Following the lead of previous efforts on this route, I chose to begin in the evening to take advantage of cooler temps and less traffic. After getting some feedback from my friend Mel (the supported FKT holder), I settled on a route that minimized running along I-35 frontage without adding much distance. Going supported helped ensure my safety on the busy roads and allowed me to focus on delivering my best performance possible.
I started at 5:10 pm; temperatures were in the mid 80's. The primary focus was to stay hydrated and keep the heart rate under control until the sun set. My support team of 4 rotated pacing me the entire route, even providing bicycle support to help navigate in downtown San Antonio and Austin. Overnight temperatures were in the 60’s and I found myself using ice frequently to stay cool. I struggled with solid food in the mildly warm weather, so I relied mostly on liquid carbs and gels for energy.
The biggest challenge I faced was hip flexor pain, which began around mile 25. I think the graded roads and possibly the plated trainers put more strain on my body than it was prepared for. My crew worked with me at each stop to mitigate the pain, but my pace continued to slow. By mile 56 my goal to break the overall FKT was in jeopardy. But this is where my support team really shined. After some quick massage and stretching, my pacer led me out faster than I'd been going. I trusted she knew what was necessary for me to reach my goal, so I put my head down and focused on keeping up. We kept the last 2 stops very short and my final pacer kept me locked in all the way to the finish.
Since it was so early on a Sunday, I was unable to proceed legally to the front of the building. My effort ended at the locked gates on 11th street at 5:34 am.