The heat that we've been experiencing all summer finally broke recently and I was ready for another attempt on this short quick FKT. My last attempt was on a humid 90+ degree day and I just barely missed the (unreported-clockwise) FKT by 27 seconds. Today was 64 degrees outside with heavy cloud cover and a slight breeze, so I should have a much better run.
I went counterclockwise along the route this time. My plan was to go out strong along the Brook and build a healthy time buffer and then try not to suffer too much as I climbed Lion Head. I could then recover a little bit along the singletrack ridgeline before the second "peak." Then once I passed the rock scramble on the second descent, I knew the finish was close and I could just let gravity take me the rest of the way down.
I still prefer to do this loop clockwise more since you can get the climb over early while you are still fresh and then can let loose in the final mile along the brook.