I set out with full intention of breaking my last FKT on this route. I was also experimenting with a method for a water drop to save weight and space in my pack. This attempt, while self-supported, will be my new goal for an unsupported attempt in the future. Before my run I dropped a one gallon ziploc bag with enough water to refill both 500ml soft-flasks. I placed them in the weeds just off the parking lot at Dock 4 which is roughly half way when starting at the Nature Center.
I knew about how many calories to pack. Seems I function best with a 100 calories / 3 miles routine, as long as I have a larger intake at about halfway. So, I packed my vest with mostly gels and a few waffles, one for every 3 miles (plus 2 extra) of this 22 mile trial. In my back vest pouch, I packed 4 fig bars, 2 large pieces of beef jerky and a snack pack of applesauce. Once at halfway, I picked up my water and refilled while eating everything but two fig bars which I carried and ate soon after. The bag worked great by the way. Super easy to use and the empty bag takes up little room in my vest.
I felt great the entire run until few miles from the end. At that point, the trail makes a turn and across the lake you can see the lodge. The lodge is very near the Nature Center and knowing I was so close gave me the boost of adrenaline that I needed. I was very happy to finally look at my watch once I finished and learn that I had shaved almost 20 minutes off of my last attempt. I was super excited!