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!

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🎧 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

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This week on the Free Outside Podcast, I'm joined by repeat guest and newly crowned Lavaredo 120K podium finisher Alyssa Clark. We talk all things Lavaredo—what makes this epic European race special (aside from the 11 PM start and absurd elevation gain), how she ran within striking distance of Courtney Dauwalter, and how pink hair and frogs helped her stay grounded mid-race.

But that’s just the start.

Alyssa opens up about the team she’s built around her—nutritionist, mental coach, agent, husband, and even the cats. We go deep on how her mental game has evolved, why she talks to frogs mid-ultra, and how rewriting internal narratives (with the help of a herd of mental sheep) has changed everything.

We also dig into where the sport is heading—development pipelines, the blurry line between influencers and athletes, why agents matter, and how media obligations are shifting as trail running professionalizes.

If you’ve ever wanted to hear two runners talk about therapy, shoes, mentorship, contracts, and night running tunnel vision all in one episode, this is your jam.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Lava-Eido: A Unique Race Experience

02:50 Race Day Strategies: Preparing for a Night Start

05:48 The Influence of Competition: Running Against the Best

09:10 Race Planning: Balancing Goals and Performance

11:59 Building a Support Team: The Importance of Collaboration

14:53 Nutrition Strategies: Tailoring Fuel for Performance

17:46 Mental Resilience: Strategies for Self-Compassion

20:56 Embracing Identity: Overcoming Past Challenges

23:55 Mindfulness in Racing: Staying Present

26:46 Training for Mental Toughness: The Role of Discomfort

29:48 The Future of Ultra Running: Evolving Support Systems

32:14 The Mental Game in Ultra Running

34:01 Breaking Into the Sport: Challenges and Opportunities

36:19 The Importance of Mentorship and Development in Ultra Running

38:32 Respecting the Elders: Learning from Experience

40:04 Navigating the Influencer vs. Professional Athlete Landscape

44:35 The Role of Brands in Athlete Development

52:20 Building Confidence in Uphill Running

55:31 The Role of Agents in an Athlete's Career

58:08 Media Obligations and Athlete Performance

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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

Western States 100 needed an awards show—so we made one. I’m joined by Allison Mercer for the first-ever Westees, a highly serious, extremely prestigious, and entirely made-up award show for the 2025 Western States 100.

We hand out awards like:

BDE: Big Dad Energy

Michigan "Bluff" Award (for premature blowups

Scuba Steve Award

I’m Not Back, I’m Better Award

The Cougar of the Field

The Zach Miller Lookalike Award

...and of course,

Jeff of the Day

We also break down the biggest performances, the carnage, the drama, the livestream chaos, trail fashion disasters, questionable pacing decisions, and how Killian somehow still looks fresh after 100 miles.

If you like trail running, roasting, fashion critiques, or just hearing someone talk trash about professional runners while wearing Janji shorts—this episode is for you

Janji – The best running shorts in the game (and yes, I’m literally wearing them right now).

Use code freeoutside for a discount.

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GarageGrownGear.com

CSinstant.coffee

Montana Meltdown – Our very own fixed-time race in Bozeman, Montana. 4, 12, and 24-hour options on a beautiful loop course.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Westees Awards

06:08 The Women's Race Highlights

11:58 The Men's Race Highlights

21:45 Awards and Recognitions

28:55 Reflections on Performance and Training

30:25 Celebrating Chris Myers and Brooks' Impact

33:05 The Performance of Hoka and Unsponsored Athletes

39:24 Mo Money, Mo Problems: The Pressure of Sponsorships

42:53 The Rise of Women in Ultra Running

47:00 The Need for Better Storytelling in Ultra Running

51:58 Age is Just a Number: Inspiring Performances

54:58 Consistency and Experience: The Legacy of Jeff Browning

55:57 Hans and His Journey

01:00:00 Sponsorships and Their Impact

01:05:00 Awards and Recognition

01:10:03 FKTs and Trail Challenges

01:15:07 Reflections on the Appalachian Trail

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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

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facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

Western States may be the most iconic race in ultrarunning—but it also comes with carnage, heartbreak, and a pile of DNS and DNF drama. In this episode, I’m joined by the always-entertaining Allison Mercer (of FastestKnownTime.com) to break down the storylines, the runners who didn’t make it to the start line, and wild ideas to spice up the sport (spoiler: mile-seeding starts for elites?).

We also dive into the FKT world—John Kelly’s latest madness, what’s changing in the scene, and why FKTs still matter. Plus, I give a quick life update because I’m moving out, living out of a storage unit, and heading out for an Appalachian Trail FKT attempt.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

🩳 Janji – Great sun hoodies, shorts, and gear. Use code freeoutside for a discount (let me know what you get!).

☕ CS Instant Coffee – Freeze-dried and trail ready.

🎒 Garage Grown Gear – Your one-stop shop for small-business adventure supplies.

Share the episode, leave a review, and help support the chaos. Stay elite, my friends.

Chapters

00:00 In Memoriam: The Unbreakable List

02:05 The Impact of Social Media on Performance

04:58 The Women's Field: Intriguing Storylines

07:46 The Men's Field: A New Dynamic

10:48 The Role of Coaches and Competitors

13:54 Heat Training and Its Influence

16:54 Predictions for the Race

19:53 The Unsung Heroes of Coverage

22:41 Final Thoughts and Predictions

33:32 The Rising Stars of Trail Running

34:47 Analyzing the Men's Field Dynamics

37:13 Des Linden: The Most Valuable Pacer

40:26 Women Transitioning from Road to Trail

42:28 The Importance of Recovery in Ultra Running

48:50 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes

53:02 John Kelly's FKT Attempt: A Community Effort

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 just ran the Bighorn 100—no pacers, no headphones, and absolutely no planning. In this episode, I share the full breakdown of how I tackled Wyoming’s classic 100-miler while juggling life stress, sleep deprivation, and a recent pacing stint on the Pacific Crest Trail. From garbage bag drop bags to a ramen-fueled revival at mile 48, this race was anything but conventional.

I talk about the wildflowers, the relentless climbs, the raw and rugged vibe of the race, and why I chose to run it in the middle of prepping for my Appalachian Trail FKT attempt. I also dive into the mental side of ultrarunning—what it means to finish, to recalibrate goals mid-race, and to stop caring about optics when you’re throwing up on the side of a mountain.

This is a race recap, a therapy session, and a reality check all rolled into one. Whether you're training for a 100 or just want to hear how I managed to survive a race with no taper, a busted ankle, and two weeks of pacing fatigue, this one’s for you.

Use code FREEOUTSIDE at Janji.com for sweet gear and check out Garage Grown Gear and CS Instant Coffee to support the show. And if you're feeling generous—or just entertained—drop a five-star review, join the Patreon, or send me a nice email at jeff@freeoutside.com.

Let’s get into it.

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recent Adventures

01:54 The Big Horn 100 Experience

12:02 Challenges Faced During the Race

17:51 Lessons Learned and Reflections

25:07 Looking Ahead to Future Goals

In this brutally honest solo episode, I unpack what’s been the most stressful month of my life—losing my apartment, unresolved medical issues, financial pressure, and trying to prep for a 100-miler I haven’t even packed for. Oh yeah, and I’m attempting a self-supported Appalachian Trail FKT in less than a month. No big deal.

But it’s not all chaos. I reflect on the finite nature of miles, what "best" really means, and why shared suffering for the wrong reasons is never worth it. I read from Mike Versteeg’s powerful Colorado Trail FKT post and explore how ego, purpose, and community collide in our outdoor pursuits. If you've ever questioned the "why" behind your adventures—or what you’re asking others to carry for your dreams—this one’s worth a listen.

Mike Versteeg's Colorado Trail: https://satisfyrunning.com/blogs/possessed/colorado-trail-fkt-field-notes

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Life's Challenges

01:30 The Finite Nature of Miles

06:08 Lessons from Failure and Community

09:44 Embracing Adventure Amidst Uncertainty

On this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by coach, ultra runner, and creator Justin Andreas—aka Running in Stash. We talk about his wild transformation from jacked military bodybuilder to golden hour 100-miler finisher and trail coach. We dive deep into his life in Alaska, where training includes moose dodging, sub-zero treadmill marathons, and running in negative 49 degrees… in a singlet.

We cover everything from his Bighorn 100 tips (mud. lots of mud.) to racing in sandals, brushing teeth mid-ultra, taper meltdowns, and why the golden hour might be the most inspiring part of the sport. We even dish out spicy takes on Spring Energy, toothbrush resets, and how coaching is more about emotional support than the perfect workout.

Whether you're a mid-pack legend or an aspiring 200-mile cowboy, this episode brings wisdom, laughs, and plenty of stories from the far north. Also, stay for Justin’s mantra: “Don’t be a hero in the first half. Don’t be a b*tch in the second.”

Chapters

00:00 From Bodybuilding to Ultra Running: A Journey of Transformation

02:59 Preparing for the Bighorn 100: Insights and Experiences

05:58 The Unique Culture of Ultra Running: Community and Support

08:50 Training in Extreme Conditions: The Alaska Experience

11:57 Wildlife Encounters: Running with Nature's Challenges

15:01 The Golden Hour: Celebrating Every Finish

18:05 Learning from Experience: Coaching and Personal Growth

20:55 Mindset Matters: Mantras and Mental Resilience

29:57 Running Rituals and Playful Competition

30:56 The Joy of Running in Sandals

32:49 Camaraderie in Racing

33:22 Physical Fitness Tests in the Air Force

34:33 Lessons from Nutrition Mistakes

38:00 The Magic of Teeth Brushing During Races

40:31 Embracing the Taper

44:47 The Freedom of Trail Running

48:33 The Value of Having a Coach

51:37 Excitement for Upcoming Races

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 solo episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I dive into a topic that every endurance athlete eventually wrestles with: What’s your why?

I unpack what it really means to chase big goals in the era of social media, external validation, and highlight reels. From the pressure of performance posts to the value of community and joy in the moment, this is an unfiltered look at what keeps us coming back to these wild endurance events—even when nobody's watching.

Topics include:

-Why social media can distort your motivation

-The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic goals

-Lessons from my worst FKTs and best trail moments

-The underrated power of fun, struggle, and shared experience

-Why Cocodona doesn’t “make” anyone—and why you do

-Encouragement for media, volunteers, and the mid-pack majority

-And how the ultra/trail community is more diverse than it looks

Whether you're a front-runner, back-of-the-packer, or just love long miles, this episode is a reminder to step back and ask: Why am I really doing this?

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Intrinsic Why

06:58 The Three Pillars of Motivation

10:12 The Role of Community in Endurance Sports

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