Jason Hardrath was named one of the 20 most inspirational ultrarunners of 2021. After a car accident in 2015 derailed his triathlon career, he had to reevaluate his future in competition. But with an extraordinary dedication to rehabilitation and proving his doctors wrong, he was able to resume running.
Jason has earned well over a hundred Fastest Known Times (FKTs) and was a 2021 FKT of the Year top 10 finalist. As an adventurer and ultrarunner he has shifted his focus to a new project, completing “infinity loops” around the 7 highest volcanic summits in the world. Jason was inspired by the volcanoes he climbed around his home near Klamath, Oregon, throughout his recovery process.
Jason’s adventures are unique in the skills they require and the terrain that they cover, combining ultrarunning distances over elevations that can rise well above 18,000 feet. His most recent movie on YouTube, Journey to Infinity, documents his incredible story on the first of the seven volcanic peaks, Mexico’s Pico di Orizaba.
Our conversation today highlights Jason's story and his current and future adventures, including:
- Jason’s background that led him down the FKT path
- How a change in thinking allowed him to move forward from his accident
- The origin of the “infinity loop”
- The challenges and risks of adventures at high altitude
- Jason’s experience with HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema)
- How Jason has trained for his recent adventures
- Why he chose to focus on the 7 Volcanic Summits
- What Jason faces on his next infinity loop attempt at Ojos Del Salado
Jason's story is a fascinating and inspiring one - enjoy!
Links & Resources from the Show:
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The Strength Running Podcast