Free Outside

Andy Jones-Wilkins has been part of ultrarunning for more than 30 years. He remembers when races felt like secret societies, runners learned through stories around campfires, trail shoes barely existed and signing up the day before a race was completely normal. In this episode, AJW and I trace the evolution of ultrarunning through four distinct periods: the campfire era, the golden age of running blogs, the sport’s explosion into the mainstream and its current era of professional athletes, coaches, livestreams and full-time media. We talk about Anton Krupicka posting 200-mile weeks before Strava, the influence of Born to Run and Unbreakable, Gunhild Swanson’s iconic Western States finish, the resentment surrounding Dean Karnazes’ rise to fame and the transition from mentors offering advice to athletes hiring professional coaches. AJW also tells the emotional story behind his Cocodona 250 finish. After his friend Rob Martin died unexpectedly, AJW entered the race intending to run the first 125 miles for himself and the second 125 for Rob. During the final miles, he remembered something his father once told him: some things in life are only meant to be done once. We finish with some wonderfully strange ultrarunning history: syrup bottles used as handhelds, sewn-on shorts pockets, gummy bears melted into a hockey puck, Little Debbie fueling and an $800 pair of custom insoles that injured AJW while he was preparing to win Western States. This is a wide-ranging conversation about where ultrarunning came from, how it became a professional sport and what we need to protect as it continues growing.

We protect our money like it’s our most valuable resource, but we’re surprisingly careless with something we can never make more of: time. In this solo episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I’m thinking through impending doom, uncertainty about the future, and why maybe being a little worried about what comes next can actually be useful. We spend so much of life saying “someday”—someday I’ll take the trip, run the race, quit the job, learn the thing, or finally chase the goal. But someday isn’t guaranteed. I also get into something I’ve wrestled with throughout my life in thru-hiking, ultrarunning, and chasing FKTs: when does pursuing your dreams become selfish? There’s a difference between self-interest and selfishness, and I think a lot of it comes down to understanding the cost our goals have on the people around us. I talk about quitting my old career, losing pieces of my old community, traveling through Europe, getting older, building a life with other people, and trying to balance big goals with the relationships and community I want to have. Plus, I read some incredible marriage advice from the Free Outside Hotline, share some outtakes from recording my audiobook, rant about people declaring Ultrarunner and FKT of the Year when it’s only September, and talk about what’s coming next on Free Outside. Maybe the world is uncertain. Maybe that’s not a reason to wait. Your money can come back. Your time can’t.

Cody Taylor returns to the Free Outside Podcast after completing one of the most ambitious unsupported hiking efforts on Vermont’s Long Trail: a complete out-and-back, also known as a Long Trail yo-yo. Cody began near the Canadian border carrying a 51-pound backpack loaded with 16 days of food. He traveled the entire length of the Long Trail to its southern terminus—and then turned around and hiked the whole thing again. With no resupply, Cody covered approximately 550 miles and 135,000 feet of elevation gain in 17 days, 8 hours, and 42 minutes. Having previously pursued an unsupported Fastest Known Time on the Long Trail myself, I know how deceptive this route can be. The mileage only tells a small part of the story. Vermont’s wet rocks, roots, mud, steep climbs, technical descents, and rugged northern mountains make it one of the most relentless long-distance hiking trails in the United States. Cody shares how he planned nearly 4,000 calories per day while keeping his food weight under two pounds a day, why he carried a stove and hot meals, and how running short on food affected his final 30 miles. We also break down his backpacking gear, shelter, sleep system, rain gear, electronics, footwear, and what he would change before attempting another multiweek unsupported adventure. The trip included days of heavy rain, flooded trails, dangerously cold conditions, terrible sleep, and as many as 20 falls per day during the opening section. Cody explains how he recognized the early signs of hypothermia, why he continued moving, and what happened when exhaustion caused him to hallucinate clowns beside the trail. Beyond the gear, nutrition, and Fastest Known Time, this conversation explores the mental side of thru-hiking, fastpacking, ultrarunning, and unsupported endurance challenges. Cody describes how he progressed from experiencing a panic attack during his first major project to feeling calm and grateful on the Long Trail. We discuss training for a 17-day effort, starting conservatively, adapting as the pack becomes lighter, and why it is impossible to prepare perfectly for an adventure of this scale. We also talk about Cody’s relationship with endurance athlete and mentor Ray Zahab, his transition from traditional ultramarathons toward expedition-style projects, and why the experience ultimately matters more than the record. This episode is for anyone interested in the Long Trail, Appalachian Trail, thru-hiking, backpacking, fastpacking, ultrarunning, FKTs, outdoor adventure, endurance training, hiking gear, trail nutrition, and the psychology behind pursuing enormous goals. Follow Cody Taylor Performance and subscribe to the Free Outside Podcast for more conversations about thru-hiking, ultrarunning, Fastest Known Times, endurance, and adventure.

Ben Dhiman is now a UTMB champion, but his path to the top of ultrarunning started long before he considered himself a runner. Ben thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail, navigated the Hayduke Trail, and pushed into increasingly remote adventures through Nepal and the Himalaya. Those experiences gave him clarity and self-reliance, but they also made returning to ordinary life incredibly difficult. In his words, thru-hiking “totally ruined” him. We talk about the addictive pull of long trails, his years working odd jobs to fund the next adventure, sleeping beside the river in Silverton, stumbling into trail running, and eventually deciding that he could become one of the best in the sport. Ben explains how he forced his way into professional ultrarunning through results, how becoming a father changed his relationship with adventure, and why his thru-hiking background helps him survive the moments when an ultramarathon becomes “apocalyptically” difficult. We also get into his holistic approach to training, the connection between problem-solving and performance, and why he replaces most of his winter running with 15–30 hours of skiing each week. Before the conversation, I share what I learned from a 60-mile fastpacking trip in Montana, whether my body and mind are ready for another FKT, and my best advice for pacing a fixed-time race. Support our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Amber Constant is attempting to climb 3.65 million vertical feet in a single year and claim the overall vertical world record. Rave Cave Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Cqam0r2k1OpuD2fTc4XBJ?si=0fc10ab6187348a9 She took the year off and made the project her full-time job: wake up, climb thousands of feet, recover, eat, sleep, and do it again. What began with 8,000-foot days and a weekly rest day eventually evolved into climbing every day, with some individual days reaching as high as 30,000 feet. Amber joins me from her car in Vermont to talk about what a year-long endurance project actually looks like from the inside. We get into the logistics of finding the most efficient mountains, living out of her car, eating up to 10,000 calories a day, recovery, motivation, loneliness, and the grassroots community that has formed around the attempt. She estimates she's doing roughly 80% of the project alone and says the social isolation has become one of its hardest parts. And then there are the things she couldn't plan for: brutal New England winter conditions, deep post-holing, black flies that sent her to urgent care after 167 bites, bears, coyotes, a moose collision, and a house with a bizarre connection to an unsolved murder. But underneath all of the wild stories is a fascinating look at what happens when someone commits an entire year to a single goal—and keeps going long after the honeymoon phase is over. Support our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

My Appalachian Trail record film, Rewritten , is finally out in the world. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of the documentary and share part of the six-hour interview process that helped shape the final film. You’ll hear some of the deeper reflections, uncomfortable moments, absurd jokes, and stories that did not make the final cut. I also talk about a huge moment in the fastest known time world. Nick Fowler has broken the overall Pacific Crest Trail record, making the fastest known time on the PCT self-supported once again. This episode also includes a more difficult update about ultrarunning legend Jeff Browning following his heart attack. Jeff has been an incredibly generous and positive part of the ultrarunning community for decades. I share a clip from one of our previous conversations that captures his energy, perspective, love for his family, and willingness to support everyone in the sport. Finally, I recap running nine “9 to 5Ks” in honor of Dolly Parton and what I learned about her generosity and legacy along the way. Rewritten follows my return to the Appalachian Trail nine years after my original thru-hike to chase the self-supported overall record. You can now watch the full documentary for free on the Free Outside YouTube channel.

For years, there was one goal I wasn't sure I was good enough to accomplish: breaking the self-supported Appalachian Trail record. I planned to try in 2020. It never happened. And for the next five years, the goal sat there. In this episode, I talk about why we're so afraid to say our biggest goals out loud, why I finally decided I would rather fail than never find out, and what happened when I went all-in on the Appalachian Trail in 2025. I also share a preview of Rewritten, the new film about the record and the much longer journey that led back to the AT. Rewritten premieres in Bozeman August 27 and on the Free Outside YouTube channel August 28. If you enjoy the film, share it with someone who has a goal they've been afraid to chase. 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

What does an Appalachian Trail record attempt look like from the perspective of the person watching from home? Check out the substack on eating an entire Costco Pizza: https://freeoutside.substack.com/p/what-a-costco-pizza-taught-me-about? Allison Powell shares the untold story behind Jeff Garmire’s 45-day self-supported Appalachian Trail FKT, including planning resupply stops, managing logistics, decoding sleep-deprived messages, two left shoes, a discarded food box, lost battery banks, panic attacks, and the secret proposal waiting at Springer Mountain. Jeff and Allison also discuss producing Rewritten, their new Appalachian Trail documentary premiering free on YouTube August 28, and why this record deserves more attention. Meanwhile, Jeff attempts a different kind of endurance challenge by eating an entire Costco pizza during the episode. A funny and honest conversation about thru-hiking, ultrarunning, relationships, resilience, Fastest Known Times, and everything that happens behind the scenes of a 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail record. 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Derrick Lytle has spent the year filming some of the best ultrarunners in the world at Western States, Hardrock, Speedgoat, Black Canyon, and beyond. After watching elite athletes train, race, recover, and work with their coaches, what does he think actually separates them from everyone else? We talk about why consistency and race-specific training matter more than expensive supplements and recovery gadgets, what happens inside elite training camps, the dangers of comparing your training on Strava, and why there may be no shortcut to becoming a better runner. Derrick also shares what he has learned while preparing for his first 100-miler at Wasatch, his thoughts on AI replacing human creativity and coaching, and his answers to some of ultrarunning Reddit’s strangest questions. 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Running culture is changing fast. Athletes now share every workout, fans follow races year-round, money and attention are concentrated around a handful of major events, and ultrarunning is being forced to confront doping, peptides and what “clean sport” actually means. Ultrarunner, coach and podcast host Zach Bitter joins Jeff Garmire to discuss whether money is ruining trail running, the rise of athlete content, Josh Kerr calling his shot at the mile world record and why real fandom has finally arrived in ultrarunning. They also explore the growing difficulty of entering Western States and Hardrock, what multi-day runners are doing differently, sleep strategies in backyard ultras, why runners start 100-milers too fast and what modern ultrarunning can learn from the wild history of pedestrianism. Finally, Zach offers a nuanced look at PEDs, BPC-157, therapeutic use exemptions and whether races may eventually need separate competitive and participation categories. He also shares an update on his return to running after a blood clot and the possibility of another 100-mile race. Support our Sponsors: Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Mac, the creator of Halfway Anywhere and the annual PCT Thru-Hiker Survey, joins the show to talk about hiking Corsica’s GR20, how the Pacific Crest Trail has changed, and whether modern thru-hiking has lost some of its mystery. We compare our experiences on the GR20, including huts, snow, intense heat, crowded trails, French hiking culture and the unexpected luxury of buying sandwiches in the mountains. Then we dig into the evolution of the PCT, from paper maps and hitchhiking to FarOut comments, scheduled rides, heavier gear and thru-hikes that now average around $10,000 to $11,000. Mac also shares how Halfway Anywhere became his full-time work, what more than a decade of PCT survey data reveals about backpacking gear, why experienced adventurers have to work harder to find the unknown, and what he is planning next in Japan. Before the interview, I recap running an 18:52 5K in Crocs and explain why the weird goals nobody else understands can sometimes be the most meaningful. Learn more from Mac at Halfway Anywhere: https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/ 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

One year after standing on Katahdin wondering if I even had a chance, I finally sat down to break down exactly how I trained for the Appalachian Trail self-supported FKT. In this episode, I go through the numbers, the workouts, the training camps, and the philosophy that helped me prepare for 45 straight days on the trail. It's less about one magic workout and more about building durability, confidence, and giving yourself a chance. After that, I'm doing something a little different. I'm playing the newest episode of Free Inside, the new podcast Allison and I started together. We talk about strange ultrarunning stories, Rube Waddell, mysterious Oakville Blobs, relay races, the Teton Crest Trail, hallucinations, and plenty of other random things that somehow make sense to us. 🎬 Appalachian Trail Film will premiere on August 27th in Bozeman! ➡️ https://partiful.com/e/FwwSWZwK7q3KoZsS3tFK? Youtube Channel for the August 28th Premiere https://youtube.com/@freeoutside?si=pMVoBdiYC05XsLKj 📖 Training Article / Substack ➡️ http://freeoutside.substack.com/ 🎙️ Free Inside ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/033Pwij3Why0tydLeZPnMz?si=7498b342f9b7450c 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

I met Mike Kratzer at the Zugspitze 100 after organizers turned our 100-mile race into a 100K just hours before the start. Somewhere between sharing a helmet that I never ended up using, surviving the German heat, and talking after the race, I realized Mike had something that draws people in. In this episode we talk about why positivity isn't fake, why you don't need a dramatic life event to make a change, how social media creates pressure that often comes from ourselves, and why the best adventures usually start by simply heading in the right direction instead of finding the perfect path. We also dive into: Why Mike quit drinking without hitting "rock bottom" Building authentic community through running The evolution of trail running media Speed Project stories Why comparison steals joy The psychology of trail conversations Choosing the life you actually want instead of the one people expect Whether you're a runner or not, this conversation is really about permission: permission to change, permission to be yourself, and permission to chase the things that matter to you. 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Every weekend it feels like another record falls. This week we're diving into one of the biggest stretches of performances trail running has seen in years. We break down Max Jolliffe and Carmen Pérez's record-setting runs at Badwater 135, Aurélien Sanchez's Pacific Crest Trail FKT, Josh Kerr's incredible mile world record, and what all of it says about where endurance sports are heading. We also talk about London's move to a two-day marathon, why FKTs continue to grow around the world, the culture surrounding iconic routes like the Bob Graham Round and GR20, and whether supported FKTs are becoming an entirely different discipline. Finally, we tackle the biggest topic in trail running right now: doping. Recent controversies have raised difficult questions about education, race organizers, governing bodies, and what clean competition should look like as the sport continues to grow. A fun conversation that starts with record-breaking performances... and somehow ends with bobbleheads. 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Western States made Canyon Woodward one of the top ultrarunners in America—but that's only part of his story. Before earning a top-10 finish at Western States, Canyon spent years organizing political campaigns in rural communities, helping flip a state senate seat through a 100% positive campaign, and learning how meaningful change happens one conversation at a time. In this episode, we talk about far more than racing. We discuss why community keeps us coming back to the trails, what endurance sports and organizing have in common, growing up in the remote mountain community of Stehekin, dealing with imposter syndrome, finding optimism in difficult times, and why shared experiences matter more than ever. If you've ever wondered whether running can teach us something about life beyond the finish line, this conversation is for you. 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

This week is a little different. We catch up on everything happening in the trail running world, from Greybeard's incredible Appalachian Trail attempt and the latest Pacific Crest Trail FKT chase to Josh Kerr's mile world record, Hardrock discussion, and why America's public lands matter so much. Then we shift gears into something I've wanted to share for a while: my favorite hitchhiking stories from my month in Europe. From tiny Corsican villages and mountain roads to unexpected breakfasts with strangers, language barriers, and rides that could have gone horribly wrong (but thankfully didn't), these are some of the funniest and most memorable moments from the trip. Hope you enjoy this more laid-back episode. 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Sports nutrition has never been more confusing. One day carbs are the enemy. The next day protein is the answer to everything. Every week there's a new supplement, a new study, or another influencer promising the next breakthrough. So how do endurance athletes separate good science from good marketing? This week I'm joined by Kylie Van Horn, sports dietitian and author of *Practical Fueling for Endurance Athletes*, along with Zoe Rome, science communicator and co-host of the *Your Diet Sucks* podcast. We dive into: * Why nutrition advice online is so confusing * Protein, carbs, and whether you're actually eating enough * The truth about creatine, ketones, bicarb, and supplements * How to think about fueling instead of following trends * Weight loss and performance in endurance sports * Plant-based diets for runners * Why optimization can actually make running less enjoyable 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

After wrapping up my month in Europe, I thought the adventure was over. Instead, it ended with a wildfire blocking my route through the Pyrenees, hitchhiking across Spain, a Tour de France road closure, and enough ticks to send me to the doctor with a Lyme disease scare. I start this episode by sharing how the final days of the trip unfolded and what I've been dealing with since getting home. Then I sit down with Hunter Macy, the founder of Rendezvu, to talk about one of the biggest problems in trail running and outdoor sports: figuring out what gear actually works. We discuss authentic gear recommendations, athlete-brand relationships, AI, entrepreneurship, and why the future of outdoor gear may look very different than today's sponsored posts and scattered gear lists. Topics include: My final days hiking in the Pyrenees Wildfires, hitchhiking, and travel chaos The Lyme disease scare after Europe Why gear reviews are so difficult to trust How Rendezvu is connecting athletes, brands, and real gear recommendations Building a startup in the outdoor industry Where trail running gear is headed next 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Welcome to the very first episode of **Free Inside**. This is our new weekly show where we sit down with no guests, no script, and no real agenda—just whatever we've been thinking about, experiencing, or laughing about that week. In our first episode, we introduce ourselves, recap Allison's fixed-time race win and immediate decision to sign up for a 200-miler, talk about why fixed-time races deserve more love, share recent bear encounters and European adventures, answer some very questionable soccer questions, and somehow end up debating what Jeff should wear to our wedding. We're excited to see what this show becomes, and we're glad you're here from the beginning. 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

After hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc and racing the Zugspitz 100K, I flew to Corsica for one final adventure: the GR20, often called the hardest long-distance trail in Europe. I expected another scenic alpine trek. Instead, I found endless scrambling, brutal climbs, snowfields, technical descents, and some of the most rewarding mountain scenery I've ever experienced. Along the way I hitchhiked across Corsica, swam in alpine pools during a European heat wave, got sick halfway through the hike, learned why everyone fears this trail, and discovered that sometimes the biggest challenge isn't the terrain—it's stepping into the unknown. In this episode I share what makes the GR20 so difficult, what surprised me most about Corsica, how I completed the route in 4½ days, and why this month of solo travel has been about much more than backpacking. Topics include: * What makes the GR20 so infamous * Backpacking through Corsica's mountains * Refugios, bivouacs, and trail logistics * Hiking northbound instead of southbound * Technical terrain, snowfields, and massive climbs * Hitchhiking, language barriers, and travel lessons * Why doing uncomfortable things builds confidence If you've ever wondered whether the GR20 deserves its reputation—or you've been looking for your next big adventure—this episode is for you. 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 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure