On Saturday, October 7, 2023, I decided to try an FKT attempt of the complete Frisco Highline Trail. It was a clear day, with mild temps.
Since this would be an unsupported attempt, without any pacers, I filled my 100oz hydration bladder, stuffed the pockets with a half of a pb honey sandwich, 5 gels and 5 salt pills. Off I went.
I employed a run for .40 miles and a walk for .10, so I basically broke the run up by half miles. I ate 1/3 of the sandwich at the 2 hour mark, the 4 hour mark and the 5 hour mark. I took a gel every top of the hour and a salt tablet at the same time.
I thought I had started out too fast and was prepared to crash and burn somewhere in the latter stages of the run. Fortunately, and to my surprise, that didn't happen. In fact, it was such a peaceful day on the trail, I zoned out and stopped paying attention to my pace and just ran what felt comfortable. The final 3rd of the run is actually when I dropped my fastest miles.
The run couldn't have gone any better. In fact, I decided to take the direct route, which meant crossing over a busy highway. There is no bridge, no crosswalk or stop light. You're at the mercy of speeding traffic, so I was prepared to have to stop and wait for the highway to be clear to run across. Didn't even have to worry about that as there weren't any cars coming in either direction, so I didn't even have to pause for clearing. I just kept going.
My goal was to go sub 6 hours. When I didn't have to stop at the crossing, I knew I could get it, with only 3 miles to go.
When I finished, I took the last sip of my hydration bladder. I had used everything I took with me and it proved to be the exact right amount.