Good morning everyone! It's a little hard to process that it's only been a day since we last posted. So much has happened since yesterday that it all seems a bit surreal. You know the feeling - an experience that makes you swear you've lived an entire year in the span of a day... Let's start by turning back the clock to Wednesday in the early morning hours.
After feeling good coming off Princeton, here are Drew and his companion Andrew, heading up to Yale:
This was going to be the "make it or break it" moment, and everyone knew it. Which is why, when things didn't go the way anyone hoped it would, this is what awaited Drew on his return - family, friends, community (and a big campfire ready) to meet whatever fate had in store for them, together:
For three years, Drew has been training to meet this goal and break this record. In his words, this is not how he envisioned it would end. But as he reflected on the experience, his take was it was never about the record - it was about what he learned and what he gained along the way. Yes, there is disappointment, but absolutely no regrets. And that's profound - what a lesson for us.
Drew has such big goals and takes such big risks. So perspective matters. Being ambitious and driven is one thing, but to combine that with wisdom, humility and vulnerability - well, that's the the sweet spot, isn't it?
And Drew has shown us that this rare combination is possible to achieve. He understands that big dreams can be achieved, but never alone. Of course, one part of this equation is Drew, his God given gifts and his DNA, but the other half is his support system. So many people, helping, praying, and being there, no matter what.
So the ultimate takeaway - this was not just an attempt at a record. It was a chance to learn, grow, celebrate, laugh, cry and suffer together. A chance to practice gratitude. A chance to bear witness to the power of a community and the beauty of what happens when people rally around a common purpose. For example:
Andrew Hamilton, the current record holder, who was literally in the throes of his attempt to break the Co-Ed FKT record with his partner Andrea, texted Drew from heaven knows where to tell him "go back, you missed the Yale summit." Because while Andrew was out there hurt and suffering himself, he was also watching Drew's back the whole time.
A group of 12 family and friends who came from far and wide to hike into the woods to meet at the trailhead at 02:30 AM, not knowing whether this was to refuel and re-energize Drew, or console him and walk him out.
A full gathering of the crew, family and friends yesterday evening - eating, laughing, celebrating and appreciating each other as they recalled the antics, the disasters, the successes and the failures with full hearts and gratitude. Some even noting that, in the process of this experience, they realized that this very community had now become their own.
Our incredible sponsors, Bare Performance Nutrition @bpnsupps, Kyla Tyler of RE/MAX, Bemas Construction and Josh Martin with Insurance Advisors - their tremendous support and generous contributions were unmatched from start to finish.
And last but most importantly, all of you who have been following Drew and the crew along this incredible journey, lifting their spirits, motivating them, and feeling the highs and lows right alongside them. Drew said last night that he would hold off on viewing your blog comments until he needed them most, then would read them all as his reward. That is how much your thoughts, prayers and well wishes impacted Drew, and this entire experience.
Here were some of you in person, cheering on the crew from Lake City:
So on that beautiful high note, we'll wrap this one up. But continue to check back because we'll be posting more pictures, stories, and maybe a few top 10 lists of the highlights and biggest fails of this adventure. And we'll let you know what Drew is cooking up next.
PS: We'll also let you know what special crew member ended up in the ER on the final day. Hint: if you know him, you'll probably guess who it was ;)
Thanks for everything and talk to you soon!
Thank you for the excellent Blog of Drew’s adventure. Congratulations to everyone involved in helping Drew achieve this awesome quest. We look forward to hearing about his next adventure.
Connie & Greg Brandt Door County Wisconsin
Incredible journey and I appreciate Drew and the whole crew for letting us follow along. Can't wait to see what you do next Drew!
Im happy to know you guys 'the Francis family' and to call each of you my friend! Unlike Drew I'm at a loss for words. WOW just simply WOW is what I think of oh and bragging rights when I tell people I know this guy and he climbs mountains,,, moving like the fog crawls over them. Hats off to you each of you!!!
Such a great write up! Thank you all for letting us be part of this amazing journey! Well done and here’s to the next one 😜💪🏽
I was honored to be part of the cheering crew! You are a terrific group of wonderful humans. Each an inspiration in their own way. Jan driving the van in the middle of the night on million dollar highway?!?! Jaden effortlessly turning truck and trailer around on a 45 degree hairpin turn on a hill when he was led the wrong way. Senior attacking the Alpine Loop and Como Road amongst others in the middle of the night. Sydney with her super power of keeping everyone on task and calm. Kristy and Tim teaming up to make do on the side of the road even when their camping spot was stolen at 2 am. Chris (the one with the super…