The Rae lakes loop is one of my very favorite runs on the planet, and this was my third time running it. I spent the past 9 months training to run the JMT 2 weeks ago, but ended up having to bail from that around 100 miles in due to altitude sickness. Once I came back down below 8k I felt great and quickly felt like I wanted to squeeze in one more day running in the Sierras before the official end of summer. I scoured the calendar and found that I could leave after my daughter's Saturday afternoon soccer game to make the 5 hour drive east from my home in the bay area, and there was 1 campsite available to book in SEKI! My amazing husband agreed to spend the day with our girls, even after having just spent his week of vacation crewing me on the JMT.
After all the GI issues I had dealt with on the JMT I wanted to use this run to really focus on nutrition and hydration. From the start I kept a sustainable pace and ate on a schedule. I never got behind on fluid or calories and it felt amazing. Before I knew it I was enjoying the view from the top of the pass of fresh snow on the peaks from the last week's storms. Unfortunately just a few switchbacks down the north side of Glen pass I re-sprained my ankle that I had sprained 3 weeks prior while running in Virginia Lakes. I had to take it pretty careful on the technical downhill, but with some concentration, KT tape and prayer I felt confident I would at least be able to finish. I didn't think my goal time of 10hrs would be possible, but decided to just keep moving and stay in the moment. Between perfect temperatures, some music in my Shockz and being well caloried, the next 20 miles were so much fun. You get to take in so many awesome views on this loop. At this time of year the stream crossings are very easy, although I didn't take the time to pick my way across the south fork of the King's River in upper paradise valley, you probably could have found a way to keep your shoes dry even there. There was also still plenty enough water to dunk my BeFree filter whenever I wanted. I am so grateful to have gotten to experience this day in a place that I love so much.