Kaylee Frederick, an 19-year-old ultra runner, shares her incredible journey of running ultras at a young age. Despite the challenges and doubts, Kaylee pushed herself to complete 31 ultras in a year, including the prestigious Badwater race. She discusses her motivations for running, the support and concerns from her parents, and the lessons she has learned from pushing through pain. Kaylee also highlights the importance of responsible training for teenagers and the sense of community she has found in the ultra running world. She inspires others to embrace discomfort and push their limits, regardless of age or background. In this conversation, Kaylee Frederick discusses her experiences as an ultra runner and her plans for the future. She reflects on the highlights of 2023, including setting a course record and becoming the youngest Badwater finisher. Kaylee emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries and believing in limitless possibilities. Looking ahead to 2024, she plans to race less frequently but focus on improving her training. She also shares her goal of qualifying for the 24-hour national team. Kaylee discusses the challenges of balancing college and ultra training, highlighting her dedication and hard work. Despite her extraordinary achievements, she considers her love for iced coffee to be the most typical 19-year-old thing about her.
Takeaways
Running ultras at a young age requires responsible training and support from parents and coaches.
Ultra running provides an opportunity to push physical and mental limits and inspire others to do the same.
The ultra running community offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals who may feel like outcasts in other areas of life.
Running can be a way to cope with trauma and find strength in discomfort.
Achieving dreams and crossing finish lines requires perseverance, determination, and the support of a dedicated crew. Believe in limitless possibilities and push boundaries.
Balancing college and ultra training requires dedication and hard work.
Setting goals and focusing on training can lead to improved performance.
Even exceptional individuals have typical aspects of their lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Incredible Year
01:33 The Why Behind Running Ultras at a Young Age
03:20 Getting Into Ultra Running and Setting Goals
04:18 Support and Concerns from Parents
06:03 Running Ultra Marathons at a Young Age
07:37 Motivations for Running and Inspiring Others
08:56 Responsible Training for Teenagers
09:58 Balancing Mileage and Cross-Training
11:19 Finding Comfort in Discomfort
13:56 Running Ultra Marathons as an Outcast
15:26 Lessons Learned from Pushing Through Pain
17:41 The Desire for Discomfort and Pushing Limits
18:52 The Challenges of Being a Young Ultra Runner
20:38 The Ultra Running Community and Support
22:56 Dealing with Bullying and Trauma
25:06 Finding a Community in Ultra Running
27:27 Navigating Stereotypes and Misunderstandings
29:48 Getting into Badwater and Convincing Organizers
35:06 Building a Crew for Badwater
37:05 Training for Badwater in Pennsylvania
38:21 The Weight of Being the Youngest Badwater Finisher
41:37 The Experience of Running Badwater
44:06 Achieving the Dream and Crossing the Finish Line
44:09 Highlights of 2023
45:04 Lessons Learned in 2023
45:44 Plans for 2024
47:31 Balancing College and Ultra Training
49:23 The Most Typical 19-Year-Old Thing
50:30 Conclusion
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