Podcast Episode November 6, 2020

Episode 32 | Jeff Garmire on the Colorado Trail FKT


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Summary

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Andrew and Ryan interview some of the folks who came together to make friend’o-the-podcast Jeff Garmire’s recent FKT of the Colorado Trail a success. First, Ryan talks with the Fastest Known Tiger himself to get an insight into the physical and mental stresses Jeff underwent while achieving the record.

Jeff Garmire on his FKT attempt of the Colorado Trail. Photo: Elisabeth Tizekker

In the second interview, Andrew chats with filmmakers Nik Tizekker and Dylan Harris about the logistics (and adventure) of shooting a film about Jeff’s FKT.

Finally, Ryan takes the mic again for a brief chat with BPL Columnist (and Jeff’s partner) Maggie Slepian about the highs and lows of watching a loved one complete such a challenge.

Outline

  • Jeff Garmire Interview
    • General check-in
    • Starting pace and strategy
    • Tackling the San Juans at the start vs. the end
    • Struggling with altitude
    • Weather
    • The climb up Elk Creek
    • Dealing with touch sections of the trail
    • Finding a tempo
    • Sleep deprivation and hallucinations
    • Going FKT style means he had to sacrifice on some things like electrolytes
    • Food
    • Ate his last bit of food 24 hours before he finished
    • Footwear
    • One giant blister and several smaller blisters
      • Probably didn’t swap out socks as much as he should
    • Gear
      • What didn’t he use?
      • What would he have left behind?
      • FKT – Skills, Training, Grit, Luck
    • Film crew – no interaction, setting personal boundaries
      • Two different adventures
    • Unique opportunities
      • Pushing the boundaries of unsupported travel
    • Can this FKT be beaten and if so how?
      • If luck breaks a little towards the challenger
      • More scouting
  • Film Crew Interview
    • Introduction to Nik and Dylan
    • The genesis of the project and how it developed over time (fast)
    • How did they get ready to shoot so quickly?
    • The challenges of shooting in the backcountry
    • What makes this film different?
    • The ethics of this type of filmmaking
    • How to make a documentary film without communicating with the subject
    • Gear
    • Dylan’s goal is to make Jeff cinematic!
    • Lenses
    • Interview schedule, interview philosophy,  and other logistics
    • The intimacy of filmmaking
    • What went wrong?
    • Planning around Jeff’s changing pace
    • An adventure for the crew as well as for Jeff
    • A self-funded project
    • The realities of shooting in the backcountry vs. a more cinematic, structured feel
    • Post-production plans
  • Maggie Slepian Interview
    • How she helped prep
    • The struggles of watching a loved one struggle on an FKT
    • Outside contact vs. having no contact
    • When did she know it would actually happen?

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Credits

  • Backpacking Light - Executive Producer
  • Ryan Jordan - Director and Host
  • Chase Jordan - Producer
  • Look for Me in the Mountains - Music

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