Maine Event – Questions

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Questions

Why Maine?

I have traveled and run a lot of trails in my life, and Maine just delivers. It’s hard, it’s gritty, the obstacles are shocking to the senses, and the beauty is on full display. This place is raw and made me feel as though I had never really run trails until now. So come find out what it is all about. It will change you.

About HardWin Adventures

My name is John Hardin, and I’m the founder of HardWin Adventures, an established outdoor event company based in the Nashville, TN area. HardWin has a rich history of orchestrating a variety of outdoor events and local outings, leveraging my 20 years of expertise in the event production field. While running vacations abroad are a newer venture for me, organizing all details is what I excel at.

Beyond HardWin, I’ve accomplished and also failed on numerous ambitious Fastest Known Times (FKTs), including a notable recent attempt at the Appalachian Trail FKT. During this attempt, I maintained a record pace for 700 miles until a minor quad tear curtailed my progress. The footage featured on the Maine Event vacation page highlights parts of this journey. I’m always pushing the boundaries for myself when time permits. I am equally passionate about outdoor adventures and deeply committed to the running community, always striving to enhance and expand it.

How do we travel from place to place?

We travel in a 15-passenger van and also have a crew car following us.

Is This Dangerous?

It can be. But if you are familiar with these types of terrains, it will make your experience and odds of not getting injured much better. Being in the mountains carries many inherent risks, but the trails we’ll be using are well-established. Maine is one of our hardest trips, but it is so rewarding. If you’re prepared to accept these risks and remain humble, I invite you to join us.

Can I run further than what is recommended per day?

Yes, you can. But keep in mind each day gets harder as we go, and the first day at Katahdin is no cakewalk. If you were to do any extra miles, I would recommend doing them on this day. The last day is really challenging, but it’s so awesome.

We also have off days as we have to travel from spot to spot. You will need this rest. These days will have options to run if you want.

How many guides are there?

There are three of us. We do all the driving, food prep, and usually have someone on the trail.

Terrain?

Medium rocks, little rocks, rocks as big as your house. Straight up and down. Typically, we start in the treeline, next to a babbling brook, then work our way to the exposed rock cliffs. The Mahoosuc Range is not as steep but has the most elevation.

What Do You Provide?

  • Transportation to all stated trailheads, camps, and transportation to airports. 
  • All camping fees and entries into the park
  • Water and Electrolytes
  • Digital gps files and maps
  • All logistical planning
  • Cooking
  • Pack ins to meet you on the trail
  • GPS monitors

What to Bring? 

Will send you a list and video on what to prepare and how to pack but below is highly suggested gear: 

  • A long sleeved tech shirt. I like mine with a hoodie to block sun if needed.
  • A short sleeved tech shirt
  • Rain jacket and rain pants
  • Filtered water bottle. Our favorites are the Salomon or Katadyn
  • Cell phone and GPS tracker if you have one
  • Headlamp with extra battery or two headlamps
  • Two extra water bottles besides the filter or a large camel pouch equal in capacity
  • Software that supports GPX files. Our favorite for this particular endeavor is Gaia GPS. You can also download the maps here for offline use.
  • Wind breaker jacket. Our favorite is the Houdini
  • Puffy or Micro-Puffy coat for night time
  • Emergency blanket or bivy
  • Sun glasses.. Bring good ones
  • Sun Block
  • Thin neck gaiter. You will be exposed
  • Running poles
  • Salt tablets or portable electrolyte packs
  • A small ziplock bag of 8 KT strips and 5 inches of duct tape folded together
  • Bottle of lube. Put what you think you will need for the traverse in another ziplock
  • Ziplock of TP
  • Light gloves
  • Some trail running shoes would be a good idea
  • Cut-off finger gloves. These help in the mountains as you will use your hands a lot and the rocks eat them up
  • Trekking poles

Is This Trip Right for Everyone?

Participation in this trip requires a foundation of endurance and strength. Speed is not the primary concern; rather, it’s your ability to sustain effort over consecutive days. Building this kind of endurance is essential for safety in mountainous terrain, where the challenges include not only the daily distances but also the cumulative effects of climbing and descending. I do not recommend this trip to someone who does not regularly trail run. If you’re looking for guidance on how to train or simply wish to refine your mountain skills, feel free to reach out via email. I’m here to provide support and advice to ensure you’re ready for this adventure.

Do we need to do the full distances each day?

We have set the routes with fixed point-to-point distances which you are required to complete. As an alternative, you may do an out & back, starting at the end point. You can then choose your distance accordingly.

How’s the weather?

Average temperatures range from a high of 80 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temps in the mountains can change dramatically from the temps above and are typically cooler. For me, at night, a puffy or R1 Hoodie with a Houdini is a must. Also, gloves and pants are nice. A 20-degree or lower sleeping bag is recommended.

Group Size?

10-12 people

Do we tip for this event? 

Our guides are working hard for you at the cost you paid. No tips required. If you really want to tip someone I’m fine with it and leave it in your hands. It is not required or expected.  

Do you have medical equipment with you? 

We have minimum medical gear on the trails but will have some medical gear at the vehicles. If it is an emergency, a rescue will take place. If you are prone to minor injuries then be sure to bring along what is needed. 

What do I need to come?

The best thing to bring is a positive attitude. This trip is about the people next to you and your journey with them. We must care and look out for each other, we must be brothers and sisters. We will need and depend on each other during this trip. 

Cancellation terms are as follows:

  • If you cancel 90 days before the trip starts: You’ll receive a full refund.

  • If you cancel between 61 to 90 days before the trip starts: You’re entitled to a refund of 50% of the total payment.

  • If you cancel 60 days or less before the trip starts: No refunds are available.

We reserve the right to cancel the trip 60 days out. If we do this you will get a full refund. 

If we have to cancel the trip due to external events out of our control then we will refund all expenses that have not gone out so far. Again – get insurance for this trip. Life happens to all of us. 

 

 

Location

Maine