I really wanted to wait to do this route when I was more in shape but I was convinced to do it asap so that I could set the female record.
This route is a little different from the ‘death loop’ (what local runners call the sunset trail loop) on where it starts, the few out and backs along the way, and the finish on Oertel.
I planned to do this Monday but had some ankle issues for the past few days so rested up some before my attempt. While it’s not recommended to do this in the summer, we lucked out with some fall weather this week but I will say it was still pretty humid in the forest with a temp of 68 at the start and 90% humidity. I gave about 70 percent effort overall, could have gone a little harder but I was holding my phone half of the time trying to make sure I was going the correct route (I didn’t want to miss the out and backs or the finish), and I did half to stop once when I couldn’t open my phone due to the humidity.
Despite it still being summer, there were fresh red leaves littering sections on sugarloaf and towards the end, so I can’t wait to come back and attempt this again in the fall when I’m in shape.
Overall I felt good on my effort, didn’t walk any hills so that probably accounts for the higher heart rate, and happy to set this FKT as a hot springs local.
Shoes: altra wild experience
Nathan 18oz soft flask handheld Fuel: Never Second electrolyte mix + 2 salt tabs + 3 bolt energy chews
Sponsored by Hot Springs Hiking Adventures.