40 laps completed in 7:22:05. A little extra mileage going from the loop to the Hickory Parking Lot back and forth for aid, over 33 total miles.
Started just after sunrise, had some company with friends who joined for different stretches of miles. One friend for the first 10 miles, another friend for 10 miles later, just keeping me company, never carrying anything for me. Lots of beautiful miles, sunny day but in the shade the whole time on this loop. All laps clockwise, stored water and food at both the trail junction mentioned on route description and in hickory parking lot where fiancé and dogs hung out.
Easy downhills all day, let the legs flow when it felt right. Took the stairs as I could, lots of hiking, only small runnable uphill sections each time. Think the key is just to stay moving as often as possible and take what the downhills and flats give you. Happy with 30 laps, stoked with 40 for the fitness I had on the day. This was two years in the making and exceeded all expectations.
Somebody go break this. I'll be back; so much more is possible on this loop!