FKT: Michelle Merlis - Wittenburg-Cornell-Slide Loop (NY) - 2020-06-21

Athletes
Route variation
Standard route
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Female
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
3h 40m 22s
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Standard loop, unsupported, from Woodland Valley Campground in the direction of Wittenberg --> Cornell --> Slide. Didn't see anyone for first few miles. Was a bit over 2 hours elapsed at the top of Slide (posted on signage as 7 miles from Woodland Valley in the direction I went) -- so second half that direction is much faster. Some very runnable trail sections throughout. 

Went back and forth on traveling light vs. carrying a full pack (3L - 1L Nuun, 2L water). Opted for the latter given the projected temps/humidity. Glad I did because there were a bunch of people waiting to refill at the spring headed up Slide. Made it through the whole route with a little less than 1/2 L left. One stop to cool off with some water from a small stream crossing the trail. About 70 degrees to start and insanely humid -- ~84 degrees to finish and seemingly no less humid -- with no breeze, it felt like a sauna.

Was nice to get the majority of the climbing out of the way in the first half, although the last short climb not far from the end is just brutal. Quite a few down trees across the trail in last ~2.5 miles as well.