Sept 8 2023 I set the speed record on Ha Ling's NE Face, car-to-car. I can see this route from my kitchen window and have thought about going for the speed record for many years. This summer I've been climbing quite a bit in approach shoes and finally had the confidence to do the route in the style I wanted, carrying just a chalk bag. I did one last recon the day prior and everything seemed in order to go for a fast lap.
For the FKT I ran the road and approach as fast as I could and then settled into a steady but safe pace up the climb. I know the route very well and barely ever had to look up to see where I was going. After a cool, damp start to the day, I was glad to be climbing in the sun on dry, grippy rock. After topping out I made the mental switch back to running mode and hammered the descent as fast as I could manage.
My approximate splits...
Start of route: 26min
Summit: 57min
Finish: 1:16