Andrew Drummond on the White Mountains Direttissima FKT (Sunday Conversation)

Andrew Drummond returns to the Singletrack Podcast, this time to recount his latest adventure: setting a Fastest Known Time on the White Mountains Direttissima, one of New England's iconic multi-day routes. We explore the aesthetics of the route, what inspired him to return after his previous attempts in 2016 and 2024, his strategies around gear, nutrition, rest, and the execution that led to his new record. Additionally, we discuss the New England trail running scene, John Kelly's recent Appalachian Trail activity, the stylistic differences between supported and unsupported FKTs, and the segment challenges sponsored by Run The Whites. It's always great catching up with Andrew—hope you enjoy the conversation!Timestamps:00:00 Reconnecting After Three Years09:06 White Mountains Direttissima20:48 Gear Evolution and Preparation for the Route45:30 Mental and Physical Challenges of Multi-Day Hiking52:29 Personality Types in Multi-Day Adventures01:01:40 Training for Multi-Day Efforts01:14:46 Kilian Jornet's Potential Impact on the Northeast01:17:29 Shifts in FKT Strategies on the Appalachian Trail01:41:21 Underappreciated Routes in the White MountainsPartners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (https://www.gorewear.com/) to get 30% off your purchase.Naak - use code SINGLETRACK15 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 15% off your purchase.Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Additional Links:Follow Andrew on Instagram, YouTube, White Mountain Ski CoFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, YoutubeSupport the show