I met Mike Kratzer at the Zugspitze 100 after organizers turned our 100-mile race into a 100K just hours before the start. Somewhere between sharing a helmet that I never ended up using, surviving the German heat, and talking after the race, I realized Mike had something that draws people in.

In this episode we talk about why positivity isn't fake, why you don't need a dramatic life event to make a change, how social media creates pressure that often comes from ourselves, and why the best adventures usually start by simply heading in the right direction instead of finding the perfect path.

We also dive into:

Why Mike quit drinking without hitting "rock bottom"

Building authentic community through running

The evolution of trail running media

Speed Project stories

Why comparison steals joy

The psychology of trail conversations

Choosing the life you actually want instead of the one people expect

Whether you're a runner or not, this conversation is really about permission: permission to change, permission to be yourself, and permission to chase the things that matter to you.

Support our Sponsors:

Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/

Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726

CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee

Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab

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

#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Every weekend it feels like another record falls.

This week we're diving into one of the biggest stretches of performances trail running has seen in years. We break down Max Jolliffe and Carmen Pérez's record-setting runs at Badwater 135, Aurélien Sanchez's Pacific Crest Trail FKT, Josh Kerr's incredible mile world record, and what all of it says about where endurance sports are heading.

We also talk about London's move to a two-day marathon, why FKTs continue to grow around the world, the culture surrounding iconic routes like the Bob Graham Round and GR20, and whether supported FKTs are becoming an entirely different discipline.

Finally, we tackle the biggest topic in trail running right now: doping. Recent controversies have raised difficult questions about education, race organizers, governing bodies, and what clean competition should look like as the sport continues to grow.

A fun conversation that starts with record-breaking performances... and somehow ends with bobbleheads.

Support our Sponsors:

Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/

Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726

CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee

Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab

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

#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Western States made Canyon Woodward one of the top ultrarunners in America—but that's only part of his story.

Before earning a top-10 finish at Western States, Canyon spent years organizing political campaigns in rural communities, helping flip a state senate seat through a 100% positive campaign, and learning how meaningful change happens one conversation at a time.

In this episode, we talk about far more than racing. We discuss why community keeps us coming back to the trails, what endurance sports and organizing have in common, growing up in the remote mountain community of Stehekin, dealing with imposter syndrome, finding optimism in difficult times, and why shared experiences matter more than ever.

If you've ever wondered whether running can teach us something about life beyond the finish line, this conversation is for you.

Support our Sponsors:

Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/

Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726

CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee

Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab

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

#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure