Free Outside

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

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