First Presidential Traverse, longest run ever by more than 90 minutes, and I had only started gravel biking the week prior. Conditions were mildly windy and socked in but manageable. I carried all my own fuel and refilled water at Madison Spring Hut and Lakes of the Clouds.
I felt very strong through the northern Presis and was well ahead of my estimated splits by Washington. Around Monroe I started having significant cramp issues, especially in my hamstring and upper quad/hip flexor, which forced me to back off on the remaining climbs and descents. Hot spots on both feet also got progressively worse.
Less than a mile from 302 I took a hard fall that triggered a full calf and quad cramp, but after getting them to release I was able to keep moving and finished the run in 4:49:50.
I had stashed my bike, helmet, dry clothes, water and Tailwind near Crawford Path. The first ~20 minutes of the bike were still affected by cramp threat, but eventually my legs settled and I was able to ride more normally.
Run: 4:49:50
Transition: 5:08
Bike: 1:18:55
Total: 6:13:53
Very happy with this effort given it was my first Presi, my longest run to date, and I’m still very new to gravel biking. There’s definitely room to improve on the run section for me with longer-run durability, power hiking, fueling, and route familiarity. Someone braver than me could perhaps take time off the bike as well.