Up/Down Middle Route (Gregory/Greenman)
6.32 miles/2,302 vert./1:06:48 (40:05 up)/10:34 min/mi/168 avg. HR Garmin Data
I have of course run this route many times, but have only timed myself on it twice, 44:27 in the prime of my achilles injury back in Feb. on an icy trail and 43:16, going what felt to be pretty moderate on a snowy day last April. I was sure if I gave this a solid shot, I would go under 40, so that is what I attempted today, yet came up a few seconds short.
I pushed pretty good up Gregory and my splits were decent, but I knew I was losing a bit of time once I got to the cabin (15:45). Got to the Gregory/Ranger jct. in 19:30 (now a minute off my best to this point), yet was not too discouraged. I pressed on and really enjoyed the fast cruising on what is now the "middle" part of the middle route. Made the Saddle jct. in 25 even-ish, then at 30 minutes I started slacking a bit, figuring that sub-40 was in the bag easy. Once I got to 36 minutes (near the "snow fence"), I knew I needed to pick it up and was pushing for all I was worth, but was still confident I would sneak under 40. I rounded the last corner with ~20 seconds to go and I knew the gig was up. I rotated my watch (I had it facing down paranoid of it getting wet in the rain) and accidentally hit the lap button, but still had 6 seconds to go and stopped it at 40:05. Dammit.
I was a little disappointed with what I felt to be a solid effort, but a bit of lackluster time for a TT/PR effort. I did PR by 3 or so minutes, so I guess that is good, but since that previous 43:16 was not at all a serious effort (and in the snow), this will have to stand as my current benchmark. I have not felt particularly fit, or motivated to go fast as of late and am probably a few lbs over prime fighting weight, so I take a little comfort in that. I still think this 40:05 is a bit soft for me and would like to think I could chop at LEAST another minute off on a better day. Something to shoot for I guess.
On the descent, I pushed a bit and felt like I was rolling pretty decent most of the way. All in all a very satisfying run.
Splits:
1st Bridge: 2:30ish
2nd Bridge: 5:45ish
Top of Greg/1 mile mark: 13:00
Cabin: 15:45
Greenman/Ranger: 19:30
Greenman/Saddle: 25
Summit: 40:05
Finish at Gregory TH: 1:06:48
