Hiker Trash Radio 20 Questions on the AT FKT with Jeff "Legend" Garmire
Oct 15, 2025
Jeff "Legend" Garmire, an ultra-endurance athlete and author known for his self-supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail, shares his remarkable journey. He reveals the mental and physical challenges he faced, emphasizing the crucial role of mental health in endurance sports. Jeff discusses his proposal at the southern terminus, coping with fatigue, and even his hallucinations during the final stretch. He advocates for outdoor activities as meaningful forms of therapy, encouraging openness about struggles with depression while inspiring others to pursue their passions.
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Three Styles Of Fastest Known Times
- FKTs have three recognized styles: supported, self-supported, and unsupported.
- Self-supported allows normal resupplies but forbids dedicated aid crews.
Begin Rested, Then Reduce Sleep
- Start an FKT with more sleep and decrease sleep as you adapt.
- Aim for a 20-mile-by-noon benchmark to keep daily progress manageable.
The Maildrop Weight Of An FKT
- Jeff mailed many resupply boxes and included charged battery banks to avoid town stops.
- He estimates about 17–18 boxes and paid roughly $500 in postage, which complicated logistics.