What is Wrong with Award Season in Ultrarunning and FKTs?

In this episode, Jeff Garmire discusses the complexities and challenges of pursuing Fastest Known Times (FKTs) in ultra running, the current trends in the sport, and the upcoming award season. He delves into the intricacies of voting for awards, the importance of training philosophy, and the need for specificity in training for races. Jeff also shares insights on building speed and endurance, and looks ahead to future episodes with notable guests.

takeaways

FKTs require meticulous logistics and mental preparation.

The Arizona Trail is seeing a surge in record attempts.

Award season brings attention to various achievements in ultra running.

Voting for awards can be biased and complex.

Off-season is a time for athletes to focus on speed and recovery.

Building speed is essential for improving overall performance.

Specificity in training is crucial for race success.

Nutrition plays a key role in recovery after long runs.

Future episodes will feature top coaches and athletes.

Engagement with the audience is encouraged for future questions.

Sound Bites

"It's interesting how it goes in waves."

"Nick is doing the FKT. He knows what he's doing."

"The more you eat, the more you recover."

"I have some huge guests coming on."

"Stay elite, my friends."

Chapters

00:00 The Challenge of FKTs

02:53 Current Trends in Ultra Running

05:52 Award Season in Ultra Running

08:48 The Complexity of Voting in Awards

12:14 Training Philosophy and Off-Season Strategies

17:57 Building Speed and Endurance

23:55 Specificity in Training for Races

26:46 Looking Ahead: Future Guests and Questions