Charles F Lew Natural Area Self Supported FKT
Did this on March 25, 2025. I stashed some water on the trail for The FKT attempt.
Was a chilly day about 45 degrees at the trail. I haven’t been on the trail since last February. So wasn’t sure how the conditions were going to be. The trail itself isn’t maintained that well with markings being hit or miss. Started about 520pm. Didn’t warm up and immediately regretted it. Thought knew the first half mile or so isn’t really that runnable with roots and rocks angled down over the edge of hill. Legs were feeling it right away. That 1,100 of climbing in the first 1.4-1.6 miles till hit the powerline was rough. I was beat and legs were on fire. Such a relief to reach the powerline were it levels of somewhat and becomes more runnable. Was able to recover. No big trees were down which is shocking usually there are a few, just a couple branches and the briers were already or better yet put still clawing at my legs after mile 2 cause of the low care it receives. Only second guessed two turns today which is low. Also only slipped a couple times. Was decent reading the trail from it being a little trampled. Not much but I could read it enough. Didn’t use the yellow much because honestly there isn’t enough to really use. Hit the boulders and slowed some so didn’t twist ankles. Almost took some of the overlook dead ends while watching footing instead of where I was on trail. Taking pictures for verification almost cost me the FKT, I was trying to take them while moving but the momentum cost me. The creek crossing at the end wasn’t bad kept feet dry today with it being low. Overall good run today. Little humbled from being out of shape for this kind of terrain.