After 2,200 miles, 45 days, and more duct-taped shoes than I care to admit, I finally set the self-supported Appalachian Trail FKT. In this episode, Allison Mercer and I dive into the full story—why I went back to the AT, how it nearly broke me (again), and what it takes to push through when your body is screaming “stop” but you’ve still got 80 miles to cover.

Consider supporting the Trevor Project: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/fundraiser/6530749?

We talk about the shoe disaster (two left shoes, then two right shoes), sleepless nights, eerie solo miles, and the weird little things that kept me going—like listening to Pirates vs. Marlins baseball games at midnight in the green tunnel. We get into the strategy of easing into the miles, then ratcheting up the effort until there’s nothing left to give.

Buy a hoodie and support the Trevor Project: https://www.bonfire.com/fastest-known-tiger/

This wasn’t just about me or a number on a spreadsheet. Thanks to thousands of people, we raised over $30,000 for The Trevor Project, proving that adventure can be about something much bigger than one person chasing a record.

It’s the whole journey—why I started, how I finished, and what it means when the trail teaches you more than you ever expected.

Follow Allison online: https://www.instagram.com/onewomandanceparty

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and First Impressions

02:50 The Journey of the Appalachian Trail

06:08 Motivation Behind the FKT Attempt

08:54 Preparation and Training for the FKT

11:46 Challenges Faced on the Trail

15:03 Social Interactions and Trail Community

17:51 Mental Strategies for Endurance

21:05 Tracking Progress and Staying Motivated

23:49 The Significance of Self-Supported Records

27:05 Gear and Supplies Management

29:56 Communication and Updates During the FKT

32:50 Fundraising for the Trevor Project

35:43 Recognition of Fellow Hikers

39:01 Conclusion and Future Plans

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

While I’m out chasing a self-supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail, we’re throwing it back to one of the weirdest solo episodes yet.

This one’s all about hallucinations—those sleep-deprived visions that show up when the miles get long and the sleep gets short. I break down my top five all-time hallucinations from FKTs and multi-day races like Nolan’s 14, Cocodona, the Arizona Trail, and the Colorado Trail.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Podcast

02:11 Hallucinations from Sleep Deprivation

07:22 First Hallucination: The Safari Guy

11:59 Second Hallucination: Witches in the Woods

19:32 Third Hallucination: The Robot in the Cliff

23:13 Fourth Hallucination: Black Bears and Stumps

27:17 Conclusion and Future Plans

You’ll meet:

The Safari Man who’s been following me for years

Witches in the forest waiting to sweep me up

A three-story robot stuck in a rock wall

A pirate ship in the desert for some reason

And chicken feet sprouting from the Earth

We also touch on why hallucinations happen, what triggers them, and how I’m turning them into AI-generated images—because if I have to see these things, so do you.

Sponsors:

Janji • Garage Grown Gear • CS Coffee • Mount to Coast

Support the Appalachian Trail FKT attempt + the show: Patreon.com/freeoutside

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

In this soul-spilling solo episode, I get honest from a borrowed cabin (and even more borrowed fishing hat) about why I gave up my home, comforts, and stability to chase a 40+ day goal on the Appalachian Trail. This isn’t just about trying to set an FKT—this is about redefining why we go after anything in life. I break down what it means to pursue something uncertain, unplug from the chaos, and find the rawest form of purpose in a world drowning in notifications, optics, and comparison traps.

From unexpected homelessness to deep reflections on fear, failure, self-worth, and the primal joy of moving through wild places, this episode is a deep dive into what motivates me—and maybe what can motivate you too. No pretense. No performance. Just truth, vulnerability, and a reminder that trying is enough.

Plus: gear talk, sponsor love, and why I might be cramping somewhere on the AT as you listen.

Brought to you by:

Janji. (wearing the AFO Ultra Shorts right now)

Garage Grown Gear

CS Instant Coffee

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

03:14 The Importance of Defining Your Why

06:05 Embracing the Challenge of the Appalachian Trail

08:49 Finding Pride in Personal Goals

12:08 Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Unknown

Support the show: patreon.com/freeoutside

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

In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I replay one of my all-time favorite convos — a sit-down with Tara Dower, who absolutely crushed the supported Appalachian Trail FKT and somehow lived to tell the tale (barely).

Consider supporting The Trevor Project https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT

We talk about everything from post-trail depression to how it feels when your crew spoon-feeds you every meal for 40 days straight. Tara breaks down the power of delegation, what it’s like to lose all decision-making autonomy, and how a dog bite during a panic attack marked the low point of her hiking career (and also maybe the turning point).

She also shares how pacing Kyle Curtin on the Colorado Trail helped her build her own FKT strategy, why her crew was the real MVP, and how she managed to crush Hardrock 100 just weeks before starting her AT attempt.

This isn’t just a recap of a record — it’s an honest look at fear, failure, mental health, and the grind it takes to do something massive. Plus, Tara drops her next FKT plans and talks about the weird joy of vlogging in a blizzard.

If you're curious about how to plan for an FKT this big — or just want to hear two sleep-deprived trail nerds bond over anxiety and peanut butter — you’ll love this one.

Sponsored by:

Janji – Use code FREEOUTSIDE for a discount

Garage Grown Gear – Ultralight dreamland

CS Coffee – My trail coffee of choice

Mount to coast – Big things brewing

Ultraspire - A cool pack is on the way

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tara Dower's Achievements

07:52 The Journey to the Appalachian Trail FKT

13:47 Lessons from Failure: The 2017 Attempt

20:03 The Importance of Crew Dynamics

26:12 Planning for the FKT: The Trail Bible

32:32 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Goals

41:44 The Evolution of FKT Training

49:55 The Role of Social Media in Outdoor Experiences

58:26 Mindset for Tackling Big Challenges

01:03:46 Interview with Tara Dower: FKT on the Appalachian 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

What does it take to go after one of the hardest endurance records in the world?

In this episode of The Free Outside Show, I'm breaking down my entire strategy for a self-supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt on the Appalachian Trail—southbound. I’m going after Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy’s record of 45 days and change, but flipping the direction: Maine to Georgia. I explain why I’m starting with the hardest 400 miles, how I’m planning for early setbacks, and why “survive and advance” is my north star.

We get into:

My exact resupply strategy (bonus miles and all)

Psychological tactics for surviving 6+ weeks solo

Lessons from my training camp in the White Mountains

Gear and clothing decisions, including what didn’t make the cut

How I almost drowned in 2016 and why I’m still afraid of rivers

How I’m keeping the pack light, calories high, and mental state stable

This episode is half blueprint, half therapy, and all-in on the Appalachian Trail FKT dream.

Brought to you by:

Janji – Use code "freeoutside" at checkout

Garage Grown Gear – The small brands that crush big adventures

CS Instant Coffee – Because cold mornings don’t wait

Support the journey: patreon.com/freeoutside

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Appalachian Trail Record Attempt

02:52 Navigating the Challenges of the Trail

05:46 Mental Strategies for Endurance

08:59 Resupply Strategies and Nutrition

12:14 Psychological Wins on the Trail

15:06 Training and Preparation Insights

17:51 Gear and Efficiency Considerations

21:03 Final Thoughts and Itinerary Overview

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 world record-holding ultra legend and Wisconsin's third-best export (according to me), Zach Bitter. We dive into everything from the logistics of setting a 100-mile world record to the absurdity of explaining our jobs to boomers ("I'm an influencer" = conversation over). Zach explains the appeal of fixed-time races, what he'd do differently in his record run (spoiler: shoes, fuel, and maybe a time machine), and whether doping is as prevalent in ultrarunning as EPO-fueled Reddit threads make it seem.

We also go deep on the evolution of the sport—tech, talent development, brand dynamics, super shoes, sock science, and what the heck the future might look like if Nike and cooling towels keep having a baby. Zach even dishes on why he stepped away from a long-term brand partnership and how he’s finding freedom—and a better shoe rotation—on his own.

Find Zach online:

https://zachbitter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/zachbitter

https://zachbitter.com/hpo

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Zach Bitter and His Achievements

03:04 The Importance of Fixed Time Races

05:57 Zach's World Record Experience

08:51 The Evolution of Ultra Running Technology

12:08 The Challenges of Record Keeping in Ultra Running

15:00 Doping in Ultra Running: A Complex Issue

18:07 The Future of Ultra Running and Accessibility

21:03 The Role of Coaching and Development in Running

23:55 Cultural Shifts in Ultra Running

27:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

38:16 The Future of Talent Development in Ultra Running

41:39 Brand Building and Athlete Sponsorship Dynamics

44:45 The Evolution of Trail Running Sponsorships

47:58 Nike's Strategic Interest in Trail Running

51:16 The Role of Athlete Managers in Brand Partnerships

55:47 Exploring Authenticity in Product Reviews

01:01:11 Innovations in Running Technology and Future Trends

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

In this gear-packed episode of The Free Outside Show, I break down everything I’m bringing to attempt the self-supported Appalachian Trail FKT. From a tarp that bugs will laugh at to a bandana that’s doing its best to tame my untamable hair, I go through every single piece of gear—24 items total—and why each one made the cut. I also test the limits of how many sponsor plugs I can fit into a single monologue (spoiler: a lot). Whether you're into ultralight setups, curious about thru-hiking gear, or just want to hear someone spiral into gear-induced madness, this one’s for you.

Sponsored by: Janji, Garage Grown Gear, and CS Instant Coffee.

PS: While you're listening, I’ll be deep in the woods with lots of pairs of shoes, questionable hygiene, and a billion ticks. So leave a review. It’s the least you can do

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Appalachian Trail Record Attempt

02:50 Essential Gear for the Journey

06:10 Shelter and Sleeping Arrangements

07:51 Clothing Choices and Comfort

10:42 Technology and Safety Gear

13:56 Final Thoughts and Support

19:54 Conclusion and Call to Action

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

This episode is what happens when Jeff Garmire hands the mic (sort of) to actor and trail runner Allison Powell. What begins as an Appalachian Trail FKT strategy interview quickly spirals into alien voice impressions, reality TV pitches, peanut M&M disasters, and campaign platforms centered around botulism prevention.

Amid the theater kid chaos and sitcom-level side tangents, Jeff actually does manage to break down his training, gear prep, food strategy (shoutout to fig bars and 1,000-calorie drink sludge), and what he’s mailing to himself across 14 states. There’s also a Billy-on-the-Street-style AT trivia game, a monologue from Little Women, and a deep dive into why salsa should always live in the fridge.

Sponsored by Janji, Garage Grown Gear, CS Coffee, and Mount to coast — because someone’s gotta fund the fig bars and alien accents.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Live From the Bed

00:54 Appalachian Trail Trivia Begins

04:36 Exploring the Appalachian Trail's History

08:24 Fun and Games: Trivia and Personal Stories

12:20 Unicycling Adventures and Challenges

16:03 Music Preferences and Concert Experiences

19:16 Unique Perspectives on Hiking and Endurance

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