I’ve had my eye on this FKT for quite a while. For a few reasons; my favorite trail is utilized, Hell brook trail on Mansfield, and because the previous record holders left some time on the table. I consider myself an average runner, but I knew if I planned and executed the three hikes and drives perfectly I could take a lot of time off. Today I did that. The previous record holder chose the right trails on each mountain, steep and direct/shortest possible drives, but he really struggled with Hell Brook. The steepest mile(I think) in NE coupled with classic VT slippery rock can have that effect.
The forecast on Washington called for wind gusts up to 85mph and windchill of 0-10. Fortunately they were only 40-60. Manageable. I carried a lot of ‘backup’ gear I didn’t need like a raincoat, puffy, and winter gloves. I wore tights, a thin wool top and a light vest. Light gloves and Buff, then a thick wool hat for the peak. It was calm and cool till 4000ft, wind picked up till 5500ft. From there till the summit it was very windy and I was very cold till dropping below 5000ft again. Consumed 20oz tailwind. 1:07up. 0:36 down.
Got to car and was driving within seconds. Changed and resupplied while driving. Smooth drive to hell brook. I’m fortunate to spend a lot of time in the Mansfield area and have at least a dozen ascents of hell brook trail. This was my fastest ever, by over 12 mins. Carried 16oz tailwind. Perfect weather. Pushed the descent too and still felt strong.1:57drive :43up 32down. Unfortunately my watch didn’t connect with GPS till the peak. The start in the notch is not gps friendly.
Again, I was driving within seconds of getting to my car. This drive was quite a bit longer. But it went by quick. Ate and resupplied. Fortunately bellows trail at Greylock starts gradually. Ran much of the first mile and was happy with how my legs felt. After the first mile the trail gets very steep. It was a grind but I pushed hard. Seemed warm out. Legs felt dead for the steep part of the descent but started to feel better as it got more gradual. Pushed hard the last mile to try for a sub hour round trip but missed it by 22 seconds. Oh well. Only carried 14oz tailwind. 3:16 drive 0:38up 0:22 down.
Total time 9h12m 22s. Drive-5h14m. Run-3h58m.