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
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I 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 Coffee
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:48 Cocodona 250: Growth and Popularity
08:38 Memorable Races and Personal Bests
11:51 The Mental and Physical Toll of Long Distances
14:44 Self-Supported vs. Supported Racing
17:48 The Shift in Running Focus: Adventure vs. Competition
20:55 The Importance of Storytelling in Running
23:51 Training Insights: Speedwork and Nutrition
28:29 Preparing for Race Day: The Importance of Training Camps
30:00 Evolution of Gear: Trends from the Early 2000s
33:09 Nutrition and Hydration: Lessons from the Past
35:46 The Social Aspect of Ultra Running: Mentorship and Community
39:43 From Hobby to Career: The Journey of an Ultra Runner
42:36 Race Directing: The Challenges and Rewards
45:42 Wildlife Encounters: Stories from the Trail
55:18 Balancing Family Life and Ultra Running
56:10 Balancing Work and Family Life
59:00 Creating Quality Family Time
01:02:58 Navigating Technology and Family Connections
01:03:50 The Story Behind the Earrings
01:10:13 Future Plans and Upcoming Races
01:18:39 Introduction and Community Connection
01:22:40 The Importance of Supportive Relationships
01:26:49 Fostering a Positive Community
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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/FiW9ZKNpiXoWb8MJ8
Follow 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.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Aspirations and Realizations
05:22 Navigating Relationships: Conversations with Loved Ones
08:25 Symbolic Connections: The Robin Rock
11:25 The Learning Curve: First Experiences on the Trail
14:13 Dreams and Goals: The Call of the AT
17:28 Life Changes: Quitting the Job for Adventure
20:21 Challenges of Thru-Hiking: The Reality vs. Expectations
23:29 Building Confidence: Finding Your Own Path
26:17 Nutrition on the Trail: The Food Dilemma
29:21 The Importance of Gut Health: Eating Fresh on the Trail
30:53 Trail Nutrition: Creative Food Choices
34:24 Adversity on the Trail: Overcoming Challenges
39:13 Building Connections: The Social Aspect of Hiking
45:32 Moments of Transformation: Personal Growth on the Trail
58:41 The Challenge of Water Scarcity
01:01:15 Emotional Reflections on Completing the Trail
01:03:27 Slowing Down to Savor the Experience
01:06:21 The Emotional Climax at Katahdin
01:12:18 Trail Towns and Memorable Meals
01:15:27 Lessons Learned and Future Adventures
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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/
Chapters
00:00 The Manitou Incline Challenge
05:10 Mental Resilience Through Hiking
07:41 The Impact of Combat on Mental Health
10:07 Nature as a Healing Tool
13:01 The Role of Community in Recovery
15:36 Fundraising for Warrior Expeditions
17:58 Accidental Discoveries in Nature
20:35 Transitioning from Rucking to Hiking
23:15 The Importance of Mindset in Outdoor Challenges
25:23 Unexpected Changes in Combat Situations
28:01 Daily Life and the Incline Challenge
30:31 Supporting Veterans Through Outdoor Activities
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Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com
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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.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Badwater 135
07:11 The Challenge of Crewing at Badwater
09:57 Logistics and Rules of the Race
13:00 The Unique Terrain and Conditions
16:14 Heat Management Strategies
19:06 Hydration and Sodium Management
22:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections on the Experience
26:45 Testing Limits: Fluid and Electrolyte Management
28:49 Data Collection in Extreme Conditions
31:06 Balancing Filmmaking and Performance
33:41 Lessons from Badwater: Setting Realistic Goals
35:52 Transitioning to Mammoth: New Challenges Ahead
37:06 Experiencing Coca-Dona: A Unique Race
38:26 Mammoth's Inaugural Year: A Mixed Bag
43:45 Resetting Goals: From Badwater to Mammoth
48:01 The Unique Culture of Ultra Running
50:04 The Rise of 200-Mile Races
53:03 Storytelling in Ultra Running
53:39 The Editing Process of Race Films
56:50 Behind the Scenes of Filming Races
01:03:00 Gear Recommendations and Future Plans
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The 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/dengaterade
Show supported by Janji.com, Garagegrowngear.com, and CSinstant.coffee
Chapters
04:00 Introduction to Dengatorade and Running Background
06:54 Role at Runner's World and Product Testing
09:38 The Art of Product Reviews
12:26 Navigating AI in the Running Community
15:08 Revenue Streams and Content Creation at Runner's World
17:50 Understanding Runner's Needs and Popular Topics
20:43 Shoe Testing and Personal Experiences
23:25 Finding the Right Shoe for You
25:59 The Evolution of Running Gear and Nutrition
28:59 Excitement in Running and Gear Unboxing
31:42 Jeff's Unique Journey to the NBA
37:16 The Journey of a Sports Journalist
40:06 Impact of COVID-19 on Running Community
43:33 The Growth of Trail and Ultra Running
48:20 Trends in the Running Industry
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During 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.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jeff Mogavero
07:30 Racing Highlights and Personal Achievements
10:25 Journey to Becoming a Pro Runner
13:22 Living the Life of a Runner
16:24 Hitchhiking Adventures and Human Connections
19:25 Barefoot Jeff and Life Experiences
22:12 Heat Training Protocols and Strategies
28:20 Cooling Strategies for Racing
34:23 Philosophy on Training and Performance
41:35 The Importance of Training and Recovery
44:24 Taylor Swift: The Soundtrack to Training
52:21 The Role of a Good Coach
56:22 Trail Names and Their Stories
01:01:22 Dramatic Finishes and Personal Reflections
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Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com
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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.com
This episode is brought to you by Janji, Garage Grown Gear, and CS Coffee.
Chapters
00:00 The Olympic Journey: Triumphs and Challenges
03:41 From Athlete to Entrepreneur: The Birth of a Running Store
07:07 Navigating Life After Competition: Finding New Goals
10:57 Training Insights: The Evolution of Running Techniques
14:14 The Impact of Steve Prefontaine on Professional Running
26:30 Reflections on Running Culture and Trends
32:19 The Legacy of Pre and Athlete Rights
35:41 Building a Running Community
40:04 The Birth of the Galloway Method
48:49 RunWalkRun: A Game Changer
54:41 Mental Strategies for Endurance
57:20 The Eight Decade Challenge
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Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com
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Website: www.Freeoutside.com
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Get yourself a Crotch Pot: https://snp.link/cd93a18d
In 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.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Month of Jeff
01:54 The Crotch Pot: A Unique Hiking Gadget
04:42 Capsaicin and Its Impact on Athletic Performance
09:27 Rethinking the 10% Rule in Running
11:46 The Importance of Disconnecting from Technology
14:03 Thanksgiving Reflections and Family Gatherings
15:29 Concerns About AI and Creativity
17:20 Fashion vs. Style: Perception and Personality
20:39 The Evolving Landscape of Sports and Sponsorships
Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com
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Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF
Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com
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
XO Toes Toe Socks by XO Skin
LINK: https://snp.link/91093634
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Apex Synthetic Quilt
LINK: https://snp.link/dd815a33
Light AF Packs
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Naked Running Belt
LINK: https://nakedsportsinnovations.com/products/naked%C2%AE-running-band
Raid LF 2 Belt
LINK: https://snp.link/32e52894
Ultraspire Lumen 800 Solstice (Headlamp + Waist Light)
LINK: https://snp.link/bd7aaac2
ReadyWise Breakfast Skillet (Jeff Garmire Meal)
LINK: https://www.walmart.com/ip/PM-BREAKFAST-SKILLET/15209400162?classType=REGULAR&from=/search
Trail Goods Co. Stir Fry Noodle
LINK: https://snp.link/ec3d0444
Gossamer Gear LT5 Poles
LINK: https://snp.link/d415be06
Sawyer Stay-Put Sunscreen
LINK: https://amzn.to/4pswF0m
Sawyer Permethrin
LINK: https://rei.pxf.io/xL4ZYd
Janji Vortex Gloves
LINK: https://snp.link/b5b62b40
This 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.com
Code: FREEOUTSIDE
Garage Grown Gear (Sponsor)
https://garagegrowngear.com
CS Instant Coffee (Sponsor)
https://csinstant.coffee
This 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.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 jeff@freeoutside.com
Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside
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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.com
Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com
Chapters
00:00 Thanksgiving Intro
02:15 Historically Illiterate
03:50 Turkey Trot Travelers
04:35 Did Drones Kill Blimps
06:10 Supported vs Self-Supported
08:30 What Is the Great Western Loop
10:45 Planning the Unknown
13:55 Prescribed Burn Detour
15:45 Cowbells and Solitude
16:55 Yak, Montana and the Bacon Incident
18:25 Snow on the CDT
19:20 Grand Enchantment Navigation
20:40 First View of the Grand Canyon
22:15 Nolan’s 14 Detour
24:10 Thanksgiving Van Build Camp
25:40 Finishing the Loop
26:50 Full Circle Reflection
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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!
Chapters
00:00 Intro
04:00 JFK 50 recap
10:00 NCAA cross country and NIL fallout
18:00 Course cutting and race depth
23:00 Montana updates and food drive
27:00 The metabolic ceiling study
38:00 Sponsors and closing
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Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com
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Website: www.Freeoutside.com
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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.
Chapters
00:00 Finding Purpose in Nature
05:10 The Impact of Community and Kindness
10:41 Mental Health and the Outdoors
17:57 Celebrating Women's Achievements in Ultra Running
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Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF
Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com
Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside
Website: www.Freeoutside.com
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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.
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Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF
Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com
Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside
Website: www.Freeoutside.com
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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 show
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— the best place for small outdoor brands and gear that lasts
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—Actual Premium instant coffee
Chapters
00:00 – Opening
03:00 – Substack Reading
06:30 – Post-Trail Depression
09:00 – Appalachian Trail
13:30 – Coming Home
16:00 – Integration
18:00 – Closing
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Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF
Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com
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Website: www.Freeoutside.com
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facebook: 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.
Chapters
00:00 Intro & catching up
05:30 All-in since Black Canyon
08:30 Why get a coach (CTS/John)
11:00 Race plan: steady, no surges
13:30 Lap themes & mindset
15:30 Pack choice & hydration (7 bottles/lap)
18:00 Mantras in training
20:30 Crew: “Do simple better”
23:00 AFib, ankle, giardia detour
26:00 Rebuilding with cycling & hiking
29:00 Western States lessons
32:00 Future goals & balance
34:00 Shoes talk (Catamount, super shoes?)
36:00 Stage-race / team ideas
38:00 Wrap & outro
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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.
Chapters
00:00 The Montana Cup and Cross Country Racing
02:41 Post-Appalachian Trail Recovery and Training
05:55 Halloween Race Experience and Costumes
11:25 Pacing a Runner and Celebrating Success
14:07 Life Hacks and Upcoming Events
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Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF
Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com
Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside
Website: www.Freeoutside.com
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facebook: 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.
Chapters
00:00 Recap of Javelina Jundrid Highlights
02:50 Course Records and Performance Analysis
05:59 The Rise of Will Murray
08:52 Canyon's Impressive Finish and Team Dynamics
11:56 The Impact of Weather and Race Strategy
15:04 Tara's Record-Breaking Performance
17:54 Doping Controversies in Running
20:53 Molly Seidel's Transition to Trail Running
23:55 Looking Ahead: Future Races and Trends
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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 jeff@freeoutside.com
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Website: www.Freeoutside.com
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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.
Chapters
00:00 From Camping to Ultra Running: Luke's Journey
02:29 The Intersection of Technology and Outdoor Adventures
05:13 Corsa: Enhancing the Spectator Experience
08:05 Creating Community Through Technology
10:37 The Future of Ultra Running and Technology
13:21 Strava's Challenges and the Shift in Platforms
20:29 The Power of Sharing Experiences
25:25 Technology and Community in Thru-Hiking
30:43 Personal Transformation Through Hiking
36:07 Comparing Thru-Hiking and Ultra-Running
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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 jeff@freeoutside.com
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Website: www.Freeoutside.com
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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.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Post-Trail Uncertainty
02:58 Emotional Processing on the Trail
05:51 The Importance of Internal Validation
09:09 Carrying Forward Emotional Lessons
12:02 Finding Direction Amidst Chaos
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 jeff@freeoutside.com
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