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