Mon 8/8 - AM 6 hour run/hike, Pikes Peak

Course preview for weekend after next. Successfully reached the summit, unlike in June. No snowbanks to deal with above treeline of course which made a huge difference. Just over 3 hours on the ascent, a bit quicker on the way down. Took a relatively short break of 5-10 minutes at Barr Camp both on the way up and back down, spent more like half an hour at the summit checking out the view along with the hordes of tourists who drove or took the train. Ran most of the way up, although there was more walking than running above 13,000'. Walked most of the way down from the summit to Barr Camp. Felt like my legs had nothing left in them coming down initially, but after the break at Barr Camp ran most of the rest of the way down. Desire to get back and eat lunch a powerful motivator at that point. The lowermost stretch of the trail, i.e. the w's, seemed interminable. Clear day, hot below 9,000'. Some wind above treeline but nothing like what I experienced in June. Perhaps not the greatest idea doing this two days after arriving but I made it in one piece, hoping to feel more acclimated when it comes time for the race. Surprising in hindsight how little food/gel I took in, forgot to take any gel at the start and ended up only having two the entire trip. Didn't really bonk that I could tell. Lungs irritated from all the heavy breathing, which I expected.