If you expect to finish 4:25 or slower make sure you have some sports drink or Gel(s) of your own still available in the last mile(s) because for many years the Cirque has been out of Gatorade by the time folks going that pace or slower reach the last aid station. While you should try to eat most of your nutrition before tree line when it's much easier to chew/gulp, breath, and walk at the same time, and in fact if you're my speed, in the Conga line down low is a good time to snack, make sure you have some available in the last miles. Because despite the monumental effort by folks to stock the last Aid Station it simply will run out. The average finish time for the Ascent last year, men and women combined, was 4:32. I finished about 5mins ahead of this and the Cirque was already out of Gatorade. I had my own Go Juice in a small Camelbak based on past experience, but I know how rough it is to be near bonking at 13,000ft, just waiting to reach that aid station, and be told they're out. Don't let it happen to you! They still had water, so if you need it, a Gel or two would work great. Just take 1 or 2 more than you think you need. Best Of Luck!
