This was not only a solo unsupported FKT, but also an entirely solo road trip. The weather forecast was amazing! I started at 4:15AM on Thursday, October 21st. This effort is dedicated to my really good friend, who is battling a massive cancer fight. #fucancer!!!
I knew there would be a couple of things that would be at a disadvantage on this FKT: the number of hours of daylight and the down leaves on the trail.
I used my headlight from 4:15 to 7:50AM. It was nice to have the sun come up, but I was completely spoiled by a very full and incredibly beautiful moon. It was so bright, that I actually kept looking behind me because it felt like someone was running up on me with their headlight on.
I felt great all day! I was in the groove and felt super grateful for having the opportunity to run here. Because the trail is so scenic, I got to say hello to many other hikers along the way.
With no major incidents, I got to the end of the trail at the 10hr01min marker. I didn't waste any time; took 2 quick photos and started heading back. I thought I really had a shot at the men's/overall record. The groove continued for another 5 hrs but unfortunately I started feeling a little unwell with approximately 30km to go. One, I wolfed down an entire bag of chocolate covered mangoes and basically immediately felt nauseous, followed by hours of dry heaving!!! I was hoping if I just threw up, I could feel better and still finish strong. I figured I had an ~90 min buffer, but unfortunately, shortly after the nausea started, I got extremely dizzy. This has happened to me before in the Fall. I'm almost 100% sure it's from looking a leaves on the trail for a long period of time. It takes so much focus to not trip and fall when the trail is covered with leaves (I did take a bunch of spills haha). I had to stop way too many times to lay down and just hold my head until the dizziness somewhat subsided enough for me to continue. The reprive would last about 30 minutes max and then I'd have to lay down again. I kept thinking to myself, man, I hope no one comes by and finds me laying on the trail like this. This cycle repeated until I finally got to the end. I didn't get the overall record, but still glad I made the attempt. This nausea, dry heaving and dizziness is absolutely nothing compared to all of those who are battling cancer and undergoing chemo. My entire heart hurts with heartbreak!!! I love you SS.
To all who can, get out there! Achieve those goals. Love hard!
Thank you Jamieson for your continued love and support!! I love you ❤️