Trail running the PCT J-Section from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass

[@kozziemoto11]

I'm not an ultra runner (and am not even a runner anymore, really...though I love the saying, "If you run, you're a runner," meaning you don't have to run far or run fast to call yourself a runner), but I began hiking back in September 2023 after shedding 114 lbs from my starting weight of 322.2. I'm still on my journey to improve my health and get back to physical activities, like the running I had begun during a previous effort to lose weight. Now that I don't have so much pressure on my feet, back and other body parts, hiking (and life...including just general walking and getting around!) has become so much more pleasant and possible. While out on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail, a guy I met at the trailhead, as he just finished a run while I was preparing to start my hike, asked if I'd hiked any of the PCT or, specifically, Section J. When I told him my story and said I hadn't, he strongly recommended I give it a go, which I am eager to do one day, though as a backpacking trip over several days. I loved your video and your story and, even more so, your honesty and vulnerability, which is also your strength. You are amazing and an inspiration! I am excited to watch more videos and see what else you've been up to! Thank you for this and for showing the beauty and the challenges and what pushing through yet feeling comfortable making what I imagine was the incredibly tough call to end your journey differently than you'd envisioned. The lessons you learned along the way will help you and others going forward, and you've got one hell of a story to tell, complete with epic imagery, which not a lot of folks can claim. Congratulations on this incredible feat, and thanks for sharing! Your production of this video was also top notch. 🏆✨

[@JTobiason]

Thank you for your kind words. This was a really great adventure and project. There is something cool about obsessing about something for a long time and then actually doing it. Thanks again and keep training. You got it!

[@grantjones9018]

Incredible! Impressive on so many levels.

[@JTobiason]

Thanks so much man. It was a great one and I'm really proud of it.

[@Gentlemanwick]

Great video. I’m gonna do this in a month or so and was researching it. I live out in Leavenworth and have never done it. Thanks for all the tips and tricks.

[@JTobiason]

You can do it! Good luck! It's hard, but was one of the most magical experiences. Just keep working on those climbing legs!

[@cer1ously]

hey, saw you out on trail that day early in the morning - i think it was a bit before sunrise, i think along the ridge trail under chikamin peak. i stopped you because i recognized you from your videos, thanks for taking the time to chat for a little on your big day! i remembered being in awe you were going to send it the whole way, ultra running is crazy. congrats on the run!

[@JTobiason]

Yes! I'm so glad you commented. As soon as you walked around the corner that day, I was kicking myself we didn't snag a photo. Thanks for the encouragement on the trail! Cheers man!

[@marcusnuckolls]

Nice work, dude! Solid edit and of course, awesome effort!

[@JTobiason]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was such a journey and I'm glad to have this whole memory documented together like this.

[@kerwinloukusa]

Nice work, thats a long route in terrain with little options for bailing if things go wrong. Looked hot in the video, how warm was it?

[@JTobiason]

Was really great. I got lucky and it was never too hot, but just chose clothes to maximize cooling. But obviously should have drank more water.

[@kerwinloukusa]

Nice!!! Good deal, hoping to try this one sometime soon, but maybe reverse direction so its a bit easier to run. Long runs rarely go perfect, but as long as you are learning something to be better the next time its all good.

[@kerwinloukusa]

@@JTobiason i did this run sobo on 8/4, incredible out there. The whole section from kendal catwalk to waptus lake really had scarce water for just dipping from creeks on the run.. and that burn zone heading up the ridge above waptus lake was HOT!!!! Amazing trail, 🔝 notch!!

[@unjarredoutdoors5513]

The green mat behind the map in the beginning of the video. What brand is that?

[@JTobiason]

OLFA. I just got it at JoAnne Fabric.

[@garrettmain3712]

I used to run ultras. Then I had two kids. Trying to drop weight and get back. It’s the short shorts man. Women throw themselves at you.

[@JTobiason]

I heard (on Wait Wait Dont Tell Me) that dudes legs stay sexy for the longest. Our faces, arms and guts all deteriorate, but the legs still look like a haw 20 something.

[@Wickedweirdwednesday]

Dude you did amazing!!! Hell yeah!

[@JTobiason]

Thanks! It's one of my proudest acomplishments!

[@kt-wl4em]

Amazing Joe!

[@JTobiason]

Thank you!!!

[@jimtobiason1444]

Proud dad here. Joe, how you managed all that goes into a goal like this … wow! So the run is just the peak of the iceberg but that peak is amazing & beautiful. Well done, well done!

[@JTobiason]

Thanks dad. That means the world. I love you.