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

What the Heck Is an FKT? (And Why I'm Living in the Woods for 45 Days)

Live from a very cabin-y cabin in Montana, I bring you an episode for everyone wondering, what even is an Appalachian Trail FKT? I’m joined by the queen of Fastest Known Times herself, Allison Mercer, to break it all down. We cover the wild world of FKTs—from how they started, to the different styles (unsupported, self-supported, supported), what’s allowed, what’s not, and how you can go set your own.

Whether you’re a longtime endurance nerd or just discovering FKTs, this episode sets the stage for my own upcoming Appalachian Trail FKT attempt. We also wrap up with hot takes on the state of ultrarunning, competition, and keeping the sport weird (but fair).

Follow Allison: https://www.instagram.com/onewomandanceparty

Presented by:

Janji (code: freeoutside) https://janji.com/

Garage Grown Gear https://www.garagegrowngear.com/

CS Instant Coffee https://www.csinstant.coffee/

—because Starbucks VIA is banned from this podcast.

Podcast Chapters

00:00 – Cabin Life & AT Kickoff

02:00 – What the Heck Is an FKT?

06:15 – Supported vs. Self-Supported vs. Unsupported

11:10 – The History of FKTs

15:45 – The Role of FastestKnownTime.com

20:00 – How to Plan Your Own FKT

25:40 – Style Integrity and FKT Ethics

31:00 – Popular FKTs & Famous Examples

36:20 – Why FKTs Exploded Post-COVID

41:00 – Jeff’s AT Attempt: Style, Strategy, and Why

47:10 – Live Coverage, Hidden Content, and Patreon Support

52:30 – Opinions on Pacers, Media Gimmicks & Race Culture

58:20 – Final Tips & Trail Wisdom

01:01:00 – Sponsor Shoutouts & Wrap-Up

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

Circle of Hell Run (COHR), Chef Boyardee, and Sweat Salt Wisdom with Bryce Brooks

I’m joined by the undisputed king of dry-heat suffering, Bryce Brooks. He’s now a three-time champion of the infamous Circle of Hell Run—a 3-hour looped sufferfest in Phoenix held during the hottest part of the hottest day of the year. We dig into exactly how to win a heat race with 200 pounds of ice, salt pills by the fistful, and ice bandana swaps that would make an F1 pit crew jealous.

Follow Bryce on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b_ricebrooks

We also dive deep into Bryce’s work behind the scenes at Aravaipa, his thoughts on live-streaming gimmicks vs performance, creative pacer rules, and what's next for the ever-expanding race organization. From blacked-out cars with no AC to ravioli-fueled recoveries, this one is part heat survival guide, part comedy, part ode to the ultrarunning grind. My favorite story is the time met Jamil Coury and Courtney Dauwalter at Cocodona 250!

Buckle up. It's a dry heat, but the content is fire.

Presented by

Janji https://janji.com/

Garage Grown Gear https://www.garagegrowngear.com/

CS Coffee https://www.csinstant.coffee/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Circle of Hell Run

03:07 Winning Strategies and Crew Dynamics

06:04 Race Strategy and Managing Heat

08:59 Nutrition and Hydration in Extreme Conditions

11:54 The Atmosphere and Community of the Race

15:05 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

24:05 Racing and Content Creation Challenges

26:55 Capturing the Highlights of Ultra Races

31:02 The Role of Gimmicks in Racing

35:44 Jamil's Unique Approach to Racing and Content

38:59 Aerovipa's Growth and Event Expansion

42:26 Underrated Events and the Crown King Scramble

44:41 The Rise of Cocodona and Its Popularity

45:20 Cocodona's Rich History and Diverse Biomes

46:20 Evolution of the Live Stream Experience

47:23 First Encounters and Memorable Moments

47:57 The Wild Ride of the First Year

48:44 Hitchhiking Adventures and Unexpected Encounters

51:31 Post-Race Reflections and Decisions

54:54 Transitioning to a New Career Path

57:03 Upcoming Races and Future Plans

58:48 Crew Dynamics and Race Strategies

01:00:39 Debating Pacer Policies in Ultra Races

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

For this Appalachian Trail FKT, I realized I have to become one with the thru-hiker. That means mud baths, tarp life, eating with my hands, and yes—training while also working a remote job from the literal woods. This episode is a stitched-together recap of my second big training camp, where I logged over 300 miles and 80,000 feet of vert in the hardest terrain the AT has to offer.

I kick things off with a midnight arrival in Bangor and a 2.7-mile walk to my hotel (because, of course, there were no Ubers). From there, it’s all rain, roots, bugs, busted toes, and resupply strategy. I test out nearly every piece of gear I plan to use on the FKT—including my hilariously short sleeping bag and a tarp that may or may not survive the Whites. I hike through mud pits, scale ladders, eat questionable trail food, and rediscover the terrifying beauty of the Kennebec River—the same one I swam across back in 2016 like an idiot.

Along the way, I also get an infected toe, limp into urgent care covered in dirt, try not to scare Ivy League joggers with my homeless-looking setup, and wrestle with one of my biggest fears: talking to people in small-town resupply stores.

This camp wasn’t about big miles (although I still hit plenty). It was about dialing in the uncomfortable stuff—nutrition, logistics, clothing, sleep strategy, and reminding myself just how hard this trail really is. I’m equal parts confident and scared for August, which probably means I’m right where I need to be.

Thanks for listening, supporting, and laughing along with the chaos. Stay elite, my friends.

Chapters

00:00 Embarking on the Appalachian Trail Journey

05:44 Training Camp Insights and Challenges

10:27 Navigating the Tough Terrain

14:53 Injury and Recovery

19:26 Gear and Nutrition Strategies

23:09 Final Thoughts and Preparations for the Record Attempt

26:44 EE0FAD58-2502-4A21-A3EF-BD29BCCE281E.MP4

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 solo episode of the Free Outside Show, I dive into something I’ve been thinking about (and living through) for a while—the difference between pro runners and influencers in the trail running world. Who actually drives the sport forward? Who sells the shoes? And where do we go from here?

I break down how pros validate performance and products, while influencers excel at storytelling and getting people off the couch. I explore why brands struggle to invest in athlete content and what we need to do better—like athlete-influencer integration, content allowances in contracts, and actually showing the personalities behind the podiums.

This episode has hot takes, real examples (no brand shade, I swear), and maybe even a solution to the future of sponsorships in outdoor sports. Whether you're a runner, creator, or just someone trying to figure out how to get that elusive gear deal—this one’s for you.

Brought to you by:

Garage Grown Gear, CS Instant Coffee, and Janji.com

Chapters

00:00 Runners vs Influencers: An Introduction

00:49 Defining Pro Runners and Influencers

03:10 The Workload of Pro Runners

05:54 The Role of Influencers in Trail Running

09:06 Finding the Middle Ground

11:57 The Importance of Brand Storytelling

14:52 Investing in Athlete Content Creation

17:45 Building Trust in the Running Community

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 recording this one live from a hotel room in New Hampshire that sounds like a prison cell and smells like ambition. I’m in the middle of my second training camp for the Appalachian Trail FKT, and things are getting real—mud to the thighs, toe infections, and 11,000-foot gain days kind of real.

In this episode, I dive into what a training camp actually looks like when you’re prepping for 40+ days on the trail. I talk through the three pillars I focus on: specificity, recovery, and decision-making. I’ve been testing everything—food, gear, pacing, and even how to manage trail funk when your sleeping bag feels like it was made for a child.

I share the strange culture of the AT, including cigarette-smoking thru-hikers, prideful locals, and the absolute chaos that is the Mahoosuc Notch. I’ve also got some gear insights, like why I sent one pair of shorts home and committed to the other, and how I’m planning to eat the same (awful?) things for over a month straight.

I’m out here juggling coaching, podcasting, and prepping for the biggest effort of my life—with a laptop and microphone in my backpack, no permanent home, and way too many miles to think clearly. It’s all part of the adventure.

Shoutout to Garage Grown Gear, Janji.com (use code freeoutside for a discount of… let’s say somewhere between 0% and 100%), and CS Coffee for supporting this wild journey.

Let me know what your favorite high-calorie trail foods are, and maybe I’ll throw them in my pack. Thanks for listening—and as always, stay elite, my friends.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:07 Training Camp Insights

07:51 Challenges on the Appalachian Trail

12:52 Cultural Observations and Trail Experiences

16:12 Preparing for the Future