Free Outside

Jeff Garmire

Welcome to "Free Outside," the ultimate podcast for outdoor enthusiasts! Join me, Jeff Garmire, as I blur the lines between trail running, Fastest Known Times (FKTs), thru-hiking, backpacking, and all endurance. With 20 FKTs under my belt, a book, a movie, and plenty of unconventional experiences, I'm here to share my adventures and insights. Expect engaging interviews and fun interactions with guests who excel in various ways. Whether we're discussing the art of slowly running through forests, the thrill of a challenging hike, or simply an appreciator of beauty and comedy, here we are.

  1. -1 J

    Sub-4 Miler to Black Canyon 100K: The Zach Perrin Story

    Zach Perrin has run 3:59 for the mile, then promptly got humbled by his first trail race in road shoes and swore he would never do it again. Now he is all-in on ultras, dialing sweat rate and sodium, and lining up at Black Canyon with a golden ticket on the mind. We talk sub-4 race strategy, the “panic point” in the mile, ego-check moments on the trails, and what it actually takes to run well for seven to eight hours. Follow Zach online: https://www.instagram.com/zach_perrin/ Chapters 02:00 What a Sub-4 Mile Actually Feels Like 05:00 The Mile’s Panic Point vs Ultra Pain 08:00 From Montana to CU and Early Running Roots 12:00 Leaving Track and Finding the Trails 16:00 Getting Humbled in His First Trail Race 20:00 Letting Go of Pace Ego and Learning Effort 26:00 Fueling, Sweat Rate, and Fixing 100K Mistakes 33:00 Adam Peterman, CU, and Training With the Best 40:00 Black Canyon 100K Strategy and Golden Ticket Goals 52:00 Staying Calm, Mental Approach, and What’s Next Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab 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 jeff@freeoutside.com 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

    59 min
  2. -3 J

    White Mountains Stories and a Retreat Invite

    The White Mountains have a special talent for making strong hikers question their life choices, and their mileage math. In this episode, I’m joined by Eli Burakian and Justin Chapman, the brains behind Northeast Trail Adventures, to break down what makes the Northeast so rugged, so beloved, and so different from anywhere else. Sign up for the retreat: https://northeasttrailadventures.com/ We dig into Moosilauke as the first true alpine-style summit for northbound AT hikers, the old-school trail design philosophy (straight up, minimal mercy), and the culture shift where vert matters more than pace. Then we get into the wild story of the Mount Ascutney Vertical Backyard, a last-person-standing race that went a jaw-dropping 90 hours, and somehow turned race directing into an ultra of its own. After that, we talk about something more important than suffering, community. I’m officially joining Northeast Trail Adventures as a leader for their White Mountains running and hiking retreat (June 5 weekend at Hub North), a low-pressure, all-abilities weekend built around moving efficiently in the mountains, learning from experienced leaders, and hanging out like normal humans at night with meals, stories, and whatever game ends friendships. If you want an entry point to the Whites that’s fun, supportive, and not gatekeep-y, this is it. Retreat spots are limited, and Free Outside listeners can use FREE OUTSIDE for $100 off. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Northeast Hiking Experience 06:41 Personal Connections to the White Mountains 11:48 Launching Northeast Trail Adventures 21:45 The Unique Vertical Backyard Race 32:26 Reflections on the Race and Future Plans 34:03 Community Building in the Whites 39:18 Retreat Structure and Activities 55:43 Inspiring Stories and Personal Experiences 01:04:35 Future Events and Opportunities Find Northeasttrailadventures.com on social media https://www.instagram.com/northeasttrailadventures Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab 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 jeff@freeoutside.com 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

    1 h 14 min
  3. 2 FÉVR.

    Black Canyon 100k Preview: Burritos, Banked Tracks, and Golden Tickets

    Allison Mercer drops a one-month-in “ins and outs of 2026” list that should be printed and taped to every smartphone: ranting to your phone is out, solutions and actual dialogue are in. From the chaos of Burrito League to the hype of the Millrose Games, we bounce between weather-whiplash field reporting, race-culture grievances (selfie sticks, pacers, entitlement), and a very biased Black Canyon 100K preview with picks, storylines, and the important reminder that community is built by showing up, not shouting into the void. Chapters 00:00 2026: A Year of Change and Observations 02:43 Ranting vs. Solutions: A New Approach 05:32 Weather Woes: A Running Perspective 07:23 Running Czar: Changes in the Race World 10:18 Behind the Scenes: Understanding Race Logistics 11:49 Personal Achievements: Racing Stories and Reflections 15:12 Bucket List Dreams: Olympic Aspirations 17:55 Community Engagement: The Burrito League Experience 21:44 Milrose Games: Indoor Track Insights 32:54 Racing Dynamics and Athlete Strategies 38:54 Emerging Talents and Competitive Landscape 43:52 Youth in Sports: Pressure and Performance 45:38 The Impact of Betting on Professional Sports 49:54 Trail Running: Anticipation for Black Canyon 58:00 Golden Ticket Races: Opportunities and Challenges 01:03:48 Women's Race Preview: Anticipation and Insights 01:06:31 Key Athletes to Watch: Molly Seidel and Tara Dower 01:09:37 Emerging Talents: Jade and Shai's Breakout Potential 01:14:11 Race Strategies and Turnarounds: Caitriona Jennings and Others 01:18:54 Marathoners Transitioning to Ultra: Des Linden's Debut 01:23:42 Strava Insights: The New Age of Training Analysis 01:26:42 Final Thoughts: Predictions and Weekend Highlights Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab 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 jeff@freeoutside.com 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

    1 h 29 min
  4. 30 JANV.

    Ben Dhiman: From Sleeping by the River to UTMB

    Ben Dhiman has one of the best names in the sport, and he actually earned it. We talk nicknames, alter egos, and the wild cat energy he taps into when racing, then rewind to the thru hiking years that shaped his brain, his grit, and his need to keep pushing the edge. From the AT and CDT to the Hayduke and a full-on Himalayan mission in Nepal, Ben explains why big adventures can be both glorious and miserable, and why thru hiking can “ruin you” in the best and worst ways. Then we follow the pivot into trail running, pacing Hardrock almost by accident, showing up to races undertrained on hiking fitness and stubborn confidence, and eventually forcing the door down in Europe the old-school way, by racing hard and winning. We also get into family, balancing ambition with real life, his coaching philosophy, and why he treats winter as an off season where the work goes up and the pounding goes down. Chapters 00:00 The Origins of the 'Demon' Nickname 05:34 Mental Clarity Through Hiking 08:25 The Impact of Thru-Hiking on Personal Growth 11:38 Transitioning to Trail Running 14:37 The Journey to Becoming a Competitive Runner 17:34 Navigating the World of Sponsorships 20:25 Racing in Europe vs. America 23:23 The Challenge of Proving Oneself 26:16 The Evolution of Thru-Hiking Experiences 30:49 Navigating the Wilderness: From Maps to Experience 33:18 The Call of the Himalayas: Planning the Adventure 35:06 Challenges in the Himalayas: Red Tape and Realities 37:58 Surviving the Elements: A Tale of Perseverance 41:43 The Role of Guides: Navigating Culture and Communication 43:24 Resupply Strategies: Making the Most of Local Resources 45:29 Reflections on Thru-Hiking: Contentment and Progression 49:35 Shifting Focus: From Thru-Hiking to Ultra Running 56:22 The Addictive Nature of Adventure: Community vs. Solitude 56:53 The Community of Thru-Hiking 01:00:28 Mental States in Long-Distance Hiking 01:05:57 The Dynamics of Team vs. Solo Hiking 01:12:37 Coaching and Evolving as an Athlete 01:19:05 Skiing as a Complement to Running 01:20:56 The Journey of Thru-Hiking and Ultra Running 01:21:28 Living Abroad and Competitive Spirit in Sports Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab 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 jeff@freeoutside.com 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

    1 h 23 min
  5. 28 JANV.

    Consistency Beats Intensity: Action over Noise

    I’ve struggled to record this episode. Lately, it’s been harder to run, harder to feel motivated, and harder to know what to do in a world that feels increasingly loud, divided, and unjust. This episode is about words without action, the illusion of impact created by social media, and the lessons the trail has taught me about accountability, humility, and real work. Community isn’t built by the loudest voices. It’s built by the people who show up when no one is watching. If you’re angry, frustrated, or unsure where to put that energy, this is my attempt to talk through it. Chapters 00:00 The Challenge of Communication in a Noisy World 02:58 Words vs. Actions: The Need for Authenticity 06:06 The Importance of Community and Real Impact 08:56 Harnessing Emotions for Positive Change 11:51 The Role of Consistency in Achieving Goals 15:13 Navigating Authority and Accountability 17:43 The Slow Path to Progress and Real Change Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab 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 jeff@freeoutside.com 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

    24 min
  6. 23 JANV.

    Triple Crown, Double Tahoe, One Jeffrey

    In this episode, I sit down with Krista, winner of the Jeffrey Award for Most Tragic FKT, to talk about what might be the happiest tragic FKT of all time. We start with the infamous double Tahoe Rim Trail effort, an adventure that was never officially recognized, never really meant to be an FKT, and somehow still earned an award. From there, the conversation spirals in the best possible way. We get into thru-hiking origins, trail names, COVID-era Appalachian Trail chaos, living in vehicles, selling bikes in Poland, walking across Europe, scary moments on trail, bear encounters, ultra running detours, and the strange emotional comedown that follows big goals. Krista is thoughtful, honest, funny, and self-aware in a way that makes this episode feel less like an interview and more like two people trying to understand why we keep choosing hard, inconvenient adventures. We also accidentally pitch a thru-hiker assisted living facility, question the economics of adventure, and agree that sometimes the process matters more than the recognition. This is one of those conversations that reminds me why I love long trails, long runs, and talking to people who are willing to build unconventional lives around curiosity and movement. Follow Krista on Instagra: https://www.instagram.com/kristafas/ Chapters 00:00 The Tragic FKT Award 01:54 The Tahoe Rim Trail Experience 03:50 Travel Adventures and Countries Visited 06:52 Biking vs. Hiking: A Personal Preference 09:52 The European Adventure: From Biking to Hiking 12:44 Challenges and Changes in Travel Plans 15:32 Scary Moments on the Trail 18:29 The Journey of Thru-Hiking 21:51 COVID-19 and the AT Experience 25:45 The PCT and CDT: A New Chapter 29:35 Post-Triple Crown Adventures 31:35 Transitioning to Ultra Running 32:56 The Journey into Ultra Running 35:02 The Draw to Challenging Adventures 37:12 Coping with Post-Trail Depression 39:00 Living the Adventure Lifestyle 42:01 Making Sacrifices for Adventure 45:01 Life Lessons from Thru-Hiking 50:33 Transformative Experiences in Nature 53:38 Wildlife Encounters and Their Impact 57:03 Innovative Ideas for the Future of Adventure 01:02:59 Introduction to Outdoor Adventures 01:03:28 Sponsorships and Support for the Show Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab 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 jeff@freeoutside.com 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

    1 h 4 min
  7. 19 JANV.

    My Mom Got Me a Coach (It Was Hayden Hawks)

    Today on the Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by Coleman Cragun, the winner of the Jeffrey Derrick Lytle Award, which is an honor with a proud tradition and a clear meaning (none of that is true). Coleman is an up and coming trail talent with the most relaxed confidence imaginable, and a nickname that may or may not stick: The Kraken. We get into Coleman’s origin story, including the moment he saw the Southern Utah University team running tempos, held the gap, and decided, “I can do this.” From there it became a yearlong grind: emailing the coach for qualifying times, self-coaching off podcasts, and then his mom stepping in to find him a coach in Cedar City. That coach was Hayden Hawks, which Coleman somehow did not realize was a big deal at the time. Hayden helped him hit the marks, showed up with a stopwatch, and even emailed proof to the coach. Coleman walked on ready to travel, compete, and immediately level up his goals. Then we bounce into the trail side: why the mountains pulled him in, the summer of living on trails in places like the Sawtooths, chasing Strava crowns, and eventually committing fully to the sport. Coleman breaks down the biggest transition from college running to ultras (fitness matters, but nutrition, pacing, and durability decide everything), tells stories from racing and training in Thailand with Hayden (including a fall that cost him the win), and talks through the nerves and excitement of stepping up to the 100K at Black Canyon with golden ticket dreams. We also cover what the grind actually looks like when you have a full-time job, a long commute, double runs, and no time to eat like a normal human. Plus, the most unhinged training environment imaginable: working at a fishing lodge in Alaska and running ten miles at 11 pm on a dock where 20 laps equals one mile, until one night he found bears at the turnaround and ended up sleeping in a boat in the rain. It’s a fun one, and Coleman is the real deal. If you like stories about earning it the hard way, learning the trail game, and chasing big goals without taking yourself too seriously, you’ll like this episode. Follow Coleman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleman_cragun/ Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab 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 jeff@freeoutside.com 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

    51 min
  8. 16 JANV.

    Dylisms and being REALLY REALLY good at Exercising

    Comedic impressionist Dylisms is here. He has LOUDLY become one of the funniest voices in trail running by doing spot-on (and occasionally unhinged) impressions of the sport we all take way too seriously. We get into how he makes viral running videos using nothing but his phone, his car, and pure chaos, why he waited to run an ultra before posting running content, and how trail running compares to climbing, skating, and just… exercising for a really long time. Along the way, he drops impressions of commentators, influencers, philosophers, cops, firefighters, and anyone else who’s wandered into the ultrarunning cinematic universe. We also talk about award season absurdity, influencer culture, $200 shirts with holes in them, farting during ultras, and whether trail running is actually a sport or just very committed cardio. This one goes fully off the rails in the best way. If you’ve ever thought “we might be taking this a little too seriously,” this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dylisms and Impressions 05:04 The Art of Voiceovers and Equipment Setup 07:56 Favorite Impressions and Character Exploration 10:51 Challenges in Impersonation and Method Acting 13:39 Transitioning from Climbing to Running Content 16:47 Community Reception and Content Creation Process 19:55 Humor in Running and Climbing Culture 22:46 Reflections on Storylines in Trail Running 24:43 Trail Running: A Selfish Pursuit 26:56 The Evolution of Running Culture 29:36 Moth Tech and Running Fashion 32:22 Impersonations and Humor in the Sport 36:51 The Seriousness of Ultra Running 40:56 Universal Basic Gel Allowance 41:45 Closing Thoughts and Reflections Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab 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 jeff@freeoutside.com 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 #Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

    46 min

À propos

Welcome to "Free Outside," the ultimate podcast for outdoor enthusiasts! Join me, Jeff Garmire, as I blur the lines between trail running, Fastest Known Times (FKTs), thru-hiking, backpacking, and all endurance. With 20 FKTs under my belt, a book, a movie, and plenty of unconventional experiences, I'm here to share my adventures and insights. Expect engaging interviews and fun interactions with guests who excel in various ways. Whether we're discussing the art of slowly running through forests, the thrill of a challenging hike, or simply an appreciator of beauty and comedy, here we are.

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