Episodit
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When you hear sandy pine forest trails do you think of Florida? I bet you don’t think of New Jersey. Yet, on this week's episode, host Heather Anderson chats with Rachel Bambrick about her unsupported FKT in the sand laden Pine Barrens of New Jersey. Her 12 hour 35 minute record set a stout bar for the women’s unsupported category.
Tune in and discover the details of the Batona Trail–a 53-mile hidden gem in southern New Jersey–a short drive from metro Philadelphia. Rachel shares her learning curve attempting a long unsupported record hike including how to handle brown water and her insatiable desire for Smuckers Uncrustables. Rachel also shares her philosophy on First Known Times–rather than fastest–and her goal of inspiring more women to explore their edges in athletic endeavors. Tune in and be inspired to get out there and try! -
This week we're traveling to the Midwest for an excursion along Lake Superior.
Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail is a popular route for FKTs and today Andrea Larson and Alan Chapman will be joining host Heather Anderson to talk about their independent, unsupported FKTs.
Find out how Andrea made the last-minute decision to go unsupported and how that resulted in her struggling to keep her pants pulled up on day one. Alan shares how the Japanese philosophy of misoji influenced his decision to run as well as the wild hallucinations he had along the way. Drop in to laugh with and be amazed by these two athletes as they dive into the deep end of difficulty for their first FKT attempts. -
Puuttuva jakso?
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West of Toronto, Canada’s 550 mile long Bruce Trail travels along the Niagara Escarpment, from the famous falls northward onto a peninsula that juts into the Great Lakes. This ribbon of wilderness is a well-maintained gem of predominantly hardwood forest. In 2016 a team of 18 women completed the trail relay style in what they called the Wild Bruce Chase. In 2023, one of those women went back for more.
Drop in to today’s episode and hear how Chantal Demers tackled the Bruce Trail in a completely different way via her Project 9. Despite injury set-backs, you’ll hear how this busy mom set 9 separate unsupported FKTs on the Bruce Trail. She faced weather challenges, nail-biting finishes, and the unknowns of how her body would handle the distances she was asking of it. -
The Colorado 14ers are a prominent mountain list in the United States with a long history of FKTs on them. This week’s guests have been a huge part of that history, with each of them having established multiple FKTs in these mountains over the years. In this episode, we learn how Andrew Hamilton and Andrea Sansone decided to contribute to the 14ers legacy as a team.
Despite injuries and personal losses, Andrea and Andrew set out to establish the first supported mixed gender FKT for the 14ers with an aggressive schedule that nearly forced them to quit early on. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear how they rallied behind the mantra “one more mountain” even as they experienced breathing difficulties and what they describe as ‘being in hell for two weeks.”
You can’t help being inspired by their humble spirit, dedication to one another, and willingness to keep going, even when it looked bleakest. Drop in and be immersed in 12 days of hard mountain adventure. -
This week we’re taking a trip to the land of mud, moose, and rocks in northern New Hampshire where Phoebe Seltzer set the supported FKT on the 170-mile Cohos Trail in 3 days, 10 hours. The southern terminus of the Cohos Trail is located at Crawford Notch in the heart of the uber-popular White Mountains. From there it quickly leaves the busier backcountry trails behind and wends northward through the wilderness landscapes of the Great North Woods before reaching its northern terminus at the Canadian border.
Phoebe is no stranger to the Cohos–nor to attempting an FKT on it. In fact, this was her fourth attempt to set a record on this seldom-traveled route. Tune in to find out what she did differently to finally achieve success and how she sleep and nutrition throughout this challenging effort.
Mountain athlete and former guide, Phoebe shares details on how she prepares and adapts to challenges en route and the importance of having a stellar crew. -
In today’s episode we’re traveling to remote Nevada to travel the crest of the Toiyabe National Forest with Jessica Johnson and Cryptic. This non-binary team established a stout unsupported time on this roughly 65-mile long trail through classic basin and range terrain.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s, this National Recreation Trail had fallen into disuse. Its revitalization is being brought about by new popularity among mountain bikers and bipedal adventurers alike.
Hear how Jessica’s mission to set an initial FKT on the only National Recreation Trail not yet attempted for speed, and serendipity on the PCT, led to them teaming up with Cryptic to tackle a route known for its difficult route finding as their first adventure together. We talk about their concerns about whether they’d be able to work together well, how they managed the difficulties of the trail, and navigation.
You’ll be amazed by the variety of conditions they encountered in 52 hours from altitude, water scarcity (and the complete opposite with 30-plus water fords), frozen shoes, sunny days, and bushwhacking–not to mention a flat tire on their ride. So sit back, tune in, and get ready to add a trip to Nevada to your bucket list! -
There are not a lot of firsts left to be done in the world of trail running, but recently Jasmin Paris accomplished just that by becoming the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons. Tune in to hear about her training for this infamously difficult race as well as what she did differently on this, her third time there.
She also shares her passion for protecting the places we run and the actionable steps she’s taken from co-founding the Green Runners to limiting her airborne travel to races. We also take a dive into the mental aspects of training and recovery as well as what it’s like to be an icon for women in sports.
Tune in and prepare to be inspired!
Big thanks to Janji for supporting the podcast as we head into a new year. We’re proud to partner with this trail running apparel powerhouse, whose super durable apparel comes with a five-year run everywhere guarantee. (Not to mention, two percent of sales are donated to clean water programs in the places we run.) Head to janji.com and take 10 percent off with the code FKT. -
What route has tea houses, prayer flags, yak jams and is all above 3,000 meters?
Join host Heather Anderson on today's episode to travel Nepal's Namche Bazaar to Everest Basecamp route with Rachel Boim. This direct route is well-traveled and only has a few technical sections, but plenty of other obstacles...including the four-legged kind.
Hear all about how Rachel completed the 72K roundtrip in just over 17 hours, spurred on by the reward of pizza and beer if she made it back in time! In addition to her supported adventure to and from EBC, Rachel shares her training, how altitude affects her, and what prompted her to begin setting mountain FKTs.
Big thanks to Janji for supporting the podcast as we head into a new year. We’re proud to partner with this trail running apparel powerhouse, whose super durable apparel comes with a five-year run everywhere guarantee. (Not to mention, two percent of sales are donated to clean water programs in the places we run.) Head to janji.com and take 10 percent off with the code FKT. -
In this week’s episode, we’re traveling across 4 state borders with Meg Landymore. She recently set the women’s unsupported FKT for the AT Four State Challenge. This 43 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail touches 4 states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia.
Meg’s familiarity with the local-to-her route brought her within minutes of beating the women’s supported time despite a stressful week and lackluster start. While no stranger to FKTs this was the first time Meg broke a standing record. She and host Heather Anderson chat rocks, nutrition, navigation, and more.
Tune in to hear about this classic route as well as glean tips on how this busy career woman and mother makes time to hit the trail. You can follow Meg on Instagram @ mostxtremegirl_adventures for more.
Big thanks to Janji for supporting the podcast as we head into a new year. We’re proud to partner with this trail running apparel powerhouse, whose super durable apparel comes with a five-year run everywhere guarantee. (Not to mention, two percent of sales are donated to clean water programs in the places we run.) Head to janji.com and take 10 percent off with the code FKT. -
This week we’re traveling to a park where the trees have a name. The Joshua Tree National Park Traverse is a 37 mile long route in southern California. The park, eponymously named for the large yucca plants that grow there, is more well known as a rock climbing mecca than ultra-running scene. Yet within a few days of one another Darren Thomas and Jake Jackson both set records on this desert route.
Darren recounts what went into setting a wicked fast self-supported time including his prep time (spoiler alert: it wasn’t as much as you’d think) and using a pending plane departure as motivation to keep moving.
Jake takes things to a whole other level by completing the route out and back, besting every other unsupported effort for the double. He shares his water strategy and the lessons learned about how all bushes look alike when caching.
Drop in to hear these guys chat all things trail with host Heather Anderson and find out more about the best desert trail you’ve never heard of. -
In this week’s episode, host Heather Anderson is joined by ultrarunner and body positivity activist Callie Vinson to discuss her supported Maricopa Loop FKT. The Maricopa Loop is an urban trail system connecting all the major and municipal parks that ring the city of Phoenix, Arizona. Despite its accessibility, it is chock full of wild and remote trails and hits many incredible viewpoints along the way.
Vinson shares her journey from someone who struggled to walk a mile a decade ago to losing 200 pounds and becoming the person who ran this 240 mile route in just over 4 days. Callie and Heather chat about a wide range of topics ranging from sleep-deprivation induced hallucinations to awkward conversations that happen when you’re jogging without a baby in your jogging stroller. Callie also talks about the importance of the trail running community to her and how her “open-call” method of arranging for crew and pacers led to a fantastic experience and new friendships.
Drop in and be inspired! -
There’s only one FKT that is over 7,000 miles long and takes seven and a half months to complete and in 2023 Billy Meredith crushed the self-supported record on it. The Triple Crown of Thru-Hiking consists of the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Each of these is over 2,000 miles long. Attempting to complete them in one year is a rare feat known as the Calendar Year Triple Crown, or CYTC.
Billy took the CYTC to the next level by setting out to establish an FKT in the process. Not only did he decide to tackle a gargantuan goal, but he chose a year with record breaking snowpack throughout the High Sierra of California and early winter storms on the Appalachian Trail.
Tune in to hear Billy and host Heather Anderson, who was the first woman to complete the CYTC, talk shop about long distance hiking, the Triple Crown, how to stay focused on the goal (Billy’s mantra: Remember Tomorrow) and the power of walking home.
Billy’s story of determination, tenacity, and resilience on a mind-bogglingly huge route will inspire you to aim higher and go farther. -
This week we’re traveling to Alabama to retrace Martin Luther King Junior’s march from Selma to Montgomery with Sika Henry. 59 years ago nonviolent activists marched between these two cities to protest segregation. Earlier this month Sika, the first Black female professional triathlete, ran this 51-mile historic route in 7 hours 6 minutes.
The granddaughter of a footballer denied admittance to the professional leagues due to race, Sika shares her remarkable and inspiring journey to Montgomery–as well as to professional athletics–despite a major accident. Her drive to return to triathlon after a horrific bike crash in order to bring attention to the lingering impacts of segregation in triathlon–and the full-circle moments of her Fastest Known Time–are empowering.
You can follow her on Instagram @ sikahenry
Big thanks to Janji for supporting the podcast. We’re proud to partner with this trail running apparel powerhouse, whose super durable apparel comes with a five-year run everywhere guarantee. (Not to mention, two percent of sales are donated to clean water programs in the places we run.) Head to and take 10 percent off with the code FKT. -
Host Heather Anderson delves into Kristian Morgan's epic Appalachian Trail FKT, an endeavor filled with grit, determination, and unexpected challenges. Join us as we uncover the remarkable story of Kristian, who embarked on this daunting journey supported by an unlikely ally – his own mother, serving as his dedicated crew. Through numerous setbacks and restarts, listeners will be captivated by Kristian's unwavering resolve amidst one of the wettest years in the Northeast. Tune in as we explore the triumphs and tribulations of an extraordinary athlete's quest to conquer the legendary Appalachian Trail. Read more about Kristian's FKT here.
Big thanks to Janji for supporting the podcast as we head into a new year. We’re proud to partner with this trail running apparel powerhouse, whose super durable apparel comes with a five-year run everywhere guarantee. (Not to mention, two percent of sales are donated to clean water programs in the places we run.) Head to janji.com and take 10 percent off with the code FKT. -
Join host Heather Anderson on the latest FKT Podcast as she sits down with Ivey Smith. Despite battling injuries, Smith tackled the rugged 300 mile Benton MacKaye Trail, setting an unsupported Fastest Known Time. Along the way, she encountered unexpected wildlife and resisted the allure of trail angels, relying solely on her own determination. In this captivating interview, Smith shares her insights into overcoming challenges, staying focused, and embracing the solitude of this Appalachian Mountains trail. Read all about Ivey's adventures hereon the FKT site.
Big thanks to Janji for supporting the podcast as we head into a new year. We’re proud to partner with this trail running apparel powerhouse, whose super durable apparel comes with a five-year run everywhere guarantee. (Not to mention, two percent of sales are donated to clean water programs in the places we run.) Head to janji.com and take 10 percent off with the code FKT. -
In this episode of the FKT Podcast, host Heather Anderson sits down with trail runner Suzanne "Sunny" Stroeer to dive into her remarkable achievement of setting the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim alt route. Sunny shares her journey, detailing the physical and mental challenges she faced along the way, and the strategies she employed to conquer one of America's most iconic trails which included swimming across the Colorado River. Listeners will be inspired by Sunny's perseverance, determination, and love for the outdoors as she recounts her unforgettable experience in the Grand Canyon. Tune in for an exhilarating discussion on pushing boundaries and chasing dreams in the world of trail running.
And last but not least, big thanks to Janji for supporting the podcast as we head into a new year. We’re proud to partner with this trail running apparel powerhouse, whose super durable apparel comes with a five-year run everywhere guarantee. (Not to mention, two percent of sales are donated to clean water programs in the places we run.) Head to janji.com and take 10 percent off with the code FKT. -
This week we’re traveling to the thin air and high alpine peaks of Colorado for a very special episode of the FKT Podcast. Last summer, not one, not two, not three, but four FKTs went down on the Colorado Trail within weeks of each other. All four women—Claire Bannwarth, Tara Dower, Nina Bridges, and Melinda McCaw—join host Heather Anderson to break down their incredible efforts.
The Colorado Trail snakes 500 miles from Denver to Durango, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the state, including six wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges. Runners and thru-hikers can elect to go east to west or vice versa. And with the option to stay low in the shadow of the Collegiate Peaks (Collegiate East) or traverse high across the backside (Collegiate West), there’s a total of four options. Add on top of that traveling in a supported, self-supported, or unsupported style, and FKTs abound on this iconic trail.
Today’s guests ran the gamut, from Tara and Nina’s highly contested supported FKTs for the overall women’s record, to Melinda setting a new mark going supported in the same direction (east to west) but with the Collegiate West variant, to Claire’s mind-blowing self-supported mark going west to east. They break it all down on the podcast, divulging why they chose to go in these directions and styles, the logistics behind their attempts, the sleep deprivation, injuries, and gear malfunctions they overcame along the way, and why for at least some of them it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever done. Don’t miss this masterclass on this classic trail!
Follow Claire’s, Tara’s, Nina’s, and Melinda’si adventures on Instagram, and check out their performances on fastestknowntime.com.
And last but not least, big thanks to Janji for supporting the podcast as we head into a new year. We’re proud to partner with this trail running apparel powerhouse, whose super durable apparel comes with a five-year run everywhere guarantee. (Not to mention, two percent of sales are donated to clean water programs in the places we run.) Head to janji.com and take 10 percent off with the code FKT. -
This week we’re thrilled to be joined by our two FKT athletes of 2023: Jenny Hoffman and Karel Sabbe. From not one but three Pacific Crest Trail records, to new FKTs on classics like Nolan’s 14 and the Paddy Buckley Round, to new mountaineering benchmarks on Mount Denali and Mount Blanc, 2023 was one for the history books. (Or more specifically, the record boards at fastestknowntime.com.)
Our has jury voted, and this year Karel and Jenny were named FKT athletes of the year for their astonishing records on the Pacific Crest Trail and the Trans America run, respectively.
A physics professor at Harvard University, Jenny ran the 3,000 miles from San Fransico to New York City in 47 days, 12 hours, and 35 minutes–shattering Sanda Villines’s previous record by eight days. Equally busy as a dentist in Belgium, Karel returned to the PCT after setting the supported record there in 2016 to reclaim his FKT. And he succeeded, smashing Tim Olson’s record set in 2021 by over five days.
Several months out from their record-breaking performances, Jenny and Karel join host (and fellow FKT of the Year nominee Heather Anderson) on the FKT Podcast to discuss their records, how recovery has been going, and of course—what’s next.
They discuss the similarities and differences on multi-week trail versus road efforts. All three lend insight into the importance of listening to the body after incredibly strenuous efforts. And they talk about the lessons they learned along the way. This episode is not to be missed!
You can follow along with Jenny and Karel’s adventures on Instagram, check out their indepth interviews from these records on episodes 215 and 213, and read more about their FKTs on fastestknowntime.com.
Congratulations to Jenny, Karel, all of our FKT of the Year nominees, and to everyone in the FKT community for another year of getting after it. Cheers to new adventures in 2024!
And last but not least, big thanks to Janji for supporting the podcast as we head into a new year. We’re proud to partner with this trail running apparel powerhouse, whose super durable apparel comes with a five-year run everywhere guarantee. (Not to mention, two percent of sales are donated to clean water programs in the places we run.) Head to janji.com and take 10 percent off with the code FKT. -
Ah Iceland, that magical polar island covered in glaciers, hot springs, lava fields, and…mosquitos. Christof Teuscher learned that the hard way this August when he traversed the island north to south on foot, without any aid, covering the 375-mile route in eight days, 11 hours, and four minutes. That was good enough for a new unsupported fastest known time, as Teuscher shaved an astonishing four and a half days off the benchmark set by Eli Burakian the year before.
Born in the alps of Switzerland and posted up in Oregon for the past 20 years as a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Portland State University, Teuscher possesses both a quick and strong mind. He’s no stranger to epic endurance feats—last year, he completed the 1,000-mile Iditarod on foot—but the North-South Iceland Traverse tested him in unprecedented ways.
While immersed in the ethereal beauty of the country, Teuscher contended with periods of 80-degree temps and stagnant air that brought out the fiercest bloodsuckers he’d ever encountered. Those stretches were followed by bone-chilling wet and cold that sent him into hypothermia.
On top of that, by choosing to go unsupported, Teuscher had to carry all his supplies from start to finish on his back—including a wide array of layers for the ever-changing climate. The heavy pack wreaked havoc on his body in ways you may not have guessed.
Go inside Teuscher’s epic feat this week on the FKT Podcast. Teuscher breaks down how meticulous planning allowed him to move as lightly and efficiently as possible. He covers the highest highs—yes, including covering Iceland’s remote interior highlands—and the lowest lows which extend far beyond the mosquitoes. (Hint: the lows involve roads.)
Read more about Teuscher’s journey on fastestknowntime.com and on his website. And follow his adventures on Instagram. -
The Pacific Crest Trail was on fire this year, and not in the usual way. Records fell left and right on this iconic 2,592.6-mile long trail. And etching her name on the illustrious FKT holder list is Jessica Pekari, who set the women’s south-bound supported record in 63 days, seven hours, and 31 minutes.
This record was a long-time coming for the veteran mother of three with Blackfeet and Mexican heritage. After completing the Triple Crown of 200-mile ultras in 2018, the former U.S. military medic turned her eyes to the west coast’s most iconic trail. She set out on an FKT attempt in 2020, but Mother Nature thwarted her plans.
Finally, on September 19, 2023, she touched the sign at the U.S.-Mexico border and her dream became a reality. Jessica joins fellow self-supported PCT FKT record holder and FKT Podcast host Heather Anderson on the podcast today to delve into her experience. The two provide unprecedented detail into what it takes to move light and fast on this long trail, and also what it’s like to write about their experiences. Jessica discloses how she problem solved on the fly, and how she copes with PTSD on the trail.
Check out Jessica’s FKT on fastestknowntime.com. Read all about her 2020 FKT attempt in her book, Bombs to Trails: Interweaving Heritage, Life, and PTSD on the Pacific Crest Trail, and follow her adventures on Instagram. - Näytä enemmän
