Too much fun! This is my favorite FKT to date because it was such an adventure and a challenge, and it was a really fun way to fully experience this Nat'l Park.
After reviewing the beta, I decided to go CCW, starting at Rim Village, so I had both Kedric's and Jason's routes saved in my Gaia (the perks of tackling this effort later in time). There were only a few minor differences between the two. Emily put up a strong women's record, but she went the other direction so I used Jason's splits to keep track of where I was with the time, since he had a similar record. I was a bit intimidated to tackle this and honestly had no idea where I would land- a lot of unknowns with this kind of route- so I ran the first half with an "every minute matters" perspective. The last half was with a "just keep it up" mantra... and keeping it up on the gradual uphill road miles proved to be the real grind. I'm really stoked with my time and won't pretend it came easily.
It was definitely worthwhile to sit along the Rim afterwards and look over the gorgeous lake and at the entire route that was accomplished, now knowing each of the high points quite personally.
Garfield- 25:04
Applegate- 44:35
Dutton Cliffs- 1:37:00
Cloudcap- 2:42:56
Llao Rock- 4:27:56
Hillman- 5:19:37
Watchman- 5:51:06
Finish- 6:30:29