Free Outside

On this episode of the Free Outside Podcast , we welcome Will Murray , a math teacher, coach, and elite runner who recently punched his ticket to Western States 100 . Will shares his unique journey from growing up in Georgia as a baseball player to rediscovering running after college, transitioning from cycling to trail racing, and ultimately shocking the ultra world with a Golden Ticket win at Bl...

I sit down with Kelly Newlon—runner, chef, agent, Nuggets fan, and all-around community builder. Kelly shares the journey of founding RAD (Real Athlete Diets), a business that blends her love for trail running and cooking, and how she went from feeding friends training for races to fueling elite athletes on FKTs and multi-day expeditions. We dive into what it takes to support endurance athletes, t...

In this solo episode of The Free Outside Show, I’m answering some of the biggest running questions I’ve been getting lately—especially around heat training, endurance nutrition, speed work, Ketones, Sodium Bicarbonate, and recovery. I break down the best strategies for sauna sessions, heat adaptation, and passive heat training, plus how to avoid overdoing it. subscribe to the podcast, patreon, and...

We're back with the most requested guest of the Free Outside Podcast—except it's just me requesting him. For his third appearance, Derrick Lytle joins the show to break down the Black Canyon 100K with the most in-depth, possibly inaccurate, but definitely entertaining preview out there. We discuss the dreamers and receivers of golden tickets, the state of ultra running rivalries (hint: we...

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 contr...

🔥 Jamil Coury vs. Kevin Russ – The Battle for Local Legend! 🔥 In this episode, I catch up with Jamil Coury and Kevin Russ—while they’re literally running back and forth on a 0.22-mile Chipotle Strava segment in Tempe, Arizona! These two endurance athletes have taken on the wildest challenge in sports right now: logging the most segments in January to win free Chipotle for a year. 🏆🌯 Jamil, the...

I’m joined by Ken Seals, the creator of The Ultra Minute on Substack, for an exciting and wide-ranging episode of the podcast! Fun fact: a hurricane is what led Ken to running. We dive into the trends we hope to see emerge in 2025, bold predictions for the future of ultrarunning, and some of the key happenings during the sport’s so-called “off season.” Find the Ultra Minute on Substack: https://ul...

In this episode, I sit down with Brooke Bjorge, the owner of Grit Sports Nutrition and an athlete herself, to dive into the critical role of sodium in endurance sports. We cover everything from the dangers of hyponatremia and how to avoid cramping in an ultramarathon, to the differences between sodium citrate and sodium chloride and why it matters for performance. Brooke also shares insights on sw...

In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I sit down with Matthew Shepard—better known as Shep—to talk all things trail running, ultra-endurance racing, and his incredible journey in the outdoors. From growing up wandering the wilderness with a rifle in hand to becoming a standout competitor in backyard ultras and the Director of Field Operations at Sinister Sports, Shep’s story is nothing shor...

In this episode of the Free Outside podcast, I’m joined by Pete Deneen, a climate scientist, award-winning writer, and the Chief Executive of the Keep Sespe Wild Foundation. Together, we dive into the wildfires that have devastated California, including the recent LA firestorm, one of the most costly and destructive disasters in U.S. history. Find Keep Sespe Wild online Pete brings his deep knowle...

In this solo episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I’m sharing all about my recent trip to Big Bend National Park—a week packed with hiking, backpacking, and adventure. From spotting javelinas to scrambling up Emory Peak at sunset, I dive into how this trip fits into my training for FKTs and ultra races like the Cocodona 250 and Big Horn 100. patreon.com/freeoutside I also break down my plans for 2...

In this episode of the Free Outside Show, I share my journey from ideas to goals, discussing my plans for the Appalachian Trail record and the importance of creativity in trail running. I reflect on the impact of COVID on past goals, explore the role of ketones in endurance sports, and emphasize the growth of his podcast and personal development. I also delve into fueling strategies for endurance...

In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I dive into one of the hottest (and coldest) topics sweeping the endurance sports world: passive heat exposure and cold plunging. Whether you're a runner, cyclist, triathlete, or just curious about optimizing recovery and performance, this episode has you covered. Support the podcast at Patreon.com/freeoutside I explore the science, benefits, and potent...

In this conversation, Katie Gunvalson shares her journey attempting the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Fastest Known Time (FKT) in 2024. She discusses her long-standing dream of hiking the PCT, her training and preparation, the challenges she faced including fire closures, and how she found motivation despite setbacks. Katie reflects on the intrinsic value of her experience, the highs and lows of the t...

In this special episode, Jeff Garmire and Derrick Lytle bring the laughs with The Jeffrey Awards—trail running’s greatest trophy! Join us as we hilariously crown winners in outrageous categories celebrating the best, worst, and downright weirdest moments of the trail running and ultra community. Support us on Patreon. Patreon.com/freeoutside 🏆 Categories & Nominees: Most Obvious New Race Dire...

I’m taking you along on a six-day, 150-mile adventure through Los Padres National Forest. It was a trip filled with poison oak, endless bushwhacking, and some questionable decision-making—like losing my hiking partner for a whole night. I’ll share everything, from battling overgrown trails to soaking in clothing-optional sespe hot springs, hitchhiking with a pigeon-loving driver, and trying not to...

This week on the Free Outside podcast, I continue my epic journey through the month of Jeff with an extraordinary guest: Jeff Jenkins, professional traveler, TV host, and all-around inspiring human. We dive into Jeff’s journey from taking his first flight at 20 years old to becoming a globe-trotting storyteller featured in Forbes and the New York Times . We talk about his first transformative expe...

Welcome to another epic installment of The Month of Jeff! In this episode, I’m joined by the one and only Jeff Hester, a trailblazing adventurer who’s done it all—from hiking the John Muir Trail 30 years apart to founding the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge and SoCalHiker.net . Find Jeff Hester on the internet: https://www.instagram.com/jeffhester/ Jeff shares incredible stories about thru-hiking in t...

In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I sit down with filmmaker, fast-packer, and trail runner Jeff Pelletier to explore the intersection of storytelling and adventure. Jeff shares his journey from marathons to the trails, how he balances racing with creating stunning films, and the meticulous planning that goes into his multi-day fast-packing projects and race documentaries. Support us: pa...

A dynamic conversation with the legendary Jeff Browning on the Free Outside Podcast. With over 200 ultra marathons, 40 wins, and a record-breaking career spanning decades, Jeff shares invaluable insights on longevity in ultrarunning, mindset training, and his approach to coaching. We dive into the evolution of the sport, gear innovations, nutrition strategies, and some wild stories, including his...

In this special "Month of Jeff" episode of the Free Outside Podcast , I’m joined by the multi-talented Jeffrey James Binney—a comedian, filmmaker, ultra runner, and all-around adventurer. We dive into some deeply relatable topics like imposter syndrome, navigating failure, and finding joy in unexpected hobbies. Jeffrey shares his journey from performing on stage to running 100-mile races and thru-...

The month of Jeff continues with this sit down with the incredible Jeff Colt, an elite ultrarunner who’s won the Bandera 100K to claim a golden ticket to Western States, set the FKT on the White Mountain Hut Traverse, run at the World Championships, and has a top-10 finish at Western States. We cover everything from what it’s like traveling with a giant golden ticket to his journey from competitiv...

In this episode of the Free Outside podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with fellow Montana trail runner and Western States golden ticket holder, Jeff Mogavero. We covered everything from Taylor Swift treadmill workouts to the chaos of UTMB and the science behind his incredible heat management strategies at Javelina. Support the Show on Patreon: Patreon.com/freeoutside Jeff shared hilarious st...

The 2024 Gear Game Changers 1. Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Trail Trail running and hiking require shoes that can handle technical terrain, and the Adidas Agravic Trail Shoe exceeded expectations. With exceptional grip, comfort, and durability, this shoe became my go-to for demanding trails. Whether it was long races or quick outings, these shoes delivered every step of the way. 2. Nitecore NU25 He...

David Sinclair may have a case for Trail Runner of the Year after the most impressive race of the year. He broke the course record at JFK 50 miler. This is a race that Jim Walmsley, Adam Peterman, and Zach Miller have run, and he broke Hayden Hawks record by 10 minutes! We discuss his race strategy, the importance of nutrition, and the unique challenges of transitioning between trail and road shoe...