I set out on this run with the intention of setting the women's unsupported FKT, but knew it would be a fun adventure no matter what. Living in Baxter State Park has several perks, one of them being access to great trails and mountains. A lot of things went wrong this morning, maybe the consequences of those poor judgement calls cancelled themselves out because I got the record and still managed to have a lot of fun.
I woke up nice and early to beat the crowd of hikers attempting the Knife Edge today and wanted to make it down the Chimney Pond Trail before the afternoon crowd began descending. The weather was forecasted to be perfect today above tree-line, hence the biggest reason I had this route attempt planned. I started from Roaring Brook Campground at 6:25 am, temps in the high 40s to begin with. The thin gloves I started the run with were no longer necessary pretty quickly on Helon Taylor. I ran a little bit during the first mile, but most of it was spent power hiking in an effort to save energy. I forgot to bring my breakfast from home and had only eaten a packet of maple syrup before beginning. Having an empty belly to start became my biggest problem because stomach discomfort plagued me for the whole effort. I had to use the bathroom about 2 miles up, I hard a hard time keeping Gu and maple syrup down, and bouts of nausea on the main climb definitely slowed me down.
I managed to get to the top of Pamola peak in pretty rough shape. No food and little water will do that to ya. One thing I kept telling myself throughout was "Once you get to Hamlin Ridge you can quit and walk down". I continued to tell myself this going along the knife edge, which I had done for the first time recently and felt confident in scampering across. I passed a group of guys, one of which said "wow she's incredible". Not to brag, but it gave me a little boost of confidence that distracted me from the nausea thoughts.
Going from Baxter Peak to Hamlin was better, I began drinking more water and feeling better overall. I think taking a break from climbing allowed my stomach to settle. I also tend to like downhill trail running better. Let gravity do the work! There were a lot of ankle-rolling rocks on Saddle Trail that could have been problematic but I made it through. There was a fall as I began climbing up to Hamlin Peak where I bloodied my right hand and my knee. Honestly, the pain here distracted me from the upset belly, which I can handle that much better. I still had plenty of water and felt no need to stop at Caribou Spring to filter more. Great views all around today and really no wind at all (though I wish there were a breeze). Descending Hamlin Ridge was fun, offering some last views before dipping back down below treeline.
North Basin Trail and Chimney Pond Trail went smoothly, though my lack of eating definitely shined here. I had no energy on small uphills or flats and a couple times had to stop to catch my breath. If nutrition had been better, I could have moved better here and honestly everywhere else. Had this been a perfect day, I could have broken 4 hours. Overall it was a great day and I am grateful to have a body that lets me move across the mountains. Thank you to my friends and coworkers that keep the trails clear, educate hikers, and run the campgrounds! I love being able to explore all these peaks and ponds. I had no on-the-ground physical support from anybody but my husband Nigel is my biggest cheerleader and I wouldn't have gotten into this sport if not for his encouragement.