This one’s a little different—no guests, no live race calls—just me sharing the full story of how I went from a bullied high school runner to a thru-hiker to an ultra runner trying to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

I talk about quitting school to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, building a monster endurance base through FKTs and 8,000-mile slogs, and how I’ve had to completely rewire my brain and body to embrace faster, higher-effort racing. We hit on pacing, fueling, treadmill hiking, crew control issues (yes, I admit it), and why I “Jeff” everything in life.

Plus, I talk about my weird obsession with making my own drink mix, being risk-averse in ultras, and how training for Cocodona (year 5!) is going. There’s a bunch of insight here—especially if you’re a thru-hiker looking at ultras, or an ultra runner wondering what lessons the long trails can teach.

Oh—and we start by breaking some actual running news: Des Linden is coming for the 50-mile world record at Tunnel Hill. So yeah, this episode really has it all.

Support our sponsors Janji.com and GarageGrownGear.com

Stay elite, my friends.

takeaways

Des Linden is making waves in ultra running.

Pacing strategies are crucial for ultra marathons.

Nutrition needs differ between ultra running and thru-hiking.

Sleep and recovery are vital for performance.

Problem-solving is key in unsupported races.

The importance of adapting training for specific events.

The balance between endurance and speed is essential.

Chapters

00:00 Breaking News in Ultra Running

01:11 Jeff's Journey to Ultra Running

06:25 Pacing Strategies for Ultra Races

12:10 Nutrition: Fueling for Performance

20:13 Sleep, Recovery, and Problem Solving Mindset

On this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I sit down with the multi-talented and wildly entertaining Chad Lubinski. Chad is one of the most well-rounded people I’ve ever met—he’s a thru-hiker, ultra runner, backcountry skier, climber, jujitsu practitioner, and full-time content creator. If you’ve been listening for a while, you may recognize him as the guy who once interviewed me—and now he’s back for his third appearance.

Follow Chad on the internet: https://www.instagram.com/chadahooche_/

https://www.youtube.com/ChadLubinski⁩

Also support us by joining our patreon: www.patreon.com/freeoutside

And shopping at our sponsors: garagegrowngear.com and Janji.com

-We kick off the conversation with the unexpected burden of being named Chad in the age of TikTok stereotypes, but quickly dive into topics like:

-Why thru-hikers should give trail running and ultra running a shot

-The underrated magic of fastpacking and why it’s the life hack for outdoor lovers with limited time

-Chad’s story of going from a probation officer to full-time content creator

-What it really takes to build a career around your outdoor passions

-Working with brands, avoiding the red flags, and learning how to say no

-The art of storytelling in adventure documentaries—and why gear isn’t everything

-Why filming your adventures doesn’t ruin the experience (and may actually make it better)

-The best kind of suffering (and how Chad would design the ultimate sufferfest race)

Whether you're curious about building a career in the outdoors, documenting your adventures, or just wondering what it takes to live an unconventional life, this one’s packed with inspiration, hard truths, and plenty of laughs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chad Lubinsky

03:00 The Impact of Names and Identity

05:51 Exploring Thru-Hiking and Ultra Running

09:12 Fast Packing: A New Approach to Hiking

12:01 The Transition from Hiking to Content Creation

14:59 Overcoming Adversity on the John Muir Trail

17:56 Taking the Leap: From Job Security to Content Creation

20:52 Building a Brand and Monetizing Content

23:57 Navigating Brand Partnerships and Content Creation

29:54 Navigating Brand Partnerships

39:04 The Art of Storytelling in Adventure Filmmaking

50:56 Capturing Authentic Experiences

56:57 Creating Unique Adventure Challenges

Keywords: Chad Lubinsky, thru-hiking, ultra running, fast packing, content creation, outdoor adventure, John Muir Trail, brand partnerships, hiking tips, outdoor lifestyle, brand partnerships, storytelling, adventure filmmaking, influencer marketing, content creation, authenticity, YouTube, adventure challenges, outdoor experiences, video production

The Barkley Marathons is an ultra-endurance race that challenges participants both physically and mentally. Originating from a prison break, the race is notorious for its difficulty, secretive entry process, and unique navigation requirements. Only a handful of runners have completed the race, which is designed to push competitors to their limits. The conversation explores the race's history, structure, and the community surrounding it, highlighting the mental toughness required to participate and the inspiration it provides to runners.

Support our sponsors: garagegrowngear.com and janji.com

takeaways

• The Barkley Marathons was inspired by a prison break.
• It took 10 years for the first finisher to complete the race.
• The race is designed to be on the verge of possible.
• Only one person completed a fun run this year.
• The entry process is secretive and unique.
• Runners must navigate without GPS, using only a map and compass.
• Mental toughness is crucial for success in the race.
• The race fosters a strong sense of community among participants.
• The race's difficulty increases as more people finish it.
• The Barkley Marathons inspires runners to push their limits.

Chapters

00:00 The Origins of the Barkley Marathons

02:51 The Challenge and Difficulty of the Race

05:47 The Unique Entry Process and Race Structure

08:50 Navigating the Course: Skills and Strategies

12:09 Mental Toughness and the Experience of Running

15:04 The Community and Culture of the Barkley Marathons

18:11 Inspiration and the Future of the Barkley Marathons

keywords: Barkley Marathons, ultra running, endurance race, Laz Lake, mental toughness, navigation skills, running community, race history, outdoor challenges, extreme sports

I just ran in circles for 12 hours—and somehow, I had a blast. In this episode, I break down my experience at a fixed-time ultra, a 12-hour race on a looped course in Boise. Why did I do it? To test my fueling, sodium, and hydration strategies ahead of Cocodona 250. I dive into the numbers, what worked, what didn’t, and the mental lessons I took away—including how I let the course record change my race plan (oops). I also talk about my pre-race anxiety, dealing with mid-race curveballs, and how a simple gear change solved an unexpected issue. Plus, a ridiculous drive home involving a blizzard and a detour. If you’re into race strategy, mindset, or just love hearing about long, grueling efforts, this one's for you. Stay elite, my friends.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

02:52 Building Confidence Through Racing

05:48 Nutrition Strategy and Preparation

09:12 Race Day Experience and Challenges

11:59 Mental Resilience and Goal Setting

14:50 Lessons Learned and Future Plans

Support the show by supporting our sponsors:

Garagegrowngear.com

janji.com

Takeaways

I needed a confidence builder this year.

Nutrition strategy is crucial for long races.

Gut training is essential for endurance events.

Mental resilience plays a key role in racing.

Always have a plan and stick to it.

Adjusting to race day conditions is important.

Communication with race officials can be challenging.

Learning from each race helps improve future performance.

Support from friends and family is invaluable.

Setting clear goals can enhance performance.

Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com

Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside

Keywords

ultramarathon, nutrition, race strategy, mental resilience, goal setting, endurance running, Cocodona, Jeff Garmire, running tips, training

On this episode of The Free Outside Podcast, I sit down with long-time friend and outdoor entrepreneur Luke Pearsall, the founder of Trail Goods Co, a new freeze-dried camping meal brand. Luke shares his winding path from working on major Hollywood productions like Lost and Entourage, to becoming an adventure guide in South America, and ultimately, to launching his own freeze dried food company.

Check out Trail Goods Co at trailgoods.co!

And on Instagram: instagram.com/trailgoodscompany

We dive into:

The persistence it takes to break into TV and film (including hilarious celeb stories)

What it’s like to guide 8-week tours through South America

How hunting, hiking, and conservation are deeply connected

The realities of starting a food business, from product development to retail

The influencer culture, sponsorship requests, and the right way to pitch a brand

Mine and Luke’s chaotic pandemic-era Instagram show, Tuesdays at 2

With plenty of laughs, insights, and industry secrets, this episode is for anyone who loves adventure, business, and wild career pivots.

Support our sponsors:

Janji.com and GarageGrownGear.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Luke Pearsall and Trail Goods Company

02:54 The Journey of Outdoor Passion and Early Experiences

06:06 Transitioning from TV to Outdoor Guiding

09:11 Life Lessons from the Film Industry

11:50 The Impact of Relationships and Networking

15:01 Guiding Adventures in South America

18:02 The Role of Food in Outdoor Experiences

21:01 Building Trail Goods Company

24:03 Navigating Challenges in Business

27:01 The Importance of Persistence and Connection

32:49 From Layoff to Launch: A Year of Transformation

41:31 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship

52:58 The Art of Freeze-Drying: Quality vs. Cost

01:03:06 Building a Brand in a Crowded Market

01:06:16 The Art of Influencer Marketing

01:09:11 The Role of AI in Influencer Marketing

01:10:07 Creative Meal Options for Outdoor Adventures

01:12:00 Celebrity Encounters and Storytelling

01:14:07 Nostalgia and the Birth of 'Tuesdays at 2'

01:17:03 Personal Style and Identity

Keywords

Luke Pearsall, Trail Goods Company, outdoor adventure, hiking, food, film industry, networking, entrepreneurship, guiding, South America, entrepreneurship, freeze-dried meals, outdoor industry, business launch, networking, persistence, brand building, food industry, scaling, influencer marketing, influencer marketing, AI, outdoor meals, celebrity stories, social media, Tuesdays at 2, personal branding, hiking, food, storytelling

In this episode of the Free Outside Show, I share a series of thrilling and humorous animal encounters from his extensive outdoor adventures. From close calls with moose and grizzly bears to unexpected interactions with goats and mice, I recount my experiences with wildlife while hiking and trail running. I also touches on human interactions in the wild and share rapid-fire stories of various animal encounters, culminating in his recent trail work experience. This episode captures the essence of outdoor adventure and the unpredictability of nature.

Support us by shopping at Janji.com and GarageGrownGear.com

Takeaways

Jeff has had numerous animal encounters while hiking.

Moose can be surprisingly aggressive when startled.

Grizzly bears are intimidating but can be managed with bear spray.

Goats are territorial and can act aggressively over resources.

Mice can invade your space if you're not careful with food storage.

Human interactions in the wild can be unpredictable and alarming.

Animals like coyotes can be intimidating when they surround your camp.

Unexpected wildlife encounters can lead to humorous stories.

Trail work is a rewarding way to give back to the outdoor community.

Every outdoor adventure comes with its own set of challenges and surprises.

Sound Bites

"I had to run from a moose."

"I just got charged by a grizzly."

"Goats are surprisingly territorial."

"I woke up to a mouse in my tent."

"Coyotes circled my tent at night."

"I carried a heavy cable for trail work."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Animal Encounters

02:53 Moose Encounters: A Close Call

06:11 Grizzly Bear Stories: Facing Fear

09:09 Goat Encounters: Unexpected Territoriality

12:00 Mice and Other Small Creatures

14:51 Human Interactions in the Wild

18:08 Rapid Fire Animal Encounters

21:02 Trail Work and Community Engagement

Keywords

animal encounters, hiking stories, outdoor adventures, wildlife experiences, grizzly bears, moose, goats, trail running, nature, Jeff Garmire

In this episode, I break down my complete training approach for the Cocodona 250, one of the toughest ultramarathons out there. I dive into my background in trail running, FKTs, and endurance racing, sharing how I structure my training using a polarized model to maximize performance and longevity. I outline my weekly training schedule, how I manage injuries and recovery, and the nutrition and fueling strategies that keep me going strong in multi-day races. I also discuss the importance of heart rate monitoring and how I train my mindset for the grueling 250-mile challenge. Whether you're training for your first ultra or looking to refine your strategy for an epic endurance race, this episode is packed with insights to help you push your limits on the trail.

Support us by shopping at Janji.com and GarageGrownGear.com and telling them I sent you

Follow

Freeoutside.substack.com

Instagram.com/freeoutsidepodcast

Patreon.com/Freeoutside

Takeaways

Cocodona 250 is a 250-mile race that requires extensive training.

A polarized training model is effective for endurance athletes.

Injury management is crucial for long-distance training.

Nutrition and fueling strategies can significantly impact performance.

Heart rate monitoring helps in understanding training intensity.

Mental strategies are important for overcoming challenges during races.

Specific race preparation includes practicing with gear and nutrition.

Flexibility in training schedules can aid recovery and performance.

Building a strong base is essential for ultramarathon success.

Community support and social running can enhance the training experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

02:49 Training Philosophy and Approach

06:14 Polarized Training Model

09:05 Weekly Training Schedule

11:54 Injury Management and Recovery

15:13 Nutrition and Fueling Strategies

18:05 Heart Rate Monitoring and Training Zones

20:54 Specific Race Preparation

23:49 Mindset and Mental Strategies

26:46 Conclusion and Future Plans

Keywords

Cocodona 250, ultramarathon training, polarized training, nutrition, heart rate monitoring, injury recovery, mental strategies, running schedule, endurance racing, athlete mindset

This episode is pure storytelling chaos. I sat down with Joe "Stringbean" McConaughy, and we covered everything from FKTs gone wrong to ultra running hallucinations and how his dog literally ate his golden ticket. We relive our worst gear failures, talk about what it really takes to push through a 200-miler, and debate whether burping is the key to ultra success (yes, seriously). Joe shares his journey from setting the Pacific Crest Trail record to coaching and racing at the highest level, and we swap war stories about the Arizona Trail, John Muir Trail, and why we both seem to choose the absolute worst conditions for FKTs. If you’re into absurd ultra running tales, bad decisions, and lessons learned the hard way, this one’s for you.

This episode is brought to you by:

https://www.garagegrowngear.com/

https://janji.com/

So tell them I sent you!

Follow Joe online: https://www.instagram.com/thestring.bean/

And my sister's knitting account: https://www.instagram.com/knitted.with.grace/

Takeaways

Joe is not a vegan athlete, despite misconceptions.

He emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded diet.

His first FKT experience was filled with overconfidence.

Trusting technology can lead to unexpected challenges.

Hallucinations can occur during extreme endurance events.

Mental challenges are as significant as physical ones.

The John Muir Trail inspired Joe to pursue FKTs.

Caffeine and sleep management are crucial for performance.

Hallucinations can lead to dangerous situations.

The psychological aspect of running is multifaceted. Survival situations often involve extreme conditions and mental challenges.

Gear failures can significantly impact performance in ultra running.

It's important to invest in reliable gear for long-distance events.

Coaching requires continuous learning and adaptation to athletes' needs.

Sleep strategies are crucial for endurance races, but they vary by individual.

Being selfish in races can enhance performance and personal experience.

Self-supported racing fosters independence and self-reliance.

The journey into coaching can be both rewarding and challenging.

Understanding one's body and its responses is key to successful racing.

The golden ticket symbolizes achievement but comes with its own challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Veganism and Misconceptions

03:05 First FKT Experiences and Overcoming Fears

05:54 Challenges on the Arizona Trail

08:58 The John Muir Trail: Inspiration and Aspirations

11:55 Experiences on Mount Whitney

14:56 Hallucinations and Mental Challenges in Ultra Running

18:10 The Psychological Aspects of Endurance Running

23:49 Survival and Extreme Conditions

25:37 Lessons from Gear Failures

28:32 The Burping Dilemma

31:57 The Journey into Coaching

36:27 Navigating Sleep Strategies

39:30 The Importance of Selfishness in Racing

43:25 Golden Ticket Tales

Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com

Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside

Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF

Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected]

Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside

Website: www.Freeoutside.com

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I’ve spent years hiking, running, and living on public lands. I’ve slept on BLM land when I didn’t have a home, hiked trails maintained by crews that just got laid off, and even worked for the federal government myself. So when I see massive funding cuts to the National Park Service, the BLM, and the U.S. Forest Service, I'm worried what’s at stake—and it’s not just a few overgrown trails.

These cuts mean fewer rangers, fewer fire crews, fewer trail maintenance teams, and fewer resources to keep the places we love open and accessible. Roads to trailheads won’t be graded. Bridges will rot. Outhouses will be locked. When trails go too long without maintenance, they don’t just get rough—they disappear.

And it’s not just the land that’s being affected. The people who dedicate their lives to public service, often choosing passion over a bigger paycheck, are being thrown out of work. Trail crews—many of which give young people a foot in the door to outdoor careers—are being gutted. The people who protect and preserve these spaces are being fired while the richest man in the world brags about playing with a chainsaw.

If you care about trails, outdoor spaces, or even just the ability to drive to a trailhead without destroying your car, now’s the time to pay attention. You don’t have to be an activist, but you should at least know what’s happening to the land that makes trail running, hiking, and adventuring possible. Because if we don’t fight to keep these places funded and protected, we’re going to wake up one day and realize they’re gone.

We are supported by Janji.com and GarageGrownGear.com

Chapters:

00:00 The State of Public Lands and Job Cuts

09:53 Community Engagement and Local Initiatives

20:09 Trail Maintenance and Environmental Impact

25:49 Lighthearted Moments and Listener Questions

I talk with Helen Mino Faulkner, a professional trail runner who recently placed fourth at the Tarwera 100k. We discuss her decision to turn down a golden ticket to Western States 100, her experiences racing in New Zealand, and the challenges of training through winter in Truckee. Helen shares her journey back to running after a hiatus, the importance of excitement in racing, and how living in a seasonal environment contributes to success.

We also explore her path to becoming a professional athlete, the role of yoga, and the differences she has experienced racing in Europe compared to the U.S. In this conversation, Helen Mino Faukner and I discuss various aspects of trail running, including the vibrant community in Europe, the realities of ultra running, and the challenges of nutrition during races. We also explore Helen's aspirations for future races, her experiences with the Tahoe to Yosemite route, and her approach to creating engaging content for her YouTube channel. The conversation highlights the excitement and challenges of the trail running lifestyle, as well as the importance of community support and personal goals.

Follow Helen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenredcloud/

Follow Helen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ @helenminofaukner

Takeaways

Helen turned down the golden ticket after careful consideration.

She enjoys racing in diverse environments, like New Zealand.

Training in winter involves cross-country skiing and lower mileage.

Excitement and positivity are key to her racing mindset

Helen’s journey back to running was inspired by friends and community.

Living in Truckee allows for seasonal variety in training.

She values the community found in both running and yoga

Helen’s path to professional running was unexpected but fulfilling.

Yoga helps her maintain balance and prevent injuries.

Racing in Europe offers a different experience with well-maintained trails. There's a vibrant trail running community in Europe.

Aid stations often lack the variety of food expected.

Ultra running is more about speed than socializing at aid stations.

Planning for long runs requires careful consideration of conditions.

Helen's dream of running from Tahoe to Yosemite remains on her list.

Creating YouTube content involves spontaneity and personal experiences.

The importance of community support in trail running is evident.

Nutrition strategies in ultra running can be quite unique.

Future goals include various challenging trails and races.

Helen enjoys the thrill of competitive races close to home.

Chapters

00:00 Turning Down the Golden Ticket

03:03 Racing in New Zealand

06:00 Training Through Winter

09:14 The Importance of Excitement in Racing

12:09 The Journey Back to Running

14:55 Living in Truckee: The Value of Seasons

17:54 Becoming a Professional Athlete

20:55 The Role of Yoga in Running

23:54 The Differences in Racing in Europe

29:40 Trail Running Community in Europe

31:34 The Reality of Ultra Running

32:52 Aid Stations and Nutrition in Races

34:11 Dreams and Aspirations in Trail Running

37:53 Planning the Tahoe to Yosemite Route

41:56 Future Trail Running Goals and Aspirations

43:40 Creating Engaging YouTube Content

49:39 Upcoming Races and Personal Goals

Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com

Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside