Temp: 40's, windy
Trail conditions: Tough
*Personally, I think the Giant-RPR out and back is the toughest FKT I've done.
Facebook post:
My heart is content.
MacKenzie Haskins showed up at my house at 8:45 and picked up the "FKT" crate. The wind was howling and leaves blowing. The weekend had been rainy and rivers were high. I had a supported FKT out and back attempt planned for Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge. Leaving the house, I felt good, but was very aware the trails might not be in "go fast" shape.
MacKenzie hit the trail 30 minutes before me. I hit trail at 10 am.
Up Giant in 1 hour and 3 minutes.
Every mile was hard. I focused on the beauty around me and my legs ached by the time I went up and over Giant and RPR to New Russia. This is a route that makes me nauseous. It's a mental challenge, because once you hit the trail register in New Russia, you turn around and go back to RPR and Giant.
Got to New Russia in 3 hours and 5 minutes.
MacKenzie kept my spirits high and refueled me three times: Climbing Giant twice herself. It was an epic day. Snow/hail blew in as I was coming back over Bald Mountain to RPR.
Beauty of the day:
MacKenzie's energy and smile
Ice on rocks
Oak leaves
Grouse and chipmunks
Peanut butter M&M's
Running down Giant with MacKenzie
Getting back to the car after 20 miles, 10,000 feet elevation gain in 6 hours and 52 minutes. Very proud of this effort. Gonna sleep well tonight.
Focus on the joy around you.
The conditions were super challenging and I thought of calling it twice. Glad I pushed forward.
MacKenzie was great support.