Use It or Lose It: Why Buzz Burrell Never Stopped

What does “use it or lose it” actually mean after 60 — when recovery slows, strength is harder to regain, and stopping even briefly can change what’s possible?

Buzz Burrell is one of the quiet architects of modern mountain and trail culture, to talk about consistency — not as motivation, but as survival.

Buzz ran his first ultramarathon nearly six decades ago, long before endurance sports had language, infrastructure, or spectators. Since then, he’s lived a migratory life shaped by mountains, deserts, canyons, and long routes where commitment matters more than speed. Today, he’s slower than he once was — and more relevant than ever.

We talk about:

Why “use it or lose it” becomes literal with ageHow consistency replaces intensity as the real long-game skillCanyoneering and environments where commitment is irreversibleWhy aging athletes can’t afford long layoffs — physically or psychologicallyStaying engaged with movement even when progress slowsWhat it means to keep going without pretending you’re improving

Consistency isn’t glamorous. But it’s what survives.

Buzz Burrell
Mountain runner, outdoor industry veteran, co-founder of the Fastest Known Time (FKT) movement, and lifelong explorer of wild places.

Recommended:
🎙 Podcast — The Buzz (Buzz’s long-form conversations on trail and mountain culture)
🌐 Website — fastestknowntime.com
📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bbolder/

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