This is my first attempt at an FKT. I've been planning this for a few weeks now, but almost bailed because my daughter was sick this week, the weather was adverse, and I was a little tired from work. I'm really glad my wife pressured me into doing anyway it because it all came together perfectly. My goal was 6 hours so I nailed that. I don't think I really could've gone any faster today. I crossed paths with a dude doing the Out & Back and he was well ahead of the current FKT pace.
The weather was pleasant for the first 7ish miles, then got really wet and cold in the high country, then was pleasant for the last few miles. I think wet and cold is better than really hot, at least for me, so it wasn't a deal breaker.
This is a rough and tough trail. It can be hard to follow at times and is quite overgrown. As stated in Steve's FKT, not for the faint of heart. Luckily, I work for the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, so I had a sweet map to use on Avenza. I tracked the route on my Garmin Instinct Solar watch.
I packed all my supplies in my Nathan Vapor Krar pack. 2L of water with a couple scoops of Tailwind. 3 Clif pouches: expresso (I like caffeine), citrus, and razz. I ate a Honey Stinger and one of my kid's superfood pouches. I drank a glass of water with some pre-workout and tailwind before I started. I also brought a Katadyn filter bottle, but didn't use it as I only ran out of water in the last mile.
I'd like to thank my in-laws, Ben and Angel, for dropping me off at the trailhead. Also, my wife and daughter for picking me up at the end, and for allowing and supporting all my training. And Siskiyou Mountain Club for all the work they've done on the trail, unfortunately it needs work again.
I was very confident I could run faster than the current FKT, but I'm also confident that my time will be beat, probably before the summer is over.
Peace!