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

In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I take a deep dive into my experience at the Grand to Grand stage race, a grueling 171-mile journey through some of the most rugged and remote terrain in Arizona and Utah. The race is a self-supported, six-stage event that tests not just your endurance, but your mental toughness and resilience, as you carry all your food and gear on your back for an entire week.

takeaways

• Packing light is crucial for long races.
• Medical clearance is necessary for serious races.
• Food planning can make or break your race.
• Embracing the adventure is key to enjoyment.
• Running with a pack requires practice and strategy.
• Mental resilience is as important as physical strength.
• Connecting with fellow racers enhances the experience.
• Heat management is vital in desert races.
• Post-race celebrations can be unexpectedly extravagant.
• Learning from each race helps improve future performance.

Sound Bites

"I was able to come out with second place."

"It was really brutal. I learned a lot."

"I had to get a medical clearance form."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Grand to Grand Stage Race

02:53 Preparation and Packing for the Race

06:03 The Start of the Adventure

08:55 Day One: The Challenges Begin

11:46 Day Two: Embracing the Experience

14:59 The Long Stage: Pushing Limits

21:07 Mid-Race Reflections and Strategies

24:53 Day Five: The Final Marathon

38:12 The Last Day: Finishing Strong

43:05 Post-Race Celebrations and Reflections

keywords: Grand to Grand, stage race, ultra running, adventure, endurance, preparation, challenges, race recap, outdoor podcast, Jeff Garmire

In this episode, I discuss the importance of knowing when to quit in various aspects of life, including outdoor adventures and personal projects. I share my experiences of quitting the Superior Hiking Trail and Nolan's 14, and how those decisions led to more fulfilling experiences. I emphasize the need to have a strong why and to prioritize enjoyment and personal growth over external achievements. I also highlight the importance of recognizing signs of dehydration and knowing when to quit for one's own well-being.

Takeaways

• Knowing when to quit is important for personal growth and fulfillment.
• Having a strong why and prioritizing enjoyment and personal growth over external achievements is crucial.
• Recognizing signs of dehydration and knowing when to quit for one's own well-being is essential.
• Quitting can lead to new opportunities and more fulfilling experiences.

Sound Bites

• "We don't talk now about quitting."
• "I quit after three days and then I had three more days to explore."
• "There is such an importance in knowing when to quit and when not to."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Knowing When to Quit

03:53 Quitting the Superior Hiking Trail and Exploring

10:42 The Importance of Knowing When to Quit

19:44 Quitting as a Path to New Opportunities

24:43 The Benefits of Quitting

28:04 Success and Failure Defined by Fulfillment

31:53 Learning from Failure

33:48 Quitting for Personal Well-being

Keywords

quitting, outdoor adventures, personal projects, fulfillment, growth, why, enjoyment, success, failure, dehydration

In this episode, I answer questions from my Instagram followers, diving into topics like fast-packing gear, the thrill of ultra running, and the challenges of financing race participation. I share personal stories from my adventures on the trail, talk about my offseason training strategies, and reflect on the fears and challenges I face while hiking. The conversation is packed with humor and insights, making it a great listen for outdoor enthusiasts and aspiring ultra runners.

takeaways

• Fast-packing combines running and backpacking for efficiency.
• Choosing the right gear is crucial for multi-day fast-packing.
• The adventure and unknown aspects of ultra running are appealing.
• Financing races can be managed through sponsorships and creative solutions.
• Offseason training should focus on intensity rather than volume.
• Heat training can be beneficial year-round for endurance athletes.
• Personal fears on the trail often revolve around safety and hydration.
• Humorous and relatable hiking anecdotes can lighten the conversation.
• Community support plays a significant role in endurance sports.
• Chasing goals is more important than worrying about failures.

Sound bites

• "Fast-packing is a cross between running and backpacking."
• "I love the adventure of attempting something new."
• "The world is too big, chase your goals!"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Audience Engagement

02:44 The Adventure of Ultra Running

06:35 Financing Race Participation

11:14 Offseason Training Strategies

14:58 Fears and Challenges on the Trail

19:00 Humorous Hiking Anecdotes

In this conversation, I talk with Allison Powell, my girlfriend and the winner of the Divide 200 about her journey from a casual runner to an ultra marathoner, detailing her experiences with training, racing, and the mental and physical challenges she faced during the Divide 200 race. She discusses the importance of nutrition, the role of support crews, and the lessons learned from her experiences. Allison also reflects on his future plans in ultra running and her interests outside of running, including community building and creative arts.

Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonhpowell/?hl=en

• The Barkley Marathons documentary inspired her ultra running journey.
• Training plans can be both beneficial and overwhelming.
• Mental resilience is crucial during long races.
• Nutrition strategies can make or break a race experience.
• Support from crew and pacers is invaluable.
• Adrenaline can help push through physical pain.
• It's important to adapt training based on personal needs.
• 200-mile races require a different mindset than shorter races.
• Community building enhances the running experience.
• Creative pursuits can coexist with a passion for running.

Sound Bites

• "I just never felt so low in a race."
• "I think the only way to get better at them is to do them."
• "I did not know what that meant."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Early Running Journey

03:08 Transition to Ultra Running

05:54 Training for 200-Mile Races

08:48 The Divide 200 Experience

11:45 Mental Challenges During the Race

14:50 Overcoming Physical Pain and Adversity

18:06 The Role of Support and Crew

20:58 Final Push to the Finish Line

23:53 Reflections on Training and Nutrition

26:51 Future Plans and Advice for Aspiring Ultra Runners

30:04 Personal Interests Beyond Running

In this conversation, I share my preparation for the Grand to Grand stage race, diving into the logistics, nutrition, gear, and mindset needed for such an endurance event. I emphasize the importance of meticulous planning, especially when it comes to managing food intake over the long stages. One of the unique aspects I'm looking forward to is experiencing a phone detox during the race, disconnecting from the constant noise and focusing entirely on the experience.

Reflecting on my past adventures, I realize how much they've shaped my approach to this race. This time, I'm aiming to enjoy the journey itself rather than obsess over results. It's about being present, tackling the challenges as they come, and savoring the excitement of this new adventure.

takeaways

• Preparation is key for endurance events.
• Nutrition planning is crucial for performance.
• Gear selection can impact race experience.
• Mindset matters; focus on enjoyment.
• Phone detox can enhance the adventure.
• Learn from past experiences to improve future performance.
• Caloric intake should match activity level.
• Adaptability is important in race conditions.
• Logistics can make or break a race experience.
• Embrace the journey, not just the outcome.

Sound Bites

• "I'm excited to have six days phone detox."
• "It's okay to smile, have fun."
• "I think this is the last one."

Chapters

00:00 Preparing for the Grand to Grand Stage Race

14:59 Nutrition and Gear Planning for Endurance Racing

21:48 Logistics and Mindset for the Race Adventure