While I’m out chasing a self-supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail, we’re throwing it back to one of the weirdest solo episodes yet.

This one’s all about hallucinations—those sleep-deprived visions that show up when the miles get long and the sleep gets short. I break down my top five all-time hallucinations from FKTs and multi-day races like Nolan’s 14, Cocodona, the Arizona Trail, and the Colorado Trail.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Podcast

02:11 Hallucinations from Sleep Deprivation

07:22 First Hallucination: The Safari Guy

11:59 Second Hallucination: Witches in the Woods

19:32 Third Hallucination: The Robot in the Cliff

23:13 Fourth Hallucination: Black Bears and Stumps

27:17 Conclusion and Future Plans

You’ll meet:

The Safari Man who’s been following me for years

Witches in the forest waiting to sweep me up

A three-story robot stuck in a rock wall

A pirate ship in the desert for some reason

And chicken feet sprouting from the Earth

We also touch on why hallucinations happen, what triggers them, and how I’m turning them into AI-generated images—because if I have to see these things, so do you.

Sponsors:

Janji • Garage Grown Gear • CS Coffee • Mount to Coast

Support the Appalachian Trail FKT attempt + the show: Patreon.com/freeoutside

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

In this soul-spilling solo episode, I get honest from a borrowed cabin (and even more borrowed fishing hat) about why I gave up my home, comforts, and stability to chase a 40+ day goal on the Appalachian Trail. This isn’t just about trying to set an FKT—this is about redefining why we go after anything in life. I break down what it means to pursue something uncertain, unplug from the chaos, and find the rawest form of purpose in a world drowning in notifications, optics, and comparison traps.

From unexpected homelessness to deep reflections on fear, failure, self-worth, and the primal joy of moving through wild places, this episode is a deep dive into what motivates me—and maybe what can motivate you too. No pretense. No performance. Just truth, vulnerability, and a reminder that trying is enough.

Plus: gear talk, sponsor love, and why I might be cramping somewhere on the AT as you listen.

Brought to you by:

Janji. (wearing the AFO Ultra Shorts right now)

Garage Grown Gear

CS Instant Coffee

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

03:14 The Importance of Defining Your Why

06:05 Embracing the Challenge of the Appalachian Trail

08:49 Finding Pride in Personal Goals

12:08 Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Unknown

Support the show: patreon.com/freeoutside

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

In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I replay one of my all-time favorite convos — a sit-down with Tara Dower, who absolutely crushed the supported Appalachian Trail FKT and somehow lived to tell the tale (barely).

Consider supporting The Trevor Project https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT

We talk about everything from post-trail depression to how it feels when your crew spoon-feeds you every meal for 40 days straight. Tara breaks down the power of delegation, what it’s like to lose all decision-making autonomy, and how a dog bite during a panic attack marked the low point of her hiking career (and also maybe the turning point).

She also shares how pacing Kyle Curtin on the Colorado Trail helped her build her own FKT strategy, why her crew was the real MVP, and how she managed to crush Hardrock 100 just weeks before starting her AT attempt.

This isn’t just a recap of a record — it’s an honest look at fear, failure, mental health, and the grind it takes to do something massive. Plus, Tara drops her next FKT plans and talks about the weird joy of vlogging in a blizzard.

If you're curious about how to plan for an FKT this big — or just want to hear two sleep-deprived trail nerds bond over anxiety and peanut butter — you’ll love this one.

Sponsored by:

Janji – Use code FREEOUTSIDE for a discount

Garage Grown Gear – Ultralight dreamland

CS Coffee – My trail coffee of choice

Mount to coast – Big things brewing

Ultraspire - A cool pack is on the way

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tara Dower's Achievements

07:52 The Journey to the Appalachian Trail FKT

13:47 Lessons from Failure: The 2017 Attempt

20:03 The Importance of Crew Dynamics

26:12 Planning for the FKT: The Trail Bible

32:32 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Goals

41:44 The Evolution of FKT Training

49:55 The Role of Social Media in Outdoor Experiences

58:26 Mindset for Tackling Big Challenges

01:03:46 Interview with Tara Dower: FKT on the Appalachian Trail

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 does it take to go after one of the hardest endurance records in the world?

In this episode of The Free Outside Show, I'm breaking down my entire strategy for a self-supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt on the Appalachian Trail—southbound. I’m going after Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy’s record of 45 days and change, but flipping the direction: Maine to Georgia. I explain why I’m starting with the hardest 400 miles, how I’m planning for early setbacks, and why “survive and advance” is my north star.

We get into:

My exact resupply strategy (bonus miles and all)

Psychological tactics for surviving 6+ weeks solo

Lessons from my training camp in the White Mountains

Gear and clothing decisions, including what didn’t make the cut

How I almost drowned in 2016 and why I’m still afraid of rivers

How I’m keeping the pack light, calories high, and mental state stable

This episode is half blueprint, half therapy, and all-in on the Appalachian Trail FKT dream.

Brought to you by:

Janji – Use code "freeoutside" at checkout

Garage Grown Gear – The small brands that crush big adventures

CS Instant Coffee – Because cold mornings don’t wait

Support the journey: patreon.com/freeoutside

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Appalachian Trail Record Attempt

02:52 Navigating the Challenges of the Trail

05:46 Mental Strategies for Endurance

08:59 Resupply Strategies and Nutrition

12:14 Psychological Wins on the Trail

15:06 Training and Preparation Insights

17:51 Gear and Efficiency Considerations

21:03 Final Thoughts and Itinerary Overview

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

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

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

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