Free Outside

Ben Dhiman has one of the best names in the sport, and he actually earned it. We talk nicknames, alter egos, and the wild cat energy he taps into when racing, then rewind to the thru hiking years that shaped his brain, his grit, and his need to keep pushing the edge. From the AT and CDT to the Hayduke and a full-on Himalayan mission in Nepal, Ben explains why big adventures can be both glorious and miserable, and why thru hiking can “ruin you” in the best and worst ways.Then we follow the pivot into trail running, pacing Hardrock almost by accident, showing up to races undertrained on hiking fitness and stubborn confidence, and eventually forcing the door down in Europe the old-school way, by racing hard and winning. We also get into family, balancing ambition with real life, his coaching philosophy, and why he treats winter as an off season where the work goes up and the pounding goes down.Chapters00:00 The Origins of the 'Demon' Nickname05:34 Mental Clarity Through Hiking08:25 The Impact of Thru-Hiking on Personal Growth11:38 Transitioning to Trail Running14:37 The Journey to Becoming a Competitive Runner17:34 Navigating the World of Sponsorships20:25 Racing in Europe vs. America23:23 The Challenge of Proving Oneself26:16 The Evolution of Thru-Hiking Experiences30:49 Navigating the Wilderness: From Maps to Experience33:18 The Call of the Himalayas: Planning the Adventure35:06 Challenges in the Himalayas: Red Tape and Realities37:58 Surviving the Elements: A Tale of Perseverance41:43 The Role of Guides: Navigating Culture and Communication43:24 Resupply Strategies: Making the Most of Local Resources45:29 Reflections on Thru-Hiking: Contentment and Progression49:35 Shifting Focus: From Thru-Hiking to Ultra Running56:22 The Addictive Nature of Adventure: Community vs. Solitude56:53 The Community of Thru-Hiking01:00:28 Mental States in Long-Distance Hiking01:05:57 The Dynamics of Team vs. Solo Hiking01:12:37 Coaching and Evolving as an Athlete01:19:05 Skiing as a Complement to Running01:20:56 The Journey of Thru-Hiking and Ultra Running01:21:28 Living Abroad and Competitive Spirit in SportsSupport our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

I’ve struggled to record this episode. Lately, it’s been harder to run, harder to feel motivated, and harder to know what to do in a world that feels increasingly loud, divided, and unjust.This episode is about words without action, the illusion of impact created by social media, and the lessons the trail has taught me about accountability, humility, and real work. Community isn’t built by the loudest voices. It’s built by the people who show up when no one is watching.If you’re angry, frustrated, or unsure where to put that energy, this is my attempt to talk through it.Chapters00:00 The Challenge of Communication in a Noisy World02:58 Words vs. Actions: The Need for Authenticity06:06 The Importance of Community and Real Impact08:56 Harnessing Emotions for Positive Change11:51 The Role of Consistency in Achieving Goals15:13 Navigating Authority and Accountability17:43 The Slow Path to Progress and Real ChangeSupport our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

In this episode, I sit down with Krista, winner of the Jeffrey Award for Most Tragic FKT, to talk about what might be the happiest tragic FKT of all time. We start with the infamous double Tahoe Rim Trail effort, an adventure that was never officially recognized, never really meant to be an FKT, and somehow still earned an award. From there, the conversation spirals in the best possible way.We get into thru-hiking origins, trail names, COVID-era Appalachian Trail chaos, living in vehicles, selling bikes in Poland, walking across Europe, scary moments on trail, bear encounters, ultra running detours, and the strange emotional comedown that follows big goals. Krista is thoughtful, honest, funny, and self-aware in a way that makes this episode feel less like an interview and more like two people trying to understand why we keep choosing hard, inconvenient adventures.We also accidentally pitch a thru-hiker assisted living facility, question the economics of adventure, and agree that sometimes the process matters more than the recognition. This is one of those conversations that reminds me why I love long trails, long runs, and talking to people who are willing to build unconventional lives around curiosity and movement.Follow Krista on Instagra: https://www.instagram.com/kristafas/Chapters00:00 The Tragic FKT Award01:54 The Tahoe Rim Trail Experience03:50 Travel Adventures and Countries Visited06:52 Biking vs. Hiking: A Personal Preference09:52 The European Adventure: From Biking to Hiking12:44 Challenges and Changes in Travel Plans15:32 Scary Moments on the Trail18:29 The Journey of Thru-Hiking21:51 COVID-19 and the AT Experience25:45 The PCT and CDT: A New Chapter29:35 Post-Triple Crown Adventures31:35 Transitioning to Ultra Running32:56 The Journey into Ultra Running35:02 The Draw to Challenging Adventures37:12 Coping with Post-Trail Depression39:00 Living the Adventure Lifestyle42:01 Making Sacrifices for Adventure45:01 Life Lessons from Thru-Hiking50:33 Transformative Experiences in Nature53:38 Wildlife Encounters and Their Impact57:03 Innovative Ideas for the Future of Adventure01:02:59 Introduction to Outdoor Adventures01:03:28 Sponsorships and Support for the ShowSupport our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Today on the Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by Coleman Cragun, the winner of the Jeffrey Derrick Lytle Award, which is an honor with a proud tradition and a clear meaning (none of that is true). Coleman is an up and coming trail talent with the most relaxed confidence imaginable, and a nickname that may or may not stick: The Kraken.We get into Coleman’s origin story, including the moment he saw the Southern Utah University team running tempos, held the gap, and decided, “I can do this.” From there it became a yearlong grind: emailing the coach for qualifying times, self-coaching off podcasts, and then his mom stepping in to find him a coach in Cedar City. That coach was Hayden Hawks, which Coleman somehow did not realize was a big deal at the time. Hayden helped him hit the marks, showed up with a stopwatch, and even emailed proof to the coach. Coleman walked on ready to travel, compete, and immediately level up his goals.Then we bounce into the trail side: why the mountains pulled him in, the summer of living on trails in places like the Sawtooths, chasing Strava crowns, and eventually committing fully to the sport. Coleman breaks down the biggest transition from college running to ultras (fitness matters, but nutrition, pacing, and durability decide everything), tells stories from racing and training in Thailand with Hayden (including a fall that cost him the win), and talks through the nerves and excitement of stepping up to the 100K at Black Canyon with golden ticket dreams.We also cover what the grind actually looks like when you have a full-time job, a long commute, double runs, and no time to eat like a normal human. Plus, the most unhinged training environment imaginable: working at a fishing lodge in Alaska and running ten miles at 11 pm on a dock where 20 laps equals one mile, until one night he found bears at the turnaround and ended up sleeping in a boat in the rain.It’s a fun one, and Coleman is the real deal. If you like stories about earning it the hard way, learning the trail game, and chasing big goals without taking yourself too seriously, you’ll like this episode.Follow Coleman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleman_cragun/Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Comedic impressionist Dylisms is here. He has LOUDLY become one of the funniest voices in trail running by doing spot-on (and occasionally unhinged) impressions of the sport we all take way too seriously.We get into how he makes viral running videos using nothing but his phone, his car, and pure chaos, why he waited to run an ultra before posting running content, and how trail running compares to climbing, skating, and just… exercising for a really long time. Along the way, he drops impressions of commentators, influencers, philosophers, cops, firefighters, and anyone else who’s wandered into the ultrarunning cinematic universe.We also talk about award season absurdity, influencer culture, $200 shirts with holes in them, farting during ultras, and whether trail running is actually a sport or just very committed cardio. This one goes fully off the rails in the best way.If you’ve ever thought “we might be taking this a little too seriously,” this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dylisms and Impressions05:04 The Art of Voiceovers and Equipment Setup07:56 Favorite Impressions and Character Exploration10:51 Challenges in Impersonation and Method Acting13:39 Transitioning from Climbing to Running Content16:47 Community Reception and Content Creation Process19:55 Humor in Running and Climbing Culture22:46 Reflections on Storylines in Trail Running24:43 Trail Running: A Selfish Pursuit26:56 The Evolution of Running Culture29:36 Moth Tech and Running Fashion32:22 Impersonations and Humor in the Sport36:51 The Seriousness of Ultra Running40:56 Universal Basic Gel Allowance41:45 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsSupport our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

I’m back with Allison Mercer, my correspondent on everything, and we start with the most important news of the week: I apparently lost another award, and I am not interested in being reminded about 2025 when we are already deep into 2026.From there we get into World Cross Country Championships, which somehow had a full Florida theme including obstacle chaos, heat, and a crowd that sounded like 10,000 people yelling nonstop. We talk about what made the broadcast work, why team scoring makes the whole field matter, and why cross country in the Winter Olympics would be the best kind of mess.Then we pivot to the trail world heating up early, with Olympians popping over to trails, Burrito League spreading like a virus, and the golden ticket chase being the kind of storyline we actually want more of. We end with ideas for how running media can get better fast: less six-month pre-race content, more post-race coverage, more crew perspective, and please, for the love of everything, mic people up.If you want the sport to be more fun, more human, and more watchable, this is the blueprint. Or at least a rant disguised as a blueprint.Chapters00:00 The Award Dilemma and New Beginnings08:02 World Cross Country Championships: A Florida Experience11:03 The Evolution of Cross Country Broadcasting14:10 The Future of Cross Country in the Olympics17:00 Trail Running: New Faces and Fresh Perspectives20:11 The Shift from Road to Trail Running23:37 The Burrito League Phenomenon26:26 Molly Seidel's Transition to Ultra Running29:38 The Importance of Community in Running32:26 Future Trends in Endurance Sports36:48 Exciting Developments in Running Events38:21 Training for the 100K Championship Team39:59 Planning for Success in Ultra Running42:05 Exploring Potential in Ultra Running44:32 The Future of Trail Running Events48:10 Humanizing Athletes in the Sport53:11 Innovative Coverage in Trail Running54:14 The Roach Approach and Its Impact58:06 Post-Race Coverage and Athlete ReflectionsSupport our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

The Free Outside Show is back for the new year, and I’m joined by our correspondent on everything, Allison Mercer. We’re doing the exact opposite of the usual “five months from now” preview content that other podcasts are doing, and instead talking about what’s actually happening this weekend: Bandera (with Molly Seidel), Houston Marathon for the OTQ watch, and why you should care about World Cross Country in Tallahassee (yes, it’s watchable on Peacock, yes, team tactics make it way more fun than you think, and yes, there are statue alligators on the course).From there, we get into the real chaos: Burrito League expansion, why it works as an “anyone can play” running challenge, and how these community-wide games can be more accessible than the typical big-race ecosystem. Then we go full rant mode on year-end lists, award season fatigue, media bias, and why FKT stories often get misunderstood or flattened by outlets that do not actually live in that world. We also touch on sponsorship transparency, influencer economics, West Coast bias, and why the sport would be better off funding real coverage of barrier-breaking performances instead of paying for interchangeable promo codes. New year, same old us. Racing is back, and we have thoughts.Chapters00:00 Racing Resumes: Exciting Events Ahead05:30 The Thrill of Cross Country Championships08:38 Understanding Cross Country Scoring and Team Dynamics10:46 The Burrito League: A Unique Running Challenge13:42 The Influence of Social Media on Running Culture16:43 The Bias in Trail Running Media and Awards19:49 The Importance of FKTs in the Running Community22:40 The East vs. West Coast Debate in Trail Running25:48 The Shift in Sponsorships and Influencer Culture28:43 The Future of Trail Running Events and Coverage31:44 World Championships and the Impact of Air Quality35:34 Looking Ahead: Goals for 2026Support our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSawyer Products: https://sawyerdirect.net/collections/stay-put-sunblock#RunningMedia #trailrunning #ultrarunning #runningpodcast #WorldCrossCountry #crosscountryrunning #BurritoLeague #fkt #runningcommunity #sportsmedia Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

Endurance sports give me structure when life feels chaotic. Miles are measurable. Effort makes sense. Pain feels productive. For a while, that clarity can feel like purpose.In this episode, I zoom out on the uncomfortable truth that endurance sports have limits. The miles don’t fix self-worth, resolve identity, or heal everything we try to bury under training. I talk about what happens when the goal stops working, not because of injury or burnout, but because motivation quietly expires. Through stories from the Calendar Year Triple Crown, the Great Western Loop, and learning to slow down, this is an honest look at why I chase big goals and how I’m trying to keep doing hard things for the right reasons.Sponsors: Sawyer, Janji, Garage Grown Gear, CS Instant Coffee.Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://www.sawyer.com/Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abChapters00:00 The Journey into Endurance Sports02:58 Understanding Motivation and Its Limits12:01 The Role of Endurance Sports in Self-Discovery18:43 Finding Meaning Beyond Goals26:12 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Future DirectionsSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

I didn’t expect to win FKT of the Year for the Appalachian Trail, but here we are.This video is not about splits, miles per day, or how fast the record was. It’s about the decade-long path that led to it. From leaving college in 2011 and discovering thru-hiking, to years of chasing adventure while trying to fit into a traditional career, to hitting some of the lowest points of my life, including suicidal depression, and finding my way back through the outdoors.The Appalachian Trail has been a thread running through my entire adult life. The structure of long days, defined goals, resupply points, and moving forward one step at a time makes sense to my brain in a way the outside world often doesn’t. Trails gave me a place to belong when I didn’t feel like I fit anywhere else.I also talk honestly about 2020, canceled plans, working at a grocery store, feeling like a failure, and how nothing about this journey was overnight. Just chipping away, year after year, at something I loved, even when it felt impossible.We also raised over $43,000 for the Trevor Project during this FKT. That mattered more to me than any award. It was proof that people care, that kindness is real, and that we all belong, even when things feel loud, divided, or overwhelming.This is a reflection on why the doing matters more than the accomplishment, why praise is hard for me to sit with, and why I believe if you truly love something, you’re willing to keep showing up for it, regardless of the outcome.Thank you to everyone who supported this journey, donated, followed along, and showed kindness.Sponsors and supporters:SawyerJanjiGarage Grown GearCS CoffeeReadyWiseMount to coastAs always, we can all be our own version of elite.Stay elite, my friends.Support our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

The conversation revolves around the Jeffrey Awards, celebrating achievements in ultra running, including new race directors, controversies, tragic FKTs, and the Walker of the Year award. The hosts discuss various nominees and their stories, highlighting the challenges and triumphs within the ultra running community. In this engaging conversation, Jeff Garmire and Derrick Lytle explore various themes in ultra running, including speed debates, the merits of double versus single track, and the significance of awards in the community. The Jeffrey Awards – Categories & NomineesMost Obvious New Race DirectorJoe CorcioneTim TollefsonDylan Bowman (added a 100K, Big Alta)Carl Laniak (took over Barkley Marathons)Finn Melanson (Antelope Island Buffalo Run)We Should Be Your Publicist AwardGrand Slam TrackCandice Burt2025 IAU 50K World Championships (canceled two weeks out)Black Canyon 100K (cheating scandal)Most Tragic FKTBecca Bergstrom – multiple PCT attempts, quick failuresJohn Kelly – quit the AT a few hundred miles from the endKristian Morgan – approximately his 128th AT attemptEric Hallsten – quit Washington after averaging ~70 MPDKrista Hallsten – fastest supported double TRT, not recognized, therefore “doesn’t count”Walker of the YearA.J. Waller (Cocodona 250)Matt Johnson (Texas 1000)Troy Croxdale (“Punisher”)Madison Blagden (“Peg Leg”)Andrea Moore (six 200+ mile races)Lyla Harrod (Appalachian Trail FKT)Finally It Happened AwardKilian Jornet uses unlimited resources for an unmatchable FKTFrançois D’Haene loses an FKT (Nolan’s 14 to David Hedges)Ryan Montgomery finally earns a Golden Ticket after global race hoppingSalt Lake City gets a Western States winnerFastest Camera OperatorJacob BantaDrew DarbyDerrick LyttleJeff PelletierMatt ShapiroForgot It Happened AwardSeth Ruhling course record at Black CanyonChipotle ShowdownDavid Roche ran Western States (kind of)Unbreakable movie attemptGorge 100K Worlds qualifierCourtney Dauwalter DNF at CocodonaDouble Track vs Singletrack AwardDouble TrackSingletrackWho Is That AwardWill MurraySarah Perry (395 miles)Caitriona Jennings (Tunnel Hill, 100-mile world record)Most Destroyed TrailAny trail an e-bike touchesArizona TrailOwner of Zona (King of Arizona)Candice Burt – Arizona MonsterJamil Coury – AravaipaAbby Hall – Western StatesJim WalmsleySadie Curry – AZT FKTCourtney Dauwalter vs Jim Walmsley AwardEast Coaster of the YearDan Green (Cocodona)Canyon Woodward (Golden Ticket)David SinclairTori Constantine (“Chewy”, Long Trail FKT)Xander KeiterAndrew Drummond (White Mountain Direttissima)Weird Moment of the YearDavid Roche giving up his Golden TicketCandice Burt doxxing someone on livestreamKilian Jornet crowd sourcing his next FKTMost Air Time AwardChris WardenLeah YinglingA.J. WallerCorrine MalcolmJoe CorcioneHypocritical Hero AwardMichelino Sunseri pardonedRuth Chepngetich doping ban one year after world recordHayden Hawks Ultra Runner of the Year AwardCaleb OlsonHans TroyerJeff MogaveroTara DowerKatie SchideAbby HallMegan Eckert (six-day world record, 603 miles)Bezos Most Expensive Breakup AwardKatie Schide leaving TNFJeff Browning leaving AltraTrend of the YearIcy kiddie poolsLying about Zone 2 paceMoving across the countryLivestream everythingRunning a marathon againInfluencer of the YearDavid PoachNick BareDavid GogginsCam HanesJeff PelletierMike WardianMax JolliffeMost Pointless MilesJamil CouryKevin RussMatt JohnsonAndy GlazeDerrick Lytle AwardJeff of the Year (Audience Nominated)Jeff MogaveroJeff GallowayJeff GarmireKatie SchideSupport our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab

Jeff Colt is back, calling in from Carbondale with a mission to help rehabilitate the name “Jeff” one mountain town conversation at a time. We start with winter training reality in ski country, how to keep momentum when the days are short, the “subsistence” weeks that quietly save your season, and the eternal debate of pants, tights, and looking cool versus staying warm. From there it turns into a bigger conversation about identity, planning, uncertainty, and why the simplest answer sometimes is “we just have Jeff,” so we might as well make it a good one.Then we head straight into the good stuff, the White Mountains and the Mahoosuc Traverse, where “running” becomes scrambling, crawling, and three points of contact through the Mahoosuc Notch. Jeff breaks down the history and the legends (including Chris Getz and the steak stop), why style matters as much as speed in FKTs, and how different eras and ethics shape what we celebrate. We close with one of the most fun tangents of the whole Month of Jeff, what it is really like working in the AMC huts, from responsibility in dangerous weather to full-on blanket-folding skits, including Harry Potter and Frozen, all in service of three sacred rules: fold the blankets, pack out the trash, and tip the hut crew.Support our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abChapters00:00 The Jeff Identity Crisis06:19 Winter Training in Mountain Towns09:18 Exploring the Mahusik Range12:37 The Legacy of Chris Getz15:27 Navigating the Mahusik Notch18:29 Style and FKT Philosophy22:00 The Challenge of Self-Supported FKTs24:56 Planning and Uncertainty in Adventure27:57 The Evolution of Trail Running Style42:22 Exploring Style in Trail Running44:16 The Debate on Supported vs. Unsupported47:43 The Evolution of Trail Running50:54 Killian Jornet: The Pinnacle of Trail Running54:43 Authenticity in Trail Running58:30 The Role of Creativity in Trail Running01:03:31 Life Lessons from Working in the HutsSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

This week on the Free Outside Podcast, I am joined by Jeff Eklund, an “ordinary Jeff” calling in from North Carolina who quickly proves he is anything but ordinary. We kick things off with a Jeff quiz show where every answer is a different Jeff, and it immediately derails into the best kind of chaos.Jeff shares his winding path into running, including randomly ripping a 3:16 at Chicago in his 40s, qualifying for Boston (and skipping it because life happened), then stepping away before coming back strong after knee replacements. He talks about what it felt like to start running again, why he refuses to accept “don’t run” as a life sentence, and his current mission to break two hours in the half marathon while stalking the competition on Strava like a proper veteran.Then we shift into the second life arc, Jeff and his wife selling basically everything during COVID, moving into a 27-foot Airstream, and traveling to 47 states. We talk minimalism, Facebook Marketplace hustle, getting “pulled around” the country by life, and the underrated places that surprised him most, from Rhode Island to Arizona to the hidden gems of Nebraska.Somewhere in the middle, Jeff goes full historian and takes us deep into his obsession with Theodore Roosevelt (the strenuous life, Rough Riders lore, the teddy bear origin story, and meeting a TR impersonator in North Dakota that turns into a legit hike). We also get a side quest on Fred Harvey restaurants, Harvey Girls, and old-school American road culture, plus a list of roadside oddities that feels like a hallucination timeline from mile 20 of a marathon.We wrap with a quick masterclass in sales (relationships, listening, and handling rejection), lessons Jeff wishes he knew when he was younger, and a perfect cherry on top story about Brooks customer service, a surprise signed Scott Jurek book, and the greatest accidental Instagram mix-up of all time.If you like running, reinvention, road trips, American history tangents, and a guest who can turn one question into six stories, this one is for you.Chapters00:00 The Jeff Quiz Show Begins04:52 Jeff Eklund's Journey into Running07:49 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Motivation10:50 The Impact of Family on Running13:45 Rediscovering the Love for Running16:42 Transitioning to Life in an Airstream19:28 Selling Everything and Embracing Minimalism22:23 Exploring the Open Road and Human Connection24:56 Theodore Roosevelt: A Personal Connection26:29 Meeting the Impersonator: A Unique Encounter28:47 The Legacy of Theodore Roosevelt30:23 The Teddy Bear Origin Story31:40 The Strenuous Life Philosophy33:40 Fred Harvey and the Railroad Era37:24 The Harvey Girls: Pioneers of the West39:07 Underrated States: Personal Reflections41:34 Hidden Gems in the Midwest45:20 Exploring Unique Destinations48:13 The Art of Selling50:29 Reflections on Youth and Education55:10 Customer Service and Personal Connections01:00:18 Celebrating Ordinary HeroesSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

Vote on the Jeffrey Awards: https://forms.gle/zC29GEAgUJBKNn8T6I brought the cowboy hat out for this one, because Month of Jeff needed full giddy up vibes. Jeff “Bronco Billy” Browning is back, and we go everywhere: Cocodona’s weird and wonderful rise into a spectator cult phenomenon, the tiny weather window that makes that race possible, and what it feels like when you are having one of those perfect days in a hundred.Jeff talks about his best races ever (including a scorching San Diego 100 and a 19:33 at Wasatch), and what actually made them click, training blocks, timing, and yes, a little luck. We also get nerdy and practical with an underrated, overrated, properly rated game, covering trail super shoes (carbon on trail, and why the foam matters more), heat training, speedwork for ultra runners (hello zone 3), and why you have to practice race nutrition in training if you want race day to feel automatic.Then we time travel to the early 2000s when ultra gear was basically a fishing vest era, handheld bottles ruled, poles were not a thing, and race nutrition was gels, S-caps, and hope. Jeff shares how mentorship and group long runs shaped the scene back then, and why adventure running and storytelling still matter more than a stat on a results page.We also get into the realities of long efforts and sleep deprivation, including why Jeff would choose self-supported if he goes long again (less complaining, more problem solving). And yes, there are animal stories, including some genuinely terrifying mountain lion encounters, plus the lightning strike moment at Hardrock that led to one of the most ultrarunning reasons ever to change your earrings.To close it out, Jeff breaks down how he made hundreds work while raising a family, with a simple framework: flexible training, non-negotiable family time, and getting creative with when long runs happen. We finish with what is next, some training races, Cocodona, a Western States swing, and the itch to do more adventure style projects.Sponsors: Janji, Garage Grown Gear, CS CoffeeChapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:48 Cocodona 250: Growth and Popularity08:38 Memorable Races and Personal Bests11:51 The Mental and Physical Toll of Long Distances14:44 Self-Supported vs. Supported Racing17:48 The Shift in Running Focus: Adventure vs. Competition20:55 The Importance of Storytelling in Running23:51 Training Insights: Speedwork and Nutrition28:29 Preparing for Race Day: The Importance of Training Camps30:00 Evolution of Gear: Trends from the Early 2000s33:09 Nutrition and Hydration: Lessons from the Past35:46 The Social Aspect of Ultra Running: Mentorship and Community39:43 From Hobby to Career: The Journey of an Ultra Runner42:36 Race Directing: The Challenges and Rewards45:42 Wildlife Encounters: Stories from the Trail55:18 Balancing Family Life and Ultra Running56:10 Balancing Work and Family Life59:00 Creating Quality Family Time01:02:58 Navigating Technology and Family Connections01:03:50 The Story Behind the Earrings01:10:13 Future Plans and Upcoming Races01:18:39 Introduction and Community Connection01:22:40 The Importance of Supportive Relationships01:26:49 Fostering a Positive CommunitySubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

The Month of Jeff keeps rolling, and today we are giving the thru-hiking world some love. I tracked down a Jeff who just finished the Appalachian Trail in 2025, Jeff Coull, the guy behind the coullbean.com blog.Jeffreys Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/FiW9ZKNpiXoWb8MJ8Follow Jeff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coullbean/Jeff wanted to hike the AT for almost a decade, but in 2024 it stopped being a “someday” goal and became a “need to.” We talk about the scariest part of committing to a long trail, the conversation with his girlfriend Robin, and how doing something huge does not have to come from tragedy or running away from your life.We get into the details that make a thru hike real: early mistakes (starting too fast, an ankle ligament barking, a sleeping pad that died for two straight weeks), figuring out resupplies when you are basically learning in public, and the constant debate between pop tarts and protein. There is also a strong case made for frozen burritos thawing on the outside of your pack, plus the harsh reality of FarOut water comments when Maine is dry.Jeff carried a “Robin Rock” most of the trail, hid it in plant photos to see if she would notice, and accidentally created a recurring side quest by leaving it behind and coordinating a rescue mission. He also carried a sealed ICE letter from Robin all the way to Katahdin and only opened it on top, which is where the emotions finally caught up.We also talk about trail friendships, why it is so easy to connect with people out there, and how Jeff’s view of the “trail family” idea changed once he got confident enough to make his own plan. Then there is the moment in Tennessee when a “power hiking song” conversation turned into an unexpected hour of Freebird on repeat, and a big lesson about forgiveness and leaving old baggage behind.To wrap it up, we hit quick hitters: favorite trail town, best meal, best trail name he heard, what the whole thing cost, and the lesson that kept coming back over and over, be gentle with yourself.Sponsors: Janji, Garage Grown Gear, CS Coffee.Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: Aspirations and Realizations05:22 Navigating Relationships: Conversations with Loved Ones08:25 Symbolic Connections: The Robin Rock11:25 The Learning Curve: First Experiences on the Trail14:13 Dreams and Goals: The Call of the AT17:28 Life Changes: Quitting the Job for Adventure20:21 Challenges of Thru-Hiking: The Reality vs. Expectations23:29 Building Confidence: Finding Your Own Path26:17 Nutrition on the Trail: The Food Dilemma29:21 The Importance of Gut Health: Eating Fresh on the Trail30:53 Trail Nutrition: Creative Food Choices34:24 Adversity on the Trail: Overcoming Challenges39:13 Building Connections: The Social Aspect of Hiking45:32 Moments of Transformation: Personal Growth on the Trail58:41 The Challenge of Water Scarcity01:01:15 Emotional Reflections on Completing the Trail01:03:27 Slowing Down to Savor the Experience01:06:21 The Emotional Climax at Katahdin01:12:18 Trail Towns and Memorable Meals01:15:27 Lessons Learned and Future AdventuresSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

I sit down with yet another Jeff, but this one took things to a different level. Over the course of October and November, he completed 122 laps of the Manitou Incline, nearly a mile and over 2,000 feet of gain per lap, turning one of the most brutal stair climbs in the country into a month-long experiment in mental resilience.What started as training for a future unsupported FKT evolved into something much bigger. A Navy veteran with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, he shares how his nervous system adapted to years in combat and why returning to everyday civilian life felt overwhelming. Loud environments, crowds, and constant inputs became difficult, while long, repetitive movement in nature helped turn the volume back down.We talk about why hiking and rucking can work where therapy and medication do not for some veterans, how mundane suffering and repetition create space for processing trauma, and why unsupported FKTs and long efforts with weight may be a wide-open niche for athletes with military backgrounds. He explains how the incline project became a fundraiser and awareness campaign for Warrior Expeditions, a veteran-led nonprofit that helps veterans heal through long-distance hiking.This conversation dives into combat stress, family life, fatherhood, endurance, mental health, and the simple power of left foot, right foot. It is a powerful reminder that the outdoors offers different things to different people, and sometimes the hardest, most boring path is the one that helps us heal the most.Check out Warrier Expeditions: https://warriorexpeditions.org/Follow Jeff Snyder: https://www.instagram.com/jsnydersoloadventures/Chapters00:00 The Manitou Incline Challenge05:10 Mental Resilience Through Hiking07:41 The Impact of Combat on Mental Health10:07 Nature as a Healing Tool13:01 The Role of Community in Recovery15:36 Fundraising for Warrior Expeditions17:58 Accidental Discoveries in Nature20:35 Transitioning from Rucking to Hiking23:15 The Importance of Mindset in Outdoor Challenges25:23 Unexpected Changes in Combat Situations28:01 Daily Life and the Incline Challenge30:31 Supporting Veterans Through Outdoor ActivitiesSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

It is Month of Jeff, so its time to talk to another Jeff, Jeff Pelletier.Jeff had a huge 2025. He paced and crewed at Cocodona, then took on Badwater 135 and followed it up with the inaugural Mammoth 200. We go deep on Badwater, why he was drawn to a race the core of the community has kind of fallen out of love with, and why he thinks it might be the hardest race in the world to crew. No aid stations, constant leapfrogging, the rulebook, the blinky lights, the penalties, and the reality of managing sleep, food, gas, and ice in Death Valley.Then we shift to Mammoth 200. What the course was like in year one, why it is going to be a major 200 because of how runnable and crewable it is, and how finishing timing completely changed the race experience once the weather rolled in. Jeff also talks about altitude issues, his first time puking in a race, and how it felt to miss his Badwater goals but still finish and learn something important.We also get into the filmmaker side, outsourcing rough cuts, what it is like trying to race and produce at the same time, the weirdest things he has done for a shot, and why telling the story can sometimes be the thing that keeps you moving forward. We wrap with what is next for Jeff, including Croatia, Spartathlon, Cape Town, and the always painful lottery season.This episode of the Free Outside Podcast is brought to you by Janji, Garage Grown Gear, and CS Instant Coffee.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of Badwater 13507:11 The Challenge of Crewing at Badwater09:57 Logistics and Rules of the Race13:00 The Unique Terrain and Conditions16:14 Heat Management Strategies19:06 Hydration and Sodium Management22:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections on the Experience26:45 Testing Limits: Fluid and Electrolyte Management28:49 Data Collection in Extreme Conditions31:06 Balancing Filmmaking and Performance33:41 Lessons from Badwater: Setting Realistic Goals35:52 Transitioning to Mammoth: New Challenges Ahead37:06 Experiencing Coca-Dona: A Unique Race38:26 Mammoth's Inaugural Year: A Mixed Bag43:45 Resetting Goals: From Badwater to Mammoth48:01 The Unique Culture of Ultra Running50:04 The Rise of 200-Mile Races53:03 Storytelling in Ultra Running53:39 The Editing Process of Race Films56:50 Behind the Scenes of Filming Races01:03:00 Gear Recommendations and Future PlansSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

Help us with our Jeffrey Award Winners by voting here: https://forms.gle/GAcHKf5QZrR7GAR79The Month of Jeff continues with another elite Jeff: Jeff Dengate, better known on the internet as @dengatorade. Jeff is the director of product testing and de facto runner in chief at Runner’s World, and one of the most experienced shoe and gear testers in the world. He walks me through how Runner’s World actually tests shoes with hundreds of wear testers, why some products never make it to a review, and how he personally ends up in well over 100 different pairs of shoes every year.We get into what trust looks like in the age of AI, affiliate links, and endless gear noise, and why having a real human you can bump into at a race still matters. Jeff talks about the changing landscape at Runner’s World, the COVID running boom, how trail and ultra fit into the broader running world, and why the world marathon majors craze is exploding. We cover super shoes, sky high prices, why comfort still rules, why you probably do not need a 300 dollar racer to start running, and yes, we revisit my infamous Runner’s World Crocs 5K headline. We finish with his case for Jeff of the Year, including BQing three times in a year and rotating through more shoes than most runners log runs.Follow Jeff Dengate: https://www.instagram.com/dengateradeShow supported by Janji.com, Garagegrowngear.com, and CSinstant.coffeeChapters04:00 Introduction to Dengatorade and Running Background06:54 Role at Runner's World and Product Testing09:38 The Art of Product Reviews12:26 Navigating AI in the Running Community15:08 Revenue Streams and Content Creation at Runner's World17:50 Understanding Runner's Needs and Popular Topics20:43 Shoe Testing and Personal Experiences23:25 Finding the Right Shoe for You25:59 The Evolution of Running Gear and Nutrition28:59 Excitement in Running and Gear Unboxing31:42 Jeff's Unique Journey to the NBA37:16 The Journey of a Sports Journalist40:06 Impact of COVID-19 on Running Community43:33 The Growth of Trail and Ultra Running48:20 Trends in the Running IndustrySubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

Vote for the Jeffrey Awards: https://forms.gle/2JaYdBFdogo2hTXP8During the Month of Jeff I, sit down with a true Jeff of the Year contender, Jeff Mogavero. We cover a wild range of topics, from his fourth place curse at big races to winning Ultra Trail Cape Town, getting married, and somehow deciding Montana Cup might outrank all of it.Follow Jeff Mogavero: https://www.instagram.com/jeffmogavero/Jeff walks through his dirtbag origin story, hitchhiking around the West on almost no money, racing for gas and grocery money, surveying fish and frogs for seasonal biology jobs, and eventually moving to Missoula to see if he could actually make a run at professional trail running. We talk about his Appalachian Trail thru hike, how he ended up with the trail name “Burger King,” his barefoot college phase, and why he once bailed on a “Number One Dad” hat.Then we get nerdy about performance. Jeff explains the science experiment heat chamber protocol he did for Western States, why he thinks heat training is overrated, and why cooling, ice bandanas, and sun protection are underrated superpowers. We dig into Montana Cup, the quiet training culture in Montana, and why adult cross country with a potluck might be the best event in running.Of course, as our official Taylor Swift correspondent, Jeff breaks down the new album, the Taylor Swift treadmill workout, and how he ended up in the top 2 percent of her listeners while also growing 25 to 30 pounds of potatoes and going through 100 pounds of flour. We finish with his dramatic finish line collapses, his case for being Jeff of the Year, and why potatoes, leeks, and Swift might be the real performance trifecta.If you like stories about hitchhiking, dirtbag seasons, science-backed heat preparation, tiny Montana races that mean everything, and a professional runner who is not afraid to be a little dramatic, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jeff Mogavero07:30 Racing Highlights and Personal Achievements10:25 Journey to Becoming a Pro Runner13:22 Living the Life of a Runner16:24 Hitchhiking Adventures and Human Connections19:25 Barefoot Jeff and Life Experiences22:12 Heat Training Protocols and Strategies28:20 Cooling Strategies for Racing34:23 Philosophy on Training and Performance41:35 The Importance of Training and Recovery44:24 Taylor Swift: The Soundtrack to Training52:21 The Role of a Good Coach56:22 Trail Names and Their Stories01:01:22 Dramatic Finishes and Personal ReflectionsSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

I sit down with one of the true architects of modern running, Jeff Galloway. From making the 1972 Olympic team as an unexpected underdog to creating the RunWalkRun method used by millions of runners today, Jeff’s story is packed with history, perspective, and wisdom that still applies right now.We talk about the emotional crash that can come after achieving a massive goal, something I relate to deeply after finishing the Appalachian Trail record, and how that post-Olympic low pushed Jeff to open one of the very first specialty running stores in the world, Phidippides. That store became the foundation for the running boom, community run clubs, and the coaching systems that followed.Jeff breaks down how RunWalkRun was created, why taking walk breaks early actually makes runners faster, and how the data shows average improvements of around seven minutes in the half marathon and thirteen minutes in the marathon. We also dig into his Olympic era training, 140-mile weeks, mile repeats, long runs past marathon distance, and why most training principles today still mirror what worked fifty years ago.We go deep on his friendship with Steve Prefontaine, the early fight for professionalism in the sport, the birth of the Peachtree Road Race, and how those moments shaped modern running as we know it. Jeff also shares his approach to mental training, mantras, step counting, and how meaning is the real fuel behind long term consistency.To close it out, Jeff tells an incredible story about chasing a marathon in eight different decades of life at age eighty, coming back from a heart attack, a fractured toe, and weeks of forced rest to toe the line once again. This episode is equal parts history lesson, coaching clinic, and reminder of why running can be a lifelong pursuit.Find Jeff's books and Jeff online: JeffGalloway.comThis episode is brought to you by Janji, Garage Grown Gear, and CS Coffee.Chapters00:00 The Olympic Journey: Triumphs and Challenges03:41 From Athlete to Entrepreneur: The Birth of a Running Store07:07 Navigating Life After Competition: Finding New Goals10:57 Training Insights: The Evolution of Running Techniques14:14 The Impact of Steve Prefontaine on Professional Running26:30 Reflections on Running Culture and Trends32:19 The Legacy of Pre and Athlete Rights35:41 Building a Running Community40:04 The Birth of the Galloway Method48:49 RunWalkRun: A Game Changer54:41 Mental Strategies for Endurance57:20 The Eight Decade ChallengeSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

Get yourself a Crotch Pot: https://snp.link/cd93a18dIn this solo Month of Jeff episode, I go deep on one of the strangest and coolest studies I have read in a while. It looks at capsaicin, the compound that makes hot peppers spicy, and how a small 12 milligram capsule taken before exercise can actually make you faster, more powerful, and more resistant to fatigue without raising heart rate or perceived effort. I break down what the researchers found, how it works on the brain, nerves, and muscles, and whether you should be popping pepper pills before your next workout.From there I talk about why the classic 10 percent rule is being used wrong, and why it is your longest run, not your total weekly mileage, that really drives injury risk. I get into how I think about long runs and intensity in my own coaching, and why slow, boring progress is still the best way to stay healthy.I also wander through crotch pots and backcountry bidets as gift ideas, putting down your phone and reclaiming boredom, Thanksgiving with 30 people, why AI scares me for books and movies, and the difference between style and fashion on planes, and trails.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Month of Jeff01:54 The Crotch Pot: A Unique Hiking Gadget04:42 Capsaicin and Its Impact on Athletic Performance09:27 Rethinking the 10% Rule in Running11:46 The Importance of Disconnecting from Technology14:03 Thanksgiving Reflections and Family Gatherings15:29 Concerns About AI and Creativity17:20 Fashion vs. Style: Perception and Personality20:39 The Evolving Landscape of Sports and SponsorshipsSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside