My husband dropped me off at the trailhead on Hoyt Road at the CT/NY border on September 17. I set out at 0420 alone carrying all my food, water and gear. It was about 50 degrees F, which was cool and comfortable. The trail was dry and the sky was clear with the light of a half moon. Daybreak was at about 0615, when I was nearing the top of the first climb on Schaghticoke Mountain. Highs were in the low 70s, and weather was ideal. I felt grateful for recent rainfall following severe drought in the area which had previously dried up almost all the natural water sources, and I was able to refill my water at stream crossings using my Katadyn water filter.
I tripped around mile ten and hit my right knee pretty hard on a rock, which was uncomfortable for the remainder of the run. Around mile 40, my left knee started to hurt on descents, and by the time I reached the descent to Canaan Rd., it had become excruciating and slowed my progress to the finish. Sunset was at 1859 and I didn't see another person on the trail after that. The descent down the back of Bear Mtn. was the most difficult section of the run. I'd lost most mobility in my left knee and had to crawl and crabwalk on four points down the entire way.
I crossed the Massachusetts border at 2248. My husband was waiting on the Mass. side of the border to meet me and walk me out to the parking area on Mt. Washington Rd. via the cabin trail connector.
Gear: Altra Lone Peak 6 trail running shoes, Solomon Sense Pro 10 hydration vest with 2x 500ml water flasks, 1x 600ml Katadyn water filter, LEKI Ultratrail FX.One Superlite Poles, Naked Running Band, Petzl NAO+ headlamp, Kogala RA adventure light, 1x Anker USB battery charger, Garmin Forerunner 245, Spot Gen4 Tracker, Go Guarded Ring, 4x Honey Stinger Waffles, 7x Tailwind Nutrition, 4x 5 fl. oz. baby food pouches with maple syrup and instant coffee, almond butter with chocolate bits, chia and coconut, 2x three musketeers, 1 serving Flipz chocolate covered pretzels, mini chewy Sweet Tarts, Wintergreen Lifesavers, 1x Nature Valley chewy cashew granola bar, 1x white chocolate macadamia nut cliff bar, SaltStick chews.