FKT Podcast

Bears, sheepdogs and snakes…oh my!When you think of Armenia, you probably don’t think of a wild long distance mountain trail. However, today’s guest, Katya Guryeva, shares stories from her 21 day supported FKT on the country’s 820 kilometers of the Transcaucasian Trail.

Over the course of the record, Katya encountered a wide variety of challenges from weather and navigation, to wildlife and remoteness. Tune in to hear how she handled language barriers, planned around political security issues, and embraced the beauty of this seldom hiked trail.

This week we’re heading to the Show Me state where Tim Beissinger set the unsupported FKT on the 230 mile long Ozark Trail in a time of 4 days, 9 hours, and 24 minutes. Tune in as he and host Heather Anderson discuss methods and motivations for this former triathlete as he pushed his limits to set his first fastest known time. Tim accomplished the new record while coping with trench foot and significant pain as well as rainy weather and little sleep. He shares his encounters with wildlife, including dozens of ticks, and lack of encounters with people along the way. Th...

In today’s episode, Chris Roberts shows us what it takes to run the longest rail trail in the United States in just 1 day 21 hours and 37 minutes. Missouri’s Katy Trail stretches 238 miles almost the entire east-west distance across the state. Chris shares how his mom joined in on bike for her first ever multi-day, no sleep adventure and how his trip prep combined with sleep deprivation led to a strange deja vu mindset in the waning hours.

Join host Heather Anderson as she talks all things Grand Canyon with Allison Baca on this week’s episode. Allison recently set the women’s unsupported FKT for the Rim to Rim to Rim route at the Grand Canyon, covering the 44 mile double crossing in just a tad over 7 hours and 31 minutes. They talk specifics of gear, fueling, and fluids as well as navigation and training prep. Allison also shares her love of the canyon, the most beautiful moment of the effort and how she and her husband balance parenthood, life, and adventure.

The tiny European country of Andorra, with a population of about 80,000 people, is home to a wide array of mountains. In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Pau Capell about his experiences as a Spanish mountain runner who relocated to the Ordino region. He shares the ins and outs of the technical Estripagecs route around the Ordino Valley where he set an unsupported FKT for the approximately 50km route. He covered the distance and over 4,000 meters of elevation gain in a blistering 8 hours and 34 minutes–just in time to meet his parents for lunch! Join host Heather Anderson as they...

Today we’re traveling to possibly the most remote mountain range in the 48 contiguous US states–Wyoming’s Wind River Range. These rugged mountains have more bighorns than people and yet our guest Kelly Halpin finds great joy in traversing them solo and unsupported.

Join host Heather Anderson in this week’s episode and learn what drove Kelly to return to this route and break her own FKT–set in 2020–by six hours. She shares what she did differently, what went well, and her tips for preparing for safe, enjoyable mountain travel. 

Drop in and be inspired t...

What does the infinity symbol have to do with FKTs? 

Well, if you’re in the state of Washington it’s indicative of one of the most challenging mountain routes in the state–Mount Rainier’s Infinity Loop.

Join host Heather Anderson and guest Gian Dalle to hear about his adventure that combines summiting the iconic volcano twice and completing the 90+ mile Wonderland Trail that circumnavigates the mountain. 

Tune in to today’s episode and learn about what goes into a technical glacier climb plus long trail run, how major route issues almost ended the atte...

Near the Norwegian border, mostly above the Arctic Circle, lies Sweden’s mountainous Kungsleden Trail. Tune in to today’s episode where host Heather Anderson chats with prolific FKT setter Liz Derstine about her recent self-supported effort on this iconic trail. She shares the logistical challenges of completing a 480-kilometer trail in just over six days while contending with seven lake crossings–including two that required rowing herself across. She also recounts her experiences with autumn weather, wild reindeer, and pushing herself into new personal terrain. Find out more about how she maintained a go with the flow attitude while...

This week we travel to New Zealand to catch up with the world’s fastest dentist, Karel Sabbe. In early 2025 he smashed the supported record on the iconic Te Araroa Trail by taking over 17 days off of the previous time on the 3,000 kilometer route. Tune in as Karel and host Heather Anderson talk about beach running, wild dogs, fording rivers, and more on this incredible adventure.

The Munro Round is a classic peakbagging list in Scotland with a strong history of FKT attempts. In today’s episode, we’re catching up with Jamie Aarons to hear all about her self-powered journey to all 282 summits in just 31 days!Join host Heather Anderson and learn from Jamie about Scotland’s unique public access to the land policy, as well as the complexities of cycling 1300 kilometers in addition to paddling to connect the peaks. Be inspired by the way the community came together to support her effort, and the ripples of support still going through the volunteer group long a...

This week we’re heading to Massachusetts and Connecticut with Marc Kelly to learn the ins and outs of the New England National Scenic Trail. This hidden gem runs 215 miles through the rooty, rocky, hills of southern New England. The NET is known for its challenging river crossings, access to towns, and limited camping options.

Join Marc and host Heather Anderson in today’s inspiring episode where Marc shares the highs and lows of tackling his first multi-night FKT with his buddy Tyler–a plan hatched after a few too many beers–while learning new things about ho...

Today’s episode takes us to the highest mountain in Japan via a lesser-used route. Join host Heather Anderson as she chats with Simon Pfreundschuh about his self-supported FKT on Mount Fuji. He talks about how this route with 12,000 vertical feet ascent (and descent) became his first FKT, as well as the ways the Paul Deckret route surprised him. He also offers his tips for planning an FKT while traveling and shares the things he would have done differently.

Tune into today’s episode to hear Bob Stewart chat with host Heather Anderson about his experiences on Pennsylvania’s numerous state trails where he has set many FKTs. They dive into the particulars of his unsupported FKT on the notoriously difficult and remote Tuscarora Trail as well as why Bob enjoys the modality of unsupported more than other categories. Dive in and hear all about rocks, reroutes, and testing out homemade gear on a long FKT attempt. Bob also shares his tips for balancing work, family life, and FKTs.

Our podcast takes us to the Ouachita region of Arkansas today where Christine Reed joins host Heather Anderson and shares the story of setting her first FKTs despite several years of attempts. Learn what it’s like to train and compete with dysautonomia (POTS) and how that has impacted Christine’s journey. She also talks about her experiences with orb weaver spiders, a wildfire, dehydration and more on her way to her first FKT.

Recently, Fastest Known Time has approved new guidelines for para-athletes. Athletes who have any “Eligible Impairment” listed by the International Paralympic Committee may submit an FKT by checking the “Para athlete” checkbox on the FKT submission form.

Our first para athlete is Shawn Cheshire, a fully blind athlete. Join host Heather Anderson as she talks with her about Shawn’s fully unsupported, unguided crossing of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Shawn talks about the challenges of navigation as well as her encounters with trail users. She also shares how losing her sight at age 36 forced her to redefine herself and...

The desert is a unique environment full of extremes. These can lead to high stakes during long adventures. Throw in some canyons and waterfalls and you’ve got the makings and an epic adventure. Tune into today’s show and hear how Nadja Heine set an FKT in Capitol Reef National Park on the 26 mile-long Four Canyon Loop while she was on vacation. Her stout time was set despite not knowing much about the route and admonitions from the park that it couldn’t be done in a day.

Nadja and host Heather Anderson, also discuss the rise o...

In today’s episode host Heather Anderson is joined by our 2024 Men’s FKT of the Year winner, Kilian Jornet. Kilian shares the story of his massive human powered 82 4,000-meter peaks link up in the European Alps which took him just over 19 days. Tune in and hear about his flow state moments, how he modified his fueling to maximize recovery, and what led him to take on such a huge endeavor. He also shares his thoughts and reflections on this incredible FKT.

Southern California’s Mount San Jacinto rises steeply above the Palm Desert–towering 10,400 feet above Palm Springs. This week, we’re grinding up the incredibly varied, sometimes technical, and always relentless Cactus to Clouds route with Helen Mino Faukner. 

Helen shares her experience running not just up the mountain, but all the way back down in just under 8 hours. Along the way she encountered bighorn sheep, icy snow, navigational challenges, and a skeptical ranger. 

Join host Heather Anderson in today’s episode to find out more!

Just a year after setting a stout unsupported time on Vermont’s iconic Long Trail, Will Peterson came back and achieved a stunning supported FKT. Over Labor Day Weekend 2024, Will, accompanied by 30 crew people broke John Kelly’s previous time and shattered the 4 day barrier.

Drop in to today’s episode where Will shares his strategy, motivation, fueling and more with host Heather Anderson. He shares the highs and lows of the experience from injury to success as well as how he balances his busy life as a med student with training and executing multi-day FKTs.

Join host Heather Anderson on the FKT Podcast as she dives into the standout fastest known times of 2024 with special guest Joe "Stringbean" McConaughy. Joe, a renowned runner and FKTer with record-setting achievements on trails like the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, and Arizona Trail, brings his unique perspective to this year’s incredible accomplishments.

In this episode, Heather and Joe recap the most awe-inspiring FKTs of 2024, sharing stories of endurance, grit, and groundbreaking trail runs. Along the way, they offer a glimpse into their own FKT experiences and distinctive approaches to setting records.

Tune in fo...

Though Georgia Porter grew up in a family of runners, she didn’t start running until age 25. Her journey from roads to trails then ultras led her to reclaiming her joy in running and to setting a stout time on the Arizona Trail as her first FKT. Drop in to today’s episode, hosted by Heather Anderson, to hear about how Georgia’s supported run of the 800-mile-long Arizona Trail unfolded…and how it was nothing like she envisioned.

The 130-kilometer Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia is a popular route for backpackers and trail runners alike. Today’s guest, Mike Lori, took on his longest ultra distance challenge by running it solo and unsupported in just 14 and a half hours. 

Join host Heather Anderson as they talk trail, chronic fatigue, snakes, quicksand and more. Mike also shares how trail running and FKTs are a family hobby that he shares with two of his sisters, including Erika Lori who’s Bibbulmun track FKT was the subject of a Gutsy Girl documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch...

“If you have a strong why, you can do the impossible.”

Today’s episode dives deep into the mental side of long distance running as host Heather Anderson talks with Sophie Power about her supported FKT on the Head to Head Route Across Ireland. Sophie shares her highs and lows of running a hundred miles a day for three and a half days on only 2 hours and 17 minutes sleep. 

Tune in to hear her philosophy on why mental strength is more important than physical and how her run became something bigger when the Irish running communi...

Colorado’s LA Freeway isn’t a misnomer. It’s a 34 mile link-up between Longs Peak and Arapahoe Peak along the Continental Divide. Join host Heather Anderson as she chats with Anton Krupicka about his unsupported FKT on this remote, technical, and exposed route. He shares his motivations and training for his 13 hour and 20 minute push that included over 18,000 feet of gain and 24 summits as well as his encounter with SAR in a crux section.

When you think about the Netherlands, you probably call to mind canals, windmills, and shoes. But in the east the nearly 500 kilometer Pieterpad Trail traverses a wide variety of landscapes as it travels from the sea in the north to the hilly terrain of the south. Sometimes referred to as the Dutch Camino, this trail offers a little bit of everything.

FKTs are not popular on this route, but that didn’t stop Monica Dekker from rounding up several friends and pushing to finish the whole trail in less than 100 hours. Her 4 day run involved very little sl...

It was a busy season on the Colorado Trail as records were broken in nearly every category beginning with Kyle Curtin’s smashing success in June–bringing the record under 7 days for the first time. Today’s episode brings together record setters Brent Herring, DJ Fox, Jeff Browning, and Kyle Curtin. They discuss their route choices as well as modalities–all were supported except for Brent. Hear about fueling, GI issues, escapades with Colorado weather, and each of their biggest takeaways and memorable moments from each of their records.

For the first time ever, the Appalachian Trail Fastest Known Time has gone under 41 days–taken there by Tara Dower. On today’s episode, Tara and her crew chief Rascal join host and previous AT FKT record holder Heather Anderson to talk trail.

Tara opens up about the difficulties of the rainy conditions she had in Maine and New Hampshire including how she handled numerous falls and what it did to her feet. Rascal provides insights into what a day in the life of the crew is like and how she and Tara’s mom Debbie kept things...

Today we’re diving deep into the oak and hickory lined ridges of eastern Oklahoma and central Arkansas as we catch up with Isaac Robinson to hear about his unsupported FKT on the 223 mile Ouachita Trail.

Join host Heather Anderson to learn how this resident of North Texas handled the rocks, roots, and ruggedness of this lesser known route. After a previous attempt, Isaac was back for more with a trim base weight and drive to lower the existing time. He shares how his dirt nap strategy went awry on the second night leaving him uncertain of wh...

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 bro...

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. Dr...

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 bu...

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 qu...

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 i...

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...

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 as...

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 tr...

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...

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...

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...

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 ta...