Free Outside

The Free Outside Show , Jeff Garmire reflects on a challenging few weeks, the growth of his podcast, and the valuable lessons he's learned from interviewing some of the biggest names in ultra running, including David Roche, Tara Dower, Nick Fowler, and Frank Gielen. Jeff shares transformative insights on fueling strategies, the importance of daily structure, and how mindset can make or break perfo...

Jeff Garmire interviews Nick Fowler, who shares his experience of Breaking the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Arizona Trail. The conversation covers Nick's recovery process after the trail, his nutrition strategies, the challenges he faced during the attempt, and the emotional moments he experienced along the way. Nick reflects on his training, the importance of mental toughness, and his future p...

In this conversation, ultra runner David Roche discusses his journey in the sport, his coaching philosophy, and the importance of community and vulnerability in running. He shares insights on balancing personal goals with coaching responsibilities, the mindset required for ultra races, and the significance of running economy in performance. Support the Podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/freeoutside R...

Support the Show: Patreon.com/freeoutside Dean Karnazes joins the show to share his incredible running journey. We discuss his unique perspective on running as a form of play, his ambitious goals, and the cultural differences in trail running across the globe. He reflects on the evolution of ultra running, his early experiences, and the spirit of adventure that drives him. Karnazes also touches on...

In this episode, Jeff Garmire, known as 'Legend', shares his incredible journey through the world of endurance sports. With over 30,000 miles of backpacking experience, he discusses his transition from traditional thru-hiking to tackling ultra-marathons and setting Fastest Known Times (FKTs). Jeff elaborates on his experiences with the Great Western Loop, the Colorado Trail, and the Cocodona 250,...

In this conversation, Tara Dower shares her experiences as an ultra runner and her journey to setting the FKT on the Appalachian Trail. She discusses the emotional challenges of post-trail depression, the importance of crew dynamics, and the lessons learned from her previous failed attempt at the trail. Tara emphasizes the significance of nutrition and planning in achieving FKTs, and how her suppo...

Frank Gielen , a member of the champion Belgium team in the Backyard Ultra World Team Championship and owner of the Backyard world record joins the podcast. Frank shares his journey into ultra running, the strategies he employs during races, and the importance of teamwork and mental resilience. He discusses the challenges of managing sleep and nutrition, the phenomenon of hallucinations during lon...

In this episode, Jeff Garmire discusses the complexities and challenges of pursuing Fastest Known Times (FKTs) in ultra running, the current trends in the sport, and the upcoming award season. He delves into the intricacies of voting for awards, the importance of training philosophy, and the need for specificity in training for races. Jeff also shares insights on building speed and endurance, and...

In this episode, Jeff Garmire shares his experiences from the Javelina race, reflecting on the community atmosphere and the challenges ultra runners face. He discusses his coaching role, race support dynamics, and the significance of the Arizona Trail for FKT attempts. Jeff also explores the planning for future races, the importance of motivation in endurance challenges, and the distinctions betwe...

In this episode, I dive into the rising trend of 'Did Not Finish' (DNF) in trail running. From my perspective as both a coach and runner, I explore how several factors are fueling this increase—like the draw of competition, the influence of social media, and the pressures of sponsorships. With financial incentives becoming more common, more athletes are taking bigger risks, which can often lead to...

In this episode, Jeff Garmire discusses the inaugural Montana Meltdown race, detailing the journey from conception to execution. He shares the challenges faced in organizing the race, the experiences of race day, and reflections on the event's success. Additionally, Jeff opens up about his personal journey in ultra running, including setbacks and future goals, emphasizing the importance of listeni...

In this episode, I interview Anastasia Wilde, an outdoor photographer specializing in race photography. We discuss Anastasia's journey into the field, the challenges of capturing runners in ultra races, the impact of social media on photography, and the complexities of copyright and usage rights. Anastasia shares insights on the business side of race photography, the importance of creative collabo...

In this episode of the Free Outside podcast, Jeff Garmire reflects on recent events in the trail running community, including the breaking of the Appalachian Trail record and the controversy surrounding Camille Herron. He discusses the impact of ego in the sport, the importance of competition and community, and shares personal insights on fatigue and goal-setting. The episode also includes listene...

To inquire about getting coached email: jeff@freeoutside.com In this episode, Jeff Garmire interviews Jon Schwartz, who shares his experiences of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and his unique yo-yo hike. The conversation delves into Jon's background, his early experiences with trail work, and how he transitioned into the world of thru-hiking. They discuss the challenges faced during the...

In this episode of the Free Outside Show, I discuss the recent achievements in the world of Fastest Known Times (FKTs), particularly highlighting Tara Dower's record on the Appalachian Trail. I reflect on the evolution of FKTs, the importance of community support, and how records are often built upon the efforts of previous athletes. I also share personal updates, including his recent stage race e...

In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I take a deep dive into my experience at the Grand to Grand stage race, a grueling 171-mile journey through some of the most rugged and remote terrain in Arizona and Utah. The race is a self-supported, six-stage event that tests not just your endurance, but your mental toughness and resilience, as you carry all your food and gear on your back for an ent...

In this episode, I discuss the importance of knowing when to quit in various aspects of life, including outdoor adventures and personal projects. I share my experiences of quitting the Superior Hiking Trail and Nolan's 14, and how those decisions led to more fulfilling experiences. I emphasize the need to have a strong why and to prioritize enjoyment and personal growth over external achievements....

In this episode, I answer questions from my Instagram followers, diving into topics like fast-packing gear, the thrill of ultra running, and the challenges of financing race participation. I share personal stories from my adventures on the trail, talk about my offseason training strategies, and reflect on the fears and challenges I face while hiking. The conversation is packed with humor and insig...

In this conversation, I talk with Allison Powell, my girlfriend and the winner of the Divide 200 about her journey from a casual runner to an ultra marathoner, detailing her experiences with training, racing, and the mental and physical challenges she faced during the Divide 200 race. She discusses the importance of nutrition, the role of support crews, and the lessons learned from her experiences...

In this conversation, I share my preparation for the Grand to Grand stage race, diving into the logistics, nutrition, gear, and mindset needed for such an endurance event. I emphasize the importance of meticulous planning, especially when it comes to managing food intake over the long stages. One of the unique aspects I'm looking forward to is experiencing a phone detox during the race, discon...

In this episode, I share my recent adventure crewing Allison at a 200-mile race in Canada. I talk about my experiences as a crew member, the challenges we faced during the race, and the unique interactions with Canadian culture. I highlight the camaraderie of ultra running, the beauty of the Canadian landscape, and the humorous moments that arise during such intense events. I also reflect on the l...

In this conversation, I talk about my approach to taking on new challenges and the importance of trying new things. I share my training methods for different seasons, like skate skiing in the winter and focusing on strength and sauna training in the spring. I also dive into my experience running the Cocodona 250, where I had some issues with my Achilles tendon but pushed through to finish. For me,...

I want to share the story of my experience at the Wasatch 100 race, where I ultimately had to DNF due to both physical and mental health issues. Leading up to the race, I faced several challenges, including a friend dropping out as my pacer and feeling sick beforehand. During the race, I battled a high heart rate, breathing difficulties, and intense headaches. Despite my efforts to stay positive a...

I am racing Wasatch 100 miler, so in this episode, I sit down with Joe Corcione to dive deep into the mindset and strategies that go into running a 100-mile race. We talk about the importance of finishing, even when things don't go as planned, because it's in those tough moments that we build resilience and belief in ourselves. Joe and I cover everything from pre-race prep—like resting the...

In this conversation, I discuss the concept of tapering in running, share my personal tapering strategies, and provide tips for preparing for a race or FKT (Fastest Known Time). I also emphasize the importance of having a crew plan, visualizing the race, and making decisions ahead of time. I highlight the variability of tapering and encourage athletes to find what works best for them. I conclude b...