This route was so much fun I had to run it again! The "rim to rim to rim" version mirrors its Grand Canyon namesake - similar concept, awesome scenery, just in half scale. It gave me a good excuse to drive to Glacier Point for the first time (and hike to the serene Sentinel Dome afterward).
I had a goal of beating my prior time and that kept me pushing and trying to shave seconds wherever I could. I wasn't sure how my legs would react to starting on a fast downhill with no warmup, so I eased into the early morning until they agreed that it was OK to run faster. The first descent went well and soon I was at the valley floor.
Conversation with a hiker - "Is the 4 Mile Trail a loop?" - uh, no, it's just up.
I ran over to the Camp 4 restroom to fill water (excellent spigot, not too far out of the way). Time to see how the uphill legs were doing.
I was so happy to have my poles (after not being allowed to use them at Western States - and really missing them). My arms were happy to assist, and my legs were happy up the first climb.
Wow the falls are beautiful. I should have gotten a photo of some water seemingly coming straight out of the wall - ? I was trying not to spend too many extra seconds with the camera this time (only partially succeeded).
Across the bridge and a bit more climb to Yosemite Point. Part 2 complete.
The first downhill back to the bridge is the best part of that descent, I made sure to appreciate it. The rest of the downhill has a lot of rocks and cobblestone. I might be getting a tiny bit better at it, or at least it didn't throw me for any loops.
Conversations with multiple hikers (they were coming up the sunny switchbacks near the top) - "How much further?" "How many more switchbacks?" "How much longer?" - I have no idea, I'm sorry, it's a long ways!
Back to the bottom, another water refill, then a jog back across Swinging Bridge
Conversation with a guy on a bike - "You'll wear yourself out, running like that" - yes, that's kind of the idea!
I've got 2 hours to climb back up to Glacier Point - maybe?
Stupid little bugs, all in my face and trying to get into every head hole. I put on my bug net for a while, happy to have that along.
Conversation with a hiker - "Didn't we see you like 6 hours ago?" - (checks watch) Not quite!
Push, push, push, doing math, sub 7 hours still seems possible at Union Point, you can do it legs. Finally happy to hit easier trail and then I could see the top. I started/finished at the sign just past the water fountains to match the track on the website - and it's a lovely view!