In this episode of the Free Outside podcast, Jeff Garmire reflects on recent events in the trail running community, including the breaking of the Appalachian Trail record and the controversy surrounding Camille Herron. He discusses the impact of ego in the sport, the importance of competition and community, and shares personal insights on fatigue and goal-setting. The episode also includes listener questions and thoughts on future plans for the podcast.

takeaways

• The podcast has grown significantly, reaching over 500 listens per episode.
• Recent events in trail running highlight the interconnectedness of the community.
• Ego has become a significant factor in trail running, affecting athletes' behavior.
• The controversy surrounding Camille Herron raises questions about integrity in the sport.
• Competition can drive personal growth and improvement in performance.
• It's important to celebrate others' achievements as they raise the bar for everyone.
• Personal experiences of fatigue can impact motivation and goal-setting.
• Listener questions provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by athletes.
• Future plans for the podcast include exploring new routes and races.
• The journey of podcasting has pushed Jeff out of his comfort zone.

Sound Bites

• "The world doesn't really change."
• "Ego is not as big as the community."
• "Doping is one of those things."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Growth

02:46 The Impact of Ego in Trail Running

05:13 The Controversy Surrounding Camille Herron

11:21 The Importance of Competition and Community

16:58 Personal Reflections on Fatigue and Goals

19:12 Listener Questions and Insights

31:47 Future Plans and Closing Thoughts

To inquire about getting coached email: jeff@freeoutside.com

In this episode, Jeff Garmire interviews Jon Schwartz, who shares his experiences of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and his unique yo-yo hike. The conversation delves into Jon's background, his early experiences with trail work, and how he transitioned into the world of thru-hiking. They discuss the challenges faced during the yo-yo hike, including navigating difficult terrains, weather conditions, and personal milestones. Jon reflects on the lessons learned throughout his journey and the importance of setting goals in the hiking community. In this conversation, Jon shares his intense experiences while thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), including the physical and mental challenges he faced, particularly during a near-fatal hypothermia incident. He reflects on the motivation behind his adventures, the impact of COVID-19 on his journey, and the personal growth that comes from pushing one's limits in the wilderness. They emphasize the importance of adventure and the desire to explore remote places, while also discussing the changes in the outdoor landscape due to the pandemic.

Follow Jon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonschwarze/

takeaways

• John's early experiences with trail work shaped his hiking journey.
• The concept of a yo-yo hike involves hiking the trail in both directions.
• Setting realistic goals is crucial for long-distance hiking.
• Navigating challenging terrains requires preparation and adaptability.
• The importance of community and support among hikers is emphasized.
• Weather conditions can significantly impact the hiking experience.
• Physical and mental endurance are key to completing long hikes.
• Learning from others in the hiking community can enhance skills.
• Personal growth often occurs through overcoming obstacles on the trail.
• The journey of hiking is as important as the destination. Pushing through physical challenges can lead to personal growth.
• Hypothermia can be a life-threatening condition for hikers.
• The mental aspect of hiking is as important as the physical.
• Adventure is about exploring remote places that few have seen.
• COVID-19 drastically changed the outdoor experience for hikers.
• Preparation and adaptability are crucial for survival in the wild.
• The joy of hiking comes from both the journey and the destination.
• Motivation can stem from a desire to prove oneself.
• Experiencing nature can provide a sense of fulfillment and wonder.
• Thru-hiking can be a transformative experience that shapes one's perspective.

Sound Bites

• "You are at a point where your brain is telling you these stupid crap."
• "I decided to go to trail skills college."
• "If you guys could do this I could do this."
• "I was like, fuck, like, just get over it."
• "I thought I was gonna die."
• "I just wanted to prove to myself that I was an athlete."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:10 Trail Work and Early Experiences

12:22 The Journey to Thru-Hiking

22:00 The Yo-Yo Adventure Begins

30:13 Challenges and Milestones on the Trail

38:05 Reflections and Lessons Learned

42:26 Navigating Challenges on the Trail

50:17 Surviving Hypothermia: A Close Call

56:30 Reflections on Accomplishment and Motivation

01:02:19 Experiencing the World During COVID-19

01:15:11 Pushing Limits: The Drive for Adventure

In this episode of the Free Outside Show, I discuss the recent achievements in the world of Fastest Known Times (FKTs), particularly highlighting Tara Dower's record on the Appalachian Trail. I reflect on the evolution of FKTs, the importance of community support, and how records are often built upon the efforts of previous athletes. I also share personal updates, including his recent stage race experience and future goals in the realm of endurance sports.

takeaways

• Tara Dower set the fastest time ever on the Appalachian Trail.
• FKTs are built on the achievements of previous athletes.
• Good preparation and support are key to setting records.
• The number of FKTs is increasing, with many routes available.
• Women have set competitive records in endurance sports.
• Records often inspire others to push their limits.
• Community support plays a crucial role in achieving FKTs.
• Personal experiences shape the understanding of trail records.
• The evolution of FKTs reflects the growth of the sport.
• Setting a record creates a new benchmark for others.

Sound Bites

• "Anything is possible with good preparation."
• "All these are on the shoulders of giants."
• "Records will continue to go down."

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Recent FKT Achievements

10:04 Exploring the Evolution of FKTs

15:51 Personal Updates and Future Goals