Ryan has been actively racing since 2006 - winning and doing well in 26 Ultra's - then announced for 2020 he will focus exclusively on FKTs:

"I like racing, a lot. But this fall I asked myself what I really care to do the most. And that was easy. I love running in the wilderness. Alone in the biggest, best, and most wild mountains."

Listen to Ryan recount setting the FKT on Half Dome, while a Freshman in college, before the term had even be coined, and how to get around the new Permit system. And how he always announced his attention to attempt a project in advance, then twice had someone show up to make an attempt with him, then do it faster - and he has no regrets.

"People are hungering to be challenging themselves, in wilderness, and on their own terms. This is exactly what FKTs are about."

Ryan has a coaching business you should check out: https://trailsandtarmac.com/

Instagram/Twitter/FB: @ryanghelfi