Avsnitt
-
What happens when nine experienced hikers flee their tent in the middle of a Siberian winter, leaving behind their boots, gear, and any chance of a normal explanation?
In 1959, the Dyatlov Pass Incident became one of the most famous unsolved mysteries in outdoor history. A group of young hikers set out into the Ural Mountains and never returned. When rescuers finally reached the scene, they found a tent cut open from the inside, strange injuries, missing gear, and more questions than answers.
Joining me is Kevin Goldberg from the Distance to Empty podcast as we break down what actually happened, the evidence, the most popular theories, and a few theories that are probably not supported by science.
We discuss avalanches, military testing, Soviet secrecy, hypothermia, survival decisions, and of course whether a Yeti may have been involved.
This episode is a little different from the usual Free Outside conversations, but if you love the outdoors, adventure stories, and unsolved mysteries, you're going to enjoy this one.
Let us know what you think happened at Dyatlov Pass.
#DyatlovPass #OutdoorMystery #FreeOutsidePodcast #DistanceToEmpty #Hiking #Backpacking #TrueCrime #AdventureStories
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 [email protected]
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
-
Before Jade Bellsberg was winning races and competing against some of the best trail runners in the world, she was a writer filling notebook after notebook with stories.
In this conversation, Jade shares her unconventional path into ultrarunning, from crewing the Barkley Marathons before she'd ever run an ultra, to tackling Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim, building a coaching business, pursuing FKTs, and eventually becoming a professional trail runner.
We talk about why she still identifies as a writer first, how she balances competition with enjoyment, the mental side of racing, working with a sports psychologist, coaching athletes, and why consistency matters far more than talent.
We also dive into her unique life outside of racing, including how she and her husband somehow manage a household with 21 animals while traveling to races around the world.
This was one of my favorite conversations recently because it's a reminder that there is no single path into trail running. You never know where curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to try something new might lead.
Follow Jade and check out her writing, especially if you enjoy thoughtful reflections on running, racing, and the outdoors.
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 [email protected]
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
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
Bob Stewart joins the Free Outside Podcast fresh off finally setting the Benton MacKaye Trail FKT after two previous failed attempts.
What started as a backpacking challenge turned into an obsession with Fastest Known Times, leading Bob to records on trails like the Superior Hiking Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Mid State Trail, and now the Benton MacKaye Trail.
In this episode we talk about why the Benton MacKaye became his "white whale," sleep deprivation, hallucinations, unsupported FKT strategy, bizarre trail encounters, cold-soaked backpacking meals, and what keeps bringing people back to these massive endurance projects.
Bob also shares stories from the trail, including seeing great white sharks in the woods, imaginary hiking partners, and trying to explain a 289-mile FKT to confused campground hosts.
Topics:
-Benton MacKaye Trail FKT
-Failed attempts and coming back stronger
-Sleep deprivation and hallucinations
-Unsupported FKT strategy
-Superior Hiking Trail and Pinhoti Trail
-Backpacking vs FKTs
-Nutrition and gear
-Why obsession can be a superpower
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 [email protected]
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
-
Rory Linkletter is one of the best marathon runners in North America, an Olympian for Canada, and one of the most thoughtful voices in professional running.
Fresh off a 2:09 performance at the Ottawa Marathon and a congratulatory call from the Prime Minister of Canada, Rory joins the Free Outside Podcast to talk about life as a professional marathoner.
We discuss what it's like racing at the Olympic Games, how elite marathon contracts and appearance fees work, why the marathon may have surpassed track and field in popularity, the realities of building a personal brand as a professional athlete, and how social media has changed the sport.
Rory also shares insights into his training, highest mileage weeks, recovery philosophy, strength work, marathon pacing, heart rate data, and the mindset that has helped him become one of the world's top marathoners.
We also dive into trail running, Western States, sponsorships, podcasting, and whether a future switch from roads to trails could ever happen.
Topics:
• Ottawa Marathon recap
• Call from the Prime Minister of Canada
• Olympic Village stories
• Marathon vs track and field
• Pro running contracts and appearance fees
• Building a brand as an athlete
• Social media and sponsorships
• Training 130+ mile weeks
• Recovery, fueling, and consistency
• Western States and trail running
• The future of professional running
Follow Rory:
@rory_linkletter
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 [email protected]
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
-
Sage Canaday has done a lot in running.
A 2:16 marathoner, mountain running champion, Western States golden ticket winner, coach, YouTuber, and one of the few people who can jump into a conversation about track workouts, UTMB, 200 milers, social media, and sports nutrition without it feeling out of place.
In this episode, we talk about Sage's "Any Surface. Any Distance." philosophy and how he went from chasing Olympic Trials standards to racing ultras and building one of the longest-running YouTube channels in endurance sports.
We also dive into how running has changed over the last decade. The rise of influencers, AI coaching, optimization culture, sports nutrition trends, sponsorships, and the blurry line between being a professional athlete and a content creator.
Along the way, Sage shares stories from Western States, his battle with a pulmonary embolism, losing his apartment in a fire, rebuilding his career, and why he still believes there are new challenges worth chasing at age 40.
We cover:
• Why 100 milers humble fast marathoners
• Cocodona and the rise of 200-mile racing
• Social media's impact on running culture
• AI coaching and the future of training
• Sports nutrition, bicarb, and optimization trends
• Aging as an athlete
• Clean sport and performance-enhancing drugs
• Western States bear encounters
• Why Sage still wants to keep trying new distances
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 [email protected]
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
-
Lauren Jones.
Lauren balances a demanding career as a pediatric nurse anesthetist, family life, and somehow still finds time to chase some of the hardest endurance goals imaginable. Multi-day races. Cocodona. Fixed time racing. Running over 150 miles in 24 hours. Team USA. Hallucinations. DNFs. Successes. Failures.
We talk about balancing life with training, learning how to fail without letting it define you, why hard things can make other hard things easier, and how radical acceptance of failure can unlock growth.
Lauren shares stories from Cocodona, fixed time racing, hallucinating deep into ultramarathons, running 154 miles in a day, and what keeps bringing her back to difficult challenges.
We also talk about getting back into running after Cocodona, Memorial Day reflections, honoring sacrifice, and why maybe the point isn't perfection. Maybe the point is showing up anyway.
Topics:
• Cocodona 250
• Fixed time racing and Desert Solstice
• Running 154 miles in 24 hours
• Team USA experience
• DNFs and learning from failure
• Hallucinations and sleep deprivation
• Balancing career, family, and training
• Mental strategies for ultrarunning
• Why we keep choosing hard things
Thanks to Janji, Garage Grown Gear, Northeast Trail Adventures, and Montana Meltdown for supporting the show.
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 [email protected]
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
-
Trail TMZ is back.
Host and award-winning correspondent Allison Mercer dive into one of the strangest weeks of trail running that we have seen in a while. From the Satisfy and Adidas backlash and influencer culture debates, to doping discussions around Cam Hanes, Sage Canaday and clean sport, plus the growing role of social media in shaping running culture.
We also talk FKTs, Will Peterson's Appalachian Trail attempt, upcoming Pacific Crest Trail action, why controversy dominates attention online, and whether running is losing the things that made it special in the first place.
Topics:
• Satisfy backlash and brand culture
• Influencer running and authenticity
• Cam Hanes, Sage Canaday, and doping conversations
• Why negativity dominates social media
• FKT updates and upcoming attempts
• Will Peterson's Appalachian Trail
• The future of trail running culture
Support our Sponsors:
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 [email protected]
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
-
Patrick “Bubba The Midwest McGrady" Kavanagh joins the Free Outside Podcast after surviving Cocodona 250 with less than two hours of sleep, a lot of hallucinations, and peak Midwest politeness.
We talk about passive aid station etiquette, the infamous Cocodona “fight,” hallucinating sepia-toned family photo albums in Sedona, the MBA basketball challenge at Mingus Mountain, why ultrarunning and pickup basketball are culturally identical, and whether Cocodona needs more wildlife, rivalries, and SlamBall.
We also get into:
Why Midwesterners make great ultrarunners
How Cocodona completely changes your understanding of distance
Racing horses in Arizona
Why adult life desperately needs competition
Why every ultrarunner eventually gives up athleticism for exercise
AND
A billion-dollar business idea involving upside down pizza
One of the funniest episodes we’ve recorded.
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 [email protected]
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
-
Yassine Diboun comes on to talk about imposter syndrome, ultra running, positivity, sobriety, community, and why none of us actually feel as confident as we pretend to.
Yassine has been in the ultra running world for nearly 20 years, from the old-school blog era and handwritten race applications to modern 200 milers and social media comparison culture. We talk about how the sport has changed, why we still get nervous at races, and how you can be incredibly accomplished at one thing while still feeling like a beginner at another.
We also dive into Yassine’s “good wolf vs bad wolf” mindset, how he practices positivity without pretending life is perfect, and why community might actually be the most important part of trail running.
Along the way we cover:
The early days of ultra running
Cocodona 250 and Mammoth 200
Heat training and race anxiety
Hallucinations and sleep deprivation
Why comparison steals joy
Sobriety and endurance sports
Kids, trail running, and staying playful
Why hard things should still be fun
The mental side of ultra running
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 [email protected]
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
-
Allison Mercer and I recap the chaos of Cocodona 250. From a tracker glitch that placed Jeff in Africa in 1969, to GI issues, hallucinations, Mingus basketball, sleepless nights, and a fifth straight top 10 finish, this year’s race felt bigger, faster, and stranger than ever. They also dive into the intensity of the competition, the growth of the sport, the power of crew and pacers, and the heavier moments that reminded everyone just how serious these events can be.
-
Cocodona 250 starts in two days, so I’m talking through the plan, the nerves, the training block, and why this race still matters so much to me. This episode is also the two-year anniversary of the Free Outside Podcast, which launched during Cocodona because I was too nervous to watch whether anyone listened.
I get into the pressure after the Appalachian Trail FKT, a clunky but meaningful Cocodona build, working with a nutritionist and mental performance coach, and the three values I’m carrying into the race: presence, community, and trust. Or, fittingly, PCT.
Presence: be here now.
Community: let people help.
Trust: trust yourself.
This is my Cocodona 250 race plan, but also a reminder that hard things are better when they are rooted in joy, connection, and a reason that actually means something.
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 [email protected]
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
-
Cocodona 250 is here, and right after recording this, I’m heading out the door to go run it.
So naturally, the best thing to do before a 250-mile race is sit down and try to predict everything that’s about to happen.
In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by Tara Dower and Allison Mercer to break down the Cocodona 250 field, storylines, and everything we think might happen… knowing full well that none of it will go according to plan.
We talk about:
Why the women’s field might be the most exciting part of the race
Dark horses, favorites, and who could surprise everyone
How 200+ mile races actually play out (hint: not how you think)
Influencers vs contenders and why Cocodona is its own world
Live stream chaos, race coverage, and being way too exposed mid-race
Falling… a lot of falling
And why we do all of this in the first place
This is part preview, part comedy, and part reminder that these races are supposed to be fun, even when they feel overwhelming.
If you’re watching Cocodona this year, this will get you ready.
If you’re running it… good luck.
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 [email protected]
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
-
What if ultrarunning wasn’t about suffering… but about having more fun?
Andrea Moore has run 200s, 300s, and more races than most people would ever consider—and somehow, she makes all of it look like a moving party.
We talk about:
Why the back of the pack might be having the most fun
The real “secret” to 200-mile races
Snacks, bush naps, and the weird moments that actually matter
DNFs, dark moments, and why they don’t define you
Why no one remembers results—but they remember stories
If you’re heading into Cocodona 250 or just curious about ultras, this is a different way to think about it.
Less pressure. More curiosity. More fun.
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 [email protected]
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
-
I sit down with Sally McRae to talk about Cocodona 250, 200-mile racing, her career, and what actually matters in running.
We get into why Sally is coming back to Cocodona, what went wrong the first time, and how she’s approaching it differently this year. From dialing in gear and nutrition to cutting time at aid stations, this is a real look at what makes a difference in long races and what doesn’t.
We also talk about the evolution of the sport. From early blog days to the current boom in gear, content, and sponsorships, and why it can feel harder than ever to find something real in it.
Sally shares what she’s learned after years in the sport, including:
Why efficiency and organization matter more than fitness in 200s
The mindset it takes to keep moving when everything hurts
How to think about gear without overcomplicating it
Why most runners are focusing on the wrong things
What actually improves performance over long distances
We also get into body image in endurance sports, fueling, durability, and why being strong might matter more than being light.
This one is part philosophy, part race strategy, and part reality check for anyone chasing big goals in ultras.
If you’re running Cocodona, thinking about a 200-miler, or just trying to figure out how to get better without burning out, this episode will hit.
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 [email protected]
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
-
We spend a lot of time talking about how hard Cocodona 250 is. The miles, the climbing, the heat, the sleep deprivation.
But this course didn’t start as a race. Bryce Brooks teaches us all about that.
In this episode, we go through the history of the Cocodona 250 route, from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff, and all the strange, wild, and sometimes brutal stories that came long before runners showed up.
Mining towns that popped up overnight. Roads built to haul gold through the mountains. Saloons, fires, outlaws, and entire buildings moved by hand. Sections of trail that were once trade routes, stagecoach roads, and lifelines through unforgiving terrain.
And the realization that when you’re out there struggling… you’re not the first one.
This episode is part history lesson, part storytelling, and part reminder that these miles mean a little more when you understand where you are.
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 [email protected]
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
-
Most people think the finish line is the point.That’s where the photo happens, where the time gets recorded, where you finally get to stop. But after enough races, FKTs, and long efforts, I’m starting to think the finish line is actually the least important part of the whole thing.In this episode, I talk about what these big efforts really give you, and why the value has almost nothing to do with the final result.Then I’m joined by Monica Monroe, who recently set the unsupported FKT on the Ouachita Trail. Her story is one of the best examples of this I’ve seen. She didn’t start as “the FKT person.” She started as a beginner backpacker making every mistake in the book, and over time built the experience, confidence, and mindset to take on something much bigger.We get into how she trained, how she approached an unsupported effort, what it feels like to carry everything you need for a week, and the mental side of sticking to a plan when things get hard. We also talk about the moment where her “why” shifted on trail, and how these efforts can turn into something a lot more personal than just chasing a record.Follow Monica on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeway4mudcatSupport our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure
-
Ultra running gets talked about like it has to be miserable. Stay hard. Go one more. Keep hammering. Suffer better. In this episode, I unpack why I think that mindset can miss the whole point of going long in the first place. Yes, hard things matter. Resilience matters. Pushing past limits matters. But if the only way to do something difficult is to build a hostile relationship with yourself, what are you really discovering out there?
I talk about why joy, curiosity, adventure, community, and self-discovery are a much bigger part of ultras than the loudest voices on the internet sometimes make it seem. I also revisit my criticism of the BPN Go One More Backyard Ultra and admit where I think I was wrong.
Then I’m joined by Kai Slough, who ran 103 miles at BPN Go One More in his first official ultra. We talk about what the event was actually like on the ground, the backyard ultra format, pacing, food, gear, the strange magic of running loop after loop, and what happens when you go from zero ultras to 100 miles in a day.
We also get into why people really come back to hundreds and backyards, and it is not just to prove they can suffer.
This one is about hard things, but also better reasons for doing them.
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 [email protected]
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
-
Allison Mercer just finished second at the USA 100K Championships… and is officially headed to Spain to represent Team USA.
In this episode, we break down everything from the race, including how to mentally survive a 10-lap course, dialing in race-day nutrition, and why laps 4 through 6 are basically a personal crisis. We also get into her “vibe, grind, shine” mantra, carb intake (very high), and what it actually feels like when you realize you’re going to make the team.
We also cover:
How to pace a 100K without losing your mind
Race prep, bottle systems, and why being organized actually matters
The mental shift from training to racing
What hurts during a 100K (spoiler: everything, eventually)
Why second place is somehow both amazing and terrible
Plus, we get into Boston Marathon storylines, Cocodona 250 hype, injuries in the sport, and whether running a 5K one week after a 100K is a terrible idea (it is).
It’s part race recap, part comedy, and part therapy session for endurance athletes, just how we like it.
If you’ve ever trained for something big, wondered how elites actually fuel, or just want to hear what it’s like to qualify for Team USA, this one’s 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 [email protected]
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
-
In this episode, I’m talking Cocodona 250 with Allison Powell, where things go from “best half marathon ever” to “walking a corpse to the finish line” in about 200 miles.
We break down everything that went wrong last year, including cold, sleep mistakes, and just generally making questionable decisions for multiple days straight. Then we get into what we’re changing this time around, from pacing early to rethinking sleep and nutrition.
We also solve Cocodona entirely with a new strategy:
sleeping one minute every mile.
Along the way we cover race strategy, fueling, electrolytes, and why going slower early might actually be the smartest move.
If you’re running Cocodona 250, thinking about it, or just want to hear how things can go very wrong over a long distance, this one’s 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 [email protected]
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
-
This one is part training update, part origin story, and part figuring things out in real time.
I’m down in Arizona right now, overheating on purpose, trying to finally solve the thing that’s crushed me at Cocodona 250 for years. Day one. Heat, hydration, sodium, all of it. I’ve known it’s a weakness, but this is the first year I’ve actually committed to fixing it.
So I built a training camp around it.
We get into how I’m thinking about specificity, dialing in calories and sodium per hour, and actually testing everything in the conditions that matter. Not guessing, not hoping, just collecting data and adjusting.
Then we rewind to the beginning. Signing up for the first Cocodona with no idea what I was doing, showing up with one drop bag, living off Skittles and electrolytes I’d never tried before, and somehow figuring it out along the way.
Six years later, this is the first time I’ve treated Cocodona like an A goal. And I think that changes everything.
We also wrap up Outdoor March Madness, talk about why the Appalachian Trail won (controversial), give out prizes, and get into a bigger theme. If something is a weakness, you can either avoid it or actually go fix it.
This time, I’m trying to fix it.
- Visa fler
