Arch Bala (KWT) was visiting us (with his wife) and we took him to Mt. St. Helens since Multnomah was closed due to fire. And Tillamook was flooded. I let Sumathi know I needed about 4 hours. Give 15 minutes, till about 4.15PM & start heading down. I started from Toutle & made my wife up. After the 17 mile it started to grind. GRIND. Till I hit the 'summit' and could get a break downhill. I hit the 17 mile marker in about an hour & 15 minutes (elapsed) & thought I should be able to make it. But after that it was grind to get up to the 27 mile marker where the descent began for the next 8 miles (~36 miles) I thought I could make it when I hit the 36 mile marker @ 3.45PM or so. But the next 5 miles took me close to 30 minutes (with a couple of 5 minute stops for stretching). I saw Sumathi driving down to meet me, 4.17PM, right next to Loowit View. I told her to meet @ the top. Next time, I need to state I need 5 hours elapsed time - especially with the beast!!! It was a bit of a cold start; but warmed up. I carried my running backpack as well & so had water; but I still stopped @ the Forestry center to fill my water bottles. Looks like I stopped for close to 30 to 40 minutes - to take pix & stretch.