This was my second attempt running the out-and-back unsupported. The first time around I pulled the plug at mile 6 and took some hard lessons with me to pack and plan for this effort. I headed out at 8:35 am with a 1.5 liter bladder of water, 12 oz handheld bottle of water and an 18 oz bottle of watermelon nuun to last me the whole trip. For food I had honey stinger waffles, chocolate almond butter, mike & ikes, ginger chews and salt tabs. Nutrition was a big worry of mine going unsupported however everything went smoothly I ran out of fluids with 1.5 miles to go and still had 1 waffle left.
The sun was out with clear skies and 60 degree temps, it got a bit warm in the fully exposed areas.The trails were mostly dry with some muddy sections, some much worse than others that required walking through. None of the trees had any spring foliage yet making it very easy to follow the orange blazes. On the way out I misread the gps on Mason Rd and turned before the small creek crossing, went climbing through some thorn bushes and hopped the creek to get back on course. No major navigation issues otherwise, thanks to my coros apex.
I hit the halfway point just before 2:50, figured sub 6:30 would be a good reach goal. Once I got back on the trails from Turk Hill Rd the final miles clicked off comfortably.
Great day of adventure!