This FKT is in my 'backyard' and I'm on these trails all the time so I had to go for it at some point. I wasn't quite ready for the distance but having not done the Breakneck race I wanted to do something similar, and this fit the bill. Also the conditions were great. Weather was cool and dry and even some clouds to give some shade at times.
I just got the FKT but a bit tight for my liking. Though that's good because its close enough that hopefully it gets justin kousky to come out and try getting it back again.
Went out really hard but felt OK until just before the halfway mark going up Anthony's Nose when the cramping started coming. From then on I couldn't run properly uphill because every time I pushed I would feel the cramping coming on. Also my stomach gave me a lot of issues and I was feeling very nauseous. Made the second part of run un-enjoyable. I took in lots of water and Tailwind so I don't think the cramping was a hydration issue rather because my legs were not race ready - at least for that distance.
At the top of Bald I wasn't sure I would get the FKT as I was so close to cramping I thought for sure I will cramp on the way down or at least have to go super slow but luckily my downhill legs behaved as long as I was careful and I made it.
I did deviate from the route in 2 spots:
1) Across Popolopen Creek before the Torne. The bridge is out so I had to find a spot that was cross-able. Didn't change the distance just cost ~30 sec extra.
2) From Hessian Lake to the start up Bear mountain. There is construction over there so there was a detour to get from the Inn to the trail. I went the other way around the lake. This adds about 1/2 mile or 5 min. Of course I get all the way around to see that they finally put a walkway through the construction ☹️ (wasn't there last time I was there but of course it helps to check just beforehand!!🫣)
Most of my calories were from Tailwind but I had few bars and a gel too.
I filled water 3 times. At Popolopen creek, At Hessian lake/Bear mountain and on the way up Cornell Mine.
Need to find a better way to filter water and fill bottles or at least get faster at it because I wasted way too much time with it.