About this episode
Today on the Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by world record-holding ultra legend and Wisconsin's third-best export (according to me), Zach Bitter. We dive into everything from the logistics of setting a 100-mile world record to the absurdity of explaining our jobs to boomers ("I'm an influencer" = conversation over). Zach explains the appeal of fixed-time races, what he'd do differently in his record run (spoiler: shoes, fuel, and maybe a time machine), and whether doping is as prevalent in ultrarunning as EPO-fueled Reddit threads make it seem. We also go deep on the evolution of the sport—tech, talent development, brand dynamics, super shoes, sock science, and what the heck the future might look like if Nike and cooling towels keep having a baby. Zach even dishes on why he stepped away from a long-term brand partnership and how he’s finding freedom—and a better shoe rotation—on his own. Find Zach online: https://zachbitter.com/ https://www.instagram.com/zachbitter https://zachbitter.com/hpo Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zach Bitter and His Achievements 03:04 The Importance of Fixed Time Races 05:57 Zach's World Record Experience 08:51 The Evolution of Ultra Running Technology 12:08 The Challenges of Record Keeping in Ultra Running 15:00 Doping in Ultra Running: A Complex Issue 18:07 The Future of Ultra Running and Accessibility 21:03 The Role of Coaching and Development in Running 23:55 Cultural Shifts in Ultra Running 27:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 38:16 The Future of Talent Development in Ultra Running 41:39 Brand Building and Athlete Sponsorship Dynamics 44:45 The Evolution of Trail Running Sponsorships 47:58 Nike's Strategic Interest in Trail Running 51:16 The Role of Athlete Managers in Brand Partnerships 55:47 Exploring Authenticity in Product Reviews 01:01:11 Innovations in Running Technology and Future Trends 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