Post by cteusche on Nov 19, 2014 15:56:04 GMT -5
On Fri, Nov 7, 2014, I (Christof Teuscher) set out for an unsupported attempt of the Joshua Tree traverse. The attempt was announced beforehand: www.teuscher.ch/aagaa/announcement-unsupported-joshua-tree-traverse-attempt.
The route is 37.3 mi long with about 3,200ft of elevation gain and 4,300ft of elevation loss. It starts at the Black Rock Campground, traverses the park, and ends at the North Entrance Station. My attempt was completely unsupported, i.e., I carried all my food and water. No crew or caches were used. The reduce my need for water, I ran entirely throughout the night. I started at 7pm on Fri, Nov 7, 2014, and finished in 7:12:50. I believe this is a new unsupported FKT.
Photo montage from www.enduranceguy.com
The route is 37.3 mi long with about 3,200ft of elevation gain and 4,300ft of elevation loss. It starts at the Black Rock Campground, traverses the park, and ends at the North Entrance Station. My attempt was completely unsupported, i.e., I carried all my food and water. No crew or caches were used. The reduce my need for water, I ran entirely throughout the night. I started at 7pm on Fri, Nov 7, 2014, and finished in 7:12:50. I believe this is a new unsupported FKT.
Trip report: www.teuscher.ch/aagaa/report-unsupported-joshua-tree-traverse
Strava log: www.strava.com/activities/216759716
SPOT adventure: www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=334530
YouTube clip:
To the best of my knowledge, the previous self-supported Only-Known Time (OKT)/Fastest-Known Time (FKT) was 7h49min. The group run was self-supported; they had at least one supply point at Juniper Flats (mile 20). Their report is available here www.enduranceguy.com/2012/06/03/jtree-traverse-running-across-joshua-tree-national-park. It was also mentioned here: running.competitor.com/2014/09/photos/8-epic-running-adventures-americas-national-parks_113218.
Strava log: www.strava.com/activities/216759716
SPOT adventure: www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=334530
YouTube clip:
To the best of my knowledge, the previous self-supported Only-Known Time (OKT)/Fastest-Known Time (FKT) was 7h49min. The group run was self-supported; they had at least one supply point at Juniper Flats (mile 20). Their report is available here www.enduranceguy.com/2012/06/03/jtree-traverse-running-across-joshua-tree-national-park. It was also mentioned here: running.competitor.com/2014/09/photos/8-epic-running-adventures-americas-national-parks_113218.
Photo montage from www.enduranceguy.com
We saw his footprints the entire way, and they proved useful in the morning when we were unsure of navigation choices, though these were not too difficult anyway in the daytime and we did have plenty of navigational resources if need be. Justin performed admirably, though I felt considerable general fatigue, as well as soreness in what I think is tibialis anterior, for miles ~19-30. With the downhill after that, a slight adjustment to my gait, and the finish in sight, adrenaline took over and we laid down the last 6-7 miles at 9min/mile average (which felt like 6:30) with one in the 7s.
