* see Strava for photos
02:59:46 - snuck just under 3 hrs. Toasty out…. Maybe an hr and a half faster than last year’s effort…. Maybe 60/65% off trail and navigation related. Despite running this route last year, not all sections looked the same and there were hundreds of down trees and deadfall. I probably lost 30 minutes trying to descend into the canyon just trying to find a line. Nice little rehearsal for off those off trail sections on the Cirque Series races.
Effort very controlled, absolutely no pushing, relaxed climbing and descending - just managed things with the heat and hydration. Massively under fueled. Probably 300 calories and some electrolytes for the whole effort … didn’t feel it necessary to bring a ton of calories with keeping the effort easy/mod. Probably should have brought way more fuel.
Highly recommend this route - if you are looking for something technical and off trail, and know what you are doing and where you’re going, then this is for you. If this is your first time doing something like this and aren’t good with navigation - for sure bring a phone and consider an inreach because it’s very easy to get lost / turned around coming off the Blodgett massif into the canyon. If anyone’s interested in doing this don't hesitate to reach out for beta.
Kit - La Spo Prodigios / La Spo racing kit / 1 hydraflask with 500 ml H2O + 300 Calories of Blanks Sports Nutrition Pineapple