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. 3 dgn geleden

    Tour du Mont Blanc Recap: Three Countries, One Fox Bite

    I finally made it to Europe. And I did the Tour Du Mont Blanc! After spending years building it up in my head as complicated, intimidating, and full of opportunities to embarrass myself, I decided to jump into the deep end and hike the Tour du Mont Blanc. Over three days, I crossed France, Italy, and Switzerland, climbed more than 30,000 feet, slept in mountain refugios, drank an irresponsible amount of espresso, and somehow got bitten by an Italian fox. In this episode, I recap the entire adventure, from getting lost in Geneva Airport to watching the sunset from Le Brévent above Chamonix. Along the way, I share what surprised me most about the Alps, why I put off Europe for 35 years, and how the things that scare us are often much easier than we imagine. Topics: Tour du Mont Blanc recap Early season conditions and snow Hiking through France, Italy, and Switzerland Refugio culture Traveling solo in Europe The Italian fox incident Espresso, croissants, and mountain passes Lessons from 100 miles around Mont Blanc If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Read the full Tour du Mont Blanc trip report: freeoutside.substack.com Support the show: patreon.com/freeoutside 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

    43 min.
  2. 6 dgn geleden

    An Unsolved Outdoor Mystery

    What happens when nine experienced hikers flee their tent in the middle of a Siberian winter, leaving behind their boots, gear, and any chance of a normal explanation? In 1959, the Dyatlov Pass Incident became one of the most famous unsolved mysteries in outdoor history. A group of young hikers set out into the Ural Mountains and never returned. When rescuers finally reached the scene, they found a tent cut open from the inside, strange injuries, missing gear, and more questions than answers. Joining me is Kevin Goldberg from the Distance to Empty podcast as we break down what actually happened, the evidence, the most popular theories, and a few theories that are probably not supported by science. We discuss avalanches, military testing, Soviet secrecy, hypothermia, survival decisions, and of course whether a Yeti may have been involved. This episode is a little different from the usual Free Outside conversations, but if you love the outdoors, adventure stories, and unsolved mysteries, you're going to enjoy this one. Let us know what you think happened at Dyatlov Pass. #DyatlovPass #OutdoorMystery #FreeOutsidePodcast #DistanceToEmpty #Hiking #Backpacking #TrueCrime #AdventureStories 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 u 1 m
  3. 8 jun

    From Barkley Crew to Professional Trail Runner: Jade Belzberg

    Before Jade Bellsberg was winning races and competing against some of the best trail runners in the world, she was a writer filling notebook after notebook with stories. In this conversation, Jade shares her unconventional path into ultrarunning, from crewing the Barkley Marathons before she'd ever run an ultra, to tackling Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim, building a coaching business, pursuing FKTs, and eventually becoming a professional trail runner. We talk about why she still identifies as a writer first, how she balances competition with enjoyment, the mental side of racing, working with a sports psychologist, coaching athletes, and why consistency matters far more than talent. We also dive into her unique life outside of racing, including how she and her husband somehow manage a household with 21 animals while traveling to races around the world. This was one of my favorite conversations recently because it's a reminder that there is no single path into trail running. You never know where curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to try something new might lead. Follow Jade and check out her writing, especially if you enjoy thoughtful reflections on running, racing, and the outdoors. 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 u 5 m
  4. 5 jun

    The FKT That Took Bob Stewart 3 Tries to Finish

    Bob Stewart joins the Free Outside Podcast fresh off finally setting the Benton MacKaye Trail FKT after two previous failed attempts. What started as a backpacking challenge turned into an obsession with Fastest Known Times, leading Bob to records on trails like the Superior Hiking Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Mid State Trail, and now the Benton MacKaye Trail. In this episode we talk about why the Benton MacKaye became his "white whale," sleep deprivation, hallucinations, unsupported FKT strategy, bizarre trail encounters, cold-soaked backpacking meals, and what keeps bringing people back to these massive endurance projects. Bob also shares stories from the trail, including seeing great white sharks in the woods, imaginary hiking partners, and trying to explain a 289-mile FKT to confused campground hosts. Topics: -Benton MacKaye Trail FKT -Failed attempts and coming back stronger -Sleep deprivation and hallucinations -Unsupported FKT strategy -Superior Hiking Trail and Pinhoti Trail -Backpacking vs FKTs -Nutrition and gear -Why obsession can be a superpower 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 u 7 m
  5. 1 jun

    Rory Linkletter on the Olympics, Social Media, and the Future of Running

    Rory Linkletter is one of the best marathon runners in North America, an Olympian for Canada, and one of the most thoughtful voices in professional running. Fresh off a 2:09 performance at the Ottawa Marathon and a congratulatory call from the Prime Minister of Canada, Rory joins the Free Outside Podcast to talk about life as a professional marathoner. We discuss what it's like racing at the Olympic Games, how elite marathon contracts and appearance fees work, why the marathon may have surpassed track and field in popularity, the realities of building a personal brand as a professional athlete, and how social media has changed the sport. Rory also shares insights into his training, highest mileage weeks, recovery philosophy, strength work, marathon pacing, heart rate data, and the mindset that has helped him become one of the world's top marathoners. We also dive into trail running, Western States, sponsorships, podcasting, and whether a future switch from roads to trails could ever happen. Topics: • Ottawa Marathon recap • Call from the Prime Minister of Canada • Olympic Village stories • Marathon vs track and field • Pro running contracts and appearance fees • Building a brand as an athlete • Social media and sponsorships • Training 130+ mile weeks • Recovery, fueling, and consistency • Western States and trail running • The future of professional running Follow Rory: @rory_linkletter 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 u 27 m
  6. 29 mei

    Sage Canaday on Competition, Content, and the Future of Running

    Sage Canaday has done a lot in running. A 2:16 marathoner, mountain running champion, Western States golden ticket winner, coach, YouTuber, and one of the few people who can jump into a conversation about track workouts, UTMB, 200 milers, social media, and sports nutrition without it feeling out of place. In this episode, we talk about Sage's "Any Surface. Any Distance." philosophy and how he went from chasing Olympic Trials standards to racing ultras and building one of the longest-running YouTube channels in endurance sports. We also dive into how running has changed over the last decade. The rise of influencers, AI coaching, optimization culture, sports nutrition trends, sponsorships, and the blurry line between being a professional athlete and a content creator. Along the way, Sage shares stories from Western States, his battle with a pulmonary embolism, losing his apartment in a fire, rebuilding his career, and why he still believes there are new challenges worth chasing at age 40. We cover: • Why 100 milers humble fast marathoners • Cocodona and the rise of 200-mile racing • Social media's impact on running culture • AI coaching and the future of training • Sports nutrition, bicarb, and optimization trends • Aging as an athlete • Clean sport and performance-enhancing drugs • Western States bear encounters • Why Sage still wants to keep trying new distances 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 u 9 m
  7. 25 mei

    The Mental Side of Ultrarunning | Lauren Jones on Failure, Hallucinations, and Hard Things

    Lauren Jones. Lauren balances a demanding career as a pediatric nurse anesthetist, family life, and somehow still finds time to chase some of the hardest endurance goals imaginable. Multi-day races. Cocodona. Fixed time racing. Running over 150 miles in 24 hours. Team USA. Hallucinations. DNFs. Successes. Failures. We talk about balancing life with training, learning how to fail without letting it define you, why hard things can make other hard things easier, and how radical acceptance of failure can unlock growth. Lauren shares stories from Cocodona, fixed time racing, hallucinating deep into ultramarathons, running 154 miles in a day, and what keeps bringing her back to difficult challenges. We also talk about getting back into running after Cocodona, Memorial Day reflections, honoring sacrifice, and why maybe the point isn't perfection. Maybe the point is showing up anyway. Topics: • Cocodona 250 • Fixed time racing and Desert Solstice • Running 154 miles in 24 hours • Team USA experience • DNFs and learning from failure • Hallucinations and sleep deprivation • Balancing career, family, and training • Mental strategies for ultrarunning • Why we keep choosing hard things Thanks to Janji, Garage Grown Gear, Northeast Trail Adventures, and Montana Meltdown for supporting 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

    52 min.
  8. 21 mei

    Why Trail Running Can't Stop Fighting Itself: TLDR Dumpster Fire Observations

    Trail TMZ is back. Host and award-winning correspondent Allison Mercer dive into one of the strangest weeks of trail running that we have seen in a while. From the Satisfy and Adidas backlash and influencer culture debates, to doping discussions around Cam Hanes, Sage Canaday and clean sport, plus the growing role of social media in shaping running culture. We also talk FKTs, Will Peterson's Appalachian Trail attempt, upcoming Pacific Crest Trail action, why controversy dominates attention online, and whether running is losing the things that made it special in the first place. Topics: • Satisfy backlash and brand culture • Influencer running and authenticity • Cam Hanes, Sage Canaday, and doping conversations • Why negativity dominates social media • FKT updates and upcoming attempts • Will Peterson's Appalachian Trail • The future of trail running culture Support our Sponsors: 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 u 5 m

Info

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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