#thenegevfriendlydesert
#running-vacation
#canaanrunning
#trailrunning

#goarava #arava_way

Friendly Negev Desert

Follow on:

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