FKT: Dawson Bathgate - Robert Frost Trail (MA) - 2020-10-17

Athletes
Route variation
40 miles - one way
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
6h 39m 55s
GPS track(s)
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Today I finally ran the entirety of the Robert Frost Trail, starting in Wendell State Forest, and ending at the Visitor's Notch in the Holyoke Mountain Range. My first half was full of incline and slippery rocks, but honestly I was moving at a solid part. As soon as I got to the top of Amethyst Brook, everything started to hurt. The last ten miles were pretty rough, especially the last few miles before the end. Lots of leg cramps but I made sure to hydrate as much as I could and fuel with a light snack every 45 minutes or so. This was definitely the most difficult physical activity I've ever done, and it was mentally very trying. I'm glad I got through it though and ended up running really well. Only completely stopped moving a few times because of leg cramps. Lots of fun to do, very challenging, and I'm very sore. 

I supported my own water and food. I used a few different running goos, some honey wafer-cookie things, and a few protein bars. The backpack came with a camelback style water bag so I used that, in addition to a water filter I brought so I could fill up at streams. I ran completely alone, I parked my car at the Notch head of time and had a friend drive me to the starting point. Mentally it was very hard to be in my own head for 6 hours, but I got through it. at no point did I stop the watch or get assistance from anyone I met. 

I started at 7:45 am, and there was quite a bit of rain and mud on some parts of the trail. Trees had fallen down in a few places so I was forced to either climb over or go around them to continue on the trail.