Mike Wardian on Preparing for the Pacific Crest Trail

Mike Wardian is no stranger to endurance challenges. From completing the World Marathon Challenge and the entire Appalachian Trail, to setting Fastest Known Times and Running Across the United States, he continues to push his limits and see what’s possible.

On July 15, he’ll set out on another adventure of a lifetime: thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), southbound from Canada to Mexico.

We asked Mike about his training, gear, trail strategy, and what excites him the most about taking on one of the world’s most iconic long-distance trails!

I have been smitten by the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for over 30 years. I learned about the PCT while doing a huge road trip with my great Aunt Alice Wardian when I graduated from Michigan State University in 1996.

I chose Southbound (SOBO) for a few reasons. The permits are a bit easier to get going Southbound, but the biggest reason is that it fits our family schedule for me to leave later in the Summer. I wanted to make sure I was with the family for a few weeks before I left for a few months. It is always a balance, and I try to be around as much as possible while still chasing dreams and having adventures.

I need to make sure I have all the gear I need and that it all arrives in time and makes it when I fly out west. And, of course, that the weather is kind to me. I know there will be rough days, but I would like to avoid hurricanes and floods like I had when I was on the Appalachian Trail. I am also concerned about my crew chief, Sharon, being able to get to me as we have been hearing that some roads are closed. Of course, there is always the risk of fires, which can lead to huge problems but that is also what makes these challenges so compelling and fun.

The goal is to cover the Pacific Crest Trail in approximately 60 days. I think each day will be different, but I will try and keep the schedule as similar as possible so that will be a 3am wake up, eat and start moving by 4am and then move all day till I hit the mileage goals for the day. That will usually be around 45-60 miles and between 5,000-12,000 feet of climbing. I will be moving for 12-18 hours each day. Then eat a big dinner, clean my feet, check in with Sharon, share the day with family/social media, and get to sleep. It is simple and awesome.

I will be doing a number of side quests and really looking forward to these. The longest and biggest side quest will be hiking Mount Whitney, which will take me about 16 to 18 hours. I also would like to try and eat 10,000 calories at the McDonald’s on the trail and check out some caves and hot springs. It will be amazing.

I am a vegan so some of my cravings are a bit weird in general. I don’t ever drink soda but while running a trail, I love local sodas and of course coke and pickles. I never eat dessert but during these long adventures, I will eat pies, cakes and vegan ice cream or whipped cream, just to get in as many calories as possible. My crew chief Sharon is super sneaky and will put maple syrup in my fruit smoothies and coconut oil on my peanut butter and jelly bagels.

I got that name during the first few weeks of running the Appalachian Trail (AT), from my buddy, Gary Allen. Gary is a “Burner” [a participant of the Burning Man festival] and was telling me all about [the festival]. Basically, a “Sparkle Pony” is a person at Burning Man that can’t take care of themselves and depends on other people and it just fit and stuck. I love it as it is whimsical and fun.

I use all the different styles of Injinji while on the trail but the ones I tend to use the most are the Injinji Ultra Run Mini-Crew.

[Shop Mike's PCT Socks]

I definitely have a lot of help to balance everything, but I would say my biggest hack is to wake up early, not many people need you at 4:45AM. I then get my first workout in and work in other workouts and runs throughout the day. That first workout is key to always keeping myself “adventure ready.” I also have gotten really good at asking for help and getting people on my team that can help me do what I want to do. That means likeminded sponsors, clients, training partners, friends and of course, family.

I think running 3,332 miles across the United States in 2022 and setting a 60-day pace on the Appalachian Trail in 2024 prepared me very well for running the Pacific Crest Trail. I know that I need to always carry a headlamp (ended a few days on the AT in the dark…that was not fun). I need to always have safety gear and 1,000 extra calories (like candy bars and nuts). I need to download the route to my watch in case of bad weather, which means that I can’t use the “Far Out Guide” on my phone. I also know that I need to eat 6,000-10,000 calories a day or I get run down and start to have issues. I also need to increase my sleep from 4 hours to around 6-7 hours.

I always have thoughts like this, especially when I have been away from my family and friends for a while. That is hard and makes things suck. But I know the end result will be worth it.

This year on day 3 of the World Marathon Challenge (7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents), we landed in Perth, Australia after a 14-hour plane ride from Cape Town, South Africa. The temperature was 107 degrees Fahrenheit, and I was just feeling the miles from the first couple days. My legs were not responding, and I lost the lead and ended up 3rd on the day. While I was thinking, “Why do I these things?” it also lit a fire in me. I went up to come back and crush the few Chinese athletes ahead of me. I had to “be water” and change my refueling strategy and fueling during the races but it worked and I think that is what I love about these things. You need to always be open to changing what you are doing if you are not getting the results that you seeking.

I love challenging myself and for me, that means doing hard stuff as much as possible. I enjoy competitions but also self-directed adventures like Fastest Known Times or hard workouts. I am still so curious to see what is possible for me and where my limits are.

I think my favorite trail story that I tell over and over again is getting lost for a couple of hours at the Barkley Marathons. I was hypothermic in driving rain and fog, and trying to seek shelter in a cave with four other athletes. I decided to quit, and had to head due “north” for 90 minutes to get back to the trails in Frozen Head State Park. By the time all was said and done, it took almost 2.5 hours to get back to safety. It was the craziest adventure, but I loved it. It made me more resilient and a better, more capable athlete.

Strangest thing you’ve seen a thru-hiker carry? Umbrellas, I know they’re useful but that feels crazy.

Favorite trail snack? Handmade smoothies with fresh blueberries, portable, Big Spoon Cashew Butter sandwiches.

Headphones or no headphones? Headphones for sure.

Worst trail meal you’ve had? Salad, lots of chewing and not many calories, I thought I would love it and it wasted too much energy to eat… That said, afterwards, so many salads, I love them.

One food you’ll never pack with you again? Coconut Butter-PB & J on bagel…so dry and horrible.

What’s worse: Never-ending rain or scorching heat on the trail? Rain, 100% rain…

Good luck Mike, on this incredible adventure that lies ahead!

Shop Mike’s favorite gear and other athlete top picks here.