FKT: Laryssa Richards - AT Roller Coaster: VA 7 - US 50 (VA) - 2022-06-05

What a day! I had never done this portion of the AT but wanted to give it a try. After coming off injury, my goal was to take the climbs easy and try to run on the flat sections/downhills as much as possible. I quickly learned that I need to work on power-hiking and with the heat/humidity of the day (mid 80's but felt so warm to me), I needed to slow down even more on the climbs. The first climb went well, but by the second one, I was already feeling it and still had so much more to go. Somewhere around 7 miles and near a road crossing, I saw a couple hiking and she noticed that I had blood dripping down my left leg near my knee. I hadn't fallen, but I must have brushed up against something. There were tons of creek crossings and plenty of places to filter water along the way. I finally decided to filter water a little over 7 miles in and my Katadyn Befree was clogged. It was way too early to be thinking about running out of fluids so I texted my husband to meet me so that I wouldn't run out.The ascents and descents felt endless and this section was so rocky. The last climb was hard, but I really just wanted to lay down a time for the women's FKT. I just kept telling myself to "keep moving forward." I ended up finishing right as the sun was setting and it was beautiful. This time can definitely be beat, and I hope to one day better it myself (probably not during summer though).