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Kilian Jornet, a celebrated endurance athlete, has once again pushed the boundaries of human capability, concluding a demanding leg of his 'States of Altitude' project by arriving at Mount Rainier. His journey involved conquering Mount Shasta, the 71st 14,000-foot peak of his endeavor, followed by an impressive 788-kilometer cycling traverse over three days, spanning California, Oregon, and Washington. This remarkable athletic display highlights his exceptional physical and mental fortitude as he nears the completion of his quest to summit all 73 peaks above 14,000 feet in the contiguous United States, with only Mount Rainier and Liberty Cap remaining.

Jornet's recent exploits saw him undertake an intense 626-kilometer cycling stretch across California, completed in less than 30 hours, averaging approximately 320 kilometers and 14 to 15 hours of riding each day. Following this rigorous cycling, he ascended Mount Shasta, where he encountered severe weather conditions, including snow and a windchill factor of -20°C. Jornet himself described these winds as among the most extreme he had ever experienced on a mountain, a testament to the harsh environment he navigated.

Immediately after descending Mount Shasta, Jornet transitioned back to his bicycle, embarking on a 95-kilometer ride that evening. Accompanied by triathlete Ian Murray, he cycled through volcanic gravel trails and utilized a sunset tailwind to propel him towards the Oregon border, where he briefly rested before continuing his journey. The subsequent days involved even longer cycling distances: a monumental 390 kilometers (242 miles) covered in 14 hours on the first day of October, followed by another 302 kilometers over nearly 16 hours the next day. This grueling cycling brought him to the base of Mount Rainier in Washington, marking the penultimate stage of his ambitious undertaking.

The sheer scale of Jornet's physical output has led many to question the limits of human endurance. His team has shared compelling biometric data, collected from his wearable devices, which further illustrates the extraordinary demands of his challenge. Throughout the project, Jornet has maintained an average sleep schedule of under five hours per night, with some days offering no sleep at all. His Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has significantly decreased from a pre-project average of 50ms to 31ms, indicating the profound cumulative fatigue he has sustained. Additionally, his Resting Heart Rate (RHR) has climbed from an average of 43 bpm to 52 bpm, reflecting the immense strain on his body from the continuous exertion of long days of climbing and cycling. These metrics paint a vivid picture of an athlete operating at the very edge of human capacity.

As Kilian Jornet approaches the final two peaks, Mount Rainier and Liberty Cap, he stands on the cusp of completing an unprecedented journey across the Western American heights. His unwavering determination and exceptional endurance continue to captivate and inspire, demonstrating a level of athleticism that redefines what is possible in the world of extreme sports. This phase of his project underscores his incredible ability to combine high-altitude mountaineering with long-distance cycling, showcasing a holistic approach to challenging conventional endurance records.