This was an incredible day! I saw this route earlier this week and was feeling cooped up at work so I decided to give it a shot. I initially didn't plan on going for the record but the weather and my legs just felt incredible this morning so I just went for it! I dropped my car off at the trailhead last night so it would be there for me after the end, I packed an extra pair of shoes (trail shoes) but as I approached the the trailhead I realized I was on track for the unsupported FKT so I decided not to stop at the car and just pushed on (you can see the same shoes at the start and end in the photos). Additionally I was going to run with my buddy Ryan from the access road to the summit, however after a couple hundred feet he realized he couldn't keep pace and decided to just drive himself up to the trailhead and meet me at the summit so I ended up being alone the entire time.
The route I took started at the Burlington water front just next to the echo center. This spot has a little beach because I wanted to touch the water before starting. I ran through Burlington into Winooski. I took the college parkway from Winooski through Essex center. From there I continued through Jericho into underhill and up to underhill state park. I took the Laura cowles trail to the summit of Mt.Mansfield.
For gear I ran in Asics nova blasts and an REI running vest. I packed two full soft flasks, and a 3L reservoir, this lasted me until I got to the state park with about a Liter left over but there was a public drinking water tap so I topped of my reservoir. I packed 7 gels, 2 servings of tail wind, a bag of pizza flavored combos and some cheese its.
The first 20 miles or so were a breeze and absolutely stunning, The access road was the first real struggle of the send but managed to keep running pace. The Laura cowles trail was honestly pretty tough today, there was constant water running down the trail which was steep and technical rock. I struggled pretty bad but kept moving and once I crested the tree line it hit me that I was actually going to break the FKT. I jogged it in teary eyed and physically pretty wrecked.
This journey really affirmed just how beautiful Vermont is and my love for its beautiful woods!