Ep. 5 SHELTOWEE TRACE Thru-Hike / Quest for the FKT TRILOGY

Episode 5 of my attempt to set the overall Fastest Known Time in under six days on the 341 mile Sheltowee Trace.
This is where it all began for me, by setting my first FKT in 2019 going Self-Supported and the first ever Unsupported FKT in 2021. I just missed setting the overall by 5 hours and I was unable to shake the thought of possibly coming back one day to attempt to set the new overall fastest time.
At that same time, it also occurred to me that if I did come back one more time, I would try to go supported with a crew and complete the trifecta of FKT’s on the Trace, with having held an FKT in each of the three categories. I attempted to accomplish this in 2021 but fell short at 1/3 of the way through due to poor weather. Will my fourth and final attempt be successful?
On this attempt I carried my Garmin Inreach mini and wore a Corus Apex watch for verification. For shoes I wore mostly the Altra Olympus 4.0’s, but also Topo Ultraventure 2's and Topo Pursuit's with Darn Tough socks and Dirty Girl Gators. My trekking poles were Fizan Compact 3 aluminum poles. My running vest was a Salomon ADV Skin 5.
Thumnail photo credit: Jordan Byrnes
Part 1: • Ep.1 SHELTOWEE TRACE T...
Part 2: • Ep. 2 SHELTOWEE TRACE ...
Part 3: • Ep. 3 SHELTOWEE TRACE ...
Part 4: • Ep. 4 SHELTOWEE TRACE ...
Previous FKT's on the Sheltowee Trace:
2019 Self-Supported attempt part 1: • Sheltowee Trace 2019 N...
2021 Unsupported attempt part 1: • Sheltowee Trace Thru-H...
2022 failed Supported attempt: • Sheltowee Trace Suppor...
Full length documentary of 2021 Unsupported attempt: • Sheltowee Trace Thru-H...
0:00-0:35 intro
0:35-1:59 leaving Laurel River Lake to Mouth of Laurel
1:59-8:20 hiking Cumberland Falls section
8:20-9:30 Cumberland Falls vister center aid stop
9:30-12:12 along the Cumbrland River and Thunderstruck Rd.
12:12-14:27 Thunderstruck Rd. to Barren Creek horse camp
14:27-16:31 I've been sabotaging my own attempt!
16:31-17:35 Barren Creek to Flat Rock
17:35-21:30 Livestream about what has been causing my problems
21:30-22:59 Flat Rock to Alum Ford
22:59-25:12 Thunderstorms at Alum Ford Campground
25:12-26:13 Coming up in the final full day on the Trace

[@jamesosborne5950]

Most men would have given up by now with all the pain and swelling but not Jason wish you are truly amazing

[@jasonwish-]

Knowing that this was my final attempt here and my one and only shot at finishing this... was very motivating, even if I wasn't going to get the time I wanted. Even if I went back 5 more times trying to get the perfect attempt, I'm positive that each time there would be something I didn't expect or plan for that would keep me from getting the perfect time. I'm glad to say that I have found my limit...I think every man should at least attempt to find their limit or really push themselves at some point in their life to see what they are made of...you learn a lot about yourself that's for sure and I have no regrets! Thanks James!

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

The end is in sight! You must have a real tolerance for pain. Great Job!

[@jasonwish-]

Yes it is!! I really don't consider my pain threshold to be that high...but it is unbelievable to me how much a little pain, or a lot, can influence a persons ablilty, mentally and physically! Thanks Chris!

[@JourneyontheTrail]

Man…. Seeing the pain you’re in and still pushing is amazing. Great job figuring out on trail what was causing some of your issues. Can’t wait to see the final day!!

[@jasonwish-]

I wish could have discoved the problems sooner and maybe I could have went sub 6 days...live and learn!

[@thomasc7332]

Rooting for you Jason! Good luck and godspeed.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks! I'll keep on pushin hard!

[@DMSAdventures]

Ya my wife would be saying its all those artificial sweetners and everything! She doesn't like me having diet Mt Dew anymore or anything like that. Seemed like a good theory! I can't recall what you called it but that spot where you flashed some daylight footage looked like something out of a fairytale or fantasy novel! Some of these areas are so gorgeous I'd have a hard time sliding through them so quickly.

[@jasonwish-]

What's crazy is that all those sweetners that I mentioned are the base ingredients to all those engineered racing fuels that athletes use around the world. I think they're great for short efforts of 1-2 days but not 3 days and more, gotta start fueling with normal healthy ingredients to be at your best at that point. That Cumberland Falls section is definitely one of the best sections on the Trace!

[@jasonwish-]

There will be two more episodes...the last full day and then the final half day push to the end!

[@Maxspeed1998]

Another great video Jason!

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks! Not too many viewers into this series but I'm still having a blast editing it and reliving it all!

[@Maxspeed1998]

Enjoying the content, can't wait to see the last one.@@jasonwish-

[@jasonwish-]

@@Maxspeed1998 Thanks Tom. There will be two more episodes...the last full day and then the final half day push to the end!

[@stevebednarchik9390]

Solid effort with the foot issues. My last 40mi day ended with terrible blisters and it drove me nuts. I was limping for the last few miles. Feeling for ya

[@jasonwish-]

I was fortunate to not get any blisters on this attempt...they certainly can have a huge impact on a high mileage day. Thanks Steve!