Free Outside

To inquire about getting coached email: jeff@freeoutside.com In this episode, Jeff Garmire interviews Jon Schwartz, who shares his experiences of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and his unique yo-yo hike. The conversation delves into Jon's background, his early experiences with trail work, and how he transitioned into the world of thru-hiking. They discuss the challenges faced during the yo-yo hike, including navigating difficult terrains, weather conditions, and personal milestones. Jon reflects on the lessons learned throughout his journey and the importance of setting goals in the hiking community. In this conversation, Jon shares his intense experiences while thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), including the physical and mental challenges he faced, particularly during a near-fatal hypothermia incident. He reflects on the motivation behind his adventures, the impact of COVID-19 on his journey, and the personal growth that comes from pushing one's limits in the wilderness. They emphasize the importance of adventure and the desire to explore remote places, while also discussing the changes in the outdoor landscape due to the pandemic. Follow Jon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonschwarze/ takeaways John's early experiences with trail work shaped his hiking journey. The concept of a yo-yo hike involves hiking the trail in both directions. Setting realistic goals is crucial for long-distance hiking. Navigating challenging terrains requires preparation and adaptability. The importance of community and support among hikers is emphasized. Weather conditions can significantly impact the hiking experience. Physical and mental endurance are key to completing long hikes. Learning from others in the hiking community can enhance skills. Personal growth often occurs through overcoming obstacles on the trail. The journey of hiking is as important as the destination. Pushing through physical challenges can lead to personal growth. Hypothermia can be a life-threatening condition for hikers. The mental aspect of hiking is as important as the physical. Adventure is about exploring remote places that few have seen. COVID-19 drastically changed the outdoor experience for hikers. Preparation and adaptability are crucial for survival in the wild. The joy of hiking comes from both the journey and the destination. Motivation can stem from a desire to prove oneself. Experiencing nature can provide a sense of fulfillment and wonder. Thru-hiking can be a transformative experience that shapes one's perspective. Sound Bites "You are at a point where your brain is telling you these stupid crap." "I decided to go to trail skills college." "If you guys could do this I could do this." "I was like, fuck, like, just get over it." "I thought I was gonna die." "I just wanted to prove to myself that I was an athlete." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:10 Trail Work and Early Experiences 12:22 The Journey to Thru-Hiking 22:00 The Yo-Yo Adventure Begins 30:13 Challenges and Milestones on the Trail 38:05 Reflections and Lessons Learned 42:26 Navigating Challenges on the Trail 50:17 Surviving Hypothermia: A Close Call 56:30 Reflections on Accomplishment and Motivation 01:02:19 Experiencing the World During COVID-19 01:15:11 Pushing Limits: The Drive for Adventure

In this episode of the Free Outside Show, I discuss the recent achievements in the world of Fastest Known Times (FKTs), particularly highlighting Tara Dower's record on the Appalachian Trail. I reflect on the evolution of FKTs, the importance of community support, and how records are often built upon the efforts of previous athletes. I also share personal updates, including his recent stage race experience and future goals in the realm of endurance sports. takeaways Tara Dower set the fastest time ever on the Appalachian Trail. FKTs are built on the achievements of previous athletes. Good preparation and support are key to setting records. The number of FKTs is increasing, with many routes available. Women have set competitive records in endurance sports. Records often inspire others to push their limits. Community support plays a crucial role in achieving FKTs. Personal experiences shape the understanding of trail records. The evolution of FKTs reflects the growth of the sport. Setting a record creates a new benchmark for others. Sound Bites "Anything is possible with good preparation." "All these are on the shoulders of giants." "Records will continue to go down." Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Recent FKT Achievements 10:04 Exploring the Evolution of FKTs 15:51 Personal Updates and Future Goals

In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I take a deep dive into my experience at the Grand to Grand stage race, a grueling 171-mile journey through some of the most rugged and remote terrain in Arizona and Utah. The race is a self-supported, six-stage event that tests not just your endurance, but your mental toughness and resilience, as you carry all your food and gear on your back for an entire week. takeaways Packing light is crucial for long races. Medical clearance is necessary for serious races. Food planning can make or break your race. Embracing the adventure is key to enjoyment. Running with a pack requires practice and strategy. Mental resilience is as important as physical strength. Connecting with fellow racers enhances the experience. Heat management is vital in desert races. Post-race celebrations can be unexpectedly extravagant. Learning from each race helps improve future performance. Sound Bites "I was able to come out with second place." "It was really brutal. I learned a lot." "I had to get a medical clearance form." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Grand to Grand Stage Race 02:53 Preparation and Packing for the Race 06:03 The Start of the Adventure 08:55 Day One: The Challenges Begin 11:46 Day Two: Embracing the Experience 14:59 The Long Stage: Pushing Limits 21:07 Mid-Race Reflections and Strategies 24:53 Day Five: The Final Marathon 38:12 The Last Day: Finishing Strong 43:05 Post-Race Celebrations and Reflections keywords: Grand to Grand, stage race, ultra running, adventure, endurance, preparation, challenges, race recap, outdoor podcast, Jeff Garmire

In this episode, I discuss the importance of knowing when to quit in various aspects of life, including outdoor adventures and personal projects. I share my experiences of quitting the Superior Hiking Trail and Nolan's 14, and how those decisions led to more fulfilling experiences. I emphasize the need to have a strong why and to prioritize enjoyment and personal growth over external achievements. I also highlight the importance of recognizing signs of dehydration and knowing when to quit for one's own well-being. Takeaways Knowing when to quit is important for personal growth and fulfillment. Having a strong why and prioritizing enjoyment and personal growth over external achievements is crucial. Recognizing signs of dehydration and knowing when to quit for one's own well-being is essential. Quitting can lead to new opportunities and more fulfilling experiences. Sound Bites "We don't talk now about quitting." "I quit after three days and then I had three more days to explore." "There is such an importance in knowing when to quit and when not to." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Knowing When to Quit 03:53 Quitting the Superior Hiking Trail and Exploring 10:42 The Importance of Knowing When to Quit 19:44 Quitting as a Path to New Opportunities 24:43 The Benefits of Quitting 28:04 Success and Failure Defined by Fulfillment 31:53 Learning from Failure 33:48 Quitting for Personal Well-being Keywords quitting, outdoor adventures, personal projects, fulfillment, growth, why, enjoyment, success, failure, dehydration

In this episode, I answer questions from my Instagram followers, diving into topics like fast-packing gear, the thrill of ultra running, and the challenges of financing race participation. I share personal stories from my adventures on the trail, talk about my offseason training strategies, and reflect on the fears and challenges I face while hiking. The conversation is packed with humor and insights, making it a great listen for outdoor enthusiasts and aspiring ultra runners. takeaways Fast-packing combines running and backpacking for efficiency. Choosing the right gear is crucial for multi-day fast-packing. The adventure and unknown aspects of ultra running are appealing. Financing races can be managed through sponsorships and creative solutions. Offseason training should focus on intensity rather than volume. Heat training can be beneficial year-round for endurance athletes. Personal fears on the trail often revolve around safety and hydration. Humorous and relatable hiking anecdotes can lighten the conversation. Community support plays a significant role in endurance sports. Chasing goals is more important than worrying about failures. Sound bites "Fast-packing is a cross between running and backpacking." "I love the adventure of attempting something new." "The world is too big, chase your goals!" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Audience Engagement 02:44 The Adventure of Ultra Running 06:35 Financing Race Participation 11:14 Offseason Training Strategies 14:58 Fears and Challenges on the Trail 19:00 Humorous Hiking Anecdotes

In this conversation, I talk with Allison Powell, my girlfriend and the winner of the Divide 200 about her journey from a casual runner to an ultra marathoner, detailing her experiences with training, racing, and the mental and physical challenges she faced during the Divide 200 race. She discusses the importance of nutrition, the role of support crews, and the lessons learned from her experiences. Allison also reflects on his future plans in ultra running and her interests outside of running, including community building and creative arts. Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonhpowell/?hl=en The Barkley Marathons documentary inspired her ultra running journey. Training plans can be both beneficial and overwhelming. Mental resilience is crucial during long races. Nutrition strategies can make or break a race experience. Support from crew and pacers is invaluable. Adrenaline can help push through physical pain. It's important to adapt training based on personal needs. 200-mile races require a different mindset than shorter races. Community building enhances the running experience. Creative pursuits can coexist with a passion for running. Sound Bites "I just never felt so low in a race." "I think the only way to get better at them is to do them." "I did not know what that meant." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Running Journey 03:08 Transition to Ultra Running 05:54 Training for 200-Mile Races 08:48 The Divide 200 Experience 11:45 Mental Challenges During the Race 14:50 Overcoming Physical Pain and Adversity 18:06 The Role of Support and Crew 20:58 Final Push to the Finish Line 23:53 Reflections on Training and Nutrition 26:51 Future Plans and Advice for Aspiring Ultra Runners 30:04 Personal Interests Beyond Running

In this conversation, I share my preparation for the Grand to Grand stage race, diving into the logistics, nutrition, gear, and mindset needed for such an endurance event. I emphasize the importance of meticulous planning, especially when it comes to managing food intake over the long stages. One of the unique aspects I'm looking forward to is experiencing a phone detox during the race, disconnecting from the constant noise and focusing entirely on the experience. Reflecting on my past adventures, I realize how much they've shaped my approach to this race. This time, I'm aiming to enjoy the journey itself rather than obsess over results. It's about being present, tackling the challenges as they come, and savoring the excitement of this new adventure. takeaways Preparation is key for endurance events. Nutrition planning is crucial for performance. Gear selection can impact race experience. Mindset matters; focus on enjoyment. Phone detox can enhance the adventure. Learn from past experiences to improve future performance. Caloric intake should match activity level. Adaptability is important in race conditions. Logistics can make or break a race experience. Embrace the journey, not just the outcome. Sound Bites "I'm excited to have six days phone detox." "It's okay to smile, have fun." "I think this is the last one." Chapters 00:00 Preparing for the Grand to Grand Stage Race 14:59 Nutrition and Gear Planning for Endurance Racing 21:48 Logistics and Mindset for the Race Adventure

In this episode, I share my recent adventure crewing Allison at a 200-mile race in Canada. I talk about my experiences as a crew member, the challenges we faced during the race, and the unique interactions with Canadian culture. I highlight the camaraderie of ultra running, the beauty of the Canadian landscape, and the humorous moments that arise during such intense events. I also reflect on the lessons I learned and the joy of being part of the outdoor community. takeaways The Divide 200 race is a challenging ultra marathon. Crewing requires a lot of guesswork and preparation. Canadian culture is characterized by kindness and humor. Pacing is an essential role in ultra running. Communication can be difficult in remote areas. The experience of crewing can be both rewarding and exhausting. Runners often face unexpected challenges during races. The camaraderie among runners and crews is invaluable. Cultural interactions can add a unique flavor to adventures. Post-race reflections are important for personal growth. Sound Bites "The race couldn't go into BC because..." "I went to the sauna two times..." "Canada is full of great sayings..." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Canadian Adventure 04:48 The Divide 200 Race Experience 10:02 Crewing and Pacing Insights 15:01 Canadian Culture and Interactions 19:59 Challenges Faced During the Race 24:57 The Finish Line and Reflections 30:03 Post-Race Adventures and Ticket Incident keywords Canada, Divide 200, ultra running, crewing, pacing, Canadian culture, race experience, outdoor adventure, hiking, endurance sports, comedy

In this conversation, I talk about my approach to taking on new challenges and the importance of trying new things. I share my training methods for different seasons, like skate skiing in the winter and focusing on strength and sauna training in the spring. I also dive into my experience running the Cocodona 250, where I had some issues with my Achilles tendon but pushed through to finish. For me, it's all about balance, adaptation, and finding enjoyment in the process of pursuing goals. I also discuss my experiences with injuries, my podcast, and my recent adventures on the Montana Meltdown and the Tahoe Rim Trail. I touch on the importance of doing PT exercises, the mindset that comes with fastpacking, and the value of embracing challenges and taking risks. My storytelling style, with its candid and humorous approach, keeps things engaging and relatable throughout the conversation. Check out Chad Lubinski's show, the home of the original content And Chad on Instagram takeaways -Don't be afraid to try new things and take on new challenges, even if you think you might fail. -Adapt your training methods based on the season and your goals. -Finding balance between different activities and training types can help prevent burnout. -Sauna training can be beneficial for heat acclimation and overall health. -Perseverance and problem-solving are key when facing obstacles during races or other pursuits. -Enjoyment and engagement in the process are important for long-term motivation and success. Consistent PT exercises can help prevent long-term injuries. -Fastpacking is about maximizing time between destinations and enjoying the journey. -Embracing challenges and taking risks can lead to personal growth and memorable experiences. -Failures are a natural part of life and should not deter one from trying new things. Sound Bites "Even if you're nervous or you think you might fail, it's always way better to just go and give it a shot." "Winter is where you can really level up your fitness game in the sense of raise that aerobic ceiling." "Sauna is like the magic thing." "Do your PT exercises. They actually work." "Fixed time races are really cool and engaging." "Fastpacking is like the best of both worlds." Chapters 00:00 Embracing New Challenges and Overcoming Fear of Failure 04:19 Seasonal Training Methods: From Skate Skiing to Strength Training 17:49 Sauna Training for Heat Acclimation and Overall Health 22:37 The Cocodona 250 Experience: Perseverance and Problem-Solving 26:30 Finding Balance and Enjoyment in Pursuing Goals 26:58 Overcoming Injuries and the Importance of PT Exercises 31:03 The Mindset of Fastpacking: Maximizing Time and Enjoying the Journey 36:02 Embracing Challenges and Taking Risks 48:39 Learning from Failures and Trying New Things

I want to share the story of my experience at the Wasatch 100 race, where I ultimately had to DNF due to both physical and mental health issues. Leading up to the race, I faced several challenges, including a friend dropping out as my pacer and feeling sick beforehand. During the race, I battled a high heart rate, breathing difficulties, and intense headaches. Despite my efforts to stay positive and adjust my goals, my condition continued to worsen, and I eventually experienced panic attacks and vomiting. In the end, I made the tough decision to DNF at mile 56. It's disappointing, but I'm reflecting on the importance of trusting my body again. takeaways Physical and mental health issues can greatly impact performance in endurance races. It's important to listen to your body and make adjustments to your goals and strategies when necessary. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, it's necessary to make the difficult decision to DNF for your own safety. Experiencing a DNF can be emotionally challenging and may require time to process and recover. Trusting your body again after a disappointing race can be a difficult but necessary step in moving forward. Sound Bites "Well, shit. Wasatch 100, the story of when I didn't trust my body anymore and my first DNF. Let's get into it." "So on the you have to fill out a form to DNF. I filled that out and it said, why are you DNFing? And I just put broken." "Okay, well I seem to be needing to find some more confidence, but I'm gonna do a stage race in two weeks because I'm signed up for one. And then at the end of October, I'm gonna do Havelina 100. So we'll try another 100 miler. But wow, did not think it would DNF this race. I thought I could." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Wasatch 100 and the First DNF 03:00 The First Signs of Trouble: Bathroom Issues and a Bad Attitude 05:02 Managing the Pace and Heart Rate on the Course 08:00 Struggling with Headaches, Breathing, and Heart Rate 13:32 Continuing with the Race: Topical Cooling and Adjusting Strategies 16:19 Worsening Symptoms and the Decision to DNF 29:34 Seeking Medical Help and Reflecting on the Experience 36:38 Looking Ahead: Recovering and Moving Forward