Free Outside

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

XO Toes Toe Socks by XO SkinLINK: https://snp.link/91093634Enlightened Equipment Revelation Apex Synthetic QuiltLINK: https://snp.link/dd815a33Light AF PacksLINK: https://snp.link/092cbf3eNaked Running BeltLINK: https://nakedsportsinnovations.com/products/naked%C2%AE-running-bandRaid LF 2 BeltLINK: https://snp.link/32e52894Ultraspire Lumen 800 Solstice (Headlamp + Waist Light)LINK: https://snp.link/bd7aaac2ReadyWise Breakfast Skillet (Jeff Garmire Meal)LINK: https://www.walmart.com/ip/PM-BREAKFAST-SKILLET/15209400162?classType=REGULAR&from=/searchTrail Goods Co. Stir Fry NoodleLINK: https://snp.link/ec3d0444Gossamer Gear LT5 PolesLINK: https://snp.link/d415be06Sawyer Stay-Put SunscreenLINK: https://amzn.to/4pswF0mSawyer PermethrinLINK: https://rei.pxf.io/xL4ZYdJanji Vortex GlovesLINK: https://snp.link/b5b62b40This is a quick holiday bonus episode of the Free Outside Podcast where I run through the gear, food, and small things that actually worked for me over the last year. No hype, no rankings, just what I used, why I liked it, and where it fit into real training, FKTs, Cocodona, and the Appalachian Trail.We start with one of life’s great unanswered questions, why don’t airports have gyms, then move straight into toe socks, synthetic quilts, custom packs, running belts, lights, freeze-dried meals, trekking poles, sunscreen, permethrin, and cold-weather gloves. Some of these are affiliated, most are not. I will always tell you which is which.If you need holiday gift ideas for an ultrarunner, a thru-hiker, or someone who just likes to be unreasonably prepared, this episode gives you a real-world short list. Take it or leave it. Either way, I hope it saves you some time and maybe a little money.Janji (Sponsor)https://janji.comCode: FREEOUTSIDEGarage Grown Gear (Sponsor)https://garagegrowngear.comCS Instant Coffee (Sponsor)https://csinstant.coffeeThis episode is brought to you by Janji at janji.com (code FREEOUTSIDE), Garage Grown Gear at garagegrowngear.com, and CS Instant Coffee at csinstant.coffee.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

This is a Thanksgiving special episode of the Free Outside Podcast, a mix of long-run thoughts, unpopular opinions, and one of the most meaningful adventures of my life, the Great Western Loop.I talk about why I think we are historically illiterate, why it is okay to chase goals even if they feel pointless to other people, whether turkey trots have gotten too serious, and my very important theory on whether drones killed the blimp. I also get into why self-supported FKTs matter so much to me and why I think they deserve more respect than they get.Then I rewind eight years to finishing the Great Western Loop on Thanksgiving. I break down what the Loop actually is, how I planned the massive cross-country connector from the Grand Canyon back to the PCT, why self-supported style creates better adventure, and some of the wildest moments from the entire 7,000-mile journey. From cowbell mornings on the Pacific Northwest Trail, to getting all the bikers in Yaak, Montana in trouble for cooking 20 pounds of bacon, to freezing on the CDT, navigating by map and compass on the Grand Enchantment Trail, sleeping in the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and finishing on Thanksgiving near Parker, Arizona.This adventure changed the entire direction of my life and planted the seed for every FKT that followed.This episode is brought to you by Janji at janji.com. Use code FREEOUTSIDE for 10 percent off. Also brought to you by CS Instant Coffee at csinstant.coffee and Garage Grown Gear at garagegrowngear.comSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comChapters00:00 Thanksgiving Intro02:15 Historically Illiterate03:50 Turkey Trot Travelers04:35 Did Drones Kill Blimps06:10 Supported vs Self-Supported08:30 What Is the Great Western Loop10:45 Planning the Unknown13:55 Prescribed Burn Detour15:45 Cowbells and Solitude16:55 Yak, Montana and the Bacon Incident18:25 Snow on the CDT19:20 Grand Enchantment Navigation20:40 First View of the Grand Canyon22:15 Nolan’s 14 Detour24:10 Thanksgiving Van Build Camp25:40 Finishing the Loop26:50 Full Circle ReflectionSupport 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 get back into the rhythm after my little sabbatical and dive into a packed rundown across the endurance world. I start with the history and results of the JFK 50, why JFK himself helped create 50 milers, and how the Kennedy Cup still defines the military competition at the race. Then I shift to the NCAA cross country championships and go deeper into what name, image, and likeness changes have done to college sports. I explain why the development pipeline in running is shrinking, why teams are becoming more shallow, and what that means for the future of American distance running.I talk through some of the wild course cutting I saw, break down the top finishers in the men’s and women’s races, and then move on to a little Montana segment. Montana State won the Brawl of the Wild, Montana won the food drive, and both towns raised over a million pounds of food. It was a good reminder that community efforts still matter.From there I get into the study I have been wanting to talk about. It looks at the long term ceiling for sustainable human endurance output and why 2.5 times your basal metabolic rate seems to be the upper limit over months. I explain what that means for ultras, FKTs, and training, and why more is not always better even if you are fueling well. There is a real plateau to what we can sustain, and I compare that to my own seven week Appalachian Trail push.Janji, CS Coffee, and Garage Grown Gear help power the show!Chapters00:00 Intro04:00 JFK 50 recap10:00 NCAA cross country and NIL fallout18:00 Course cutting and race depth23:00 Montana updates and food drive27:00 The metabolic ceiling study38:00 Sponsors and closingSubscribe 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 P word. Purpose. After putting out more than 170 episodes in the past two years, I finally needed a break. The fall has been a rocky road, one of my favorite ice cream flavors, but also a tough stretch mentally. So I stepped back, went into the mountains, left the watch at home, and spent real time reconnecting with why I love moving through the outdoors.I talk about losing the sense of purpose that was so clear every single day on the Appalachian Trail FKT, and what it feels like when that structure vanishes overnight. I get into distraction, mental health, being overwhelmed by the noise of the world, and how easy it is to tear people down online. I also share why purpose matters, how I tried to find mine again, and how getting outside remains the one environment where I can think clearly, communicate honestly, and feel grounded.Then we jump into Trail TMZ. A wild update on the Grand Teton FKT switchback case, including the surprise presidential pardon that shook trail running. A Badwater 135 movie in the works with a Hollywood star attached. Montana State football chaos. And three major women’s records falling at Tunnel Hill.I close with some thoughts on brands, expectations, therapy, bandwidth, identity, and why the outdoors continues to be the most reliable entryway to clarity in my life.Brought to you by long-time supporters Janji, CS Coffee, and Garage Grown Gear. Support the show on Patreon and leave a five star review if you enjoy it. It is okay to take a break. It is okay to say you are not doing well. Thanks for sticking around while I found a little purpose again.Chapters00:00 Finding Purpose in Nature05:10 The Impact of Community and Kindness10:41 Mental Health and the Outdoors17:57 Celebrating Women's Achievements in Ultra RunningSubscribe 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 Show I pulled together a best of episode featuring some of the most memorable moments and conversations from the past year. These are the clips that stuck with me long after we hit stop on the recorder.You will hear Warren Doyle talk about the mindset he has carried through more than eighteen thru hikes of the Appalachian Trail. John Kelly talks about training for multi day efforts with a start up and a family. Bryce Brooks and I talk about owning the livestream. Alyssa Clark talks about building resilience and what she learned chasing big goals across multiple disciplines.Allison Mercer brings the questions right after the Appalachian Trail record and some early thoughts on FKT of the year. Katie Gunvalson dives in the success and failure of adventure. And Jeff Browning gives us some chaffing tools.It is a mix of stories, lessons, and moments that show why these conversations matter and why the people behind them keep shaping this community. This episode is a look back at the voices that defined the year and a reminder of why I love making this show.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

Do I fit in, in this industry? I have really started to question everything! I’m not doing great right now, and that’s what this episode is about. After finishing the Appalachian Trail FKT, there’s been a crash, the kind that comes after spending months focused on one goal. This episode is me reading and performing my Substack piece, Location Unknown, and trying to make sense of what comes next.Post-trail depression is real. It’s the space after the high, when you’ve changed but the world hasn’t. I talk about what it feels like to lose direction, how authenticity can be misunderstood, and how I’m trying to figure things out again.Thanks for listening, supporting, and being part of this. You can find more of my writing on Substack, and if you want to support what I do, check out the show sponsors:https://freeoutside.substack.com/Janji.com — use code FREEOUTSIDE for a discount and to support the showGarageGrownGear.com — the best place for small outdoor brands and gear that lastsCSInstant.Coffee —Actual Premium instant coffeeChapters00:00 – Opening03:00 – Substack Reading06:30 – Post-Trail Depression09:00 – Appalachian Trail13:30 – Coming Home16:00 – Integration18:00 – ClosingSubscribe 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

Back on the Free Outside podcast, I’m catching up with Will Murray after a wild eight months. Since Black Canyon he’s gone all-in: new coach (CTS’s John Fitzgerald), smarter long runs, and a rock-solid mindset that turned Javelina into a masterclass in steady, no surges. We talk about why he wore a pack while the front pack rocked belts (spoiler: seven bottles a lap and an ice pocket), how he practices mantras on long runs, and the simple crew rule that keeps big races from falling apart: do simple better. Will opens up about the detour through AFib, an ankle injury, a bout of giardia, and how cycling + hiking rebuilt fitness and trust. We also wander into big ideas—Western States, training camps, and what a Grand Tour of trail running could look like. It’s process over hype, and it’s really, really good.Chapters00:00 Intro & catching up05:30 All-in since Black Canyon08:30 Why get a coach (CTS/John)11:00 Race plan: steady, no surges13:30 Lap themes & mindset15:30 Pack choice & hydration (7 bottles/lap)18:00 Mantras in training20:30 Crew: “Do simple better”23:00 AFib, ankle, giardia detour26:00 Rebuilding with cycling & hiking29:00 Western States lessons32:00 Future goals & balance34:00 Shoes talk (Catamount, super shoes?)36:00 Stage-race / team ideas38:00 Wrap & outroSubscribe 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 thought I was done racing this year… but apparently Montana had other plans. Two weeks after Allison Mercer introduced me to cross country running, I found myself signing up for the Montana Cup — an annual, statewide, adult cross country throwdown where Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, and the rest of the Montana cities go head-to-head for glory.In this episode, I talk about my first hard 5K in twenty years, how I tried to re-train my calves after the Appalachian Trail, and whether my 35-year-old self can outkick my 14-year-old PR. Spoiler: probably not.But that’s not all — I also recap my Halloween weekend crewing at Javelina Jundred, where I became the self-proclaimed Ice Daddy, lost a costume contest as a horse, and ended up pacing a stranger to his first 100-mile finish while dressed as Santa. Because of course I did.There’s a life hack, a shout-out to my sponsors, a Blue Jays World Series dream, and an announcement for the return of Month of Jeff and the Jeffrey Awards.So grab a coffee (CS Coffee, obviously), lace up those Janji shorts, and join me for another chaotic, slightly overcaffeinated episode of the Free Outside Show.Chapters00:00 The Montana Cup and Cross Country Racing02:41 Post-Appalachian Trail Recovery and Training05:55 Halloween Race Experience and Costumes11:25 Pacing a Runner and Celebrating Success14:07 Life Hacks and Upcoming EventsSubscribe 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 was on the ground at Javelina while Allison rode shotgun in the live chat, and—wow—what a day. Will Murray put on the most nondescript masterclass you’ll ever see: smooth, steady, course record, golden ticket. David Roche held on for second, then surprised everyone by declining his ticket, which handed Canyon Woodward his shot after a blazing late charge. On the women’s side, my AT-record pal Tara Dower absolutely torched the course record by over 30 minutes, while eligibility rules behind her shaped a wild golden-ticket battle. We break down why times were so fast (cooler temps, NASCAR-level aid stations, dialed cooling, and, yes, the shoe game) and the new reality of wall-to-wall coverage—mountain bikes, lights and all. Plus: Molly Seidel aiming for a Black Canyon ticket, the latest doping headlines and what they mean for our sport, and a quick look ahead to Tunnel Hill, JFK, and silly-season sponsorships. East vs. West banter included—and, yes, I recorded this on my birthday.Chapters00:00 Recap of Javelina Jundrid Highlights02:50 Course Records and Performance Analysis05:59 The Rise of Will Murray08:52 Canyon's Impressive Finish and Team Dynamics11:56 The Impact of Weather and Race Strategy15:04 Tara's Record-Breaking Performance17:54 Doping Controversies in Running20:53 Molly Seidel's Transition to Trail Running23:55 Looking Ahead: Future Races and TrendsSubscribe 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

Technology has crept into every corner of our sport—from GPS watches to real-time tracking to social media validation. In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I sit down with Luke McCrae, the creator of Corsa, a site that tracked my Appalachian Trail FKT attempt (with a one-day safety delay).We dive into the rise of tech in FKTs and outdoor adventures—where it helps, where it hurts, and how far is too far. Does tracking make our experiences richer or just more public? Are we still chasing the same spirit of adventure when our dots move live on a map?It’s a deep, funny, and thought-provoking conversation about innovation, community, and the balance between authentic adventure and algorithmic obsession.Chapters00:00 From Camping to Ultra Running: Luke's Journey02:29 The Intersection of Technology and Outdoor Adventures05:13 Corsa: Enhancing the Spectator Experience08:05 Creating Community Through Technology10:37 The Future of Ultra Running and Technology13:21 Strava's Challenges and the Shift in Platforms20:29 The Power of Sharing Experiences25:25 Technology and Community in Thru-Hiking30:43 Personal Transformation Through Hiking36:07 Comparing Thru-Hiking and Ultra-RunningSubscribe 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

One month after setting the Appalachian Trail self-supported FKT, I’m in a strange place—floating between accomplishment and uncertainty. This episode isn’t about miles or records; it’s about what happens after.I talk openly about trying to find purpose once the goal is over—navigating sponsorships, self-worth, and the emotional fallout of chasing something so all-consuming. The trail stripped everything away, forcing me to feel emotions raw and real—anger, joy, sadness, pride—and now I’m learning how to carry those lessons into real life.It’s honest, messy, and probably a little too relatable. If you’ve ever finished something big and thought, now what?, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Navigating Post-Trail Uncertainty02:58 Emotional Processing on the Trail05:51 The Importance of Internal Validation09:09 Carrying Forward Emotional Lessons12:02 Finding Direction Amidst ChaosSubscribe 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’s that magical time of year again — pumpkin spice, golden tickets, and glitter on the desert trails. In this episode, Me and Allison Mercer break down the 2025 Javelina 100, the first Western States qualifier of the season, featuring names like Tara Dower, David Roche, Devon Yanko, Rajpaul Pannu, and Lauren Puretz.We also dive into Courtney Dauwalter’s decision to run another marathon — this time at CIM — and debate whether she’s training for Cocodona redemption or just chasing the road racing rush. Expect plenty of hot takes, costume ideas, and “expert” predictions on who will snag those golden tickets.Chapters00:00 Marathon Madness: The Allure of Speed03:44 The Javelina 100: A Race to Remember09:28 Trail Running Trends: The Evolving Landscape14:45 The Golden Ticket: Who Will Qualify?20:24 The FKT Debate: Unsupported vs. Self-Supported28:00 Sports Superstitions: The Fan ExperienceSubscribe 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’m joined by Katie “Wildy” Brown—former Arizona Trail self-supported record holder and fresh off the Millwood 100, a 102-mile Wasatch linkup with ~37,000 feet of vert designed by Jared Campbell. We break down what Millwood actually is (route, not race), why she started at night, when the wheels got wobbly on night two, and how crew and pacers changed the game. Katie talks RUFA, Salt Lake’s inversion (and why you literally run through it), and lessons from the mostly self-supported Plains 100—moon dust, SAR checkpoints, and an asthma scare at mile 100. We get into toughness vs. speed, route finding with cliff-band consequences, French-fry aid, ER-nurse night shifts, trail names (Wildy!), and why the Wasatch keeps calling her back. Check out Millwood 100: https://runuphill.wordpress.com/2017/07/15/millwood-100-official-page/Follow Katie Brown: https://www.instagram.com/kaytebrownChapters00:00 Exploring the Millwood 100 Adventure08:18 The Journey of Preparation and Planning13:56 The Role of Support and Pacers19:54 Mental Resilience and Overcoming Challenges25:56 Reflections on Toughness and Personal Growth31:42 The Joy of Companionship in Racing37:05 Innovative Race Concepts45:53 Running Up for Air: A Unique Initiative50:56 Life Beyond Mormonism: A Personal Journey

After 45 days of hiking, hobbling, and setting a new Appalachian Trail self-supported record, I’m back—barely running, barely sleeping, and somehow still full of opinions. In this episode of the Free Outside Show, I break down the Chicago Marathon broadcast (and the glorious chaos of local news), talk about rebuilding a body that forgot what running is, and share the weird post-FKT side effects—from Christmas toes to an over-eager bladder.I cover what it means to start over, why my calves hate me, and how patience might just be the secret to my next comeback. Plus, a few updates: future FKTs, Javelina Jundrid plans, and why the Janji kit I wore for 2,200 miles is headed for shrine status.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Chicago Marathon05:52 Post-Marathon Reflections and Body Changes11:40 Future Plans and Rebuilding PhaseSubscribe 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