FKT Report: Anthony's Nose
DATE: 6.30.19
LOCATION: ANTHONY’S NOSE, NY
ADVENTURE: 9.5 MILES
FKT: 2:30:57
At 6:00 pm on Sunday evening, with just 2.5 hours of daylight left, I found myself starting a 9.5 mile trail run. This was not the original plan, but I figured why not give it a go? The worst that would happen is I would bail at sunset and come back at a later date. I started the first climb a bit nervous about my ability, but excited to be moving fast through the trees.
When my alarm went off that morning, at 5 am, I turned it off. Stephen had just ran a hard 60k the day before in the blazing sun and I knew it took a lot out of him. I felt bad for waking him so early just to drive me to the trailhead. So I decided not to wake him. And then I slept in until 9 am. Neither of us really wanted to be outside in the extreme heat, so we spent the day relaxing at home, planning the next adventure. When a storm rolled through that afternoon, the temps dropped considerably. It felt almost cool. I looked at him and asked if he thought it was possible to still head up to Anthony’s nose and attempt the FKT before the sun set. He said, “Absolutely, yes. Let’s go!” We were in the car within the hour, driving North.
My plan was to take the first half easy, and then assess the situation once I reached the turn-around point. I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure I could do it and those negative thoughts kept creeping up on me. The only way to deal with negative thoughts is to focus on the present. Stay in the moment, step-by-step, rock-by-rock. And Camp Smith trail was a wonderful distraction! It varied from technical sections to runnable parts with several views over the Hudson river. After the initial climb (about 500 ft) the trail has several smaller ascents and descents as it climbs over and around Manitou Mountain. The blue blazes lead you to the top of cliff overlooks and then back inland through the trees.
Stephen met me at the top of Anthony’s Nose to offer encouragement and some ice water. He took the shortcut up to the top with our pup, Miles. At this point I was 3 miles in and feeling great. I told him to hang around at the top and I would come back through. I took off down the hill finally able to open up on the wide path. The blue blazed trail ended and I took the white blazed Appalachian trail the rest of the way down to South Mountain road. I was please to see I made it to the halfway point in 1 hour and 15 minutes. I was feeling strong and all I had to do was the same time to make it before sunset. I turned and headed back the way I had come.
Stephen surprised me near the intersection for the AT and Camp Smith trails. I guess he got a little bored waiting at the top :) I told him about another trailhead near the road between Anthony’s Nose and where I had started. Although neither of us said it out loud, it was the bail out point. If it was too dark in the trees, I could just run along the road or call him to come pick me up. We took the turn to head out to the main overlook and snap a few photos. This is always a busy spot with the American flag planted in the rocks and an awesome view of the bridge and Bear Mountain behind it. Looking at my watch, I had about 45 minutes to finish the final 3 miles. I felt pretty confident that I could make that happen.
As I ran, the setting sun filtered through the trees, giving everything that golden hue. It was amazing to be on the trails this time of day. I saw very few hikers and could really hammer it out. And then the light was gone. I plunged into complete darkness as the tree cover became thick overhead. Oh no, this is what I was worried about. I think I had 1.5 miles left, I felt great, but had to slow to a walk as it was difficult to see the trail ahead. Thankfully, the trail opened up along the cliffs and I could run again. It was now a race to finish trying to make use of the last rays of light. I was descending a pretty technical part, but wasn’t sure if it was the end. I knew I was close, but didn’t want to get too excited. I needed to focus on my footing now more than ever.
And then the trail opened up into a grassy field. The finish! I looked at my watch and rejoiced, 2 hours 30 minutes and 57 seconds. I was happy and relieved to make it out of the trees with zero falls. Stephen and Miles met me and we hopped in the car for the drive home. A lesson learned that I had forgotten. Sunset doesn’t mean much when you are running in the forest. It’s darker earlier and I should have had my headlamp for safety. It all worked out though and it was a wonderful end to another weekend of trail running.