Tough!  Seriously no joke.  I thought I was better conditioned for this, nope!!  And pretty devoid of people, only saw about 9 others on the trail over the 7 hour pummeling session.  Blue skies!.. I prefer clouds any day of the year, would've really helped me out here.  Weather was HOT! Started at about 0815 where the temp was in the mid 70's.  I reached the peak at 1130 and the temp was 82.  Took in all the magnificence of the view, and of course SCREAMED and SHOUTED out to the landscape on the tippy top of the peak.  Started the trek back down at 1245. Finished up and got back to the road at 1505 where the temp was 104.

I nearly decided to turn back 3 miles in, but decided to slow my pace and take as long as my body needed and pressed on.  Peak was beautiful, nobody else in sight.  It felt very peaceful at the summit so I took some time to tune into myself and meditate .  Heat wasn't much of an issue until the last 3 miles… started to really feel its overwhelming presence then.  Again, took it slow and stopped for mini-breaks when it felt necessary.  Definitely bring an ICE PACK or some form of cooling insulation for your water, it'll save your body and really help keep you cool… I didn't have any so my Camelbak got quite warm… not ideal to keep you core temperature down.  Consumed nearly 6L of water throughout the hike.  Sunscreen/protection is a must.  Had an apple and an orange at the peak for snacks.

Stay cool, bring lots-0-water and a couple snacks (fruit really hits the spot), and bring a buddy to share the experience and potentially save your life, but enjoy the hike!  Give a nice smile and say hello to other trailblazers, that'll boost your energy/mood.  Take in everything, be mindful, and tune into your senses… all of them at once, and especially each sense individually, it can change your perspective and alter awareness during the journey!