Without much happening on the racing front over the past several months, many athletes have been venturing in to the world of chasing “Fastest Known Times”—that is, identifying a route and trying to complete it faster than anyone ever has. Legendary trail runner Ben Nephew has been putting up FKTs all over the northeast for years, including classic New England routes like the Presidential Traverse and the Pemigewasset Loop. At the time of our recording a few weeks ago, Ben had more registered FKTs than anyone else (he has since been surpassed by Jason Hardrath). Ben joined the show to talk about the attraction of FKTs, some of his favorite routes, some he’d like to try, and what he thinks the future holds for the scene.

Links
FastestKnownTime.com
Ben’s routes

Desert Island Picks: Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky, The Unforgettable Fire by U2, Michael David Petite Petit

Intro music: "Fine Line" by the Bloodletters
Outro music: "When I Was Still Young" by Yard Sale