Send in podcast ideas Jeff@freeoutside.com

AI joins this podcast and conducts the interview, so we are going third person in the description. Jeff Garmire discusses his journey and experiences in long-distance hiking and ultra running. He shares how he got into these activities and the challenges he faced along the way. Jeff also talks about the importance of mental and physical preparation for setting FKTs (Fastest Known Times) on trails, as well as the role of nutrition and hydration in his training. He emphasizes the need to find fun and enjoyment in these activities and to have a strong why. Jeff also discusses the balance between solitude and connections within the hiking and ultra running communities, and the importance of finding a supportive community. He shares stories of unexpected moments on the trail and how he adapted to challenges. Jeff concludes by encouraging others to pursue their own adventures and to make a positive impact on individuals and local businesses. -Long-distance hiking and ultra running require mental and physical preparation, as well as finding enjoyment and fun in the activities. -Having a strong why and a supportive community are important factors in achieving success in FKT attempts and races. -Balancing solitude and connections within the hiking and ultra running communities can be challenging but rewarding. -Adapting to unexpected challenges and finding creative solutions is crucial in long-distance hiking and FKT attempts. -Making a positive impact on individuals and supporting local businesses can contribute to a thriving hiking and ultra running community. Sound Bites "I have this awesome idea and we're gonna try it." "Welcome to the show, Jeff. It's great to have you here." "Jamil Curry of Aravaipa Racing asked if I wanted to do the inaugural year of Cocodona 250." Chapters 00:00 Jeff Garmire's Journey and Experiences 05:33 Challenges and Triumphs in Long-Distance Hiking and Ultra Running 09:00 Preparing for FKT Attempts: Physical and Mental Resilience 12:23 Finding Fun and Inspiration in the Outdoors 24:39 Logistics and Planning for Successful Long-Distance Hikes and FKT Attempts 31:47 The Evolving World of Through Hiking and Ultra Running 35:03 Jeff Garmire's Message: Enjoy, Inspire, and Support Buy Merch to support: https://www.freeoutside.com/shop Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon 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 Keywords long-distance hiking, ultra running, FKT, mental preparation, physical preparation, nutrition, hydration, balance, community, challenges, adaptation, enjoyment, support, impact, ultralight backpacking, backpacking, thru hiking, ultrarunning, Fastest Known Time, Speed Record, Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Arizona Trail, Continental Divide Trail, trail running

The conversation with Lloyd Vogel, co-founder of Garage Grown Gear, delves into the challenges and successes of running an e-commerce platform for small outdoor gear businesses. Lloyd shares insights on the state of the industry, the crossover between different outdoor disciplines, lessons learned from starting a business, and the importance of supporting small brands. The conversation also explores the process of finding and working with small brands, the impact of growth in the outdoor industry, and the strategic focus on ultralight backpacking. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to the outdoor industry, including product innovation, market growth, the impact of outdoor activities on personal development, and the challenges of starting and running a business. The discussion also delves into the interconnectedness of various outdoor activities and the inclusive nature of the outdoor industry. This is a big episode from one of the biggest players in the cottage backpacking and thru hiking industry that also extends into FKTs, fastpacking, bikepacking, and trail running. Check out Garage Grown Gear Takeaways -Running a business involves embracing failure and challenges as an integral part of the journey. -The cottage industry is a source of innovation and creativity in the outdoor gear market. -Supporting small brands and fostering genuine relationships is crucial for sustainable growth in the e-commerce space. -Strategic focus and niche specialization are key to success in the competitive outdoor gear market. The outdoor industry is experiencing growth and innovation, with a focus on ultra-light gear and niche products. Personal experiences in outdoor activities can inspire product innovation and development within the industry. -The outdoor industry fosters a sense of community and inclusivity, with a shared passion for spending time outside. -Starting and running a business in the outdoor industry requires focus, patience, and the ability to adapt to challenges and failures. -The interconnectedness of outdoor activities highlights the similarities and shared experiences across different disciplines within the industry. Sound Bites "You can't just expect yourself to be perfect. You have to expect and know that failure and challenge is part of running a business." "The outdoor industry is having a hard time because everyone's kind of selling the same thing. It makes you generic, boring, and uninteresting." "For most of our brands, the only other place that you can buy it other than on their site directly is through us." "It's my responsibility to take those reflections and infuse them back into my other relationships." "Gear is always a reflection of the human desire to spend more time outside." Chapters 00:00 Embracing Failure and Challenges in Business 02:17 The Cottage Industry: A Source of Innovation 07:05 Fostering Genuine Relationships with Small Brands 26:22 Exploring Innovation and Growth in the Outdoor Industry 29:40 The Impact of Outdoor Activities on Product Development 41:47 Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Business in the Outdoor Industry 45:25 The Inclusivity and Interconnectedness of Outdoor Activities Buy Merch to support: https://www.freeoutside.com/shop 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 Keywords e-commerce, small businesses, outdoor gear, cottage industry, entrepreneurship, brand discovery, ultralight backpacking, growth strategy, outdoor industry, product innovation, market growth, personal development, starting a business, interconnectedness, inclusivity, backpacking, thru hiking, records, fastest known time, FKT

I answer the audience question: "I'd love to hear more about your mental health journey as an ultrarunner. This community is wonderful, but it's also cutthroat and I'd love to hear how you've navigated the ups and downs."

Send in any questions at jeff@freeoutside.com

I share my mental health journey as an ultrarunner, FKT'r, and thru hiker, discussing the struggles, experiences, and the tools to navigate the ups and downs.

I reflect on my journey from depression and loneliness to finding fulfillment through immersive experiences, therapy, and community.

The story emphasizes the importance of finding the right tools at the right time and the ongoing balance of personal and growth goals.

Takeaways

The journey through mental health is a bumpy road with ups and downs, but finding the right tools at the right time is crucial.

Immersive experiences, therapy, and community play a significant role in navigating mental health challenges and finding fulfillment.

Balancing personal goals with coaching goals and finding fulfillment through sharing and creating are essential aspects of the journey.

Recognizing the need for drastic change and stepping back to eliminate certain things in order to move forward is a crucial part of the mental health journey.

Sound Bites

"I'd love to hear more about your mental health journey as an ultrarunner. This community is wonderful, but it's also cutthroat and I'd love to hear how you've navigated the ups and downs."

"It's just as immersive. Like one goal is sitting out there. Life is so simple. You're going after this one thing. All your decisions point towards being successful."

"I knew that that was the only option at the time, and in order to move forward, I needed to step back and eliminate those things and then build back up."

Buy Merch to support: https://www.freeoutside.com/shop 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

Keywords

mental health, ultrarunner, depression, immersive experiences, therapy, community, balance, coaching goals, ultrarunning, Appalachian trail, pacific crest trail, continental divide trail, Arizona trail, grand enchantment trail