FKT Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Zoë Rom - The inside scoop from an Editor at Trail Runner Magazine - 108 Oct 23, 2020

Show notes

Zoë is a podcast host (see link in her CV below), has graduate degree in Environmental Journalism, and could be a public speaker - you should listen to this one! "It's a tough time to be an independent publisher. I urge people, if there's something you like, you should absolutely become a supporter. It's not enough to just enjoy what we enjoy, we must become mindful consumers." And her insights on technical FKTs is a must listen: "I have a higher tolerance for exposure than I do for choss ... as long as it isn't moving underneath me, I'm OK." Mentioned in this podcast is the convo we had with Courtney Dauwalter. "What brings joy into your life? Find a way to help keep it going." (Note): This website is the same as Wikipedia - we are a free service providing crowd-sourced fair and credible information. Please support what you value so it will continue: https://www.patreon.com/fastestknowntime https://fastestknowntime.com/support

Dr Dirtbag - is he a real doctor, and how did he bag 18 big FKTs? - 107 Oct 16, 2020

Show notes

Sean O'Rourke defended his PhD thesis in 2009 (so he is a doctor) and instead of starting a job, immediately moved into is car so he could climb more mountains (thus he's a legit dirtbag too). And those 18 FKTs? "I’m a so-so runner and climber who has found a niche and focused on it." Nice work Sean! Dr Dirtbag has since written a book, bike-packed in South America, and ... lives out of a slightly larger car. "I am pretty good at objectives with: (1) enough climbing to keep the runners away; (2) enough running to keep the climbers away; and (3) no money to be made." Thanks to sponsors PATH Projects (www.pathprojects.com) and Athletic Brewing Co. (www.athleticbrewing.com)

"Win At All Costs" - a New book by Matt Hart on the Nike Oregon Project - 106 Oct 09, 2020

Show notes

Matt is a longtime endurance athlete who wrote a startling new book, just published on October 6, on the Alberto Salazar doping scandal and the dominant (domineering?) Nike Oregon Project. This corporate giant was on top of the running world, until Salazar was given a 4 year suspension last September 30, causing the NOP to shut down immediately after. INSIDE NIKE RUNNING AND ITS CULTURE OF DECEPTION "An explosive behind-the-scenes look that reveals for the first time the unsettling details of Nike’s elite running program—the Nike Oregon Project—exposing a litany of lies and deception, and a culture built around performance-enhancing drugs." Matt has been working on this book since 2017. He interviewed over 100 people. He knows his stuff ... and it's very interesting! "When I visited Nike's Oregon campus in December, they were re-opening the Salazar building, like everything was fine. But 400 Nike employees were out there picketing their own company. They were carrying signs reading, 'Do the right thing', and 'We believe Mary.'" Buy the book: https://amzn.to/36RpTwd

A race on the Adirondack 46ers with Alyssa Godesky and Sarah Keyes - #105 Oct 02, 2020

Show notes

This is cool! The two ladies started on the same route at approximately the same time, but from different places - who would complete the route first? "I’m very surprised we seem to be the first to have done a “race” style FKT, it certainly added a fun element to the attempt." - SARAH "It was good to know Sarah was out there - a little different because it added pressure, but helpful." - ALYSSA The 'Beast Coast' sometimes doesn't get enough attention, and the two women describe what makes it special ... and hard. This episode is sponsored by PATH Projects – www.pathprojects.com

What Route has 432,500' of elevation gain? Eric Gilbertson is here to tell you - #104 Sep 25, 2020

Show notes

That's no typo: the Rocky Mountain Slam has 432,500' of elevation gain. He climbed 205 summits in 1,030 miles, and set FKTs on Colorado's Highest Hundred and the Wyoming 13ers en route, without attempting to do so. "This summer I had originally planned on a 2-month international mountaineering expedition, but had to cancel at the last minute due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions in early June. So I decided to climb the Colorado 14ers, Wyoming 13ers, and Montana 12ers. The day before I left I decided to also try to squeeze in the Colorado Centennials." Two weeks notice, massive, unprecedented route - no problem, right? Right. Eric did not get lost, sick, or injured over 60 days. "I like to climb mountains."

Andy Wacker - 12 FKTs, all going full out - #103 Sep 18, 2020

Show notes

We've heard from people doing the incredible high routes, going non-stop often above timberline for days - now let's hear from one of the fastest FKT runners out there!

Milner Pass to Berthoud Pass - Nick and Ryan go really high, really fast - #102 Sep 11, 2020

Show notes

Dang - this is the last big route I always intended to do myself! It's that good, that big of a prize. Justin Simoni finally accomplished it, then 19 days later Nick Pedatella and Ryan Smith crushed this huge route on the Continental Divide in Colorado. "It seemed right on the edge of feasibility - that's what attracted us to it." Staying on the crest, they summited 50 named peaks all over 12,000' high, including much 4th class and some 5th class scrambling. "We didn't see a tree for two and half days!" "You can't make a mistake - you have to pay attention all the time." The duo went Unsupported, non-stop, through two days and two nights. "It is definitely a great route! Very challenging in many ways, and pushed us right to the edge."

Eco-Challenge Special: Insider Scoop with Danelle Ballengee and Rea Kolbl - #101 Sep 04, 2020

Show notes

Thanks to PATH Projects for sponsoring this episode! Visit pathprojects.com "The World's Toughest Race" - probably is! After a 17 year absence, Bear Grylls brings back Eco-Challenge on steroids, with a massive budget and plenty of stories, all on a bigger and badder course. The 417 miles on Fiji, included all kinds of paddling, trekking, biking, ropes, and wading through hypothermia-inducing cold water; the 66 teams were given 11 days to finish, and for 22 teams, that wasn't enough. The 10-part series on Amazon Prime is definitely worth watching. Danelle and Rea were there. Both outstanding athletes, they provide us with great insights on E-C as they participated at opposite ends of the spectrum. Danelle (Podcast #35) was on Team Endure, which garnered the most TV time of the entire show, as it featured her friends Mark Macy, who has done every single E-C and now has Alzheimer's disease, supported by his son and top racer Travis Macy. Rea (Podcast #75) was on Team Canada, which got no camera time, as the E-C staff had not heard of them. Which was a big mistake, as they also had Ryan Atkins (18 FKTs and Podcast #73), who like Rea is a top Obstacle Course Racer. They finished a strong second. Both have applied for E-C 2021, so stay tuned! Rea will stick with her team, and now that Mark has retired, Team Endure will add their former AR teammate Dave Mackey! Look out...

The Century Podcast - our 100th! All four Founders discuss what's new - #100 Aug 28, 2020

Show notes

What's new, cool, and coming? Find out on our 100th podcast, with the four people who keep track of what you do. Sign up for the FKT Newsletter here! Very good content, and unlike most newsletters, it's not all advertising. Every Monday. FKTs in the news: Five Thirty Eight documents the increase in FKT's with great graphics in, "Canceled Races Aren’t Stopping Endurance Athletes From Setting Wild New Records." National Public Radio aired a 4 minute interview on FKTs, "Alone in the Wild: Endurance Runs Gain Popularity." Outside Magazine hops on the bandwagon with "The Enduring Appeal of the Fastest Known Time." Podium Runner says, "FKT: the Pandemic Proof Challenge." Colorado Sun describes, "Without the burden of races, Colorado’s long-distance runners are shattering trail records."

Courtney Dauwalter - "I like to run really long distances" - #99 Aug 20, 2020

Show notes

Courtney once ran 279 miles ... and received a "DNF"! Huh? How did that happen? "They ring a bell when it's time to start, and if you don't go right then, you're out. That's it." "It takes two to tango, two to keep the game going, to see what's possible." From choices of candy, to Bronchitis on the Colorado Trail, and the amazing world of Big's Backyard Ultra, Courtney offers wonderful, simple, and helpful insights. "Running is so cool … it’s such a cool way to explore, and to spend time with people, and with ourselves.” "Running is a choice ...to live our lives however we want, to make choice to do or not do things. I'm choosing every day to run and explore these long distances because I love it. To keep this perspective every day is helpful, and I feel very lucky for that."

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