Kaylee Fredrick: The Wisdom of Youth

The Adventure Jogger

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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