New Record Time Around Mt. Saint Helens

Opening it up, Plains of Abraham - Photo Steven Mortinson

I was hesitant to set a date. I didn’t feel ready. I hadn’t been disciplined in following a workout schedule, I was afraid to fail attempting a goal I truly cared about.

This isn’t anything new. Ever since I started trail racing in 2017 I’ve been hesitant to commit to races. Since running in college and getting thoroughly burnt out on racing, I don’t like the idea of putting too much pressure on running, something I do purely for joy of it.

But there’s something to be learned from an all-out effort. It’s rewarding to take on a challenge and see what my body can do.

There’s something in that hesitation and fear of failure, too. I’ve learned to see fear as reliable weathervane for what’s worth doing. So, despite my nerves I set aside my hesitation and picked a date.

Friday July 17 dawned misty and cool in the Climber’s Bivouac parking lot. I woke before my alarm, excited to get started.

Cresting Toutle Canyon Climb - Photo Steven Mortinson

FKT Tips

I’ve never tried setting a fastest known time before and didn’t know where to start. Luckily my friends Rachel Drake and Tyler Green know a few things about FKT’s and helped me out with a few tips.

Gear

To state the obvious, this is an extremely light kit. On a typical run in the mountains I’d carry basic survival equipment, more food, and a windproof jacket, at the very least.

Cap: Territory Run Co. Long Haul

Shirt, Shorts, Boxers: Salomon S/Lab

Vest: Salomon S/Lab Sense Ultra 5 Set

Shoes: Salomon S/Lab Sense SG

I felt comfortable accepting the risks that going so light entails, but I didn’t take the decision lightly.

Factors I considered: A clear forecast for the weekend, warm temperatures, long days, relatively high number of hikers on the Loowit Trail, and friends at the trailhead who knew my itinerary and expected time of return.

Food and Water

Food: Targeted 200 calories an hour and used:

7 gels
2 Gnarly Hydration Mixes
1 Snickers
1 mini Bobo bar. (Not Recommended, Too dry)

Staying ahead of nutrition and hydration is key. I something every half hour even when I wasn’t hungry.

Water: I scooped from the streams I crossed. I made the decision not to filter, valuing speed over the risk of Giardia.

Navigation

Loowit Trail Map with Target Splits

This trail is technical. With steep climbs, tight turns, and a number of boulderfields that can be difficult to run quickly and navigate correctly.

Navigation Tools:

Watch: Suunto 9 Baro
iPhone with Gaia GPS (for backup)
Locator Beacon: Garmin InReach Mini (Emergency)

Previous experience with the Loowit trail proved useful. In addition, I used the ‘Navigate Route’ function on my watch (Suunto 9 Baro) quick route checks.

Suunto 9, Iphone with Gaia GPS (and the Weeknd for pre-effort pump), Garmin InReach Mini PLB

Pace and Documentation

Using Caltopo, I drew in the Loowit Trail and noted waypoints every 5 miles. Using my target time, I calculated splits at each landmark.

The week prior, Dylan Bowman set a new FKT on the Loowit Trail and was kind enough to share his effort on Strava. I checked out his splits so I’d have something to compare to.

On the day of the attempt, I used my watch and Gaia GPS app to record a track for documentation.

For the official recording of fastest known times on the Loowit Trail and general info on FKTs, see fastestknowntime.com

Pace checks written on Write-In-The-Rain Paper

A couple of good friends saw me off and for the next several hours I was alone with the mountain. Landmarks passed and the trail changed character. Sandy river drainages, boulderfields, the North Side blast zone still bare of vegetation.

On the trail alone, I remembered how much I enjoy solo challenges. They’re what draw me to running. Time to get away from everything else and concentrate on something simple and difficult.

And anyway, I wasn’t completely alone. The thought of friends waiting back at the trailhead pulled me around the backside of the mountain.

I hit my last split at the June Lake Trail junction ahead of pace but feeling drained. I slogged up the last long climb and bombed the Ptarmigan Trail to the finish and hugs from friends and a new record - 5:05’58

I felt happy and fulfilled to set the FKT on a trail I love so much. But most important to me is that I found the courage to set a date and accept the challenge.

Have any questions? Drop a note in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.