Free Outside Jeff Garmire

Sign up for our race: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?eid=17896

I’m here to share the story of my latest adventure on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Just 12 hours after a self-extraction from my FKT attempt, I’m ready to give you an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what went wrong and why. From gut-wrenching nausea to a busted running pack and even a yellow jacket sting, this attempt turned into a comedy of errors.

I’ll take you through the highs and lows, the unexpected challenges, and what it’s like to push your limits, even when the odds are stacked against you.

I’ll share the details of my preparation, my strategy, and the moment-to-moment experiences that defined this journey. Despite the setbacks, this attempt was a powerful reminder of why I love the challenge and adventure of FKTs.

Whether you're an ultrarunner, a thru-hiker, or someone who loves a good adventure story, this episode has something for you. Tune in to hear about the grit, determination, and sometimes sheer stubbornness it takes to go after the fastest known time.

Listen, subscribe, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. And remember, take those big swings and go for the hard things – it’s always worth it. Stay elite, my friends!

Takeaways

Taking on challenging endeavors involves risks and the possibility of failure.

Even when faced with setbacks and obstacles, it's important to keep pushing forward and try to find solutions.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don't go as planned and we have to accept the outcome.

Failure should not discourage us from taking future risks and pursuing new adventures.

Sound Bites

"Let's get into the attempt."

"Sometimes things happen. You're going for literally the fastest time ever. So gotta take risks."

"Sometimes things happen. You're going for literally the fastest time ever. So gotta take risks."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:14 The Attempt Begins

09:11 Stomach Issues and Setbacks

17:27 Pack Failure and Despair

28:29 Reflecting on Failure and Lessons Learned

37:10 Conclusion and Encouragement

Keywords

Tahoe Rim Trail, FKT, fastest known time, pack failure, challenges, disappointment, risk-taking

Sign up for our race! https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=117574

In this episode, we discuss the Montana Meltdown and the benefits of fixed-time races. I also share my experience participating in the Scummy Summer Slammer event and my preparation for the Tahoe Rim Trail FKT attempt. I discuss the importance of emotional connection in race planning and FKTs and share my unique approach to race planning.

Takeaways


Fixed time races unlock mileage and build confidence in athletes.
The Scummy Summer Slammer event is a grassroots, low-cost run from Bozeman to Yellowstone.
Emotional connection is important in planning races and FKT attempts.
Jeff's unique approach to race planning involves starting with the 'why' and then focusing on the 'how'.
Jeff is preparing for the Tahoe Rim Trail FKT attempt and is looking forward to the adventure and pushing his body.


Jeff's Unique Approach to Race Planning
Preparing for the Tahoe Rim Trail FKT Attempt

Sound Bites


"Fixed time races unlock mileage and build confidence."
"The Scummy Summer Slammer: A grassroots, low-cost run from Bozeman to Yellowstone."
"Jeff's unique approach to race planning: starting with the 'why' and then focusing on the 'how'."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Announcement

01:28 The Benefits of Fixed Time Races

07:09 Scummy Summer Slammer: A Grassroots Event

08:36 Preparing for the Tahoe Rim Trail FKT

19:15 Challenges and Goals for the FKT Attempt

25:23 Building a Strong Community with Free Outside Races

Keywords

race organizing, fixed time races, Montana Meltdown, Scummy Summer Slammer, Tahoe Rim Trail, FKT, emotional connection, race planning

We have started a race! Sign up for the Montana Meltdown, the premiere new fixed time race in Bozeman, Montana: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=117574



In this conversation, I interview Mika Thewes, an experienced ultrarunner who has completed multiple 200-mile races. We discuss Mika's journey into ultrarunning, her experiences in races like Bigfoot and Tahoe, and her recovery from the Cocodona 250. Mika shares her low-tech approach to race planning and her focus on time goals rather than competition. We Talk some volunteering and race scheduling.

Follow Mika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarcrashvegan



Takeaways

Mika Thewes is an experienced ultrarunner who has completed multiple 200-mile races.

She got into running to get in shape and gradually transitioned to trail running and longer distances.

Mika's favorite races include Tahoe and Bigfoot, but each race has its own unique challenges and beauty.

She takes a low-tech approach to race planning, using handwritten sheets of paper to track aid stations and estimated times.

Mika focuses on time goals rather than competition, racing against herself and pushing her limits.

We talk about the challenges faced during races and goals for future races.

Mika Thewes explains how he manages to afford his racing through volunteering.

The conversation ends with a discussion about Mika's upcoming race, Tor des Géants in Italy.

Animal Encounters and Volunteering

Sound Bites

"That stupid powerline switchback climb out of like, what was it, Blackpool or something? That was the worst."

"I just decided to double the distance. I think I had run like eight miles of trails before I did a 50 mile trail race, like in total in my life."

"It was the craziest like I could talk about that all day. I mean, spot-trackers were optional so a bunch of people weren't wearing them. People got food poisoning at the aid stations."

"It is what it is. It was disappointing."

"I mean, I understand everyone's concerned, because like obviously I'd be concerned about that too."

"Yeah, that's hilarious. I mean, you were flying down from Elden."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Race Announcement

01:08 Mika: A 200-Mile Expert

06:37 Getting Into Ultrarunning

08:34 Transitioning to Trails and Longer Distances

10:03 The Gnarly Challenges of Bigfoot and Tahoe

13:49 Dreams and Future Challenges

17:13 Recovery and Racing Tahoe 200

21:07 Racing Against Time and Overcoming Challenges

26:19 Challenges and Goals in Recent Races

35:36 Animal Encounters and Volunteering

47:47 Upcoming Race: Tor des Géants

Keywords

ultrarunning, 200-mile races, Bigfoot, Tahoe, Cocodona, race planning, time goals, determination, ultrarunning, races, challenges, goals, animal encounters, volunteering, Torre dei Giants

Buy a Make America Eclipse Again Hat: https://www.freeoutside.com/shop

In this episode, I dive into some of the wildest animal encounters I've had while hiking and camping. From a heart-pounding close encounter with a moose on the trail to the adrenaline rush of being charged by a grizzly bear, I'll take you through these intense moments. I'll also share my run-ins with territorial goats and a funny story about a mischievous mouse that found its way into my tent. And if that wasn't enough, I'll recount a bizarre interaction with some drunk individuals while camping. Join me as I highlight the unpredictable and exciting experiences that come with encountering wildlife in the great outdoors.

Takeaways


Wildlife encounters can be unpredictable and exciting while hiking and camping.
It's important to be aware of the behavior and characteristics of different animals to stay safe.
Territorial animals like moose and goats can be aggressive if they feel threatened.
Proper food storage is essential to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite.
Interactions with humans in remote areas can be unpredictable and sometimes uncomfortable.

Sound Bites


"I was literally charged by the moose."
"I thought I was gonna get killed by a grizzly bear."
"Territorial goats just like running at me."

Keywords animal encounters, hiking, camping, moose, grizzly bear, goats, mouse, wildlife

Devin Ashby is a full-time YouTube creator in the backpacking and camping space.



Check out his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVyZtccA-oMchXHai-CJyPA



His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountryexposure/?hl=en



And His Etsy Shop: http://BACKCOUNTRYEXPOSURE.Etsy.com



He makes videos reviewing backpacking gear, camping gear, and trip videos. Devin started his YouTube channel in 2014 and has developed a system for creating videos efficiently. He also runs a shop selling bags that he makes. Devin discusses the challenges of filming in public spaces and how he handles interruptions from passersby. He emphasizes the importance of spending time with gear in the field before reviewing it and providing an authentic experience for viewers. Devin also talks about the balance between giving honest reviews and maintaining relationships with brands.



In this conversation, Devin and Jeff discuss the challenges and complexities of being an outdoor gear reviewer and content creator. They touch on topics such as the impact of free gear on the industry, the evolving landscape of media and influencer marketing, and the various revenue streams for content creators. Devin also shares insights on teaching backpacking and offers advice for aspiring outdoor content creators.



Takeaways

Devin Ashby is a full-time YouTube creator in the backpacking and camping space, making videos reviewing gear and sharing trip experiences.

He started his YouTube channel in 2014 and has developed a system for efficiently creating videos.

Devin emphasizes the importance of spending time with gear in the field before reviewing it and providing an authentic experience for viewers.

He discusses the challenges of filming in public spaces and handling interruptions from passersby.

Devin talks about the balance between giving honest reviews and maintaining relationships with brands. The prevalence of free gear in the outdoor industry can devalue the work of content creators and make it harder for the industry as a whole.

The compensation for content creators on platforms like YouTube is often based on the number of views, which can undervalue their time and expertise.

When balancing brand deals and product reviews, it's important to be transparent with the audience and establish boundaries.

Teaching someone to backpack involves trip planning, understanding gear requirements, and packing efficiently.

Consistency, authenticity, and enjoying the process are key to success as an outdoor content creator.

Subscribers and views don't necessarily determine success; it's possible to have a fulfilling and successful content creation journey with a smaller audience.



Sound Bites

"I make videos for YouTube in the backpacking and camping space."

"I also sew on the side if you want to."

"You're filming YouTube on a Wednesday morning? Shouldn't you be at work?"

"This gear is payment thing... doesn't pay money."

"We're still in the infancy of where the type of media... is so prevalent."

"Compensation is so focused on the number of views."



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Devin's YouTube Channel

02:42 Devin's Multiple Income Streams

06:14 Transitioning from Climbing to YouTube

10:13 Approach to Gear Reviews

12:24 Challenges of Filming in Public Spaces

19:14 Balancing Authenticity and Brand Relationships

25:42 The Impact of Free Gear

32:24 Revenue Streams for YouTube Reviews

37:01 Managing Reviewed Products

39:11 Teaching Backpacking

43:19 Favorite Backpacking Locations in Utah

46:03 Advice for Outdoor Content Creators

Keywords

YouTube, backpacking, camping, gear reviews, video production, public filming, authenticity, brand relationships, outdoor gear, gear reviewer, content creator, influencer marketing, revenue streams, backpacking, teaching, advice

I share my backpacking adventures and FKT (Fastest Known Time) attempts in Montana and Costa Rica. I encounter bears, moose, and challenging trail conditions. Then I tell the story of an FKT attempt. Despite initially missing the FKT record, I persevered and successfully set the record on my second attempt at the record on Cerro Chirripo in Costa Rica. I emphasize the importance of taking risks, embracing failure, and pushing oneself to unlock new achievements.

🌲 Recent Adventures:

A quick out-and-back backpacking trip with a surprise black bear encounter.

An intense fastpacking trip across Montana's Madison Mountain Range, complete with grizzly and black bear sightings, moose, and elk!

🏔️ Costa Rica FKT Attempt:

My thrilling tale of attempting and finally securing an FKT on Cerro Chirripó, the highest mountain in Costa Rica.

The challenges of navigating a foreign country's trail system, battling tough conditions, and overcoming near misses.

Lessons in perseverance and the joy of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.

👟 Training & Coaching:

How my own training regimen aligns with the coaching plans I design for my athletes.

Insights into balancing intense training sessions with the beauty of Montana's extended summer days.

Stay elite, my friends!

Takeaways

Embrace failure and quitting as part of taking risks and learning

Push yourself to unlock new achievements and distances

Prepare and equip yourself properly for challenging adventures

Enjoy the journey and the experiences along the way

Sound Bites

"Even if you fail, even if you quit, even if you don't make it, that does not mean you can't do it."

"Unlocking new distances and achievements in trail running"

"Embracing failure and taking risks in pursuit of goals"

Chapters

00:00 Backpacking Adventures in Montana

05:02 Introduction to FKT Attempts

06:22 Living in Costa Rica and Discovering Chirripo

09:16 First Attempt at Cerro Chirripo FKT

14:05 Second Attempt and Setting the FKT Record

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