What Is an FKT? The Rules, Styles, and My Appalachian Trail Attempt Explained with Allison Mercer

What the Heck Is an FKT? (And Why I'm Living in the Woods for 45 Days) Live from a very cabin-y cabin in Montana, I bring you an episode for everyone wondering, what even is an Appalachian Trail FKT? I’m joined by the queen of Fastest Known Times herself, Allison Mercer, to break it all down. We cover the wild world of FKTs—from how they started, to the different styles (unsupported, self-supported, supported), what’s allowed, what’s not, and how you can go set your own. Whether you’re a longtime endurance nerd or just discovering FKTs, this episode sets the stage for my own upcoming Appalachian Trail FKT attempt. We also wrap up with hot takes on the state of ultrarunning, competition, and keeping the sport weird (but fair). Follow Allison: https://www.instagram.com/onewomandanceparty Presented by: Janji (code: freeoutside) https://janji.com/ Garage Grown Gear https://www.garagegrowngear.com/ CS Instant Coffee https://www.csinstant.coffee/ —because Starbucks VIA is banned from this podcast. Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Cabin Life & AT Kickoff 02:00 – What the Heck Is an FKT? 06:15 – Supported vs. Self-Supported vs. Unsupported 11:10 – The History of FKTs 15:45 – The Role of FastestKnownTime.com 20:00 – How to Plan Your Own FKT 25:40 – Style Integrity and FKT Ethics 31:00 – Popular FKTs & Famous Examples 36:20 – Why FKTs Exploded Post-COVID 41:00 – Jeff’s AT Attempt: Style, Strategy, and Why 47:10 – Live Coverage, Hidden Content, and Patreon Support 52:30 – Opinions on Pacers, Media Gimmicks & Race Culture 58:20 – Final Tips & Trail Wisdom 01:01:00 – Sponsor Shoutouts & Wrap-Up Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside