When I first set the female FKT on this route last fall it was very hard work. I did not imagine that I would ever be able to run it any faster. Then a few months ago I saw the new FKT set by Pamela Iwaszsewicz and was super inspired. She really opened my mind to what might be possible. I spent this spring and summer training for longer distances. When I decided to really go for this in the late summer I buckled down and added some speed work and a couple XC races, which I think really helped get me used to running faster than I typically do for 50+ milers.
My husband Scott started out at the north GGB parking lot with me and we ran together the first 6ish miles to where the trail passes near our house. We then parted ways and I headed off solo for the remainder. I filled water at pantoll and it was cloudy so that was plenty with my 2L bladder. There is no water from pantoll to the finish in Olema. Fortunately a lot of the bolinas ridge trail is in the shade, with a few spots where you can intermittently roast on a hot day.
My goal had been to move the women's time under 5hrs. At 5:01 I didn't quite get it there, but my hope is that seeing my effort will inspire another woman to carry the torch forward. Like a relay baton, we each give it our best shot and then pass it on to our teammate. I can't wait to see where the next woman who sets this FKT takes it.