Free Outside
Jeff Garmire
What Is an FKT? The Rules, Styles, and My Appalachian Trail Attempt Explained with Allison Mercer
Episode Notes
What the Heck Is an FKT? (And Why I'm Living in the Woods for 45 Days)
Live from a very cabin-y cabin in Montana, I bring you an episode for everyone wondering, what even is an Appalachian Trail FKT? I’m joined by the queen of Fastest Known Times herself, Allison Mercer, to break it all down. We cover the wild world of FKTs—from how they started, to the different styles (unsupported, self-supported, supported), what’s allowed, what’s not, and how you can go set your own.
Whether you’re a longtime endurance nerd or just discovering FKTs, this episode sets the stage for my own upcoming Appalachian Trail FKT attempt. We also wrap up with hot takes on the state of ultrarunning, competition, and keeping the sport weird (but fair).
Follow Allison: https://www.instagram.com/onewomandanceparty
Presented by:
Janji (code: freeoutside) https://janji.com/
Garage Grown Gear https://www.garagegrowngear.com/
CS Instant Coffee https://www.csinstant.coffee/
—because Starbucks VIA is banned from this podcast.
Podcast Chapters
00:00 – Cabin Life & AT Kickoff
02:00 – What the Heck Is an FKT?
06:15 – Supported vs. Self-Supported vs. Unsupported
11:10 – The History of FKTs
15:45 – The Role of FastestKnownTime.com
20:00 – How to Plan Your Own FKT
25:40 – Style Integrity and FKT Ethics
31:00 – Popular FKTs & Famous Examples
36:20 – Why FKTs Exploded Post-COVID
41:00 – Jeff’s AT Attempt: Style, Strategy, and Why
47:10 – Live Coverage, Hidden Content, and Patreon Support
52:30 – Opinions on Pacers, Media Gimmicks & Race Culture
58:20 – Final Tips & Trail Wisdom
01:01:00 – Sponsor Shoutouts & Wrap-Up
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