FKT Podcast

This week we travel to New Zealand to catch up with the world’s fastest dentist, Karel Sabbe. In early 2025 he smashed the supported record on the iconic Te Araroa Trail by taking over 17 days off of the previous time on the 3,000 kilometer route. Tune in as Karel and host Heather Anderson talk about beach running, wild dogs, fording rivers, and more on this incredible adventure.

The Munro Round is a classic peakbagging list in Scotland with a strong history of FKT attempts. In today’s episode, we’re catching up with Jamie Aarons to hear all about her self-powered journey to all 282 summits in just 31 days!Join host Heather Anderson and learn from Jamie about Scotland’s unique public access to the land policy, as well as the complexities of cycling 1300 kilometers in addition to paddling to connect the peaks. Be inspired by the way the community came together to support her effort, and the ripples of support still going through the volunteer group long after the FKT is over.

This week we’re heading to Massachusetts and Connecticut with Marc Kelly to learn the ins and outs of the New England National Scenic Trail. This hidden gem runs 215 miles through the rooty, rocky, hills of southern New England. The NET is known for its challenging river crossings, access to towns, and limited camping options. Join Marc and host Heather Anderson in today’s inspiring episode where Marc shares the highs and lows of tackling his first multi-night FKT with his buddy Tyler–a plan hatched after a few too many beers–while learning new things about how his body responds to longer efforts and how the bonds of friendship and family can drive you forward. 

Today’s episode takes us to the highest mountain in Japan via a lesser-used route. Join host Heather Anderson as she chats with Simon Pfreundschuh about his self-supported FKT on Mount Fuji. He talks about how this route with 12,000 vertical feet ascent (and descent) became his first FKT, as well as the ways the Paul Deckret route surprised him. He also offers his tips for planning an FKT while traveling and shares the things he would have done differently.

Tune into today’s episode to hear Bob Stewart chat with host Heather Anderson about his experiences on Pennsylvania’s numerous state trails where he has set many FKTs. They dive into the particulars of his unsupported FKT on the notoriously difficult and remote Tuscarora Trail as well as why Bob enjoys the modality of unsupported more than other categories. Dive in and hear all about rocks, reroutes, and testing out homemade gear on a long FKT attempt. Bob also shares his tips for balancing work, family life, and FKTs.

Our podcast takes us to the Ouachita region of Arkansas today where Christine Reed joins host Heather Anderson and shares the story of setting her first FKTs despite several years of attempts. Learn what it’s like to train and compete with dysautonomia (POTS) and how that has impacted Christine’s journey. She also talks about her experiences with orb weaver spiders, a wildfire, dehydration and more on her way to her first FKT.

Recently, Fastest Known Time has approved new guidelines for para-athletes. Athletes who have any “Eligible Impairment” listed by the International Paralympic Committee may submit an FKT by checking the “Para athlete” checkbox on the FKT submission form.Our first para athlete is Shawn Cheshire, a fully blind athlete. Join host Heather Anderson as she talks with her about Shawn’s fully unsupported, unguided crossing of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Shawn talks about the challenges of navigation as well as her encounters with trail users. She also shares how losing her sight at age 36 forced her to redefine herself and how she did so as an athlete—cycling for Team USA, cycling across the US, attempting Everest, and now setting an FKT. Drop into today’s episode to be inspired by Shawn.

The desert is a unique environment full of extremes. These can lead to high stakes during long adventures. Throw in some canyons and waterfalls and you’ve got the makings and an epic adventure. Tune into today’s show and hear how Nadja Heine set an FKT in Capitol Reef National Park on the 26 mile-long Four Canyon Loop while she was on vacation. Her stout time was set despite not knowing much about the route and admonitions from the park that it couldn’t be done in a day.Nadja and host Heather Anderson, also discuss the rise of Fastest Known Times in Nadja’s home country of Germany, the importance of preparation on unsupported efforts and the appeal of desert routes.

Kilian Jornet, the 2024 Men’s FKT of the Year winner, shares his incredible journey of linking up 82 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps in just over 19 days. He dives into the nuances of alpine climbing, discussing the balance between solitude and community. Kilian reveals his evolved fueling strategies for optimal recovery and performance, emphasizing the importance of natural foods. He also reflects on the beauty and challenges faced during climactic moments, providing insights into the mental endurance required for such demanding adventures.

Southern California’s Mount San Jacinto rises steeply above the Palm Desert–towering 10,400 feet above Palm Springs. This week, we’re grinding up the incredibly varied, sometimes technical, and always relentless Cactus to Clouds route with Helen Mino Faukner. Helen shares her experience running not just up the mountain, but all the way back down in just under 8 hours. Along the way she encountered bighorn sheep, icy snow, navigational challenges, and a skeptical ranger. Join host Heather Anderson in today’s episode to find out more!