Want To Come Help?!


Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone! This FKT would not be possible without generous individuals like yourselves. I aim to share this trail experience with as many wonderful people as possible. If you’re interested in joining as crew, pacer or general support, please reach out to Debbie at 919-931-8602 or Rascal at 301-346-1130. Below, Is an outline of what you can expect and need to know. I apologize if this comes off a bit direct – it’s crucial to clarify expectations upfront since both the crew and I will be fully focused on this attempt.

what to expect?

Expect me to be physically and mentally exhausted, likely delayed. However, beneath the fatigue, I’ll be filled with joy and excitement to be on the AT, embarking on this amazing journey with a great crew.

    • Weather:
        • “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night” our FKT moves forward, be prepared for all forms of inclement weather.
        • If you see iffy weather in the forecast, maybe you bring an umbrella and or a change of dry clothes/socks to ensure you are comfortable. 

    • Overnight Stays:
        • I’ll be sleeping half the time in my van at road crossings and camping out on the trail the other half. I could use help carrying and setting up camping gear for overnight stays. Interested? Please reach out! We are in desperate need of overnight pacers Bring lightweight camping gear for yourself too and a pack that can carry both of our items up the mountain. 
        • The crew will most likely ask you to head up the mountain to set up before I arrive.

    • Transportation:
        • Must have reliable transportation to and from pacing/crewing:

        • Chump Change Crew will be focused on the FKT and most likely won’t have the time to help with transportation. However, it is situational and we will do our best to shuttle you along the trail. Please message Rascal and Omi so we can see they can work it out (But most likely not to/from airports, train stations, or bus stops)

    • Unexpected Events:
        • Things happen- be prepared to roll with the punches, make changes quickly. Be positive and ready to jump in or out where you are needed. EQUANIMITY!! 

    • Taras Mentality: 

        • Rascal and Debbie are the final decision makers and their aim is to keep the space drama free
        • Our gratitude for your help is HUGE but our goal is to be “fast, efficient, focused, stress free, and positive”
        • Like previously mentioned I will be tired and more times than not, the brain fog will be intense. I will also be focused on always keeping my positive forward motion. If you are pacing I would love for you to mule all of my gear except my tracker. I would also love for you to come with stories! I don’t talk much during endurance efforts but I absolutely love listening. When I get to crew stops I will most likely be very focused on getting in and out. I may come off as being direct ]but I can ensure you that I am enjoying the push and that I am incredibly grateful for your help! I’m just in the ZONE!!

    • Pace
        • Not a fast (oftentimes nothing faster than 6mph) pace but consistent throughout the day and night. You do not have to be a cool, fast, highly trained, ultra runner to pace me! However, you do need to be comfortable on the trail alone if I do need to push on without you.
        • Please don’t be offended or upset if I drop you as a pacer. It is bound to happen if I am feeling really good and a pacer might be having a down moment. I’ve been dropped as a pacer before and I know the feeling!! If I get too far ahead I will ask to take some food and water for myself. But just know you can probably catch up and if you don’t I’ll update my crew with the situation when I see them next.

    • What to Bring:
        • Essentially be self sufficient

        • Food for yourself 

        • Supplies for yourself

        • Good vibes, sick beats, news from the outside world, hugs, and well behaved dogs

help wanted (pacers/crew/general support)

Your help is ALWAYS appreciated- Everyone is welcome no matter if you have 41 days to spare or 1 hour.. Below are areas of support that you can provide:

    • General Support:
        • We will never turn down good food: Having fresh food out there is going to be extremely helpful! Below is a list of minimal dietary restrictions and desired foods
        • dietary restrictions:
            • NO NUTS (very allergic)
            • I eat beef and pork but not a lot of it (But I won’t turn down a juicy hamburger)
        • desired foods 🙂 :
            • FRESH FOODS!! omg yes
            • chocolate ice cream!
            • baked goods
            • puffy pastries
            • pancakes
            • chocolate shakes
            • smoothies
            • hard boiled eggs
            • FRUIT! (Mangos, blueberries, pineapple, peaches) I love fruit!
            • VEGGIES! (carrots, cucumbers, snap peas)
            • avocados
            • Mostly all fast food
            • chickfila 
            • chipotle 
            • subway (chicken teriyaki sandwich)
            • fries
            • pizza
            • coke or pepsi
            • lemonade
            • chicken sandwich
            • chicken nuggets
            • chicken salads
            • food for the crew!! (they also enjoy all of the above)
            • beer or wine for the crew
            • extra trail magic sodas for thru hikers we met along the way
            • Be creative! 

        • Allowing the crew access to a home to do laundry, shower, recharge

        • Coming out to spread joy, good vibes and share this experience with us.

        • Help with possible vehicle maintenance

    • Pacer Support:
        • What to bring for pacing- lightweight rain jacket, water filter, emergency blanket, headlamp, running vest with at least 6L capacity, tracker(if you have one), stories, good vibes.

        • If you are pacing: Be able to run or hike 10 miles at an uphill pace of 3 mph, downhill pace at 5-6 mph.

        • Pacers will be asked to carry everything for me except my trackers.
        • Pacer will be asked to get fresh water from water sources if we are running low. I will continue down the trail and you’ll catch up 🙂

        • I don’t plan to stop except for bathroom breaks, quick crew meetups, or sleep.

        • Be ready to go when I arrive at a road crossings and willing to hike in from the south to meet me before heading south with me again!
        • be okay with on the trail alone. 

    • Overnight Pacers Support (sleeping on trail):
        • What to bring for overnight pacing- pack big enough for both of our supplies (50L), headlamp, personal dinner and breakfast, lightweight tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, extra layers if needed, and a battery bank

        • Be able to set up and breakdown your own and my gear independently 

        • Filter water and cook food (if needed)

        • Get Tara to sleep quickly at night and up and out of camp early (4 am) Wake up at 3-3:30am

        • Good vibes/great stories/positive attitudes

    • Crew Support:
        • What to bring for crewing- we will mostly be sleeping at road crossings. Bring food for yourself, and a tent/sleeping bag/sleeping pad if you plan on staying with us for a while  

        • Help navigating and sometimes driving support vehicles

        • Help with cooking/ filtering water

        • Filling up water jugs in town 

        • Help cleaning clothes and dishes and keeping the van organized

        • Doing what is needed to set up and pack up gear and supplies at road crossings and overnight parking lot stays

        • Contact Hostels that are directly on the trail for help: overnight stays, laundry, recharge

        • Taking charge of crewing for the day so Chump Change Crew can have the day off 

        • Helping the crew get me in and out quickly at road crossings efficiently Crew meetups will be brief (5-15 minutes)