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.

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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

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