I had started the day out semi planned, I had been thinking about going for another fast go at this trail for a while and It happened to need a 30 mile long run for my training plan. so I decided to give it another shot. I didn't have my usual nutrition having run out the week prior, so I only had a high carb electrolyte mix with me for my fueling and electrolytes. it started out cloudy and cool but soon the sun came out in full force with scattered clouds and it got quite warm and unexcpectedly humid for socal. I carried a litre and a half of water in a hydration vest which was plenty as there is a few spots to get water along the way.
After parking my car at the trailhead in Covina I ran a steady pace through Covina hills feeling fresh. this time around it was much easier navigating all the turns at the beggining having done the trail before. I was feeling good a mixed my first drink mix around mile 7 before crossing grand Ave. last year this section was heavily overgrown and very slow and bushwahcking through invasive mustard. Not Fun. it was much better maintained this year and made it quick. After getting over the Walnut hills I refilled my water along Lemon Ave and began running into city of industry. I picked up the trail along the wash and opened the throttle and pushed the pace into the 7s. After leaving the wash and crossing the train tracks there was a trail detour along a busy road which really slowed things down again. after picking up the trail again at schabarum park I refilled water again and was in high spirits to get back onto some dirt and trails. in my excitment, however, I made wrong turn for about half a mile. after realizing my mistake I turned around a got back on route (Be sure to hang to the right at the horse stables). there are big steep climbs heading out of the park as you head up the puente hills. it was really warm and humid and I was drinking a lot more than normal. worried about running out of water, I started to conserve and ration. these miles dragged on and I hit my low point. after reaching Turnbull canyon road I finished my bottles and pulled out my reserve half liter bottle .I still had one last big hill to climb to gain the ridge and be on the home stretch. I ran hard simply for the fact that I was thirsty, but slowly faded as I got closer even going downhill. As I reached the parking lot at the bottom I celebrated and immediately called a Lyft to pick me up and get me to a cold drink asap. coke was well earned that day.
final time was 5:07:50 for the overall FKT.