Just a few observations about my 48 hour attempt: First, the trip report and video can be read/seen here. Although I didn’t make the 48 hour attempt, my trip was the fastest 3 day I’ve done (I did do 36 hours in 1999, but here I’m just talking about 3 day’s). I had to shelter in poor weather near Panhandle Gap, which immediately put me into 3 day territory.

This may help in perspective, snippets from my 2009 3 day trip…

DAY 1: The last climb of the day was to Golden Lakes, and by then my legs were feeling the toll. Of course I knew that I wasn't going to cover the distance in speedy days of old, but when I arrived at Golden Lakes it was apparent that I would not get to So. Mowich until well after midnight.

2023: I passed Golden Lakes, Mowich Lake (9;30 PM) and continued over Spray Park to Cataract Valley Camp, arriving at 1:30 AM in good shape.

DAY 2: "Did I say that this climb to Mystic Pass was relatively easy earlier? Because if I did, I was an idiot." I was hurting somewhat, not feeling strong on that climb, and I still had to descend around the toe of the Winthrop Glacier, climb back up to Sunrise, and end up at White River for the evening. Lets just say those following hours were difficult, not without their rewards, as I truly enjoy night hiking, but by the time I went through Skyscraper pass I was searching for alternatives. As I limped along I decided on stopping at Sunrise, hoping the bathrooms were still open, but knowing from past experience that they were probably closed up for the season. They were, and I found a spot under the telephone booth and just laid out my bag, staying in my clothes and keeping my pack packed so I could make a speedy exit in the morning. This put me about 3 miles in deficit but I knew I had to get 4 hours of sleep to pull off a 36 mile day. Unfortunately, my legs were barking this time and I kept waking up for a few hours with stabs of pain and discomfort as my lower body protested the abuse.

2023: On Day 2 I passed through Sunrise at 3 PM, continuing all the way past Summerland where I sheltered in poor weather at 10 PM.

DAY 3: By the time I finished the climb to Reflection Lakes I was knackered. Hiking became the endurance event of trying to make your floppy legs and feet continue down the trail and not think about how much further you have to go, but that each step brings you closer to your destination.

I was reaching into the grit zone for hours, something I had planned on at the outset but absolutely grueling in the doing. I guess that's what makes it grit.

About a mile from the trail junction right above Longmire, where I had turned left 2 days prior, my mind must have told my body that its services were no longer required. I could barely stand up, let alone move forward. I could barely see. Suddenly I had shooting pains in my left foot. My shoulders ached. Everything gave way. The timing was not coincidental, I was experiencing the ultimate let down. It just had to be especially bad for the last bit of trail, to remind me why I had come out. When I reached my truck, it was 2:20AM. As I write this the next day, I'm already starting to forget the painful parts, but this was truly the most difficult physical challenge I have done for the last 7 years. It encompassed so many of the elements I learned from running, mountaineering, and backpacking. I guess I am still a believer that no matter your age, it's important to remind yourself that you can still reach down into the grit zone.

2023: I passed Reflection Lakes at 3 PM, finishing at Longmire just before 6 PM in good shape.

NOW: I was 54 then, and I’m 68 now. I know some people don’t understand why I do these things, but the fact that I can pull off a 61.5 hour transit of the Wonderland today with less discomfort, by far, than in 2009…well, getting outside comfort zones and doing hard shit, no matter what the age…you know you’re alive.