Speed Ascent Tips and Tricks

The obvious question is: Why do a speed ascent? It's to see what you are made out of. My definition of a speed ascent is simple: Go as fast as you can until you reach the summit. 
Warning: You need to be in good shape to do a speed ascent

Pick the Correct Mountain for You

I believe the #1 criteria is to pick the correct mountain. 
Here are some of the criteria:

• It has to be easily repeatable - If you have to drive four hours to do the hike, you will not do it often.
• It has to been a relatively short hike - You can't go at maximum speed for hours and hours.
• It can't be a popular hike/route  - you don't want to run over other hikers.
• Scrambles are better than trails because with scrambles you use your whole body, not just legs.
• You have to know the route perfectly - you can't think about the route. I mean down to the hand and footholds!

Tricks

• Carry only water via a bladder in a sleeve - this cuts down on weight.
• The ascent should take no more than one hour - if longer you will have to carry more items.
• Pay attention to the temperature - if you do not do well in heat, wait until it is cooler. 
• Time your ascent with a smart phone. All have very good timers.
• Wear pants with zipper pockets - you don't' want to lose your cell phone.
• I only time myself during the ascent - fast descents are tough on the knees and really do not tax the cardio system like ascents.
• Only do a speed ascent when you are feeling good - being sick, tired, or if you have an injury will slow you down.
• Keep records of the date and how fast you did the speed ascent.

My Pick

I like Kraft Mtn. Here's why:

• It's short.
• The route I do is rarely done.
• I know the route like the back of my hand.
• It can be done in the summer (early morning 6 am) and most of the rest of the year.
• It takes me less than 15 minutes to drive to the trailhead.

History

I have been doing speed ascents for over 20 years.  The way I got started is interesting. 
Years ago I did Turltehead Peak and I read in the sign in book that a guy did it in 37 minutes starting from the Visitor's Center. That's impossible. It's over two miles from the Visitor's Center to the trailhead. Even if he could run two 5-minute miles, that would mean he would have to hike to the summit of Turltehead Peak in 27 minutes! Turtlehead Peak is 2.5 miles and almost 2,000 feet of elevation gain on mostly  very loose trail/path. 

It was a joke, but it got me started doing speed ascents.  I do not do speed ascents up Turltehead Peak anymore. I got smart, well at least, smarter :)