Free Outside

Jeff Garmire
  • 4.9 (146)
  • RUNNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 2D AGO

    He Trained 9 Miles a Week… Then Became an NCAA Champion. The Eric Jenkins Story

    Eric Jenkins joins the podcast to talk about one of the weirdest things in sports, retiring in your early 30s… and then figuring out what comes next. Follow Eric online: https://www.instagram.com/_ericjenkins/ We get into his career from running 9 miles a week in high school (with snorkel training and backyard workouts) to becoming an NCAA champion and professional runner. Then we talk about the part nobody really prepares you for, what happens when it all ends. We also dive into: Why track struggles to grow compared to other sportsThe Olympic Trials pressure and the “one race” problemHis transition into media and podcastingWhat trail running actually looks like from the outsidePacers in ultras and whether they’re cheating (kind of)Why a 100-mile race might be the hardest thing he’s ever attemptedAnd yes, we try to convince him to run a 100 miler. This one is part running, part life after sport, and part figuring out what to do when your identity changes overnight. Follow Eric's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7L5aLeFO5zDMcinUfrm8oV?si=0e59984bb5cc4e7d Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

    1h 36m

  2. 5D AGO

    What Happens When the Record Slips Away, with Liz Derstine

    Liz Derstine is back on the podcast to talk about her self supported Pacific Crest Trail effort, the highs and lows of going after a huge goal, and the film that came out of it, Ridgeline. We get into brutal desert heat, night hiking, trying to balance daily trail updates with an FKT effort, and what it feels like when a record starts slipping away but you keep pushing anyway. We also talk about the music side of Liz’s life, how she helped shape the soundtrack of the film, what it is like to write for an orchestra, and why hiking and creating art might not be as different as they seem. This one is about follow through, vulnerability, and going for something big even when there is no guarantee it works out. Watch Ridgeline on the Mountain Hardwear YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSWTddKCbf4 Follow Liz online: https://www.instagram.com/pinkfeathers/ 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

    1h 9m

  3. MAR 25

    Appalachian Trail FKT Talk, Cocodona Tactics, and the Year of the Fall

    Allison is back and we cover a ton in this one. Will Peterson is officially going after the Appalachian Trail self-supported FKT, so we talk about what it is like when someone comes for your record and how different people approach these huge trail efforts. We also get into Cocodona 250 strategy, race-day chaos, pacing, heat, and how not to implode over 250 miles. Then we hit the running news, including the World Indoor Championships, Josh Kerr vs Cole Hocker, Cooper Lutkenhaus announcing himself to the world at 17, and Mondo continuing to be ridiculous. Also, yes, there is a lot of discussion about falling down and bleeding in public. It is that kind of episode 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

    1h 21m

  4. MAR 23

    Brackets Are Cooked. Cocodona Prep Is Heating Up

    March Madness is here… but make it outdoors. We just wrapped round one of Outdoor March Madness and chaos has already taken over. No perfect brackets remain, upsets are happening everywhere, and somehow Nerds Clusters might actually win the whole thing. I break down the biggest results, the closest matchups, and what’s coming next as we head toward the Sweet 16. We also raffle off our first prize (shoutout Robbie), and I explain how YOU can win gear, race entries, and more just by voting. On my end, I’m finally back training after breaking my rib at Barkley Marathons. After nearly four weeks off, I’ve jumped back into big mileage, working toward Cocodona 250. The fitness feels good, the falls do not, and now it’s all about dialing in runnable miles, heat training, and race-specific prep. Topics in this episode: Round 1 Outdoor March Madness results and biggest upsets Why there are zero perfect brackets left Prize raffles and how to win My Cocodona 250 training update post-injury Why I keep falling (seriously, what is going on) Early voting trends for Round 2 Vote on matchups and follow along: freeoutside.com New prizes dropping every round. Your vote actually matters. 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

    29 min

  5. MAR 19

    Mike McKnight Is Directing a 200 While Racing Five More

    Mike McKnight is on the Free Outside Podcast, and this one goes all over the place in the best way. We talk about his jump into Hyrox, why it might be more of a runner sport than people think, and what it was like dealing with a brutal back injury that left him unable to run but somehow still riding 200 miles on a bike. https://www.freeoutside.com/outdoor-march-madness We also get into his massive 2026 schedule, including five 200-mile races, Hardrock, and launching the Old Ephraim 200, a race that finishes at the same ski area where he once broke his back. Mike talks about what it takes to get a race permitted, how he thinks about goals across a huge season, why he is not big on pacers, and what actually makes him so good at 200-mile races. Then, naturally, we end up talking about sleep deprivation, childhood farm life, dissociation in ultras, a possible Colorado Trail head-to-head FKT showdown, and Mike’s deep love for the Backstreet Boys. This one is funny, honest, and full of the kind of ultra running rabbit holes I love. 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

    1h 5m

  6. MAR 15

    Two Guys, One Bracket: Bracketology for Outdoor March Madness

    Today I’m introducing something I’ve been putting way too much work into: Outdoor March Madness. Luke Pearsall of Trail Goods Co joins for a Bracketology episode discussing the outdoor march madness bracket. Join for a joke filled episode. Follow Trail Goods Co: https://www.instagram.com/trailgoodscompany It’s a giant bracket where outdoor things go head to head. Trails, gear, snacks, and the things that ruin your day outside. Think Appalachian Trail vs Pacific Crest Trail. Peanut Butter vs Trail Mix. Trekking poles vs Headphones. You fill out a bracket predicting what will win, and then every round the matchups are decided by public voting. There will be prizes, chaos, and probably some very strong opinions. Fill out your bracket here: https://www.freeoutside.com/outdoor-march-madness Vote on the matchups here: https://forms.gle/9DEK6x2iUK4gMzVH9 Let’s see what the outdoor world decides is the ultimate champion. 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

    47 min

  7. MAR 13

    Two Larabars, Pepperoni, and 900 Kilometers Unsupported

    I have a huge announcement. The Free Outside Outdoor March Madness Bracket is live. https://www.freeoutside.com/outdoor-march-madness Go to freeoutside.com and fill out your bracket to predict which outdoor things will win head-to-head matchups all month long. Trails, snacks, gear, and trail problems will face off until we crown a champion. Follow Cody Taylor online: https://www.instagram.com/codytaylorperformance You can vote in each matchup as the rounds progress, track the leaderboard, and enter raffles for prizes along the way. We’re giving away race entries, gear, gift cards, and more. Some example matchups include things like: • Appalachian Trail vs Timberline Trail • Peanut M&Ms vs Running Gels • Blisters vs Mosquitoes • Gear battles and trail legends Brackets close Wednesday March 18 at midnight MST, and voting continues through early April. Go submit your bracket and start voting: freeoutside.com Episode Today on the Free Outside Podcast I talk with Cody Taylor, who has been diving deep into the world of unsupported long-distance trail adventures. Cody went from starting running during the pandemic to taking on massive unsupported efforts like: • The Bruce Trail (900 km) • The International Appalachian Trail • Planning an unsupported out-and-back of Vermont’s Long Trail We talk about what it takes to go hundreds of miles completely unsupported, including gear, food planning, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and the mental side of long solo efforts. Cody also shares his story of going from touring drummer to endurance athlete, building a coaching business with his wife, and why doing hard things in the wilderness can completely change how you see everyday life. It’s a fun conversation about pushing limits, learning the hard way, and figuring things out one long trail at a time. Sponsors Janji Check out the gear I use from Janji, including the AFO shorts and 2-in-1 shorts with great pockets. Visit janji.com Garage Grown Gear Everything you need for trail running, backpacking, and thru-hiking. Check them out at garagegrowngear.com Sawyer Known for their water filters like the Sawyer Squeeze, but also their Stay Put sunscreen, which lasts all day on long runs and hikes. More Free Outside Website: freeoutside.com Newsletter: freeoutside.substack.com Patreon: patreon.com/freeoutside You can also watch the film about my unsupported Colorado Trail FKT on Tubi. Chapters 00:00 Outdoor March Madness 05:00 Cody Taylor's Journey into Endurance Running 08:00 Transition from Musician to Endurance Athlete 11:00 The Challenges of Unsupported Adventures 13:48 Mental Preparation and Coping Strategies 16:54 Nutrition and Gear for Long Trails 19:47 Experiences with Hallucinations and Wildlife 22:45 Exploring the Bruce Trail 25:40 Strengths and Future Projects 40:23 Overcoming Challenges in FKT Attempts 46:00 Training Philosophy: Grease the Groove 50:34 Cody's Journey: From Hockey to Drumming 55:12 Canadian Childhood and the Love for Hockey 01:00:26 Building a Business Together 01:06:51 Future Aspirations and Coaching Philosophy 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

    1h 11m

  8. MAR 9

    10,000 Miles on Foot, Madison Blagden’s Biggest Year Yet

    Madison Blagden joins me to break down one of the wildest hiking years I have ever heard of. In 2025, she completed a border-to-border Calendar Year Triple Crown, then kept going until she hit 10,071 miles on foot. We talk about how the goal evolved in real time, what it takes to hike that kind of mileage day after day, and how she handled injury, snow, isolation, grizzly country, and the mental toll of a full year spent moving forward. Madison also shares how she got into thru-hiking in the first place, from starting the PCT with almost no experience to building into one of the biggest hiking years ever. This one is about huge miles, trail life, identity, sacrifice, and what happens when you push so far that the whole experience starts to feel bigger than hiking. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Walker of the Year Nominee 09:27 Transitioning from Trail to Everyday Life 15:12 The Impact of the First Thru-Hike 21:10 Living on the Road: Adventures and Challenges 29:30 Navigating Trail Challenges 36:20 Pushing Hiking Limits 42:00 Starting the 2025 Journey 48:44 The Journey Begins in Key West 54:48 Transitioning to the PCT 59:58 Navigating Challenges on the PCT 01:04:45 Overcoming Injury and Setbacks 01:15:35 Balancing Hiking with Content Creation 01:20:41 Finding Spirituality in the Wilderness 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

    1h 32m
See All (206)

4.9
out of 5
146 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Garmire
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    206
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jeff Garmire
  • Show Website
    Free Outside

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