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Jameson Collins set the supported FKT on the Oregon Coast Trail, a 450-mile trail, in six and a half days. We talked to him about how the record went, how he hallucinated, and why he wore two different watches. The Oregon Coast Trail consists of running on flat white beaches, crossing inlets, and timing tides correctly. Collins had to adjust his plans due to unforeseen circumstances, such as missing tide windows and strong headwinds. He experienced hallucinations but pushed through and had a strong finish. Despite setbacks, Collins successfully completed the trail and set a new record. We also discuss Jameson's passion for outdoor clothing and his company, Houda Trail, which specializes in custom-made apparel using Polartek Alpha Direct fabric. We also mention the rumor of a 200-mile race coming to the Wasatch near Salt Lake City. Takeaways Jameson Collins set the supported FKT on the Oregon Coast Trail in six and a half days. He faced challenges such as missed tide windows and strong headwinds. Collins experienced hallucinations but persevered and had a strong finish. Sound Bites "Why did you wear two different watches on the trail?" "I wore a second one just so I have two tracks run it basically because I didn't have any other way to record it." "The record seemed like pretty soft to me. It was like seven days, 17 hours or something. And I was like, I don't know, that seems like pretty doable." "I was like, we got to get there to where he camped when he leaves. then me and him are basically racing. I'm racing his ghost of the finish line, you know, and we made it to where he camped at the time he left that morning. And I was like, I got I think I could do this faster than him. I just have to do this faster than him. Totally." "We should be able to get that, you know, we should be able to get it for sure. It might be close, but like, we'll get it. Yeah. Okay. So then now through the final miles, are you just like ecstatic or are you just trying to hold on or where's your head out after being out there six plus days? Um, it was, no, it was like pretty, it was pretty good. It was, I wasn't like in, I mean, I was in pretty rough shape until we got to Brookings and then" "Yeah, totally. No, I looked pretty rough. Like people were concerned about me. Like when I was coming through town for sure, I couldn't. Thomas was really I couldn't like figure out what traffic was doing anymore. Just kind of try to run out into the middle like cross, you know, crosswalks and stuff. And he was doing a really good job at like letting me know and actually like stopping traffic and stuff for me. But like I felt like I really had it together, but I probably didn't. Yeah, totally." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Rumor of a 200-Mile Race 01:25 Introduction to Jameson Collins and the Oregon Coast Trail FKT 03:22 Wearing Two Watches for Redundancy 06:42 Choosing the Oregon Coast Trail for the FKT Attempt 14:40 Challenges and Adjustments on the Trail 23:00 Perseverance and Strong Finish 27:10 Racing against a ghost 28:02 Final miles and physical condition 29:24 Concerns and physical toll 30:42 Physical effects of the race 32:30 Stats of the Oregon Coast Trail FKT 34:38 Unlocking new possibilities 35:31 Accidental entry into the world of trail running 36:25 Discovering Alpha Direct fabric 37:35 Starting Whoa Trail 46:48 Upcoming races and future plans 50:30 Continuing with solo episodes and guest interview Keywords Oregon Coast Trail, FKT, supported FKT, trail running, tides, pack rafting, hallucinations, record, Jeff Garmire, FKT, Oregon Coast Trail, challenges, sleep deprivation, physical discomfort, confidence, long-distance races, Whoa Trail, outdoor clothing, Polartek Alpha Direct fabric, upcoming races, pushing limits

I interview Morgan Elliott, a runner specializing in short and fast races. We discuss the mindset of redlining during a race and how to determine if it's going to be a good day. We also talk about vertical kilometers (VKs) and the intense physical and mental challenges they present. Morgan shares his experience of representing the USA in international races and the camaraderie among team members. We also touch on the topic of DNFs (Did Not Finish) and the different motivations behind dropping out of a race. In this conversation, Morgan discusses his experience racing in Europe, his training strategies, and his favorite distances and types of running. He talks about the camaraderie and strategy involved in team races, the importance of recovery and preventing injuries, and the thrill of racing in challenging conditions. Takeaways Redlining during a race means pushing yourself to the limit and knowing that you have to give it your all from the start. In VK races, the first few minutes are crucial, and it's important to pace yourself and not go out too hard. Representing your country in international races is a special experience, and it's important to give it your best and be proud of wearing the national team uniform. DNFs (Did Not Finish) are a personal decision, and while some athletes drop out due to injuries or financial considerations, others choose to push through and finish the race. The camaraderie among runners, whether in the front or back of the pack, is inspiring and creates a sense of community in the sport. Racing in Europe offers a unique atmosphere with enthusiastic spectators and low-key but talented competitors. Camaraderie and strategy play a significant role in team races, while individual strategies are more common in shorter races. Recovery and injury prevention are crucial in maintaining a consistent training schedule. Racing in challenging conditions can be both thrilling and advantageous, as it can unsettle competitors and provide a mental edge. Morgan's favorite distances are three to five hours, and he enjoys technical trails with difficult footing. He is attracted to races with steep climbs and enjoys the challenge of using his hands during the run. Morgan's favorite races include Zagama and Transvulcania, which offer diverse terrain and unique cultural experiences. He is always learning and adapting his training approach, and he plans to focus on shorter races in the upcoming year. Training includes interval workouts, such as tough hill days, to improve his speed and endurance. He embraces the opportunity to race against top competitors and believes in learning from every race experience. Goals for the future include participating in the Skyrunning World Series and completing a 120-mile loop in Summit County, Colorado. Sound Bites "Race when you have a full deck." "You're redlining from minute 10." "If you don't go out four minute miles, you're not going to be in the frame." "There are so many low-key badasses that show up to European races." "I love it when people are like looking at the weather and like, oh man, it's going to rain during a race. I'm like, yes. Anything that can get in the heads of my competitors." "I did a lot of Hill workouts. I call them tough Hill days and they are mean." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Redlining 02:18 The Challenge of Vertical Kilometers 04:13 Race Strategy and Going Out Too Hard 09:04 Representing Your Country in International Races 16:40 The Decision to DNF: Personal Choices 19:36 The Camaraderie Among Runners 28:14 Racing in Europe: Enthusiastic Spectators and Low-Key Competitors 29:12 Camaraderie and Strategy in Team Races 30:05 Recovery and Injury Prevention in Training 31:03 Thriving in Challenging Conditions 39:18 Favorite Distances and Types of Running 41:43 Favorite Races: Zagama and Transvulcania 45:36 Adapting Training Approaches and Goals 48:27 Interval Workouts: Tough Hill Days 55:14 Embracing Competition and Learning from Every Race 56:12 Future Goals: Skyrunning World Series and Summit County Loop Keywords running, redlining, race strategy, vertical kilometers, representing your country, DNFs, racing, Europe, training, camaraderie, strategy, recovery, injuries, challenging conditions, favorite races, goals

Sign up for our race: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?eid=17896 I’m here to share the story of my latest adventure on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Just 12 hours after a self-extraction from my FKT attempt, I’m ready to give you an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what went wrong and why. From gut-wrenching nausea to a busted running pack and even a yellow jacket sting, this attempt turned into a comedy of errors. I’ll take you through the highs and lows, the unexpected challenges, and what it’s like to push your limits, even when the odds are stacked against you. I’ll share the details of my preparation, my strategy, and the moment-to-moment experiences that defined this journey. Despite the setbacks, this attempt was a powerful reminder of why I love the challenge and adventure of FKTs. Whether you're an ultrarunner, a thru-hiker, or someone who loves a good adventure story, this episode has something for you. Tune in to hear about the grit, determination, and sometimes sheer stubbornness it takes to go after the fastest known time. Listen, subscribe, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. And remember, take those big swings and go for the hard things – it’s always worth it. Stay elite, my friends! Takeaways Taking on challenging endeavors involves risks and the possibility of failure. Even when faced with setbacks and obstacles, it's important to keep pushing forward and try to find solutions. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don't go as planned and we have to accept the outcome. Failure should not discourage us from taking future risks and pursuing new adventures. Sound Bites "Let's get into the attempt." "Sometimes things happen. You're going for literally the fastest time ever. So gotta take risks." "Sometimes things happen. You're going for literally the fastest time ever. So gotta take risks." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:14 The Attempt Begins 09:11 Stomach Issues and Setbacks 17:27 Pack Failure and Despair 28:29 Reflecting on Failure and Lessons Learned 37:10 Conclusion and Encouragement Keywords Tahoe Rim Trail, FKT, fastest known time, pack failure, challenges, disappointment, risk-taking

Sign up for our race! https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=117574 In this episode, we discuss the Montana Meltdown and the benefits of fixed-time races. I also share my experience participating in the Scummy Summer Slammer event and my preparation for the Tahoe Rim Trail FKT attempt. I discuss the importance of emotional connection in race planning and FKTs and share my unique approach to race planning. Takeaways Fixed time races unlock mileage and build confidence in athletes. The Scummy Summer Slammer event is a grassroots, low-cost run from Bozeman to Yellowstone. Emotional connection is important in planning races and FKT attempts. Jeff's unique approach to race planning involves starting with the 'why' and then focusing on the 'how'. Jeff is preparing for the Tahoe Rim Trail FKT attempt and is looking forward to the adventure and pushing his body. Jeff's Unique Approach to Race Planning Preparing for the Tahoe Rim Trail FKT Attempt Sound Bites "Fixed time races unlock mileage and build confidence." "The Scummy Summer Slammer: A grassroots, low-cost run from Bozeman to Yellowstone." "Jeff's unique approach to race planning: starting with the 'why' and then focusing on the 'how'." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Announcement 01:28 The Benefits of Fixed Time Races 07:09 Scummy Summer Slammer: A Grassroots Event 08:36 Preparing for the Tahoe Rim Trail FKT 19:15 Challenges and Goals for the FKT Attempt 25:23 Building a Strong Community with Free Outside Races Keywords race organizing, fixed time races, Montana Meltdown, Scummy Summer Slammer, Tahoe Rim Trail, FKT, emotional connection, race planning

We have started a race! Sign up for the Montana Meltdown, the premiere new fixed time race in Bozeman, Montana: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=117574 In this conversation, I interview Mika Thewes, an experienced ultrarunner who has completed multiple 200-mile races. We discuss Mika's journey into ultrarunning, her experiences in races like Bigfoot and Tahoe, and her recovery from the Cocodona 250. Mika shares her low-tech approach to race planning and her focus on time goals rather than competition. We Talk some volunteering and race scheduling. Follow Mika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarcrashvegan Takeaways Mika Thewes is an experienced ultrarunner who has completed multiple 200-mile races. She got into running to get in shape and gradually transitioned to trail running and longer distances. Mika's favorite races include Tahoe and Bigfoot, but each race has its own unique challenges and beauty. She takes a low-tech approach to race planning, using handwritten sheets of paper to track aid stations and estimated times. Mika focuses on time goals rather than competition, racing against herself and pushing her limits. We talk about the challenges faced during races and goals for future races. Mika Thewes explains how he manages to afford his racing through volunteering. The conversation ends with a discussion about Mika's upcoming race, Tor des Géants in Italy. Animal Encounters and Volunteering Sound Bites "That stupid powerline switchback climb out of like, what was it, Blackpool or something? That was the worst." "I just decided to double the distance. I think I had run like eight miles of trails before I did a 50 mile trail race, like in total in my life." "It was the craziest like I could talk about that all day. I mean, spot-trackers were optional so a bunch of people weren't wearing them. People got food poisoning at the aid stations." "It is what it is. It was disappointing." "I mean, I understand everyone's concerned, because like obviously I'd be concerned about that too." "Yeah, that's hilarious. I mean, you were flying down from Elden." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Race Announcement 01:08 Mika: A 200-Mile Expert 06:37 Getting Into Ultrarunning 08:34 Transitioning to Trails and Longer Distances 10:03 The Gnarly Challenges of Bigfoot and Tahoe 13:49 Dreams and Future Challenges 17:13 Recovery and Racing Tahoe 200 21:07 Racing Against Time and Overcoming Challenges 26:19 Challenges and Goals in Recent Races 35:36 Animal Encounters and Volunteering 47:47 Upcoming Race: Tor des Géants Keywords ultrarunning, 200-mile races, Bigfoot, Tahoe, Cocodona, race planning, time goals, determination, ultrarunning, races, challenges, goals, animal encounters, volunteering, Torre dei Giants

Buy a Make America Eclipse Again Hat: https://www.freeoutside.com/shop In this episode, I dive into some of the wildest animal encounters I've had while hiking and camping. From a heart-pounding close encounter with a moose on the trail to the adrenaline rush of being charged by a grizzly bear, I'll take you through these intense moments. I'll also share my run-ins with territorial goats and a funny story about a mischievous mouse that found its way into my tent. And if that wasn't enough, I'll recount a bizarre interaction with some drunk individuals while camping. Join me as I highlight the unpredictable and exciting experiences that come with encountering wildlife in the great outdoors. Takeaways Wildlife encounters can be unpredictable and exciting while hiking and camping. It's important to be aware of the behavior and characteristics of different animals to stay safe. Territorial animals like moose and goats can be aggressive if they feel threatened. Proper food storage is essential to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite. Interactions with humans in remote areas can be unpredictable and sometimes uncomfortable. Sound Bites "I was literally charged by the moose." "I thought I was gonna get killed by a grizzly bear." "Territorial goats just like running at me." Keywords animal encounters, hiking, camping, moose, grizzly bear, goats, mouse, wildlife

Devin Ashby is a full-time YouTube creator in the backpacking and camping space. Check out his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVyZtccA-oMchXHai-CJyPA His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountryexposure/?hl=en And His Etsy Shop: http://BACKCOUNTRYEXPOSURE.Etsy.com He makes videos reviewing backpacking gear, camping gear, and trip videos. Devin started his YouTube channel in 2014 and has developed a system for creating videos efficiently. He also runs a shop selling bags that he makes. Devin discusses the challenges of filming in public spaces and how he handles interruptions from passersby. He emphasizes the importance of spending time with gear in the field before reviewing it and providing an authentic experience for viewers. Devin also talks about the balance between giving honest reviews and maintaining relationships with brands. In this conversation, Devin and Jeff discuss the challenges and complexities of being an outdoor gear reviewer and content creator. They touch on topics such as the impact of free gear on the industry, the evolving landscape of media and influencer marketing, and the various revenue streams for content creators. Devin also shares insights on teaching backpacking and offers advice for aspiring outdoor content creators. Takeaways Devin Ashby is a full-time YouTube creator in the backpacking and camping space, making videos reviewing gear and sharing trip experiences. He started his YouTube channel in 2014 and has developed a system for efficiently creating videos. Devin emphasizes the importance of spending time with gear in the field before reviewing it and providing an authentic experience for viewers. He discusses the challenges of filming in public spaces and handling interruptions from passersby. Devin talks about the balance between giving honest reviews and maintaining relationships with brands. The prevalence of free gear in the outdoor industry can devalue the work of content creators and make it harder for the industry as a whole. The compensation for content creators on platforms like YouTube is often based on the number of views, which can undervalue their time and expertise. When balancing brand deals and product reviews, it's important to be transparent with the audience and establish boundaries. Teaching someone to backpack involves trip planning, understanding gear requirements, and packing efficiently. Consistency, authenticity, and enjoying the process are key to success as an outdoor content creator. Subscribers and views don't necessarily determine success; it's possible to have a fulfilling and successful content creation journey with a smaller audience. Sound Bites "I make videos for YouTube in the backpacking and camping space." "I also sew on the side if you want to." "You're filming YouTube on a Wednesday morning? Shouldn't you be at work?" "This gear is payment thing... doesn't pay money." "We're still in the infancy of where the type of media... is so prevalent." "Compensation is so focused on the number of views." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Devin's YouTube Channel 02:42 Devin's Multiple Income Streams 06:14 Transitioning from Climbing to YouTube 10:13 Approach to Gear Reviews 12:24 Challenges of Filming in Public Spaces 19:14 Balancing Authenticity and Brand Relationships 25:42 The Impact of Free Gear 32:24 Revenue Streams for YouTube Reviews 37:01 Managing Reviewed Products 39:11 Teaching Backpacking 43:19 Favorite Backpacking Locations in Utah 46:03 Advice for Outdoor Content Creators Keywords YouTube, backpacking, camping, gear reviews, video production, public filming, authenticity, brand relationships, outdoor gear, gear reviewer, content creator, influencer marketing, revenue streams, backpacking, teaching, advice

I share my backpacking adventures and FKT (Fastest Known Time) attempts in Montana and Costa Rica. I encounter bears, moose, and challenging trail conditions. Then I tell the story of an FKT attempt. Despite initially missing the FKT record, I persevered and successfully set the record on my second attempt at the record on Cerro Chirripo in Costa Rica. I emphasize the importance of taking risks, embracing failure, and pushing oneself to unlock new achievements. 🌲 Recent Adventures: A quick out-and-back backpacking trip with a surprise black bear encounter. An intense fastpacking trip across Montana's Madison Mountain Range, complete with grizzly and black bear sightings, moose, and elk! 🏔️ Costa Rica FKT Attempt: My thrilling tale of attempting and finally securing an FKT on Cerro Chirripó, the highest mountain in Costa Rica. The challenges of navigating a foreign country's trail system, battling tough conditions, and overcoming near misses. Lessons in perseverance and the joy of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. 👟 Training & Coaching: How my own training regimen aligns with the coaching plans I design for my athletes. Insights into balancing intense training sessions with the beauty of Montana's extended summer days. Stay elite, my friends! Takeaways Embrace failure and quitting as part of taking risks and learning Push yourself to unlock new achievements and distances Prepare and equip yourself properly for challenging adventures Enjoy the journey and the experiences along the way Sound Bites "Even if you fail, even if you quit, even if you don't make it, that does not mean you can't do it." "Unlocking new distances and achievements in trail running" "Embracing failure and taking risks in pursuit of goals" Chapters 00:00 Backpacking Adventures in Montana 05:02 Introduction to FKT Attempts 06:22 Living in Costa Rica and Discovering Chirripo 09:16 First Attempt at Cerro Chirripo FKT 14:05 Second Attempt and Setting the FKT Record Buy Merch to support: https://www.freeoutside.com/shop

In this conversation, I interviewed Brandon Wise, who also completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown. We discuss his experience with the Yellow Deli "commune", his motivation for attempting the Calendar Year Triple Crown, and the challenges he faced along the way. We also talk about the social aspect of thru-hiking and the importance of camaraderie on the trail. Support Brandon Weis' book "This is Gonna Hurt" about the Calendar Year Triple Crown: https://amzn.to/3XQzzRT And Follow Brandon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalhorsepower/?hl=en Overall, the conversation highlights the physical and mental challenges of long-distance hiking and the transformative power of the outdoors. Takeaways The Calendar Year Triple Crown is a challenging feat that requires careful planning and determination. Thru-hiking can be a solitary experience, but the social aspect and camaraderie with other hikers can greatly enhance the journey. Challenges and obstacles are inevitable on a thru-hike, but overcoming them can lead to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. The Yellow Deli cult experience highlighted the importance of being open-minded and adaptable while on the trail. Writing a book about the thru-hiking experience can be just as challenging as the hike itself. Thru-hiking the Calendar Year Triple Crown involves hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail in a single calendar year. Challenging weather conditions, such as blizzards and freezing temperatures, can be encountered during long-distance hikes. Camaraderie among hikers is a significant aspect of the thru-hiking experience, with shared struggles and bonding over shared experiences. The decision to pursue long-distance hiking instead of other life paths, such as attending law school, can be influenced by the desire for adventure, personal growth, and financial considerations. Future plans for hikers may include pursuing ultra running and international hiking, such as the Great Divide Trail in Canada or the Four Corners loop in the United States. Long-distance hiking offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and a deep connection with nature. Sound Bites "You could say the Count of Your Triple Crown saved you a bunch of money." "Yeah, that was one of the weirder nights of my entire life." "I mean, we all had a lot of time and not a lot to do. I just put mine to some good use, I guess." "Humans were strange creatures because, you know, one of my favorite memories of the whole year is something that was pretty awful in the moment and like super miserable but I look back on it now and I can't help but smile every time." "Yeah, the hardest part's starting. You can always quit. It's not a big deal." "Yeah, gotta get my first one. Come on. Spent all my money on thru-hiking. It's the real trick. But it's worth it to spend on the experiences for sure." Chapters 00:00 The Challenges and Triumphs of the Calendar Year Triple Crown 06:42 Navigating the Yellow Deli Cult Experience 13:03 The Dual Challenges of Thru-Hiking and Writing a Book 23:57 Overcoming Obstacles on the Thru-Hiking Journey 26:45 Surviving Freezing Conditions: Tips and Tricks 27:36 The Calendar Year Triple Crown: Challenges and Recommendations 29:01 Thru-Hiking vs. Breaking Up the Trails: Pros and Cons 30:00 Physical Challenges and Long-Term Effects of Thru-Hiking 30:29 Embarking on Additional Backpacking Adventures 32:23 Favorite Trails and Recommendations for Hikers 33:21 Underrated Trails and the Beauty of the Arizona Trail 34:18 Life After Thru-Hiking: Career Choices and Future Plans 38:41 Finding Joy in Challenging Moments: The Magic of Thru-Hiking 41:32 The Power of Shared Struggles and Bonding on the Trail 42:02 Developing Deep Connections and Friendships on the Trail 43:30 The Journey of Writing a Book and Preserving Memories 46:35 Embracing New Adventures and Overcoming Fear of Failure 47:35 The Importance of Starting and Trying New Things 49:32 Exploring Local Trails and Future Hiking Plans Keywords Calendar Year Triple Crown, thru-hiking, Yellow Deli cult, challenges, social aspect, camaraderie, hiking, Calendar Year Triple Crown, thru-hiking, Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, weather conditions, wildlife, camaraderie, challenges, decision-making, law school, ultra running, international hiking, outdoors

In this episode, I (Jeff Garmire) share the story of how 'Free Outside' was made. I talk about the challenges, including working with an unprofessional executive producer. We also discusses the process of filming the movie and the difficulties of capturing the essence of the trail while pursuing a record. I share experiences of premiering the movie and marketing it to audiences. I end the episode with a book recommendation and a game for the listeners. Takeaways The process of making a movie can be challenging, especially when dealing with unprofessional individuals. Taking matters into your own hands and doing things independently can lead to success. Filming a documentary while pursuing a record requires trust and coordination between the crew and the subject. Premiering a movie and marketing it to audiences can be a rewarding experience. Endurance by Alfred Lansing is a highly recommended book about leadership and survival. Games can be a fun way to engage with listeners and add variety to a podcast episode. Sound Bites "He commands his crew how they make it out and survive through a winter in literally Antarctica when nothing's really there, everyone thinks they're dead." "Sunglasses, essential, protective, facewear, what you really need out there." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Updates 02:27 Challenges and Changes of Plans 05:51 Making the Movie Independently 08:18 Filming the Record and Trusting the Crew 10:14 Editing and Post-Production 11:42 Distribution and Premieres 13:09 Marketing and Audience Engagement 14:32 Book Recommendation: Endurance by Alfred Lansing 15:29 Engaging Listeners with a Game Keywords movie making, challenges, executive producer, filming, record, premiere, marketing, book recommendation, game