I went out today intending to try hard at the Broken Top ascent FKT, and then hopefully have gas for the BT-SS FKT as well. The former was the one I was more unsure of; Brittany Haver is speedy, and has time as well as Jenny Abegg’s Strava segment are so strong. I hoped I could hit around 1:50.
The trailhead was disgustingly smoky. I started lateish and finally had a permit checked this season. I was lucky someone returned one yesterday because at first there had been none available until I checked back in the evening.
The smoke was agitating most of the ascent. I breathed out really forced, powerful exhales. Standard route, saw a llama, and then at the crux saw a friendly face I had met on South recently, Ryan, with a group of buddies. Stopped to chat for a minute and then remembered my purpose. I’ve never scrambled up the crux and to the summit quite so fast- usually I’m a bit slower with foot placement and such with the exposure but I propelled myself up on determination for the sub-40. When I touched the highest rock, I fumbled for my phone a few seconds getting it out of my vest to take a photo of the watch time.
Really delightfully surprised with this time. I didn’t expect it but have worked really hard to know this trail over the past few years. The ridgeline has become a great friend instead of enemy.