Simple question?  Let's hear answers from 3 people who should know:

Peter Bakwin - Co-Founder; 26 FKTs (9th overall)

Marcy Beard - 32 FKTs (4th overall)

Jason Hardrath - 82 FKTs (going for 100!)

Peter:

• The route resonates with you - personal expression.

• Do the homework - practice on it

• If it's a new route, convince us why others will want to do it

• Consider what might go wrong - then be flexible when something else does

"Training is the fun part."

Marcy:

• Select the route - using the FKT website for distance, vert, difficulty

• Is the route cool - is it something that calls to me?

• Study and bring maps - get every detail right in advance, including scouting

• Lifestyle - move our home to where we want to be, and go for the FKT when the time and weather are optimal

"The Garmin Mini is great - it pairs with my phone so I can send texts from anywhere."

Jason:

• Do the research

• Should be a route that is attractive for others; not just something nobody has done yet

• Should fit your skill-set and aptitude

• Commit to it, and respect what it requires

"You want a route that demands respect; not a route that you can just show up, and nothing bad can happen."