Zach Bitter and Matt Fitzgerald pop in to see who reins supreme with a grab bag topic.

Check out Zach's latest world record and his coaching information HERE

Matt is always working on the next must-read running book.  Make sure you have his entire library and his coaching services HERE

Do you remember your first trail run?  What was the first thing you learned?

There are some differences everyone learns when transitioning to the trails.  Andy Jones-Wilkins joins The Nation and we talk about some things we wish we knew including:

• How to find a trail?
• What gear do you need?
• What techniques are different?
• How can I remain safe?
• What Etiquette is important to know

Here is the article about the Emergency Puffy featured at Cruzet Running by John Anderson

AJW's Coaching

Michael McKnight set the fastest cumulative time for the triple crown of 200-milers, Bigfoot 200, Tahoe 200, & Moab 240  in 2017.  Around the same time, he began his journey to become a fat-adapted runner.  Three years later and without a race on the calendar, he wondered if he could run 100 miles without food, relying on his fat burning engine.  In the early hours of May 8, he began his self-made 100-mile route around Cache Valley, UT (see map below).

In this podcast, we

• talk to Michael two weeks prior to his project about his idea, preparation, and expectations.
• 5 days after his project, we spoke with him about lessons learned and his experiences
• talk to Jeff Browning, Michael's coach about fat adaption and how this might help you

Check out Michael's previous podcast, EP 431: Chasing the Triple Crown of 200s with Michael McKnight

Here is Jeff Browning's previous podcast: EP 427: Giddyup with Jeff Browning

Check out Jeff's coaching web site: GoBroncoBilly.com 

Podcast photo by VanhornPictures

Peter Bakwin and Buzz Burrell popularized the term Fastest Known Times when they set the FKT on the John Muir Trail in 2000.  A few years later they created the website that helps our community record cool routes around the world.  With the cancellation or postponing of many races this year, more people are "projecting" adventures that might lead to an FKT.  Buzz joins us to talk about the rise in popularity of FKTs and how you can participate!

Tune into the Fastest Known Time Podcast

Listen to Buzz's past podcast with us.

Coaches Ian Sharman, David Roche and Krissy Moehl join The Nation to debate matters of trail running consequence in a new game called, "Bonk or No Bonk.

More about Krissy Moehl:

• Krissy Coaching services
• Krissy's book, "Running your First Ultra"

Sharman Ultras coaching services

More about David Roche:

• David and Megan's coaching at SWAPRunning (SWAP stands for Some Work, All Play).
• Their book, the Happy Runner