From The Backcountry

Finn Melanson is a ultra endurance athlete and host of the single track podcast who is from the great state of Maine, now residing in Salt Lake City. Finn runs one of the top ultra media companies Singletrack, and he also happens to be an incredible athlete across multiple distances. Most recently, Finn finished 6th at the 2025 Cocodona 250, improving on his time from last year by four hours. We also talk New England FKTs including the Hundred Mile Wilderness, Grafton Notch Loop, and Appalachian Trail.Use code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us for 15% off your entire order.Podcast Instagram: @fromthebackcountry

Will gives his instant reaction to the third day of the 2025 Cocodona 250, as the first finishers start to roll in.Use code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us for 15% off your entire order.Podcast Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Welcome back to instant reaction from day #2 of the Cocodona 250. The race is entering the pivotal second night, the temperatures are dropping, and it's still anybody's race. Will gives his instant reactions to day 2 of Cocodona and predictions for the rest of the way. Tune in tomorrow for reaction to the end of the race!

Will gives his instant reaction to the first 13 hours of the 2025 Cocodona 250, which starts off as an incredibly fast rendition of the race with a star studded cast. Tune in tomorrow and Wednesday for more instant reactions from Cocodona.Use code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us for 15% off your entire order.Podcast Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Ryan Atkins is a multi-sport athlete who has earned a reputation for success as an endurance athlete, climber, cyclist, OCR champion, and more. Ryan has set multiple incredible FKTs including the Presidential Traverse, Great Range Traverse, Adirondack 46, Mount Washington Ascent, and many more. Most recently, Ryan headed over to Mount Washington for the annual classic the Tuckerman Inferno, where he took home first place overall. We talk all about this effort and much more in this episode!Use code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us for 15% off your entire order.Podcast Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Philip Carcia is a hiker, athlete, and content creator from the White Mountains of New Hampshire. His accomplishments the single year NH48 Grid, single season White Mountains Guide, and now the first Quadruple Single Season Winter NH 48 4000 Footers hike. Philip chats withXander and Will about his most recent accomplishment and what it takes to be completely dedicated to a set of mountains.Use code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

The Barkley Marathons came and went this year with no finishers and only one fun run finisher, the great John Kelly. Will gives his reaction to the event and discusses the elephant in the room - is the Barkley now impossible?Use code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

The podcast returns with a new mysterious co-host to talk about the ongoing Barkley Marathons and to answer your questions! If you want us to answer your questions in future episodes of the mailbag, submit your questions via DM to the Instagram page @fromthebackcountry or email us at fromthebackcountry@gmail.comUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Allison Mercer is an elite athlete as well as the director of Fastest Known Time. Recently FKT revamped their premier route list to include more routes, adding the SCAR in the United States and then expanding the list worldwide to include incredible routes such as Mont Blanc, Mount Fuji, Te Araroa, Camino de Santiago, Kilimanjaro, and more. During this episode we talk about the new list, how it came about, and answer questions from listeners. Find Allison on instagram @onewomandanceparty.Use code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Lukas Janulaitis is an ultramarathon runner and skier from New Hampshire. At 23 year old, Lukas has achieved multiple top 5 finishes at both Bubba's Backyard Ultramarathon and Last Skier Standing, as well as a 6th place finish at the Swiss Alps 100 miler. Most recently, Lukas won Last Skier Standing 2025, during which he skied for 71 hours and over 80,000 feet of vertical until everyone else quit. In this episode we talk about this effort, Lukas' development as an athlete, and his plans for the future. Follow Lukas on Strava and on Instagram @lukasj.11.Use code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Andrew Drummond is a local skier, content creator, and owner of White Mountains Ski Co in Jackson, NH. Chris Shane is a filmmaker & photographer documenting outdoor adventure & humans driving social change. Together they have documented some absolutely amazing ski efforts and moments in the White Mountains in hope of bringing these experiences to more people. Follow them and find their adventures on Instagram @chrismshane and @sr_drummondUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Xander Keiter returns to the podcast to talk about his new speedy record on the eastern trail, a 65 mile route that connects Portsmouth, New Hampshire and South Portland, Maine. He ran the route in about 8.5 hours, clocking sub 8 minute mile pace overall and taking almost 40 minutes off the FKT. In this episode we talk about this effort and his upcoming running plans for 2025.Use code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Bond Almand IV is a 20 year old endurance cyclist and undergraduate at Dartmouth College. This Summer/Fall, he biked from the top of North America to the tip of South America in a mere 75 days, a 14,000+ mile challenge called the Pan American cycling route. On the way he obliterated both the supported and self-supported speed records while himself being self-supported. Bond's story is an incredible one of mental perseverance and overcoming treacherous obstacles. I hope you all enjoy!Find Bond on:- website - https://www.bondalmand.com/- Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/27266124?oq=bond%20a- Instagram - @bond_almandUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

This is an episode from the Singletrack Podcast, hosted by Finn Melanson. Please go check out his podcast if you haven't already, it's a fantastic show for all things in the trail running world! Recently Jack Kuenzle and I (Will Peterson) went on Singletrack with Finn to give our takes on the 2024 FKT season and look forward to 2025. Rather than recording a separate episode for this podcast that would rehash many of the same topics, Finn was nice enough to allow me to share our conversation here! I hope you all enjoy.Use code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

A ton of cool stuff happened in the New England trail scene this year. In this episode Will breaks down some of the absolute best effort from this year. Will also goes on an extended rant about FKT ethics. What efforts did we miss!? Send us a DM on Instagram @fromthebackcountry or send us an email at fromthebackcountry@gmail.comCheck out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Heather Anderson is a legend of the multi-day endurance scene. She has set FKTs on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Triple Crown, and many more. Most recently, Heather became the second known person to hike the Arizona Trail in an unsupported fashion, also setting the unsupported FKT. In this episode Xander and Will talk with her about this incredible effort.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Nick Fowler is a multi-day athlete who is quickly solidifying himself as one of the best in the FKT scene. He has set FKTs on the Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, and the Ozark Trail. Most recently, Nick set the overall FKT on the Arizona Trail while doing it self-supported. He covered the 800 miles in 12 days, 17 hours, 33 minutes. Xander and I talk to Nick about his monumental effort and so much more. Find Nick on Instagram @nick.fowler.says.hiCheck out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Welcome back to the FKT roundup! I don't know if you heard, but some crazy stuff has gone down on the Arizona Trail! New FKT Round-up co-host and FKT dictator Allison Mercer is here to talk about all things FKT. Hope you enjoy!Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Josie Fisher and David Sinclair are mountain athletes based out of New Hampshire and Vermont. They are each incredibly accomplished in both the mountain running and skimo worlds, and they threw down great times during the Run the Whites TRT throw-down challenge, minting new fastest known male and female ascents of Mount Washington. Find them on Instagram @josephinefisher and @david.a.sinclair.92Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Welcome to the FKT Roundup, a new segment where Xander and Will (or just Xander, in this case) bring you the latest news from the FKT scene. We plan to bring you these episodes in addition to the bi-weekly athlete interviews that you know and love. This week Xander talks about all of the ongoing efforts on the Arizona Trail, as well as other recent FKTs!Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

David Hedges is a mountain runner who has made a name for himself with top performances in races and FKTs alike. You likely know him from his incredible FKT on Nolan's 14 last year. Most recently, David set the FKT on the WURL, an incredibly gnarly FKT route outside Salt Lake City which boasts 36 extremely technical miles and over 20,000 feet of vertical. Blake Bekken and SOAR Running put out a great short video recording the effort, which you should definitely watch before listening to this conversation. Link to that video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrMWx-M04WM&t=226sFind David on Instagram @dhedges_Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

There are hundreds if not thousands of FKT routes out there. Outside of the very limited premier routes list on the FKT website, how are you supposed to tell which routes are the most competitive and important? That is a question that Will and Xander hope to begin to tackle with their Northeast Premier Routes project. They polled dozens of Northeast FKT athletes to figure out which routes are most important to people, and in this episode they break down the results and bring a spotlight to the routes that matter most to athletes in the Northeast region.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Tara Dower is a professional ultra runner and thru-hiker who is making her third appearance on the podcast (see episodes #50 and #71). In September, Tara and her crew set the overall Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail, taking six days off the women's record, five days off the southbound record, and over 13 hours off of the overall record set in 2018 by Karel Sabbe. We talk all about her record, answer listener questions, and more. Find Tara on Instagram @tara.dowerCheck out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Scott Benerofe is a backpacker and ultra-runner based out of Vermont. Scott has some pretty insane efforts to his name, including a winter Appalachian Trail thru-hike (see episode #20). In late July, Scott went out and established a route that he calls the White Mountains Triple, which is a 100-mile linkup of the Pemi Loop, Presidential Traverse, and Mahoosuc Traverse, all on foot. The route boasts 35,000 feet of elevation gain and some of the gnarliest terrain that New England has to offer. We talk all about his effort in this episode. We also talk about the recent controversy on the Grand Teton FKT, Tara Dower's historic FKT on the Appalachian Trail, and more. Find Scott on Strava and Instagram @scottbenerofeCheck out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

At 10am on August 28th, I set out with a group of over 30 northeast locals to attempt a supported FKT on the Vermont Long Trail. We would finish the trail 3 days, 21 hours, and 9 minutes later, taking over 7 hours of the FKT and being the first run of the Long Trail to be under 4 days. I covered a lot of my individual perspective of the run over on the Singletrack podcast, and I will cover the nuts and bolts in a detailed trip report (to be released very soon). This podcast is a little different. In this podcast, I brought together the 6 crew/pacers who were out there with me for the entirety of the effort and hear stories from many different perspectives of this effort. It was a pleasure to get this group together one more time to hear the stories that I wasn't privy to as the runner. I hope you all enjoy our conversation!Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Kristian Morgan is a multi-day endurance athlete who holds the second and third fastest times on the Appalachian Trail (and the southbound FKT). This year, Kristian again returned to the AT to attempt the Northbound and overall FKT. He made it to Maine ahead of record pace but was ultimately derailed by injury. We chat with Kristian about his effort and his plans to return to the AT for a 6th attempt in 2025. You can find Kristian on social media @kristianultra. You can also find his website at https://www.kristianultra.com/Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

On the heels of finishing 15th overall and 4th woman at Hardrock 100, prolific ultra-runner and backpacker Tara Dower returns to the podcast to discuss her upcoming south-bound Appalachian Trail FKT attempt, which is starting this coming Saturday, August 10th 2024. She is looking to bring together her thru-hiking experience as well as her experience setting big FKTs on trails like the Colorado Trail to take down perhaps the biggest FKT of them all.Find Tara on Instagram @tara.dower. If you want to get involved with her effort or just follow along, head on over to her website tara-treks.com or follow @chumpchangeFKT on Inatagram. She is also raising money for Girls On The Run, which helps address the mental and physical health concerns of girls everywhere by helping them develop meaningful relationships and discover the joy of movement. You can donate to Girls On The Run at Tara's website, linked above.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Time Stamps:4:15 Keith Nadeau31:32 Mead Binhammer50:30 Lauren Gregory and Dan Curts1:42:53 Larisa Dannis MacFaddenThe Jigger Johnson Ultras are a series of races hosted by White Mountain Endurance and Aravaipa Running in the southern White Mountains. There is a 20 mile, 50 mile, and 100 mile race. Xander and I were lucky enough to get the chance to interview 5 of the 6 winners from Jigger Johnson, and we hope you enjoy!Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Deanna Doane is a trail runner from Florida who has strong roots in western Maine. Over the past two years, Deanna has raced the Grafton Notch Loop twice, setting new women's FKTs both runs on this hidden gem of a competitive running route. We talk all about her effort, the Grafton Notch Loop as a whole, and more! Find Deanna on Strava and on Instagram @wandering.sunflowerCheck out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Nick Fowler is a multi-day athlete based in the midwest, but who does most of his racing on FKT routes out on the west coast. Nick is best known for his 2023 self-supported FKT on the PCT, a mind-blowing effort that ran him 52 hours, 9 days, and 18 minutes. We talk a lot about this effort and why he's planning to return to the PCT in 2025. Nick turned the tables and asked me a lot of questions, so have some fun with that. Find Nick on Instagram @nick.fowler.says.hiCheck out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Larsen Ojala is a mountain athlete based out of New Hampshire. Larsen has taken on multiple large projects in the Whites, including FKTs on the Double Presidential Traverse, Triple Pemi Loop, and Lodge to Dodge, as well as being the third known person to complete the White Mountains 100. Most recently, Larsen took on the New Hampshire section of the Appalachian Trail in a single push, completing the 161 miles and 56,000 feet of vertical in 3 days, 1 hour, 37 minutes. Find Larsen on Strava and on Instagram @larsenojalaCheck out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Jack Kuenzle is a mountain athlete based out of a van. Jack and Anna DeMonte have spent the last 4-5 months living out of a van in Europe and training to go after the round rip speed record on Mont Blanc from Chamonix. They each came up just barely shy of the men's and women's overall running records, but both set incredibly stout new skiing records. Jack returns to the podcast for his 3rd appearance to discuss his effort and much more. If you want more Jack content, go check out episodes #15 and #41 where we chat about his FKTs on the White Mountains 100 and Mount Rainier.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

We're back baby! This week Xander and I chat with Kristian Morgan, who holds the second and third fastest times on the Appalachian Trail (and the southbound FKT). This year, Kristian is again returning to the AT to attempt the Northbound and overall FKT. We talk to Kristian extensively about his preparation, planning, and why he believes this will be the year he takes down the overall record.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Dirt Dialogues are back baby and this week Xander and I are giving you spicy hot takes for the Summer 2024 trail running season. He have some of our own takes, and we go through some hot takes submitted by you all. We also do some mid-Cocodona 250 reactions.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

On this weeks episode Xander and I chat about some of the upcoming races and publicly known FKT attempts going down in the summer of 2024. We cover a bunch of cool races being hosted by companies such as White Mountains Endurance, Run the Whites, Race Mozey, and Tru-Strength Athletics. There are a ton of races and efforts happening out there, and we certainly did not fit everything into one episode. We plan to cover more as the summer goes on, as well as covering specific races and FKT attempts as they happen!Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

I think we might write a book by the title of this podcast. Welcome to Dirt Dialogues #2, the series where Xander Keiter and I talk anything and everything trail and ultra-running related. In this episode, we take a dive into training methods and strategies. We hope you all enjoy, and let us know what topics you'd like to see us cover in this series.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Welcome to a new series called Dirt Dialogues, where Xander Keiter and I talk about various topics in the trail and ultra-running scene. This week we're talking about the controversy surrounding Paul Johnson's transcontinental run. Find Paul on Instagram @pauijohnson. You can find all of the information about his run and about Team Red White and Blue (the charity Paul is raising money for) at www.pauljohnson.runCheck out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Lila Gaudrault is a 21 year-old ultra-runner and nursing student based out of Maine. Lila already has a bunch of incredibly impressive efforts to her name, including 10 FKTs, multiple outright ultramarathon wins, and first place woman in the 2022 Maine Marathon. During this episode we talk about her story and training, how she's been able to make herself such a competitive ultra-runner at such a young age, and goals and upcoming efforts. Follow Lila on Strava and on Instagram @lilagaudraultCheck out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Philip Carcia is a distance athlete, hiker, backpacker, and content creator from the White Mountains of New Hampshire. From December 22nd through December 27th, Philip and Andrew Soares set a new Winter speed record on the New Hampshire 48, finishing in 5 days, 18 hours, 58 minutes. This is part 2 and a direct continuation of our conversation from the last episode, so if you haven't already, I would recommend listening to part 1 first!Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Philip Carcia is a distance athlete, hiker, backpacker, and content creator from the White Mountains of New Hampshire. From December 22nd through December 27th, Philip and Andrew Soares set a new speed record on the New Hampshire 48, summiting all of the mountains in 5 days, 18 hours, 58 minutes. As usual, Philip and I went super long, so I'm splitting this episode into two. We talk all about the effort, his year in review, Winter records generally, and more. Tune in a couple weeks from now to hear part 2. Find Philip on social media @findingphilip.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Billy "Wahoo" Meredith is a thru-hiker from Georgia who spent 234 days between May 2nd and December 22nd breaking the record for the Calendar Year Triple Crown (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail in a calendar year). On his journey he averaged 32 miles per day and backpacked about 7500 miles through every imaginable condition. It was a monumental and life-altering effort, and we talk all about it in this episode.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

On December 23rd, I set the Winter fastest known time on the White Mountains Hut Traverse. On this episode, Xander and I sit down to discuss this effort and Winter efforts generally. Find Xander on Instagram @xkieter2, and find the podcast on Instagram @fromthebackcountry. Send me hate mail at fromthebackcountry@gmail.comCheck out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Xander is back on the pod and we're here to answer your questions! We cover a broad range of topics, from the beer mile to Ski The East to Gridding as adventure and much more. Follow the podcast on Instagram @fromthebackcountry. Follow Xander on Strava and on Instagram @xkeiter2.NH48 T-Shirt that I mentioned in the intro: https://www.crazydoes.com/Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Jordan Fields and *Dr.* Lucy Skinner are a power couple of trail running, up until recently based out of New Hampshire but now gracing Idaho with their presence. They hold the fastest recorded male and female times on the Dartmouth 50, an iconic stretch of Appalachian Trail and a northeast trail running route that is steeped in history. The 50 has a rich and complex history, and in this episode we cover their efforts, some of the history of the route, and some of our thoughts about what's been gained and lost with the rise of FKT.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Andrew Drummond is a runner, skier, hiker, mountain athlete, and owner of Ski/Run the Whites, and he's based out of Jackson, New Hampshire. He's a staple of White Mountains culture, and he has gained popularity not only for his enormous efforts, but for documenting and sharing them as well. His latest project entailed summiting Mount Washington 100 days in a row, which is the main subject of today's episode. Find Andrew on Strava and on Instagram @sr_drummond, and check out www.skithewhites.com.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Ed Clifford is an ultramarathon runner from New Hampshire. He competes in many different formats of ultramarathons, but is best known for being the only person to finish Bubba's Backyard Ultramarathon (winning all five years the event has taken place). Most recently, he took down yours truly to win his fifth title. Ed, along with his wife and incredible crew chief Dawn, have found incredible success and community at Bubba's and in the greater New England ultra community. I had a lot of fun unpacking Ed's story, and I hope you all enjoy too.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Hang out with me and newly minted savior of the podcast Xander Keiter as we preview Bubba's Backyard Ultramarathon, which kicks off at 10am this Saturday 10/7. Also go check out the Run the Whites podcast previewing the event (should be out today or tomorrow). Andrew and Monte are way better than us.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Tara Dower and Liz Derstine are both power houses in the multi-day and ultra distance scene. Between the two of them, they hold FKTs on the Colorado Trail, Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, BMT, Pinhoti, Via Alpina, and much more. (Tara also just came in 1st place for women at Run Rabbit Run 100 miler, btw). In late July, Tara and Liz set off together to try to set a new self-supported record on the Colorado Trail. Things didn't go as planned, but the story and effort that unfolded is one for the ages. Find Tara and Liz on Instagram, @tara.dower and @pinkfeathers, respectively.Check out the Craft Pure Trail running shoe: https://www.craftsports.us/products/mens-pure-trail-running-shoeUse code fromthebackcountry at infinitnutrition.us and hyperlitemountaingear.com for 15% off your entire orderpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromthebackcountry/

Friend of the podcast Jason Hardrath returns! Jason is a mountain runner and athlete based out of Oregon. This summer he became the fastest to complete the Rocky Mountains Slam, a route comprised of the 58 Colorado 14ers, 36 Wyoming 13ers, and 27 Montana 12ers. In this episode we loosely talk about Jason's effort, but we talk a ton about the ethos of mountain running, the risks and rewards of the sport, and much much more. Follow Jason on Instagram @jasonhardrath or online at jasonhardrath.comHead on over to https://www.infinitnutrition.us or https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/ and use code fromthebackcountry for 15% off your order!Looking for high quality running apparel and running shoes? Run over to https://www.craftsports.us and check out Craft's incredible gear!

Will Robinson is a peak bagger and thru-hiker from Vermont. He has completed various large projects including a White Mountains Direttissima, single season winter hike of the Northeast 115, single season hike of the Colorado 14ers, and a thru-hike of the Long Trail. Most recently, Will became the first known person to complete a thru-hike of the 115 4,000 foot mountains in the Northeast. We discuss all the juicy and bloody details of his standard setting thru-hike - I hope you all enjoy!This episode is brought to you by CRAFT Sportswear! Check out CRAFT and all of their trail running apparel and awesome shoes at craftsports.usUse code fromthebackcountry for 15% off both Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Infinit Nutrition on their respective websites!

You read it right, I'm the guest on my own podcast. Two weeks ago, I finished setting the unsupported FKT for the Long Trail in 4 days, 11 hours, 34 minutes, taking over 12 hours off Stringbean's self-supported time and 36 hours off Jeff Garmire's unsupported time. As of the recording this podcast, that is the second fastest overall time on the Long Trail, regardless of support category. This week, guest co-hosts Jordan Fields and Jack Kuenzle interview me about the effort. This isn't a play by play - if you want that, please go read my trip report on the FKT website. This episode was a ton of fun to record, and I hope you all enjoy!Use code fromthebackcountry for 15% off Infinit Nutrition and Hyperlite Mountain Gear on their respective websites!