Lex Fridman Podcast

#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running

Jul 29, 2021

Zach Bitter, an ultramarathon runner and coach with multiple world records, shares insights into the unique mindset required for extreme endurance challenges. He discusses the psychological aspects of running long distances, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and managing thoughts during races. Zach also dives into crafting personalized training plans and the role of nutrition, advocating for tailored dietary approaches to optimize performance. His journey towards a transcontinental run adds an inspiring layer, showcasing the blend of passion, strategy, and community support in ultramarathon running.

03:06:51

Creator website

Episode guests

Zach Bitter

Highlights

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Episode notes

Maximal Function: The Best Way to Train for Endurance

01:24

How to Transition from Fun to Performance

00:53

I Love Bird as a Runner

00:41

Balancing Consistency and Resetting for Mental Energy

00:50

Intro

2min

Embracing Mortality and the Importance of Preparedness

3min

Sustainable Practices and Building Healthy Habits

3min

The Mental Game of Ultramarathoning

19min

The Joy of Ultramarathon Running

16min

Mastering Ultramarathon Pacing

16min

The Art of Competitive Training

19min

Crafting Custom Training Plans for Ultramarathon Success

7min

Maximizing Running Performance Through Consistency and Nutrition

4min

10.

Balancing Heart Rate and Perceived Effort in Ultramarathon Training

3min

11.

Marathon vs. Ultramarathon: Training Insights

8min

12.

Nutrition Nuances in Ultramarathon Training

17min

13.

Optimizing Nutrition for Endurance Sports

3min

14.

Fueling for Ultramarathon Success

5min

15.

Embracing Minimalism in Running

11min

16.

Chasing Miles: The Transcontinental Run Journey

19min

17.

The Evolution of Marathon Running: Technology and Legacy

21min

18.

Chasing Excellence: Navigating Athletic Pressure and Passion

11min

Zach Bitter is an ultramarathon runner and coach. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Ladder: https://ladderlife.com/lex
– Belcampo: https://belcampo.com/lex and use code LEX to get 20% off first order
– Noom: https://trynoom.com/lex
– BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off

EPISODE LINKS:
Zach’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zbitter
Zach’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachbitter
Zach’s Website: https://zachbitter.com/

PODCAST INFO:
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SUPPORT & CONNECT:
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– Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman

OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:34) – The marathon mentality
(14:43) – The psychology of quitting
(25:49) – Variety in ultramarathons
(33:04) – What does it take to run 100 miles?
(38:27) – Leading ultramarathon events
(42:09) – Training and race strategy
(44:39) – 100 Mile world record
(48:41) – Foot strike variability and cadence
(51:29) – The 11 hour barrier
(54:57) – The most beautiful thing about running
(1:01:19) – Zach’s training regime
(1:06:06) – MAF 180 Formula
(1:16:31) – Training plans
(1:31:30) – Marathons vs. 100 miles
(1:40:31) – Zach’s diet philosophy
(1:55:19) – Fueling for race day
(2:02:34) – Training while fasted
(2:06:11) – Embracing the chaos
(2:07:41) – 100-Mile treadmill WR
(2:11:51) – The legend of Bert Kreischer
(2:16:16) – The Transcontinental Run across America
(2:33:51) – Who is the greatest endurance athlete of all time?
(2:41:04) – Shoe technology in running
(2:54:14) – Human limits
(2:56:49) – Zach’s biggest obstacles
(3:00:34) – Advice for young people

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