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The White Mountains have a special talent for making strong hikers question their life choices, and their mileage math. In this episode, I’m joined by Eli Burakian and Justin Chapman, the brains behind Northeast Trail Adventures, to break down what makes the Northeast so rugged, so beloved, and so different from anywhere else. Sign up for the retreat: https://northeasttrailadventures.com/ We dig into Moosilauke as the first true alpine-style summit for northbound AT hikers, the old-school trail design philosophy (straight up, minimal mercy), and the culture shift where vert matters more than pace. Then we get into the wild story of the Mount Ascutney Vertical Backyard, a last-person-standing race that went a jaw-dropping 90 hours, and somehow turned race directing into an ultra of its own. After that, we talk about something more important than suffering, community. I’m officially joining Northeast Trail Adventures as a leader for their White Mountains running and hiking retreat (June 5 weekend at Hub North), a low-pressure, all-abilities weekend built around moving efficiently in the mountains, learning from experienced leaders, and hanging out like normal humans at night with meals, stories, and whatever game ends friendships. If you want an entry point to the Whites that’s fun, supportive, and not gatekeep-y, this is it. Retreat spots are limited, and Free Outside listeners can use FREE OUTSIDE for $100 off. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Northeast Hiking Experience 06:41 Personal Connections to the White Mountains 11:48 Launching Northeast Trail Adventures 21:45 The Unique Vertical Backyard Race 32:26 Reflections on the Race and Future Plans 34:03 Community Building in the Whites 39:18 Retreat Structure and Activities 55:43 Inspiring Stories and Personal Experiences 01:04:35 Future Events and Opportunities Find Northeasttrailadventures.com on social media https://www.instagram.com/northeasttrailadventures Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Allison Mercer drops a one-month-in “ins and outs of 2026” list that should be printed and taped to every smartphone: ranting to your phone is out, solutions and actual dialogue are in. From the chaos of Burrito League to the hype of the Millrose Games, we bounce between weather-whiplash field reporting, race-culture grievances (selfie sticks, pacers, entitlement), and a very biased Black Canyon 100K preview with picks, storylines, and the important reminder that community is built by showing up, not shouting into the void. Chapters 00:00 2026: A Year of Change and Observations 02:43 Ranting vs. Solutions: A New Approach 05:32 Weather Woes: A Running Perspective 07:23 Running Czar: Changes in the Race World 10:18 Behind the Scenes: Understanding Race Logistics 11:49 Personal Achievements: Racing Stories and Reflections 15:12 Bucket List Dreams: Olympic Aspirations 17:55 Community Engagement: The Burrito League Experience 21:44 Milrose Games: Indoor Track Insights 32:54 Racing Dynamics and Athlete Strategies 38:54 Emerging Talents and Competitive Landscape 43:52 Youth in Sports: Pressure and Performance 45:38 The Impact of Betting on Professional Sports 49:54 Trail Running: Anticipation for Black Canyon 58:00 Golden Ticket Races: Opportunities and Challenges 01:03:48 Women's Race Preview: Anticipation and Insights 01:06:31 Key Athletes to Watch: Molly Seidel and Tara Dower 01:09:37 Emerging Talents: Jade and Shai's Breakout Potential 01:14:11 Race Strategies and Turnarounds: Caitriona Jennings and Others 01:18:54 Marathoners Transitioning to Ultra: Des Linden's Debut 01:23:42 Strava Insights: The New Age of Training Analysis 01:26:42 Final Thoughts: Predictions and Weekend Highlights Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

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. Chapters 00:00 The Origins of the 'Demon' Nickname 05:34 Mental Clarity Through Hiking 08:25 The Impact of Thru-Hiking on Personal Growth 11:38 Transitioning to Trail Running 14:37 The Journey to Becoming a Competitive Runner 17:34 Navigating the World of Sponsorships 20:25 Racing in Europe vs. America 23:23 The Challenge of Proving Oneself 26:16 The Evolution of Thru-Hiking Experiences 30:49 Navigating the Wilderness: From Maps to Experience 33:18 The Call of the Himalayas: Planning the Adventure 35:06 Challenges in the Himalayas: Red Tape and Realities 37:58 Surviving the Elements: A Tale of Perseverance 41:43 The Role of Guides: Navigating Culture and Communication 43:24 Resupply Strategies: Making the Most of Local Resources 45:29 Reflections on Thru-Hiking: Contentment and Progression 49:35 Shifting Focus: From Thru-Hiking to Ultra Running 56:22 The Addictive Nature of Adventure: Community vs. Solitude 56:53 The Community of Thru-Hiking 01:00:28 Mental States in Long-Distance Hiking 01:05:57 The Dynamics of Team vs. Solo Hiking 01:12:37 Coaching and Evolving as an Athlete 01:19:05 Skiing as a Complement to Running 01:20:56 The Journey of Thru-Hiking and Ultra Running 01:21:28 Living Abroad and Competitive Spirit in Sports Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: 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. Chapters 00:00 The Challenge of Communication in a Noisy World 02:58 Words vs. Actions: The Need for Authenticity 06:06 The Importance of Community and Real Impact 08:56 Harnessing Emotions for Positive Change 11:51 The Role of Consistency in Achieving Goals 15:13 Navigating Authority and Accountability 17:43 The Slow Path to Progress and Real Change Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: 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/ Chapters 00:00 The Tragic FKT Award 01:54 The Tahoe Rim Trail Experience 03:50 Travel Adventures and Countries Visited 06:52 Biking vs. Hiking: A Personal Preference 09:52 The European Adventure: From Biking to Hiking 12:44 Challenges and Changes in Travel Plans 15:32 Scary Moments on the Trail 18:29 The Journey of Thru-Hiking 21:51 COVID-19 and the AT Experience 25:45 The PCT and CDT: A New Chapter 29:35 Post-Triple Crown Adventures 31:35 Transitioning to Ultra Running 32:56 The Journey into Ultra Running 35:02 The Draw to Challenging Adventures 37:12 Coping with Post-Trail Depression 39:00 Living the Adventure Lifestyle 42:01 Making Sacrifices for Adventure 45:01 Life Lessons from Thru-Hiking 50:33 Transformative Experiences in Nature 53:38 Wildlife Encounters and Their Impact 57:03 Innovative Ideas for the Future of Adventure 01:02:59 Introduction to Outdoor Adventures 01:03:28 Sponsorships and Support for the Show Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: 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/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dylisms and Impressions 05:04 The Art of Voiceovers and Equipment Setup 07:56 Favorite Impressions and Character Exploration 10:51 Challenges in Impersonation and Method Acting 13:39 Transitioning from Climbing to Running Content 16:47 Community Reception and Content Creation Process 19:55 Humor in Running and Climbing Culture 22:46 Reflections on Storylines in Trail Running 24:43 Trail Running: A Selfish Pursuit 26:56 The Evolution of Running Culture 29:36 Moth Tech and Running Fashion 32:22 Impersonations and Humor in the Sport 36:51 The Seriousness of Ultra Running 40:56 Universal Basic Gel Allowance 41:45 Closing Thoughts and Reflections Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: 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. Chapters 00:00 The Award Dilemma and New Beginnings 08:02 World Cross Country Championships: A Florida Experience 11:03 The Evolution of Cross Country Broadcasting 14:10 The Future of Cross Country in the Olympics 17:00 Trail Running: New Faces and Fresh Perspectives 20:11 The Shift from Road to Trail Running 23:37 The Burrito League Phenomenon 26:26 Molly Seidel's Transition to Ultra Running 29:38 The Importance of Community in Running 32:26 Future Trends in Endurance Sports 36:48 Exciting Developments in Running Events 38:21 Training for the 100K Championship Team 39:59 Planning for Success in Ultra Running 42:05 Exploring Potential in Ultra Running 44:32 The Future of Trail Running Events 48:10 Humanizing Athletes in the Sport 53:11 Innovative Coverage in Trail Running 54:14 The Roach Approach and Its Impact 58:06 Post-Race Coverage and Athlete Reflections Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

At some point, a lot of us stop doing things just because they’re fun. We start asking if it’s productive, if it makes sense, or if it leads somewhere. And if it doesn’t, we quietly stop. In this episode, I talk about why I think that’s a mistake. From running winter laps on Main Street for Burrito League, to racing in Crocs, wearing a tiger hoodie, thru-hiking instead of getting a normal job, and caring way too much about sports teams that don’t know I exist, a lot of the best things in my life would look stupid on paper. And they’re still worth doing. This episode is about choosing play, joy, and curiosity even when it doesn’t make sense to anyone else. Not everything has to be optimized. Not everything has to be impressive. Sometimes the stupid thing is the thing that keeps you showing up. Chapters 00:00 Embracing the Joy of Stupidity 05:21 The Pressure of Optimization 10:54 Community and Competition in Fun 15:44 The Value of Doing Dumb Things 16:10 The Importance of Playfulness in Endurance Sports 18:06 Finding Joy in the Journey 20:53 Embracing the 'Dumb' Things in Life Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure #DoTheStupidThing #FreeOutside #Ultrarunning #TrailRunning #BurritoLeague

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. Chapters 00:00 Racing Resumes: Exciting Events Ahead 05:30 The Thrill of Cross Country Championships 08:38 Understanding Cross Country Scoring and Team Dynamics 10:46 The Burrito League: A Unique Running Challenge 13:42 The Influence of Social Media on Running Culture 16:43 The Bias in Trail Running Media and Awards 19:49 The Importance of FKTs in the Running Community 22:40 The East vs. West Coast Debate in Trail Running 25:48 The Shift in Sponsorships and Influencer Culture 28:43 The Future of Trail Running Events and Coverage 31:44 World Championships and the Impact of Air Quality 35:34 Looking Ahead: Goals for 2026 Support our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Sawyer Products: https://sawyerdirect.net/collections/stay-put-sunblock #RunningMedia #trailrunning #ultrarunning #runningpodcast #WorldCrossCountry #crosscountryrunning #BurritoLeague #fkt #runningcommunity #sportsmedia Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: 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/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Endurance Sports 02:58 Understanding Motivation and Its Limits 12:01 The Role of Endurance Sports in Self-Discovery 18:43 Finding Meaning Beyond Goals 26:12 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Future Directions Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: 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: Sawyer Janji Garage Grown Gear CS Coffee ReadyWise Mount to coast As always, we can all be our own version of elite. Stay elite, my friends. Support our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: 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 & Nominees Most Obvious New Race Director Joe Corcione Tim Tollefson Dylan Bowman (added a 100K, Big Alta) Carl Laniak (took over Barkley Marathons) Finn Melanson (Antelope Island Buffalo Run) We Should Be Your Publicist Award Grand Slam Track Candice Burt 2025 IAU 50K World Championships (canceled two weeks out) Black Canyon 100K (cheating scandal) Most Tragic FKT Becca Bergstrom – multiple PCT attempts, quick failures John Kelly – quit the AT a few hundred miles from the end Kristian Morgan – approximately his 128th AT attempt Eric Hallsten – quit Washington after averaging ~70 MPD Krista Hallsten – fastest supported double TRT, not recognized, therefore “doesn’t count” Walker of the Year A.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 Award Kilian Jornet uses unlimited resources for an unmatchable FKT François D’Haene loses an FKT (Nolan’s 14 to David Hedges) Ryan Montgomery finally earns a Golden Ticket after global race hopping Salt Lake City gets a Western States winner Fastest Camera Operator Jacob Banta Drew Darby Derrick Lyttle Jeff Pelletier Matt Shapiro Forgot It Happened Award Seth Ruhling course record at Black Canyon Chipotle Showdown David Roche ran Western States (kind of) Unbreakable movie attempt Gorge 100K Worlds qualifier Courtney Dauwalter DNF at Cocodona Double Track vs Singletrack Award Double Track Singletrack Who Is That Award Will Murray Sarah Perry (395 miles) Caitriona Jennings (Tunnel Hill, 100-mile world record) Most Destroyed Trail Any trail an e-bike touches Arizona Trail Owner of Zona (King of Arizona) Candice Burt – Arizona Monster Jamil Coury – Aravaipa Abby Hall – Western States Jim Walmsley Sadie Curry – AZT FKT Courtney Dauwalter vs Jim Walmsley Award East Coaster of the Year Dan Green (Cocodona) Canyon Woodward (Golden Ticket) David Sinclair Tori Constantine (“Chewy”, Long Trail FKT) Xander Keiter Andrew Drummond (White Mountain Direttissima) Weird Moment of the Year David Roche giving up his Golden Ticket Candice Burt doxxing someone on livestream Kilian Jornet crowd sourcing his next FKT Most Air Time Award Chris Warden Leah Yingling A.J. Waller Corrine Malcolm Joe Corcione Hypocritical Hero Award Michelino Sunseri pardoned Ruth Chepngetich doping ban one year after world record Hayden Hawks Ultra Runner of the Year Award Caleb Olson Hans Troyer Jeff Mogavero Tara Dower Katie Schide Abby Hall Megan Eckert (six-day world record, 603 miles) Bezos Most Expensive Breakup Award Katie Schide leaving TNF Jeff Browning leaving Altra Trend of the Year Icy kiddie pools Lying about Zone 2 pace Moving across the country Livestream everything Running a marathon again Influencer of the Year David Poach Nick Bare David Goggins Cam Hanes Jeff Pelletier Mike Wardian Max Jolliffe Most Pointless Miles Jamil Coury Kevin Russ Matt Johnson Andy Glaze Derrick Lytle Award Jeff of the Year (Audience Nominated) Jeff Mogavero Jeff Galloway Jeff Garmire Katie Schide Support our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage 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/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab Chapters 00:00 The Jeff Identity Crisis 06:19 Winter Training in Mountain Towns 09:18 Exploring the Mahusik Range 12:37 The Legacy of Chris Getz 15:27 Navigating the Mahusik Notch 18:29 Style and FKT Philosophy 22:00 The Challenge of Self-Supported FKTs 24:56 Planning and Uncertainty in Adventure 27:57 The Evolution of Trail Running Style 42:22 Exploring Style in Trail Running 44:16 The Debate on Supported vs. Unsupported 47:43 The Evolution of Trail Running 50:54 Killian Jornet: The Pinnacle of Trail Running 54:43 Authenticity in Trail Running 58:30 The Role of Creativity in Trail Running 01:03:31 Life Lessons from Working in the Huts Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: 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. Chapters 00:00 The Jeff Quiz Show Begins 04:52 Jeff Eklund's Journey into Running 07:49 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Motivation 10:50 The Impact of Family on Running 13:45 Rediscovering the Love for Running 16:42 Transitioning to Life in an Airstream 19:28 Selling Everything and Embracing Minimalism 22:23 Exploring the Open Road and Human Connection 24:56 Theodore Roosevelt: A Personal Connection 26:29 Meeting the Impersonator: A Unique Encounter 28:47 The Legacy of Theodore Roosevelt 30:23 The Teddy Bear Origin Story 31:40 The Strenuous Life Philosophy 33:40 Fred Harvey and the Railroad Era 37:24 The Harvey Girls: Pioneers of the West 39:07 Underrated States: Personal Reflections 41:34 Hidden Gems in the Midwest 45:20 Exploring Unique Destinations 48:13 The Art of Selling 50:29 Reflections on Youth and Education 55:10 Customer Service and Personal Connections 01:00:18 Celebrating Ordinary Heroes Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside Website: www.Freeoutside.com Instagram: thefreeoutside facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside