Morning Trail Run

Zwift - hypoxia

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Morning skimo

Norman’s 13 is the Sierra Nevada’s answer to Nolan’s 14: thirteen 14,000-foot summits, two clusters linked by a stretch of the wild John Muir Trail, and a whole lot of granite, weather, and wilderness. Roughly 100 miles (160km), nearly 39,000 feet (12,000 meters) of vert, and scrambling on ridges where every move counts.

After five straight days riding from Colorado to California, averaging 175 miles (282km) and 14 hours in the saddle each day, this is what awaited Kilian. 

From sunrise at Cottonwood Lakes to the final push at South Lake, he moved through three days in California’s most rugged mountains, sometimes solo, but joined at key moments by local legends: Matt Zupan (unsupported Norman’s FKT holder and first person to complete the route) and Rod ♾ Farvard joined from the start while Dan Patitucci, along with Kimberly Strom, met Kilian later on. Olivia Amber - fresh off her own recent Norman’s FKT - shared the run from Taboose Pass, and climber Matt Cornell was Kilian’s companion for the most technical Palisade section, where they climbed together.

“It was amazing to have company—nice people running with me, all sharing the same values and connection to these mountains,” Kilian said.

“Olivia set the FKT here two weeks ago, Matt knows these peaks inside out. It’s inspiring to share the trail with folks who have a piece of their soul in this range.”

“The quantity of beautiful mountains, the wilderness, the endless possibilities. Days without seeing a single person, just lakes, rock, and sky. Conditions started great, but turned challenging: snowstorms hit right as we reached the technical sections, making things a bit spicy. I crushed my foot with a boulder. I could sometimes ignore the pain for a few hours and forget about it but it came back. And sleep deprivation hit hard this morning as we were going up Mount Sill, but thankfully the sunrise brought new energy.”

Three days, 101 miles (163km), 11,700 meters of vert, and a new supported FKT in 56:11:04, pending official confirmation.

“I want to come back and spend more time here-there’s just too much beauty and adventure for one trip.”

📷: @nickmdanielson & @andrewfitts

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Morning Trail Run

Zwift - hypoxia

Lunch Trail Run

Zwift

Morning skimo

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