Deanna “Sweet Dee” Doane sets her sights on the Florida Trail FKT

Deanna Doane is an ultrarunning enthusiast set out for crushing the Florida Trail fastest known time. The Florida Trail treks 1,108 miles from Big Cypress Swamp to Pensacola Beach, winding through jungle, swamp, and along back country roads. Deanna currently works as the assistant race director of Run Bum Races putting on the Forgotten Florida 100 miler, Georgia Death Race, and Quest for the Crest ultramarathon.

Interview with Deanna Doane – Florida Trail FKT Attempt

Q: Can you introduce yourself and explain what you're aiming to achieve with the Florida Trail FKT attempt?

My name is Deanna Doane. I'm an ultra runner and passionate about all things trail running and outdoor adventures. I especially love planning long, point-to-point or single-loop run adventures on new trail segments. I’m going after the overall Florida Trail Fastest Known TIme because my motivation is simple: to push myself beyond my limits and inspire others to do the same. Deep down, I also have a strong love and passion for the Florida Trail, and that gives me an extra reason to experience every step of it.

Q: How have you been preparing for this FKT attempt?

My training over the past six months has been a combination of running, power walking, and training myself to walk fast. I’ve focused on building up my daily walking distance. In December, I covered 645 miles on foot, with most of that being walking. I know that long-distance FKTs require a lot of walking after a certain point because you can only run for so long. Training myself to lean on walking and be efficient at it has been crucial. Other preparations have included purchasing gear, creating daily routines for my crew, and compiling a spreadsheet of every crew access point using the FarOut app for easy reference. I’ve also researched where we’ll sleep each night, where the crew can resupply and do laundry, and all logistical details for a smooth support system.

Q: What kind of gear will you be taking on this journey?

I’ll be taking quite a bit of gear! My main gear includes my Salomon hydration vests, which I’ll swap out as needed, and Black Diamond hiking poles for extra support during power hiking. I’m bringing a regular two-person tent, sleeping bag, shower tent with a shower bag, a Coros running watch, multiple power banks to charge my devices, and a Garmin inReach for live tracking. Since I’ll have a crew vehicle following me, we’ll have plenty of extra gear on hand, including a full first-aid kit, foot care supplies like anti-chafing creams, recovery tools, a camp kitchen, large canopy tent, chairs, rain gear, cold-weather gear, space blankets, hand warmers, and lots of food and water. We’ll also have multiple pairs of shoes and socks to rotate through.

One item I wish I could bring but can’t is a heated shower system. They’re expensive and bulky, especially since they require a propane tank to work. For now, my “shower system” will just be water jugs to rinse off, so I’ll use campground showers when available.

Q: Are there any obstacles you're anticipating during the FKT attempt?

I expect the biggest obstacles to be general fatigue, sleep deprivation, and possible overuse injuries. I’ve never gone further than 200 miles in a stage race, so I’m a bit nervous about how my body will handle the continuous volume without any off days.

Q: What are some of your past achievements, and how do they prepare you for this FKT attempt?

I’ve won many ultramarathon races and currently hold three FKTs, but all of those are for single-day ultra distances. Tackling the 1,108-mile Florida Trail will be a completely different experience. I think my mental strength and grit will be what carry me to Fort Pickens. I’ve always been strong mentally when it comes to pushing through physical pain, and the lessons learned from my past races have prepared me for this challenge.

Q: What motivates you to keep going when you want to quit?

What drives me to persevere is the knowledge that the grass is always greener on the other side. I’ve never quit and race and I’m always glad I pushed through as I cross the finish line. Quitting only leads to regret and self-pity. It’s always better to finish what you started, and the feeling of accomplishment at the end is worth every struggle along the way.

Q: What’s the funniest or most common reaction you get when talking about your FKT attempt?

The funniest comment I gotten when talking about the FKT attempt is, “I don’t even drive that far!” But it’s true! I’ll be walking to Pensacola when many people aren’t even willing to drive there. Of course, I also get the usual response that I’m “crazy” or that it’s “ridiculous,” which I can’t help but laugh at because when you have one life to live, why not live it!

Q: How do you feel about the FKT attempt, and what do you hope to accomplish?

I am SO excited for the adventure ahead. I hope that my FKT attempt brings more attention to the Florida Trail, which I believe is one of the best and most underrated national scenic trails out there. The Florida Trail is truly magical in many places; traversing Florida jungle, swamps, and prairies. I can’t wait to experience it all. Completing the entire trail will be life-changing, and I’m eager to immerse myself in the all-in experience it offers!