Update: Exactly five months from the start of his epic journey, ultrarunner Rickey Gates completed his trip west, traveling 3,500 miles from South Carolina to San Francisco. We added a few of his final posts on Instagram (@rickeygates) to the bottom of this feature from our July 2017 issue of Runner’s World.
On March 1 at Folly Beach in South Carolina—nicknamed “the Edge of America”—Rickey Gates shouldered his 12-pound backpack and started to run west on a five-month, 3,500-mile trek to San Francisco. The 36-year-old mountain ultrarunner from Colorado is taking his time, carrying everything he needs without support, forgoing a GPS watch, and marking a circuitous route on mostly dirt trails, small back roads, and even a stretch on a stand-up paddleboard. “I have chosen to slow things down, simplify my life, and get to know my country at a step-by-step intimacy,” Gates wrote before leaving. He’s snapping thousands of photos along the way, before an August finish. Here are some of his notes from the road and trail.
RELATED: Why I Run 100 Mile Races Solo—and 5 Tips for Doing It
101 miles east of Memphis, Tennessee.
Frugal Traveler
“I want this to be something that others can replicate. Even if someone doesn’t run all the way across the country, they can go out and have the experience. Which is why I have a $5,000 budget for the whole trip, and I’m self-funded.”
A kayaking companion who joined Gates as he navigated a paddleboard on the Tennessee River.
Picture Perfect
“When you slow your pace to one step at a time across the country, you have the opportunity to see a lot of things. Portrait photography has been the most exciting part of this. When I meet someone, I don’t want to just say, ‘Hey, can I take your picture?’ I chat with them, share what I’m doing, and they do the same. We’re all curious.”
RELATED: Discover how to be a fit, healthy runner with Train Smart, Run Forever
Camping out on the side of a back road in South Carolina.
Catching Z’s
“About one night a week I treat myself to a hotel or stay with someone. I get a hot bath, eat hot food, wash my clothes, and drink a few beers. Otherwise I camp outside. The hard part is finding a place where I can sleep through the night without people or weather waking me up.”
A makeshift sail to aid Gates as he travels west on the Tennessee River.
Traveling Light
“I worked with [race sponsor] Salomon to develop a lot of lightweight, multifunctional gear—like a tarp that’s also a poncho. My sleeping bag and down pullover are also one and the same. I’m carrying everything. I’ll get some supplies from friends and family in a couple places, and I’m using general delivery from USPS to get other gear along the route.”
A sampling of trail snacks and candy purchased in Arkansas, including a bean burrito and Sour Neon Night Crawlers.
Counting Calories
“On a normal day, I have a sausage-and-egg biscuit from a gas station with a cup of coffee for breakfast. I also get my food for the rest of the day, or the next few hours, and pack it in a pouch on the front of my pack—things like Pop-Tarts, beef jerky, candy, and nuts. I’ll treat myself to a burger at the end of the day and maybe ice cream, too.”
A diner meal purchased by a friendly local.
Southern Hospitality
“I’ve only encountered great people and great experiences so far. Although in Moscow, Tennessee, I was stopped by a police officer. He rolled down his window and asked, ‘Are you running from the law?’ I told him, ‘No, sir.’ He then asked to see my ID. I was obviously a bit perturbed, but once I was cleared, he offered to buy me lunch at a nearby restaurant.”
In Stafford, Kansas, roughly 1,700 miles into the trek.
Steady Pace
“The miles haven’t been easy, and I’m definitely putting my body through the grind. But it’s good. It’s about maintaining a pace and distance every day that doesn’t feel like suffering. At the beginning I averaged about a marathon a day. Now I’m at 30 to 35 miles a day.”
Polishing off a snack near Lake Marion in South Carolina.
Friendly Refuel
“Before running across the Mississippi River, I had the best barbecue, fried chicken, and creole I’ve ever had. It’s exactly how I like to see a new city—on my feet, eating, drinking, and talking with great people.”
Crossing a bridge on the Ozark Highland Trail in Arkansas.
Data-Free Roaming
“There’s no watch or GPS tracking for me. The purpose of this isn’t to set a record. It’s for the experience, to get uncomfortable and keep going.”
Follow along with the rest of Rickey’s journey on Twitter at @rickygates.
