While keeping his full-time job, one hiker is chasing “the most fun known time” on the PCT

The night before Mike Wardian set out on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the Teva athlete’s home was a “madhouse” of hiking gear. he told backpacker They planned to set out on their FKT attempt at sharp 6am the next morning, July 7.

However, this is not your standard “fastest known time” effort. In fact, time actually has nothing to do with the Wardian’s purpose. He wants to set what he calls “the funniest time known.” Plus, he’s trying to raise $100,000 for the nonprofit Protect Our Winters (POW).

“Every time I’ve worked on one of these big projects, it’s been very profit-focused and speed-focused,” he said. “It’s going to be a celebration of being there and trying to learn as much as we can about the West Coast.”

Part of Wardian’s motivation is to buck America’s tendency to treat long trails as mere race courses. But he’s also adopting a less record-centric approach for more practical reasons. Wardian is 52 years old. He owns and operates a humanitarian food aid shipment company. The work he does is important, and he can’t spare too much time for FKT, even if he’s a sponsored athlete. So, he will work his full-time job and raise money for PoW through Starlink and T-Mobile Satellite Messenger while on the PCT. His digital work bondage won’t stop him from doing what he loves.

To some people this may seem contrary to the basic idea of ​​walking. Most people hike to get away From their internet and cell phone connections. But Wardian hopes his FKT (Funest Known Time) project can inspire people who want to do the same hiking and work remotely. Without racing against time, he can do both. He’ll also have time to explore the local areas, immerse himself in trail culture, and meet as many new friends as possible. There is no pressure to hurry.

“That’s when I have the most fun,” he said. “I want to soak it all up.”

Mike Wardian: Professional Athlete, Ship Broker, Fun Runner

Wardian is no stranger to long trails or distance running. He has been competing in ultras, triathlons and Iron Man races since the 90s. He was once sponsored by The North Face, then by Hoka, and finally, in 2024, he became a Teva athlete.

His first big project with the brand was an FKT attempt on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2024. He completed it in just 60 days, but fell short of the record because he had to leave the trail for work.

“It was kind of disappointing, because it took my chance to do anything special out of contention,” he said. “But it’s part of my life.”

Wardian was still very proud of that achievement. Sixty days to cover 2,200 miles is impressive, no matter how you slice it. He too had been bitten by the hiking bug. Once he completed the AT, he said, the thought of doing the PCT never left his mind. This planted the seed for this Funniest Knows Time project. He realized that doing the FKT was probably out of the question if he wanted to keep his day job – but if he took his time, and worked his way up to big days, he could still be on his way.

This PCT Funnest No Time attempt is an experiment in that regard. this is also a fundraiser Helping to energize the community of POWs across the country. His goal is to raise $100,000 during his walk. Wardian’s friend Kyle is supporting him, following him, capturing supplies, and already setting up his camp. He rented an RV with Starlink so he could work and sleep in a bed when he got to camp. He admits it won’t actually be “hard” – but that’s part of the fun, which is the whole point.

stay connected to your business

Here’s an apparent paradox that many readers have probably understood: working and having fun don’t usually mix. How can you schedule the most fun known time when you have to work on a computer and answer emails every night, and constantly check your phone to make sure your business is running smoothly?

For Wardian, it’s about loving what he does.

“I’m proud of the way I’ve been able to balance being a professional athlete as well as being a business owner,” he said.

Wardian’s business, Potomac Maritime LLC, ensures that shipments of agricultural products such as cornmeal, rice, vegetable oil and sorghum get from American farmers to people in developing countries. His claim to fame comes from the 2013 Tom Hanks film Captain Phillips.

“There’s that famous quote when the Somali pirates take over the ship, and he says, ‘Now I’m the captain,'” Wardian quoted. “(That ship) had the cargo that I carried on it.”

Clearly, Wardian is passionate about what he does in both the athletic and business sides of his life. Being able to maintain both is part of what makes this project so “fun” for him.

He said, “People feel like they have to take a lot out of life to be able to do one of these projects. And for a lot of people, that’s what they’re looking for.” “But (working on the road) can be a good option for some people if they’re able to make it work.”

‘Working’ His Way South

day after tomorrow backpacker After talking to Wardian, he traveled to Hearts Pass in Canada and began traveling south on foot. His madhouse of gear was consolidated into his pack and RV. He was ready for his next big hike, without the pressure of setting a record – his first.

At the time of this writing, his POW Fundraising $158 toward your $100,000 goal. Wardian still has a long way to go. But he’s just getting started.

The current PCT FKT holder is Karel Sabbe, who completed all 2,650 miles in just 46 days, 12 hours, and 50 minutes in 2023. Wardian said his goal is to finish in 60 days, the same time frame he hiked the Appalachian Trail in. That said, he will still play on the big day. But in the meantime, he’ll keep delving, exploring, working, and making friends. He wants to meet as many trail angels and thru-hikers as possible, and complete as many “side quests” as possible.

“I’m just trying to suck the marrow out of life,” he said. “And I think this is an opportunity to do that and share the love.”