The Lincoln Woods closure added a little innovation to the route. I chose to go clockwise, starting at the North Twin Trailhead and up the Fire Warden’s Trail. I’m really good at coming out of the gate way too hot, but I stayed cool and collected throughout the run and felt strong because of it. Fast forward to Franconia Ridge - I opted to grab Owl’s Head via the Lincoln Slide. Random context: I’ve summited Lincoln 14 times and have been on the Lincoln Slide more times than both Falling Waters Trail and Old Bridal Path, so the familiar shortcut was a no brainer, but the unfamiliar territory lingered ahead on thenorthern bushwhack off Owl’s Head. I’ve whacked OH’sNorthwest Ridge a couple times, which leads to the height of land on Lincoln Brook Trail, but this was my first time beelining it for Thirteen Falls. Talk about some ideal bushwhacking. Onward and upward to Garfield.
Perhaps the most amusing part of the day was when a group of people saw me do an out-and-back on Lafayette, then again coming from the opposite direction up and down Garfield. After I passed them for the fourth time descending off Garfield, they stopped me in my tracks, completely dumbfounded by what I was doing and how I ended up where I was.
The rest of the route went steadily. Too much picture taking and blabber mouthing at Galehead Hut, but that’s par for my course. After I finished, I set out to become an outlier to Dynasty Buffet’s business model.. Mission complete.
To the previous record holder, Steve Mason – you’ve inspired me to dig deep within myself and these mountains before I ever even considered trail running. Your combination of strength, endurance and adventurous spirit will forever be years ahead of its time. Thank you for the push from the very beginning.