The Roan Highlands have my heart. I'm so grateful to call this special place home and it was fun to be supported by my husband Jonathan. We got a later start than I wanted at 10:59AM and it was going to be in the mid 80s for a high, which is hot and a rarity for Roan Mountain! The heat would prove to be difficult for me, but I was resolved to move as quickly and efficiently as possible in the conditions I was given. Jonathan met me at Hughes Gap, Carvers Gap, and Yellow Mountain Gap(he hiked in with water!) I felt like I was overheating almost the entire time, but I stayed on top of my hydration and nutrition and stayed focused. After Doll Flats I let the hammer fall and ran hard all the way to 19E. It's always a treat to run through the Highlands, I learn something new each time, and I can't wait to do this again in cooler weather.