In this episode of The Free Outside Show, I’m diving into something that might sound silly at first—being a fan. Whether it’s the NFL, NBA playoffs, Western States, or obsessively refreshing the live tracker at Cocodona, I argue that being a fan matters. It builds community, creates connection, and honestly, just makes life more fun. So this is a passionate, slightly ranty defense of why you should let yourself care—about your favorite athletes, races, and even trail drama.

Along the way, I talk Montana Meltdown (our September race), show off my Janji shorts, and spiral into a few tangents about public lands, nationalism, and the shocking lack of trail running trash talk. This one's for the people who hit refresh on UltraSignup for fun.

Also—I might be temporarily homeless by the time this drops. So please like, share, and maybe mail me a tent.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Free Outside Show

01:12 In Defense of Being a Fan

03:12 The Importance of Community in Sports

06:00 Embracing Fandom in Ultra Sports

10:16 The Power of Being a Fan

12:12 Conclusion and Community Engagement

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

I’m alive in Bangor, Maine — a sentence that somehow feels like the opening line of a novel. In this episode of the Free Outside Show, I walk you through my chaotic arrival to the start of my Appalachian Trail FKT training camp, including a 1 a.m. walk from the airport (no Ubers in Bangor, apparently) and my deep dive into specificity. I’m testing everything: my exact 7,000-calorie-per-day nutrition, gear kit, FKT pacing strategy, and resupply logistics — all in the hardest section of the trail.

I also talk about working on the road, training smart, respecting the difficulty of the White Mountains, and building the blueprint for a successful AT attempt. Plus: some sponsor shoutouts to Garage Grown Gear, CS Instant Coffee, and Janji (yes, I am currently dressed head-to-toe in Janji gear — including the pockets I’ll be eating out of for the next 40+ days).

Want to support the mission? Check out patreon.com/freeoutside — and until next time, stay elite, my friends.

Sound Bites

"I just went to Tim Hortons."

"I got from Garage Grown Gear."

"Life's pretty crazy, you know?"

Chapters

00:00 Journey to Bangor, Maine

03:22 Training for the Appalachian Trail

10:27 Preparation and Gear for the Trail

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

Today on The Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by the legendary Cam Hanes—bowhunter, ultrarunner, lifter of heavy things, and yes, friend of Joe Rogan. We dive into everything from Courtney Dauwalter’s mountain mindset to how Disneyland became a tactical hunting joke with a laser pointer (thanks, Joe).

Cam shares his thoughts on the growing influencer side of trail running, Western States carnage, public lands politics, and what he really thinks about ultrarunning's obsession with science and splits. We talk about grit, quitting, suffering, and why lifting weights is somehow less cool than ultrarunning. Plus: what hunters and trail runners can learn from each other, and why Cam still calls himself an outsider in this space.

If you're into raw takes, wild stories, and the occasional Keep Hoeing joke—this one’s for you. From the Taylor Swift of Ultrarunning, meet Cam Hanes!

🎙️ Sponsor Support:

☕ CS Coffee – Instant coffee that actually tastes good.

🎒 Garage Grown Gear – The best ultralight gear and small outdoor brands, all in one place.

👕 Janji – Adventure-ready running apparel. Use code FREEOUTSIDE for 10% off!

🎧 Episode Chapters

00:00 – Cam Hanes Intro

02:30 – Small Town Ties

05:00 – First Ultra Story

08:20 – Ranking Communities

11:30 – Courtney Dauwalter Talk

14:00 – Love the Process

18:00 – Cocodona Doubts

22:00 – Crew Tricks & COVID

25:30 – Public Lands Rant

30:30 – Rogan Disneyland Story

34:00 – Quitting vs Grit

41:00 – Jeff’s AT Record Goal

46:00 – Western States Opinions

53:00 – Hunting Misconceptions

55:45 – Final Thoughts & Goodbyes

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