#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Running

Lex Fridman Podcast - A podcast by Lex Fridman

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