In this episode of "Free Outside," I, Jeff Garmire, sit down with Shelby Farrell, an incredible trail runner and FKT (Fastest Known Time) record holder. We dive into Shelby's impressive list of FKTs, including the Joshua Tree Traverse, the Backbone Trail, and an incredible attempt at the Long Trail Record. Shelby opens up about her journey into trail and ultra running, living the van life with her cats, and her meticulous approach to training and planning for FKT attempts.

Shelby shares her experiences on the Long Trail FKT attempt, detailing the hurdles she faced, the unwavering support from her crew, and the unexpected moments that made the journey memorable. From enjoying different hot drinks at shelters to dealing with a panic attack and vomiting episode, she recounts the highs and lows of her Long Trail adventure.

Additionally, we discuss the unique challenges that come with FKT attempts, such as unpredictable weather and battling sleep deprivation. I also talk about the filming of Shelby's journey and the exciting upcoming documentary on the Long Trail. Shelby and I share our thoughts on the fun aspect of costumes in trail running and the crucial role of community support in our sport. Tune in for an inspiring and candid conversation filled with insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of FKTs and ultra running.

Takeaways

Shelby Farrell is an accomplished trail runner and FKT record holder, known for her FKTs on the Joshua Tree Traverse, the Backbone Trail, and the Long Trail.

Shelby got into trail running after running her first marathon and discovering her competitive drive. She gradually progressed to longer distances and eventually FKT attempts.

Living in a van with cats allows Shelby the freedom to pursue her passion for trail running and explore different trails and FKT challenges.

Planning and preparation are crucial for successful FKT attempts. Shelby utilizes spreadsheets, maps, and communication tools to coordinate with her support crew and stay on track.

Weather and sleep deprivation can pose significant challenges during FKT attempts. Shelby has learned the importance of being adaptable and making smart decisions to ensure safety and success. The Long Trail is a challenging trail that requires mental and physical strength to complete.

Having a supportive crew and pacers can make a big difference in a long-distance trail run.

Unexpected moments and challenges can arise during a trail run, and it's important to adapt and overcome them.

Filming a trail run adds an extra layer of complexity, but it can capture the community and camaraderie of the sport.

Costumes and personal touches can add fun and excitement to trail running events.

Building and supporting trail running communities is important for the preservation and maintenance of trails.

Sound Bites

"I have some exciting news to announce, but I'm not going to announce it yet."

"Shelby has the Joshua Tree Traverse FKT Out and Back Backbone Trail One Way, which, crazy trail, and the Backbone Trail One Way."

"I think after I ran my first marathon, getting the idea that, oh, I could run a Boston qualifying time was really intriguing."

"This was a great experience. So we'll get to do this again and other cool things again."

"I just got so nauseous. Like knew I was going to throw up, but I'm, I just ran 250 miles and I'm like, bundled up in this blanket."

"I think it's going to show a lot of the kind of community side of doing something supported."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Exciting News

00:56 Shelby's Impressive FKTs

05:13 Living in a Van with Cats

11:54 The Long Trail FKT Challenge

19:36 Balancing Support and Independence

27:40 Challenges and Adversity on the Long Trail

32:03 Challenges and Support on the Long Trail

34:30 The Unexpected Moments and Challenges

42:19 Filming the Journey and the Upcoming Documentary

50:59 The Fun of Costumes in Trail Running

53:23 Building and Supporting Trail Running Communities

Keywords

trail running, FKT, ultramarathons, van life, training, planning, weather, sleep deprivation, Long Trail, challenges, support, hot drinks, panic attack, vomiting, crew, filming, documentary, costumes, community

Want to go into depth on what it takes to get an FKT on one of the most competitive trails?

In this episode, I dive into the world of Fastest Known Times (FKTs) on the John Muir Trail (JMT). I provide background information on the JMT, its significance, and the history of FKT attempts on the trail. I then share my own journey of attempting to break the JMT FKT, including the challenges I faced and the strategies I employed. I ultimately break the record by less than 13 minutes.

I emphasize the importance of knowing oneself, setting micro-goals, and persevering in order to achieve FKTs.

Takeaways

-The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a 223-mile long-distance hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, known for its breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain.

-FKTs on the JMT have a long history, with the first recorded FKT set in 1980. Since then, numerous athletes have attempted and set records on the trail.

-I successfully broke the JMT FKT, completing the trail in 3 days, 47 minutes, and 56 seconds, less than 13 minutes faster than the previous record.

-Achieving an FKT requires knowing oneself, setting micro-goals, and persevering through challenges and exhaustion.

-FKTs serve as milestones and unlock new distances and challenges for athletes, pushing them to explore their limits and go after new goals.

Sound Bites

"3 days, 47 minutes, 56 seconds. I broke the record by less than 13 minutes."

"It's those micro-goals, that 24-hour period, that knowing what's required... even if it was a bad day, a good day, whatever, you've unlocked that in your mind that you can go a new distance."

"FKTs serve as milestones and unlock new distances and challenges for athletes, pushing them to explore their limits and go after new goals."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Overview

01:00 - The John Muir Trail: Background and Significance

06:45 - My Journey to Break the JMT FKT

09:04 - Strategies for Achieving FKTs: Knowing Oneself and Setting Micro-Goals

15:45 - The Final Push: Overcoming Challenges and Exhaustion

23:05 - Conclusion and Takeaways

Closing music by Rob Riccardo Buy Merch to support: https://www.freeoutside.com/shop Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutsideKeywords: Fastest Known Times, FKTs, John Muir Trail, JMT, endurance, hiking, Sierra Nevada, record attempt, perseverance

In this conversation, I talk with Cal Schwartzentruber and discuss experiences with thru-hiking and setting FKTs (Fastest Known Times) on various trails. We talk about the challenges and motivations behind attempting FKTs, the importance of planning and preparation, and the differences between the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). We also touch on the growing popularity of FKTs and the potential for more competitive times in the future.

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Takeaways

• Thru-hiking and setting FKTs require careful planning and preparation, especially when it comes to food and gear choices.
• The Appalachian Trail (AT) and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) offer different challenges and experiences, with the PCT being more scenic and well-maintained.
• FKTs on longer trails often have limited competition, making it an opportunity for thru-hikers to set impressive times.
• The popularity of FKTs is growing, and more competitive times are expected in the future as athletes optimize their strategies and take advantage of advancements in gear and weather forecasting.
• Thru-hikers have a unique advantage in FKT attempts due to their problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions on the go.
• The choice between the AT and PCT is subjective, but many hikers prefer the PCT for its stunning views and more straightforward logistics.

Sound Bites

• "There's always that, you know, uh, yeah, you just got a fucking record on some things, but you're like, ah, well, actually it's not actually that great of a record and I could have done it better and all these things."
• "The longer the trail is, I think the more competitive I am. But then you get into like, I would not probably be as competitive on like something like the PCT, but unsupported life. This is a niche that, um, there's not really any competition."
• "PCT is my pick. I would do the PCT over and over and over and over and over again. I loved that trail and the AT, I had a fantastic time. Wouldn't change anything about it and don't regret a second. However, I don't know that I'll ever do that one again."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Discussion of FKTs

08:59 The Challenges and Motivations of Attempting FKTs

41:27 The Differences Between the AT and PCT

43:42 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Keywords thru-hiking, FKTs, Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, challenges, motivation, planning, preparation, differences, popularity, competitive times