Episode
#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running
3:06:51
Published: Thu Jul 29 2021
Description
Zach Bitter is an ultramarathon runner and coach. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Ladder: https://ladderlife.com/lex - Belcampo: https://belcampo.com/lex and use code LEX to get 20% off first order - Noom: https://trynoom.com/lex - BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off EPISODE LINKS: Zach's Twitter: https://twitter.com/zbitter Zach's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachbitter Zach's Website: https://zachbitter.com/ PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (07:34) - The marathon mentality (14:43) - The psychology of quitting (25:49) - Variety in ultramarathons (33:04) - What does it take to run 100 miles? (38:27) - Leading ultramarathon events (42:09) - Training and race strategy (44:39) - 100 Mile world record (48:41) - Foot strike variability and cadence (51:29) - The 11 hour barrier (54:57) - The most beautiful thing about running (1:01:19) - Zach's training regime (1:06:06) - MAF 180 Formula (1:16:31) - Training plans (1:31:30) - Marathons vs. 100 miles (1:40:31) - Zach's diet philosophy (1:55:19) - Fueling for race day (2:02:34) - Training while fasted (2:06:11) - Embracing the chaos (2:07:41) - 100-Mile treadmill WR (2:11:51) - The legend of Bert Kreischer (2:16:16) - The Transcontinental Run across America (2:33:51) - Who is the greatest endurance athlete of all time? (2:41:04) - Shoe technology in running (2:54:14) - Human limits (2:56:49) - Zach's biggest obstacles (3:00:34) - Advice for young people
Chapters
The podcast features a visit to a farm and discussions about the ethical treatment of animals, regenerative farming, and cooking.
00:00 - 05:19 (05:19)
Summary
The podcast features a visit to a farm and discussions about the ethical treatment of animals, regenerative farming, and cooking. Belcampo Farms sponsors the show, promoting their mission to provide good meat for consumers and the environment.
Episode#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the spectrum of mental processes that ultra-marathon runners undergo - positive, negative and in between - and how it is a part of the entire experience of completing a race, as well as the different personalities of two ultra-marathon runners, David and Sam.
05:19 - 12:32 (07:12)
Summary
The podcast discusses the spectrum of mental processes that ultra-marathon runners undergo - positive, negative and in between - and how it is a part of the entire experience of completing a race, as well as the different personalities of two ultra-marathon runners, David and Sam.
Episode#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Some people need to be drilled and yelled at to stay motivated and accountable to their goals, while others need a softer approach to recognize that their environment can impact their progress.
12:32 - 22:14 (09:41)
Summary
Some people need to be drilled and yelled at to stay motivated and accountable to their goals, while others need a softer approach to recognize that their environment can impact their progress.
Episode#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discovered that stepping away from markers of performance periodically could help reset mental energy to be able to perform at a high level.
22:14 - 30:44 (08:30)
Summary
The speaker discovered that stepping away from markers of performance periodically could help reset mental energy to be able to perform at a high level. He started training for climbing, descending, and technical running to gain new experiences and skillsets.
Episode#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how he has transitioned from a simplistic approach to completing 100-mile races to a more calculated method focused on fueling and pacing strategies to improve performance.
30:44 - 37:44 (07:00)
Summary
The speaker discusses how he has transitioned from a simplistic approach to completing 100-mile races to a more calculated method focused on fueling and pacing strategies to improve performance. He has found that this approach requires focusing on the big elements, such as fueling and hydration, and conducting efficient training runs, including prioritizing long runs over speedwork.
Episode#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The sport of ultramarathons has evolved over the years, with some runners focusing on comparing themselves to past runners while others focus on being competitive today.
37:44 - 42:43 (04:59)
Summary
The sport of ultramarathons has evolved over the years, with some runners focusing on comparing themselves to past runners while others focus on being competitive today. The ultra trail Mont Blanc has also evolved, with the listed hundred-mile race being actually 104-105 miles long.
Episode#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes their experience of long-distance running, where they did not stop for a long period of time and had minimal stopping on a track that was over 400 meters long.
42:43 - 51:36 (08:53)
Summary
The speaker describes their experience of long-distance running, where they did not stop for a long period of time and had minimal stopping on a track that was over 400 meters long.
Episode#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, Joe De Sena talks about the importance of finding fulfillment in short-term goals, such as a particular race or competition, that allow us to be the best version of ourselves in the moment.
51:36 - 1:00:49 (09:12)
Summary
In this podcast, Joe De Sena talks about the importance of finding fulfillment in short-term goals, such as a particular race or competition, that allow us to be the best version of ourselves in the moment.
Episode#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Prioritizing fat metabolization is a more efficient way to recover and breakdown, recommended by Dr. Jeff Volek and Dr. Dominic DiAgostino.
1:00:49 - 1:08:21 (07:31)
Summary
Prioritizing fat metabolization is a more efficient way to recover and breakdown, recommended by Dr. Jeff Volek and Dr. Dominic DiAgostino. Training at low intensity reduces injury and muscle damage and helps maintain a high volume consistently with a low injury risk.
Episode#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the benefits of a strict low-carb diet and different customized training plans tailored for individual needs rather than following a pre-existing plan.
1:08:21 - 2:31:09 (1:22:47)
Summary
The podcast discusses the benefits of a strict low-carb diet and different customized training plans tailored for individual needs rather than following a pre-existing plan.