On today’s episode of the Free Outside Show, we’re joined by Grant Barnette—a thru-hiker turned Pro ultrarunner who has tackled some of the toughest races in the world. Grant has hiked the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, holds the DC Peaks 50 course record, placed 2nd at Grindstone 100, 5th at Speedgoat 50K, and was the third American at CCC at UTMB. Most recently, he signed a pro contract with Craft.

Follow Grant online: https://www.instagram.com/runwithgrant/

We dive into how he transitioned from carrying a heavy pack on the PCT to discovering Angeles Crest 100 in middle of a thru-hike, his nomadic lifestyle living out of his truck while chasing FKTs, and his journey through ski mountaineering and backcountry adventures in Utah. He shares his take on training with a job, fueling strategies, sponsorships, and the challenges of race selection for the US Trail Team.

Plus, we discuss the controversial selection process for the World Trail Running Championships, how social media and live-streaming influence race prestige, and what it’s like lining up next to Jim Walmsley at UTMB.

Takeaways

Grant Barnett has a rich background in trail running and ultra events.

The transition from through-hiking to competitive running can be inspired by encounters on the trail.

Living in a truck and pursuing a passion for running can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Ski mountaineering offers a unique training method for ultra running.

The importance of mentorship in outdoor sports is highlighted through Grant's relationship with Joey Campanelli.

Media coverage significantly influences race popularity and athlete opportunities.

Qualifying races for championships may not always reflect true mountain running skills.

The culture of ski resorts can mirror the lifestyle of through-hikers.

Nutrition and hydration strategies change drastically in winter sports.

Community support and shared experiences are vital in the outdoor sports world. Wasatch 100 is a historic race but lacks hype.

Experiencing a DNF can be deeply embarrassing.

Bouncing back from a DNF is crucial for growth.

The bond between twin athletes can be unique and supportive.

Modern running science is complex and ever-evolving.

Finding what works for your body is essential in fueling.

Crew support can significantly impact race performance.

The emotional toll of racing can be challenging to navigate.

The evolution of race formats keeps the sport dynamic.

Shoes and gear have advanced significantly in recent years.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Grant Barnett and His Achievements

02:55 The Journey to Trail Running

06:04 Life Changes and New Beginnings in Salt Lake City

09:05 Trail Names and Film Appearances

12:05 Ski Mountaineering and Training Techniques

15:02 World Championship Disappointments and Race Qualifiers

26:09 The Legacy of Wasatch 100

29:11 The Evolution of Golden Ticket Races

32:57 The Emotional Toll of DNF

35:31 Bouncing Back: Success at DC Peaks

37:20 The Unique Bond of Twin Athletes

39:11 Navigating Modern Running Science

44:17 The Importance of Crew Support

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