A+ Suffering, B+ Sanity: My Self-Graded Appalachian Trail FKT

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Free Outside

Jeff Garmire

159 episodes

3 days ago

Welcome to "Free Outside," the ultimate podcast for outdoor enthusiasts! Join me, Jeff Garmire, as I blur the lines between trail running, Fastest Known Times (FKTs), thru-hiking, backpacking, and all endurance. With 20 FKTs under my belt, a book, a movie, and plenty of unconventional experiences, I'm here to share my adventures and insights. Expect engaging interviews and fun interactions with guests who excel in various ways. Whether we're discussing the art of slowly running through forests, the thrill of a challenging hike, or simply an appreciator of beauty and comedy, here we are.

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A+ Suffering, B+ Sanity: My Self-Graded Appalachian Trail FKT

Free Outside

48 minutes 35 seconds

1 month ago

A+ Suffering, B+ Sanity: My Self-Graded Appalachian Trail FKT

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.”

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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

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

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