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