I’m joined by Katie “Wildy” Brown—former Arizona Trail self-supported record holder and fresh off the Millwood 100, a 102-mile Wasatch linkup with ~37,000 feet of vert designed by Jared Campbell. We break down what Millwood actually is (route, not race), why she started at night, when the wheels got wobbly on night two, and how crew and pacers changed the game. Katie talks RUFA, Salt Lake’s inversion (and why you literally run through it), and lessons from the mostly self-supported Plains 100—moon dust, SAR checkpoints, and an asthma scare at mile 100. We get into toughness vs. speed, route finding with cliff-band consequences, French-fry aid, ER-nurse night shifts, trail names (Wildy!), and why the Wasatch keeps calling her back.

Check out Millwood 100: https://runuphill.wordpress.com/2017/07/15/millwood-100-official-page/

Follow Katie Brown: https://www.instagram.com/kaytebrown

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Millwood 100 Adventure

08:18 The Journey of Preparation and Planning

13:56 The Role of Support and Pacers

19:54 Mental Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

25:56 Reflections on Toughness and Personal Growth

31:42 The Joy of Companionship in Racing

37:05 Innovative Race Concepts

45:53 Running Up for Air: A Unique Initiative

50:56 Life Beyond Mormonism: A Personal Journey

After 45 days of hiking, hobbling, and setting a new Appalachian Trail self-supported record, I’m back—barely running, barely sleeping, and somehow still full of opinions. In this episode of the Free Outside Show, I break down the Chicago Marathon broadcast (and the glorious chaos of local news), talk about rebuilding a body that forgot what running is, and share the weird post-FKT side effects—from Christmas toes to an over-eager bladder.

I cover what it means to start over, why my calves hate me, and how patience might just be the secret to my next comeback. Plus, a few updates: future FKTs, Javelina Jundrid plans, and why the Janji kit I wore for 2,200 miles is headed for shrine status.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Chicago Marathon

05:52 Post-Marathon Reflections and Body Changes

11:40 Future Plans and Rebuilding Phase

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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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It’s a full plate this week on The Free Outside Show. I’m diving into Terminus Season—that bittersweet time when thru-hikers take the photo, post it, and wonder what’s next. Then we get into Trail TMZ, where a defamation lawsuit is brewing, and I try not to get sued for talking about it.

From there, we climb the philosophical peaks of Richard Feynman, Christopher McCandless, and Killian Jornet, somehow connecting it all back to neuromas, the UTMB money machine, and why you should just do the thing—even if nobody understands it.

There’s science (a running study that might change how you train), there’s gossip (Wikipedia wars are back), and there’s reflection (because post-trail life is weird).

As always—stay mid-America, stay elite, and remember: nothing matters, but also everything does.

support our sponsors:

CSinstant.coffee

janji.com

garagegrowngear.com

Chapters

00:00 Observations on Social Interactions

02:36 Navigating Post-Adventure Challenges

05:44 The Dynamics of Ultra Running Events

08:29 Understanding Terminus Season and Post-Trail Transition

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

Fresh off my self-supported AT record, I sit down with 2013 AT self-supported FKT holder Matt Kirk to talk about the weird gravity of post-trail depression, the long arc of the record from Ward Leonard to Stringbean to Tara, and where the line is with tech, tracking, and “help” on a self-supported effort. We dig into calories gone wrong (why 3,500/day failed), Shenandoah as a quiet crux, trail magic ethics, and why simplicity might be the best rule we have left. Matt shares the origin story of SCAR, naming it, and—plot twist—how he met his wife on the AT. I share some nuts and bolts from my run (18 mail drops, ~12 power banks, and way too much battery anxiety), and we both argue for screen-free campfire vibes and keeping the culture alive while the times keep dropping.

If you’re into FKTs, thru-hiking history, or just need a blueprint for surviving the “now what?” after a big goal, this one’s for you.

Check out Matt Kirk online:

His Blog: https://matthewkirk.blogspot.com/

His Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXrGFci8u_goKfnP8PqkaLA

Donate to the Trevor Project: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/fundraiser/6530749

Chapters

00:00 Post-Hike Transition and Emotional Challenges

02:40 Caloric Miscalculations and Preparation for FKT

05:31 Evolution of FKT Records and Technological Advances

08:21 The Impact of Previous Record Holders

10:48 Guidelines for Self-Supported Hiking

13:28 Documenting the Journey: Technology and Tracking

16:21 The Balance of Simplicity and Validation in Records

19:02 Reflections on the Future of FKT Attempts

27:13 Navigating Resupply Challenges

32:58 Mental Strategies for Endurance

37:13 The Importance of Reflection

41:06 Journey into Ultrarunning and FKTs

51:09 The Cost of Technology in Hiking

54:15 Navigating Technology and Safety on the Trail

56:42 The Impact of Technology on Hiking Culture

01:00:18 The Balance of Trail Magic and Self-Sufficiency

01:05:01 Personal Stories: Meeting on the 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

Ten days off the Appalachian Trail and I’m deep in the post-trail fog—so I’m doing what any reasonable human would: grading my own record attempt. In this episode I hand out a full report card on the AT self-supported FKT—physical execution, sleep, injuries, nutrition (hello 1,000-cal drink mix), logistics (RIP Shenandoah resupply), mental game, weather, terrain, and storytelling—then tally the GPA. I riff on why drone shots aren’t a story, share some Mammoth 200 takes, and explain how two left shoes, a missing electronics bag, and shoe-toe peekaboo somehow still add up to a record. We hit night hiking tactics, the “toughness groove,” and field a few listener questions. Also: a quick bit on why it’s “Appalachia,” not “Appa-lay-sha.”

If this episode resonated, consider donating to The Trevor Project (link below)—they provide life-saving support and resources.

Donate to the Trevor Project: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/fundraiser/6530749

Sponsors that kept me moving: Janji (Snappy Trekker shirt & 5" AFO Ultra shorts), ReadyWise (my breakfast scramble), CS Instant Coffee (trail rocket fuel), and Garage Grown Gear (where cottage dreams live). Subscribe, drop a review, and tell one friend who thinks a “fun run” is 214 miles. Stay mid, America—and stay elite, my friends.

Chapters

00:00 Post-Trail Reflections and Celebrity Shoutouts

02:34 The Popularity of 200-Mile Races

05:45 The Appalachian Trail Experience

08:22 Report Card on the Appalachian Trail FKT

10:57 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance

17:35 Mental and Emotional Resilience During the Hike

23:00 Personal Reflections and Motivation

23:57 Logistics and Gear Choices

25:41 Resupply Challenges and Navigation

28:17 Environmental Adaptation and Terrain Management

30:30 Community Engagement and Storytelling

32:21 Self-Assessment and Future Aspirations

32:48 Audience Questions and Insights

44:41 Closing Thoughts 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

Eight days after setting the Appalachian Trail self-supported FKT, I sit down with my girlfriend, Allison Powell, for the most comprehensive post-mortem yet. We unpack the messy middle: inReach texts that read like hieroglyphics, a resupply box that vanished in Shenandoah, two left shoes (and a toe popping through the right one), a broken pole in New York, rain that no radar would admit, and the late-race sit-and-kick that finally stuck. We talk about the A-T(eam) group thread with John (yes, the Mexico engagement guy), what it’s like supporting a record you’re not allowed to “help” on, the pre-race spreadsheet rabbit hole, asking strangers for walnuts, hallucinating Slenderman, and touching the Springer sign before pizza and sleep. It’s grit, humor, and the playbook for turning “one in a billion” into done. Stay elite, my friends.

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

Support the Trevor Project: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/fundraiser/6530749?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Appalachian Trail Record

02:34 Qualities That Lead to Success

05:14 Challenges Faced on the Trail

08:23 Mental Strategies and Tools for Endurance

11:04 Resupply Challenges and Community Support

13:47 Emotional Highs and Lows During the Journey

16:59 The Role of Support Systems

19:38 Social Media and Public Engagement

22:38 Preparation and Planning for the Record

25:35 The Final Push to the Finish Line

28:31 Reflections on the Experience

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

After 2,200 miles, 45 days, and more duct-taped shoes than I care to admit, I finally set the self-supported Appalachian Trail FKT. In this episode, Allison Mercer and I dive into the full story—why I went back to the AT, how it nearly broke me (again), and what it takes to push through when your body is screaming “stop” but you’ve still got 80 miles to cover.

Consider supporting the Trevor Project: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/fundraiser/6530749?

We talk about the shoe disaster (two left shoes, then two right shoes), sleepless nights, eerie solo miles, and the weird little things that kept me going—like listening to Pirates vs. Marlins baseball games at midnight in the green tunnel. We get into the strategy of easing into the miles, then ratcheting up the effort until there’s nothing left to give.

Buy a hoodie and support the Trevor Project: https://www.bonfire.com/fastest-known-tiger/

This wasn’t just about me or a number on a spreadsheet. Thanks to thousands of people, we raised over $30,000 for The Trevor Project, proving that adventure can be about something much bigger than one person chasing a record.

It’s the whole journey—why I started, how I finished, and what it means when the trail teaches you more than you ever expected.

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and First Impressions

02:50 The Journey of the Appalachian Trail

06:08 Motivation Behind the FKT Attempt

08:54 Preparation and Training for the FKT

11:46 Challenges Faced on the Trail

15:03 Social Interactions and Trail Community

17:51 Mental Strategies for Endurance

21:05 Tracking Progress and Staying Motivated

23:49 The Significance of Self-Supported Records

27:05 Gear and Supplies Management

29:56 Communication and Updates During the FKT

32:50 Fundraising for the Trevor Project

35:43 Recognition of Fellow Hikers

39:01 Conclusion 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

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