After 45 days of hiking, hobbling, and setting a new Appalachian Trail self-supported record, I’m back—barely running, barely sleeping, and somehow still full of opinions. In this episode of the Free Outside Show, I break down the Chicago Marathon broadcast (and the glorious chaos of local news), talk about rebuilding a body that forgot what running is, and share the weird post-FKT side effects—from Christmas toes to an over-eager bladder.

I cover what it means to start over, why my calves hate me, and how patience might just be the secret to my next comeback. Plus, a few updates: future FKTs, Javelina Jundrid plans, and why the Janji kit I wore for 2,200 miles is headed for shrine status.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Chicago Marathon

05:52 Post-Marathon Reflections and Body Changes

11:40 Future Plans and Rebuilding Phase

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It’s a full plate this week on The Free Outside Show. I’m diving into Terminus Season—that bittersweet time when thru-hikers take the photo, post it, and wonder what’s next. Then we get into Trail TMZ, where a defamation lawsuit is brewing, and I try not to get sued for talking about it.

From there, we climb the philosophical peaks of Richard Feynman, Christopher McCandless, and Killian Jornet, somehow connecting it all back to neuromas, the UTMB money machine, and why you should just do the thing—even if nobody understands it.

There’s science (a running study that might change how you train), there’s gossip (Wikipedia wars are back), and there’s reflection (because post-trail life is weird).

As always—stay mid-America, stay elite, and remember: nothing matters, but also everything does.

support our sponsors:

CSinstant.coffee

janji.com

garagegrowngear.com

Chapters

00:00 Observations on Social Interactions

02:36 Navigating Post-Adventure Challenges

05:44 The Dynamics of Ultra Running Events

08:29 Understanding Terminus Season and Post-Trail Transition

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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

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Fresh off my self-supported AT record, I sit down with 2013 AT self-supported FKT holder Matt Kirk to talk about the weird gravity of post-trail depression, the long arc of the record from Ward Leonard to Stringbean to Tara, and where the line is with tech, tracking, and “help” on a self-supported effort. We dig into calories gone wrong (why 3,500/day failed), Shenandoah as a quiet crux, trail magic ethics, and why simplicity might be the best rule we have left. Matt shares the origin story of SCAR, naming it, and—plot twist—how he met his wife on the AT. I share some nuts and bolts from my run (18 mail drops, ~12 power banks, and way too much battery anxiety), and we both argue for screen-free campfire vibes and keeping the culture alive while the times keep dropping.

If you’re into FKTs, thru-hiking history, or just need a blueprint for surviving the “now what?” after a big goal, this one’s for you.

Check out Matt Kirk online:

His Blog: https://matthewkirk.blogspot.com/

His Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXrGFci8u_goKfnP8PqkaLA

Donate to the Trevor Project: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/fundraiser/6530749

Chapters

00:00 Post-Hike Transition and Emotional Challenges

02:40 Caloric Miscalculations and Preparation for FKT

05:31 Evolution of FKT Records and Technological Advances

08:21 The Impact of Previous Record Holders

10:48 Guidelines for Self-Supported Hiking

13:28 Documenting the Journey: Technology and Tracking

16:21 The Balance of Simplicity and Validation in Records

19:02 Reflections on the Future of FKT Attempts

27:13 Navigating Resupply Challenges

32:58 Mental Strategies for Endurance

37:13 The Importance of Reflection

41:06 Journey into Ultrarunning and FKTs

51:09 The Cost of Technology in Hiking

54:15 Navigating Technology and Safety on the Trail

56:42 The Impact of Technology on Hiking Culture

01:00:18 The Balance of Trail Magic and Self-Sufficiency

01:05:01 Personal Stories: Meeting on the Trail

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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

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Ten days off the Appalachian Trail and I’m deep in the post-trail fog—so I’m doing what any reasonable human would: grading my own record attempt. In this episode I hand out a full report card on the AT self-supported FKT—physical execution, sleep, injuries, nutrition (hello 1,000-cal drink mix), logistics (RIP Shenandoah resupply), mental game, weather, terrain, and storytelling—then tally the GPA. I riff on why drone shots aren’t a story, share some Mammoth 200 takes, and explain how two left shoes, a missing electronics bag, and shoe-toe peekaboo somehow still add up to a record. We hit night hiking tactics, the “toughness groove,” and field a few listener questions. Also: a quick bit on why it’s “Appalachia,” not “Appa-lay-sha.”

If this episode resonated, consider donating to The Trevor Project (link below)—they provide life-saving support and resources.

Donate to the Trevor Project: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/fundraiser/6530749

Sponsors that kept me moving: Janji (Snappy Trekker shirt & 5" AFO Ultra shorts), ReadyWise (my breakfast scramble), CS Instant Coffee (trail rocket fuel), and Garage Grown Gear (where cottage dreams live). Subscribe, drop a review, and tell one friend who thinks a “fun run” is 214 miles. Stay mid, America—and stay elite, my friends.

Chapters

00:00 Post-Trail Reflections and Celebrity Shoutouts

02:34 The Popularity of 200-Mile Races

05:45 The Appalachian Trail Experience

08:22 Report Card on the Appalachian Trail FKT

10:57 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance

17:35 Mental and Emotional Resilience During the Hike

23:00 Personal Reflections and Motivation

23:57 Logistics and Gear Choices

25:41 Resupply Challenges and Navigation

28:17 Environmental Adaptation and Terrain Management

30:30 Community Engagement and Storytelling

32:21 Self-Assessment and Future Aspirations

32:48 Audience Questions and Insights

44:41 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

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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

Eight days after setting the Appalachian Trail self-supported FKT, I sit down with my girlfriend, Allison Powell, for the most comprehensive post-mortem yet. We unpack the messy middle: inReach texts that read like hieroglyphics, a resupply box that vanished in Shenandoah, two left shoes (and a toe popping through the right one), a broken pole in New York, rain that no radar would admit, and the late-race sit-and-kick that finally stuck. We talk about the A-T(eam) group thread with John (yes, the Mexico engagement guy), what it’s like supporting a record you’re not allowed to “help” on, the pre-race spreadsheet rabbit hole, asking strangers for walnuts, hallucinating Slenderman, and touching the Springer sign before pizza and sleep. It’s grit, humor, and the playbook for turning “one in a billion” into done. Stay elite, my friends.

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

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Appalachian Trail Record

02:34 Qualities That Lead to Success

05:14 Challenges Faced on the Trail

08:23 Mental Strategies and Tools for Endurance

11:04 Resupply Challenges and Community Support

13:47 Emotional Highs and Lows During the Journey

16:59 The Role of Support Systems

19:38 Social Media and Public Engagement

22:38 Preparation and Planning for the Record

25:35 The Final Push to the Finish Line

28:31 Reflections on the Experience

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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

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