Fastest Known Podcast

Welcome to the brand new iteration of the FKT Podcast, hosted by the one and only Heather “Anish” Anderson! As a record-setter on the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Triple Crown of Thru-Hiking, Heather brings a trove of insight to share with you about what goes into pushing ourselves to the limit. And she harnesses her gift as an author and speaker to guide us on a journey into the heart and soul of this sport. In this episode, get to know the human behind the records and books.

BIG NEWS:  We have sold Fastest Known Time to Outside Inc, the publisher of iconic magazines such as Trail Runner, Climbing, Backpacker and of course Outside.  Buzz, Peter and Jeff are very happy with what we created, and are very grateful to all of you that have cared and supported our work so that it is now an integral part of the sport of running, utilized by a worldwide community.  

YOU asked and the experts answered! Re-listen to this episode from a little over a year ago where Andrew Skurka and Mary Cochenour answer listeners' gear questions on a very wide variety of applications.

Original Show Notes

These are just some of the questions from our listeners:

What type of sun protection is best?

"I'm a fan of covering up" - Mary

"A hooded shirt is the way to go" - Andrew

How many times have you heard bad training advice?  Right; there's a lot of it.  Here's a quick list, plus some (hopefully) good advice as well.

More is Better.  
Maybe not - without rest and recovery, the stress of training just makes you tired instead of creating an adaptive response.

Just Run.
Most other sports emphasises technique, while some runners just run a lot - cardiovascular training is imperative, but poor form can lead to injuries and is inefficient.

Anton was our very first podcast, 3 1/2 years ago!  He was very articulate even back then: 

"Sometimes being successful means getting back to the car. Alive."

He was also Episode 127 last year:

"I don't identify with any one sport - it's about the pure experience"

Tyler twice ran in the Olympic Marathon Trials, and now runs up the biggest mountains in South America.  From a 2:15 marathon to climbing Aconcagua (22,841') in 3:32.

"A big reason I went to Aconcagua is because that is where the best guys go."

No kidding: the legendary Bruno Brnod still has the fastest round trip from basecamp, Kilian Jornet had an FKT before Karl Egloff (#1 FKTOY in 2019 on Denali) broke it, and now Tyler has the Ascent FKT from both Base Camp and the Trailhead (13,838' of vert).  

Listener Suggestion: "Can you please get Nick Elson the podcast!? He's quiet and humble; if obliterating a classic FKT on Vancouver Islands highest peak doesn't grab attention, then taking down Dean Potters Half Dome FKT has to!!!

This is the finale!  Listen to Nika and John tell you all about their wonderful trips, in their own words,

Nika Meyers

FKT: Colorado Trail (CO)

Time: 9d 14h 19m 00s

Notes: 22 hours faster than a FKT set last year; Self-supported within 4 hours of Supported time

Athlete Comments: "If you have a dream, go for it, because there will never be a perfect time. Be proud that you're going to take the risk."

#3 Female: Anna Troup

FKT: Pennine Way (UK)

Time: 3d 00h 46m 37s

Notes: The premier long trail in the UK is also very competitive; 8 hrs quicker than her own FKT set 2 weeks earlier

Athlete Comments: "It was typical English weather, which means it rained most of the time.”

#5 Female: Addie Bracy and Corey Conner

FKT: Grand Canyon R2R2R (AZ)

Time: 08h 06m 41s

Notes:  Unsupported quick double crossing of the Grand Canyon; a Premier Route.