Today on the Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by world record-holding ultra legend and Wisconsin's third-best export (according to me), Zach Bitter. We dive into everything from the logistics of setting a 100-mile world record to the absurdity of explaining our jobs to boomers ("I'm an influencer" = conversation over). Zach explains the appeal of fixed-time races, what he'd do differently in his record run (spoiler: shoes, fuel, and maybe a time machine), and whether doping is as prevalent in ultrarunning as EPO-fueled Reddit threads make it seem.

We also go deep on the evolution of the sport—tech, talent development, brand dynamics, super shoes, sock science, and what the heck the future might look like if Nike and cooling towels keep having a baby. Zach even dishes on why he stepped away from a long-term brand partnership and how he’s finding freedom—and a better shoe rotation—on his own.

Find Zach online:

https://zachbitter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/zachbitter

https://zachbitter.com/hpo

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Zach Bitter and His Achievements

03:04 The Importance of Fixed Time Races

05:57 Zach's World Record Experience

08:51 The Evolution of Ultra Running Technology

12:08 The Challenges of Record Keeping in Ultra Running

15:00 Doping in Ultra Running: A Complex Issue

18:07 The Future of Ultra Running and Accessibility

21:03 The Role of Coaching and Development in Running

23:55 Cultural Shifts in Ultra Running

27:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

38:16 The Future of Talent Development in Ultra Running

41:39 Brand Building and Athlete Sponsorship Dynamics

44:45 The Evolution of Trail Running Sponsorships

47:58 Nike's Strategic Interest in Trail Running

51:16 The Role of Athlete Managers in Brand Partnerships

55:47 Exploring Authenticity in Product Reviews

01:01:11 Innovations in Running Technology and Future 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 [email protected]

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

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In this gear-packed episode of The Free Outside Show, I break down everything I’m bringing to attempt the self-supported Appalachian Trail FKT. From a tarp that bugs will laugh at to a bandana that’s doing its best to tame my untamable hair, I go through every single piece of gear—24 items total—and why each one made the cut. I also test the limits of how many sponsor plugs I can fit into a single monologue (spoiler: a lot). Whether you're into ultralight setups, curious about thru-hiking gear, or just want to hear someone spiral into gear-induced madness, this one’s for you.

Sponsored by: Janji, Garage Grown Gear, and CS Instant Coffee.

PS: While you're listening, I’ll be deep in the woods with lots of pairs of shoes, questionable hygiene, and a billion ticks. So leave a review. It’s the least you can do

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Appalachian Trail Record Attempt

02:50 Essential Gear for the Journey

06:10 Shelter and Sleeping Arrangements

07:51 Clothing Choices and Comfort

10:42 Technology and Safety Gear

13:56 Final Thoughts and Support

19:54 Conclusion and Call to Action

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

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

This episode is what happens when Jeff Garmire hands the mic (sort of) to actor and trail runner Allison Powell. What begins as an Appalachian Trail FKT strategy interview quickly spirals into alien voice impressions, reality TV pitches, peanut M&M disasters, and campaign platforms centered around botulism prevention.

Amid the theater kid chaos and sitcom-level side tangents, Jeff actually does manage to break down his training, gear prep, food strategy (shoutout to fig bars and 1,000-calorie drink sludge), and what he’s mailing to himself across 14 states. There’s also a Billy-on-the-Street-style AT trivia game, a monologue from Little Women, and a deep dive into why salsa should always live in the fridge.

Sponsored by Janji, Garage Grown Gear, CS Coffee, and Mount to coast — because someone’s gotta fund the fig bars and alien accents.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Live From the Bed

00:54 Appalachian Trail Trivia Begins

04:36 Exploring the Appalachian Trail's History

08:24 Fun and Games: Trivia and Personal Stories

12:20 Unicycling Adventures and Challenges

16:03 Music Preferences and Concert Experiences

19:16 Unique Perspectives on Hiking and Endurance

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

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

This one was a long time coming. I finally got to sit down with Joey Campanelli — aka Joey Camps — who’s been quietly putting together one of the wildest, most hardcore FKT resumes in existence. From a 2014 Appalachian Trail junk show with a ski pack and trench foot, to the 2017 self-supported AT finish that just happened to be three days behind Stringbean’s historic run… Joey’s stories are brutal, honest, and somehow hilarious.

Consider supporting my fundraising efforts for the Trevor Project: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT

We dig into:

Why he sucks at running (his words)

Getting into FKTs by way of Ironman, Utah mountains, and ultra-running girlfriends

The infamous "Limp-a-thon" after tearing his quad on the AT

How to do 50-mile days in pain… for weeks

The mindset behind Nolan’s 14 and why he slept in an altitude tent for it

Nutrition strategies involving watch alarms and resupply math in gas stations

What it's like being second-fastest ever on the AT… in the same year someone breaks the record

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & Joey’s FKT Origin Story

03:30 – The AT Junk Show & Learning the Hard Way

06:00 – The Limp-a-thon: Injury, Grit, and Nearly Beating Stringbean

10:30 – Post-FKT Fallout & Mental Recovery

13:00 – Nolan’s 14: Obsession, Altitude Tents, and 41 Hours of Glory

17:00 – Fueling, Mindset, and Why You Go All In

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

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

What do a McDonald’s, a rusted van, and an Appalachian Trail record have in common? Warren Doyle. On this episode of the Free Outside Podcast I am joined by the legend Warren Doyle — educator, endurance icon, and Appalachian Trail philosopher — for an unfiltered, no-bobblehead conversation about FKTs, culture clashes, and the soul of long-distance hiking.

Warren recounts his 1973 AT speed record (before we even called them FKTs), discusses the evolution of trail culture, and shares stories of creeks, canteens, creek showers, and a boot gone rogue. We explore the role of endurance vs. speed, why “tempo” matters more than terrain, and what today’s hikers can learn from the past — if they’re willing to listen.

Consider supporting my fundraising efforts for the Trevor Project: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT

Plus: reflections on Liz “Mercury” Durstine, Tara Dower, Scott Jurek, and the future of the ATC. Oh, and we discuss why “Don’t bring the world with you” might just be the best trail advice you’ll hear this year.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Legends

02:55 Warren Doyle's Journey and Motivation

05:59 Planning and Preparation for the Appalachian Trail

09:00 Challenges Faced on the Trail

12:01 The Emotional Journey and Sense of Purpose

14:56 Endurance vs. Speed: The Philosophy of Hiking

17:55 The Impact of Media and Public Perception

21:08 The Evolution of Endurance Records

23:44 The Future of the Appalachian Trail

26:36 The Role of Community and Support

29:29 Lessons from Liz Durstine Mercury's Journey

32:28 Comparing Northbound and Southbound Hikes

35:31 The Importance of Sleep and Recovery

38:22 Navigating the Trail's Terrain and Challenges

41:21 The Cultural Shift of the Appalachian Trail

44:07 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Hikers

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

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

On this episode of The Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by White Mountains legend and community builder Andrew Drummond to dive deep into the Direttissima—an FKT linking all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks in one unsupported push. Think Nolan’s 14 but with more rocks, more bushwhacks, and significantly more emotional damage.

We cover Andrew’s recent sub-5-day effort, the strategic "feathering" of effort in multi-day sufferfests, and why hiking in the Whites feels like the trail is actively trying to kill you. We also talk about the evolution of FKTs, the importance of local knowledge, and why the Beast Coast terrain is no joke.

Andrew reflects on building a community through Ski the Whites and Run the Whites, putting on grassroots events, and embracing failure as a necessary—and often hilarious—step in the process.

Whether you’re an FKT nerd, an East Coast trail masochist, or just want a glimpse into what makes the White Mountains so special (and spicy), this one’s for you.

Presented by:

🥾 Janji – gear for your weird trail dreams

🥤 CS Coffee – caffeine that slaps

🎒 Garage Grown Gear – the little guys with big ultralight energy

🗺️ Mount to Coast – keeping me alive on this AT FKT attempt

👉 Support the show on Patreon

👉 Donate to the Trevor Project – $10 for every mile of the AT during my record attempt. Because being different deserves support.

Consider donating to support the trevor project as I attempt this record https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Direttissima

02:56 Understanding the Route and Its Challenges

05:55 The Evolution of Speed Records

09:03 Feathering the Route: Strategy and Mindset

12:12 Navigating Physical and Mental Challenges

14:53 The Importance of Community and Local Knowledge

17:56 The Unique Terrain of the White Mountains

20:50 Reflections on Experience and Growth

24:00 The Future of Trail Running in the Northeast

36:15 Embracing the Journey of Outdoor Adventures

39:34 The Allure of the Appalachian Trail

46:18 Navigating Challenges on the Trail

50:32 The Art of Event Planning in the Outdoors

01:01:37 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Failure

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

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

I finally got Allison Powell—producer, ultrarunner, and now bonafide backpacker—on the podcast to talk about her first solo thru-hike: the Wonderland Trail. Spoiler alert: she tried to bring hummus, carrots, and a full picnic on a 90+ mile, three-day solo trip around Mount Rainier. But somehow, despite a heavy pack, trail math struggles, and losing her travel mug to the forest gods, she pulled it off.

Consider supporting my fundraising efforts for the Trevor Project: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT

Follow Allison online: https://www.instagram.com/allisonhpowell/

In this episode, we break down how a seasoned ultrarunner transitions (read: suffers) into backpacking, what she learned about weight, gear, solo hiking, and bear hangs, and how her view of thru-hiking shifted after 14-hour days of nothing but walking, couscous, and waterfalls. This is an honest, hilarious, and pretty relatable first-time thru-hiker story—and maybe even a cautionary tale.

Brought to you by:

👕 Janji – for the gear that won’t get you arrested

⛺ Garage Grown Gear – for the ultralight life

☕ CS Coffee – because walking 30 miles a day is better caffeinated

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Wonderland Trail Adventure

05:32 The Challenges of Backpacking Alone

11:29 Lessons Learned from the Journey

17:11 Navigating the Trail and Overcoming Obstacles

23:15 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

What do wildfires, the Arizona desert, and the Oregon Coast have in common? They’ve all tried—and failed—to stop Katie Gunvalson, aka Raven. In this episode, I catch up with Jeffrey Award winner and self-supported FKT crusher Katie after her overall record on the Oregon Coast Trail, where she took the long way and still came out fastest.

This is the full-circle redemption arc. Katie first came on the podcast after her PCT FKT was stopped by a wildfire on day one. Since then? She’s failed a few more times (we all have—ask Nick), kept showing up, and finally broke through with one of the coolest FKTs around—one that involves tide timing, beach running, and some major resilience.

Consider donating to support the trevor project as I attempt this record https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT

We talk about what it means to chase something hard, to fail publicly, and to come back swinging. Katie shares the real stuff—motivation, self-worth, wanting to compete with the big names at Cocodona (hey Jamil, you listening?), and why this record mattered more than any other.

This episode is brought to you by:

Janji – for clothing that keeps you stylishly off the FKT dole

Garage Grown Gear – for all your weird, ultralight, cottage gear needs

Mount to Coast – shoes for people who want to look fast

CS Coffee – still the only reason I’m coherent today

And a reminder: I’m currently out chasing an Appalachian Trail FKT and raising money for The Trevor Project—because using our niche little sport to support people who feel different can actually make a difference. Link in bio to support. Stay elite, my friends.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Award Banter

03:00 Setting the Oregon Coast Trail FKT

06:01 Navigating Challenges on the Trail

08:58 Resupply Strategies and Nutrition

12:02 Training for the FKT

15:03 Mental Preparation and Overcoming Doubts

17:55 The Final Push and Weather Challenges

20:57 Crossing the Finish Line

23:54 Reflections on Failure and Success

26:49 Community Support in FKTs

29:48 Future Aspirations and Goals

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

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

When you hear this, I will have started the Appalachian Trail Self Supported FKT attempt. Track it here: https://corsa.run/live/freeoutside/

Also, consider donating to the Trevor Project as I try to raise money and make a difference during this record attempt: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT

In this episode, I sit down (virtually) with the Dictator of FKTs, Allison Mercer, for a last-minute chat about how the heck I got here: from failed FedEx deliveries and lost shoes, to spending $500 shipping food across the eastern seaboard, to testing gear and nutrition in the White Mountains while pretending I still had a home address.

We talk about why I chose the AT, why I’m going southbound, why self-supported FKTs are my favorite kind of chaos, and how I’m channeling all my energy into something bigger than myself—raising $10 per mile for The Trevor Project, an organization making a real impact on mental health and LGBTQ+ youth.

We also cover:

Why I eat Costco pizza for performance

My obsession with spreadsheets

Visualizing failure so it doesn’t surprise you

And how rocks in your shoes are the new weighted vest

It’s chaotic, heartfelt, and packed with bad ideas and good intentions. If you want to follow along with my attempt, track me, or donate to the cause, check the show notes or visit my Linktree. And thanks for being part of this wild, weird ride.

Now I guess I better go hike 2,200 miles. Like it’s hard.

– Jeff

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the FKT Journey

00:28 Supporting the Trevor Project

00:39 Preparing for the FKT Challenge

06:19 The Allure of the Appalachian Trail

10:46 Overcoming Hurdles and Challenges

13:21 Mental Resilience and Problem Solving

18:56 Testing Gear and Nutrition

28:40 Fundraising for Mental Health Awareness

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

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

I’m joined by the legend himself—John Kelly—just about a month after his Appalachian Trail FKT attempt. We go deep. Like "0.1 miles felt like a day" kind of deep.

Consider donating to support the trevor project as I attempt this record https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT

John opens up about the logistics, the emotional toll, the storm-soaked first week, and the injury that brought a nearly successful record run to a halt with just 300 miles to go. We get into the mental shifts that come with long efforts, how to manage a massive support team, and how his body literally stopped cooperating.

He talks through mistakes made, lessons learned, and whether he’ll ever go back. He also dishes out advice for anyone attempting a self-supported effort (cough like me in less than a week cough) and reflects on what he learned about the trail—and himself.

This is a raw and real conversation with someone who’s done more miles than most of us have steps. Thanks for listening. Stay elite, my friends.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Appalachian Trail Attempt

02:58 The Journey to the FKT Record

06:06 Adapting to the Trail and Body Changes

08:51 Planning and Support Dynamics

12:07 Challenges Faced on the Trail

15:01 The Role of Support Crew

17:59 Daily Video Updates and Family Involvement

21:06 Emotional Rollercoaster of the Attempt

23:52 Reflections on the Experience

27:04 Advice for Future Hikers

30:07 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside