Hike-and-fly

Speedmo of Woodrat Mountain

A run with the legendary linkville lopers

Hike-to-fly

Thanks to Kyle Carson for picking out a good trail that seems to capture this area for submission as an FKT. As Peter and Buzz discuss in various articles you can find, not every trail should be an FKT.  Some are best left as local training runs, Strava Segments, or sometimes just secrets. But this one really does seem to take you out on a tour of the Applegate area.  The trail was muddy as I ran, and periodic trees broke rhythm, but none-the-less I chased along at pretty close to my perceived current marathon effort (even if not reaching the pace) for 16 of the 23 miles as a long run workout.  Right as I reached, where I would let up pace the muddiness increased over a few of the greater gains and losses of the run. This definitely did not “feel” ideal, since sliding on the surface mud and picking footing to avoid any deeper mud so as to not damage the trail made these miles that were supposed to be cruiser, not feel cruiser.  Spirits unbroken, I found the views and weather to be quite enjoyable and this trail would be a great tempo run in dry conditions for anyone!  Ashly Winchester kinda forced me to get out after a bit of a mental health spiral due to things going sideways at work and frantically adjusting to accommodate frustrations/disappointments. This was exactly what I needed. Definitely took out some of the more angry feelings in the early miles and worked through reflections/room for personal improvement during the middle miles so that all there was left to do was suffer through those final muddy miles.

As far as we know, 3:16:52 is now the time to beat for this endeavor that seems to be closer to 23.4 miles (rather than the listed 22.74 miles)

Not adjusting for the mud or down trees, I would say anyone with fitness for a 3:20 road marathon (even 3:25-3:30 fitness would suffice if it is a dry, cool day) would have a strong chance of obliterating this time.

I ran in the Dynafit Ultra 100 which handled the mud pretty well, though there were moments I wished I had a slightly larger lug pattern. 

I have been doing a completely alcohol free February as I train towards my huge 100th FKT and completion of the Journey to 100 FKTs project. Athletic Brewing has been such a huge part of enjoying “taco tuesday” at the Gaucho Collective with my friends while still sticking to this goal.  It is low calorie, tastes great, and Athletic is one hell of an altruistic company supporting the best of what is our outdoor, FKT, and running community. So whether you want a month off alcohol to break the habit or are trimming some calories to get down to your “fighting/racing weight” make your first order 20% off, on me with code: JASONH20

I have to admit that the drama of those British boys, David Bone and Mark Kerry, rattlin’ off 15+ FKTs in a month to start 2021 on the flat, fast paths of the UK is motivating. Definitely, have put in too much time and effort in these PNW mountains, Utah Canyons, and California/Nevada Rock to give up being the first to 100 or my lead in FKTs without a fight.

Website: Jason Hardrath (or follow more of my story on STRAVA, IG or FB)


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Hike-and-fly

Speedmo of Woodrat Mountain

A run with the legendary linkville lopers

Hike-to-fly

Hike-and-fly

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