logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2021
3h 6m

#205 – Zach Bitter: Ultramarathon Runnin...

LEX FRIDMAN
About this episode

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

Up next
Oct 1
#482 – Pavel Durov: Telegram, Freedom, Censorship, Money, Power & Human Nature
Pavel Durov is the founder and CEO of Telegram. Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep482-sc See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc. Transcript: https://lexfridman.com/pavel-duro ... Show More
4h 42m
Sep 19
#481 – Norman Ohler: Hitler, Nazis, Drugs, WW2, Blitzkrieg, LSD, MKUltra & CIA
Norman Ohler is a historian and author of "Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich," a book that investigates the role of psychoactive drugs, particularly stimulants such as methamphetamine, in the military history of World War II. It is a book that two legendary historians Ian Kershaw ... Show More
4h 31m
Sep 4
#480 – Dave Hone: T-Rex, Dinosaurs, Extinction, Evolution, and Jurassic Park
Dave Hone is a paleontologist, expert on dinosaurs, co-host of the Terrible Lizards podcast, and author of numerous scientific papers and books on the behavior and ecology of dinosaurs. He lectures at Queen Mary University of London on topics of Ecology, Zoology, Biology, and Evo ... Show More
3h 41m
Recommended Episodes
May 2024
#84: The Raw Truth of Running with Brendan Leonard (Semi-Rad)
Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to https://DrinkLMNT.com/FLO to get your free sample pack with any purchase.   Brendan Leonard is the creative force behind Semi Rad, a website dedicated to the joy of adventure for runners of all levels. Brendan loves to explore, to ... Show More
1h 2m
Oct 2023
#75: Massive Running Improvements, 5:00 to 3:47 Marathon, with Todd Marentette
Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to https://drinklmnt.com/flo to get your free sample pack with any purchase. Todd Marentette is a 46-year-old athlete from Ontario, Canada. He went from around 250 lbs/113kg, to finishing 12 marathons. We discuss low heart rate train ... Show More
1h 8m
Mar 2023
005: Jeff Cunningham - How Running Can Transform Your Life
Lawyer by day, running coach by night - this is Jeff Cunningham. An Austin, TX-based coach with athletes worldwide training for various distances - including Olympic marathoners. He's the best running coach I know and a sage mentor and friend to many. Today we unpack the esse ... Show More
1h 10m
Nov 2022
100: Fitness and Friends w/ Chris Tarver and Scott Wells
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 100 | 11.29.2022 Episode Title: Fitness, Friends, and Fun Episode summary introduction: There is a difference between a goal and a vision It’s easier to maintain than it is to get there Don’t be a bullshitter; know your shit Key Moments 00:28 – Episod ... Show More
3h 18m
Jul 2023
#69: MAF Low Heart Rate Success with Maria Lurenda Westergaard
Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this episode! Head to http://DrinkLMNT.com/FLO to get your free sample pack with any purchase.   Maria Lurenda Westergaard is a runner, a Doctor of Medicine and member of our Personal Best Program. She shares her success with low heart rate training ... Show More
1h 21m
Jun 2024
200th Episode Special with Meg Davis
To mark our 200th episode we are back today with the one and only Megan Davis to chat about their most recent marathon in Geneva! If you have any other questions for the next episode drop them in here: ngl.link/thenotsofitcouple1 Join MyCoach: Code: NotSoFit for a special discoun ... Show More
1h 19m
Jan 2018
55. Nick Symmonds
“I wanted to prove to everyone that all the sacrifices I’d made and dumb decisions I made were worth it.” Nick Symmonds was a professional track and field athlete for 12 years, specializing in the 800 meters. He made two Olympic teams — the first when he was just 22 years old — a ... Show More
51m 37s
Feb 2024
THE MINDSET TO WIN - Best Motivational Speeches Compilation for Working Out
THE MINDSET TO WIN IS TO BE ALL IN! Speakers: Tim Grover: Website: https://timgrover.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/attackathleticsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/timsgrover/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timgrover/ Eric Thomashttps://www.youtube.com/user/etthehip...ht ... Show More
18m 31s
Feb 2024
204: Optimal Week Planning For Footballers
In episode 204 Andy Hyde, Strength and Conditioning Coach with Aesthetic Athletics, joins us. Specifically Andy will be looking at: The difference between pro, semi-pro and youth players Important physical qualities How to structure a week to optimise performance An example of ho ... Show More
32m 10s
Feb 2024
Sami Clarke & Sami Spalter on Transforming Inside & Out: Weightloss, Grief, Self Love & The Messiness Of Life
Ep #76 In today’s episode, I get intimate and vulnerable with Sami + Sami, the dynamic duo behind the brand “form” and co-hosts of the Transform podcast. They share their unique journey from the inception of their joint business venture to blending friendship with professionalism ... Show More
1h 32m