Nick Fowler’s self-supported fastest-known time (FKT) on the Arizona Trail (AZT) is one of the best of all time. Over 13 grueling days and 800 miles, Nick not only redefined what's possible but also demonstrated the mental and physical resilience required to thrive in the most challenging conditions. From smashing daily mileage records to facing down unexpected challenges, Nick’s story is one of grit, ingenuity, and an insatiable hunger (both literal and figurative).
Here’s an inside look at how he pushed through exhaustion, navigational mishaps, and relentless terrain to set an incredible new record.
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A Prequel of Trials and Triumphs
Nick’s AZT FKT didn’t start on day one. Months before, his journey began with preparation—and setbacks. After hiking the AZT in 2023, Nick had been eyeing the record. But life as a new dad (shoutout to baby Canyon!) meant his training wasn’t as robust as he hoped. A 70-mile trial in Arkansas left him feeling unprepared, but Nick forged ahead. “You never know what’s possible until you try,” he said, embracing the uncertainty.
His first AZT attempt didn’t go as planned. After a strong 65-mile start, crossing the Grand Canyon on day two left him puking and immobilized. “One of my miles climbing out took two hours and 20 minutes,” Nick recalled. But even in failure, Nick found resilience. Resting for two days, he restarted with a renewed mindset—and crushed it.
Setting the Stage: Gear, Strategy, and Nutrition
Nick’s approach to the AZT was part meticulous planning, part scrappy improvisation. Here’s what stood out:
Gear: He carried a 15-liter Solomon running vest with added pockets for extra capacity, a 30-degree Katabatic quilt (which later got wet and froze), and a Zpacks Pocket Tarp with doors. Trekking poles from his friend Trent helped him navigate the rugged terrain.
Resupply Strategy: With only three resupply points—Flagstaff, Roosevelt, and Mount Lemmon—Nick mailed boxes to two locations and relied on a gas station for the third. At the Flagstaff Conoco, he famously bribed the clerk $20 to stay open so he could grab snacks. “I just cleared the shelves—jerky, chips, candy, whatever I could carry.”
Fueling: Starting with 300 calories per hour, Nick’s hiker hunger ramped up midway. By the end, he was devouring 600 calories per hour, including his signature 800-calorie oatmeal recipe, protein shakes, and coconut creamer coffee.
Challenges on the Trail
The AZT is a beast of a trail, but Nick faced additional hurdles:
Wet and Frozen Gear: Rainstorms in the Mazatzals soaked Nick’s quilt, leaving him with cold, sleepless nights. “I think maybe two nights weren’t below freezing,” he said. A synthetic quilt is now on his wishlist.
Navigation Mishaps: Nick added 11 bonus miles from missed turns, including a frustrating 4-mile detour late in the journey. “I lost my way in washes and kept going down the wrong trails,” he admitted.
Sleep Deprivation: Operating on three hours of sleep a night (and occasionally less), Nick leaned on caffeine and sheer willpower to keep moving. “By day nine, my brain was fried.”
The Highs of the Desert
Despite the pain, Nick found moments of joy:
Desert Tortoises: Spotting two tortoises became a highlight, even if it cost him seven minutes to capture the perfect video.
Sunrise Reflection: Passing cowboy campers one morning, Nick felt a pang of longing to sit and enjoy the view. “I’d rather be watching the sunrise with my son than doing 65 miles a day,” he reflected. Four hours later, his motivation returned.
A Powerful Finish: As Nick approached the AZT’s southern terminus, his friend Kat set up candles spelling “AZTFKT” to celebrate his accomplishment. Reaching the monument, he collapsed in tears of exhaustion and relief.
Lessons Learned
For Nick, every FKT is a learning experience. Here’s what he took away from this one:
Start with Confidence: Announcing his attempt helped hold him accountable, even when self-doubt crept in.
Balance Nutrition and Gear: Rethinking his quilt and learning to manage chafing better are priorities for future FKTs.
Never Underestimate Rest: Despite limited training, Nick’s mental grit carried him through, but he acknowledges better sleep could improve performance.
What’s Next for Nick?
After setting a self-supported record of 13 days, 5 hours, and 43 minutes, Nick believes the AZT can be done in under 12 days. “There’s so much room for improvement,” he said, citing his wrong turns, sleep deprivation, and weather challenges.
Looking ahead, he plans to tackle the Ouachita Trail FKT this spring, aiming for an impressive 75 miles a day.
Takeaways for Aspiring Adventurers
Nick’s AZT FKT wasn’t just about breaking records—it was about proving what’s possible. His advice for anyone chasing big goals? “Believe in yourself. If you don’t believe it’s possible, it won’t be.”
Whether it’s dialing in gear, embracing the grind, or finding joy in the journey, Nick Fowler is proof that a strong mind and unrelenting determination can take you further than you ever imagined.
Ready to Be Inspired? Follow Nick’s journey and keep an eye on his upcoming FKTs. The limits are only where you set them.