I started my run at 8:03 am. The weather was cold at the start (36 degrees), but warmed up nicely to the low 50s. I could not have asked for a better day for this run!
I wore a vest to carry water and all of my food, along with two handheld water bottles. I refilled my water at the water fountains at Miners Castle (around 7 miles) and Twelvemile Beach Campground (around 30 miles).
The first half of the trail was so much more difficult than I had anticipated. It was muddy and more technical at the beginning, and then shifted to sandy beaches. I started to have doubts as to whether I would be able to beat the previous FKT time because I was not able to get any faster miles in! Then the last half was more runnable, and I was able to make up some time.
The trail is one of my favorites and I feel so lucky that I got to run the whole thing. I can’t wait to do it again (but take my time and enjoy the sites).