The Bitter Truth: World Records, Super Shoes, and Science

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/cc/24/fd/cc24fdfe-69a4-530a-ba53-a1dd29e2231a/mza_14026971529750728856.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

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.

Running

Sports

RSS

All content for Free Outside is the property of Jeff Garmire and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Running

Sports

https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo/39320563/39320563-1714852015826-072db93862556.jpg

The Bitter Truth: World Records, Super Shoes, and Science

Free Outside

1 hour 12 minutes 11 seconds

2 months ago

The Bitter Truth: World Records, Super Shoes, and Science

Today on the Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by world record-holding ultra legend and Wisconsin's third-best export (according to me), Zach Bitter. We dive into everything from the logistics of setting a 100-mile world record to the absurdity of explaining our jobs to boomers ("I'm an influencer" = conversation over). Zach explains the appeal of fixed-time races, what he'd do differently in his record run (spoiler: shoes, fuel, and maybe a time machine), and whether doping is as prevalent in ultrarunning as EPO-fueled Reddit threads make it seem.

We also go deep on the evolution of the sport—tech, talent development, brand dynamics, super shoes, sock science, and what the heck the future might look like if Nike and cooling towels keep having a baby. Zach even dishes on why he stepped away from a long-term brand partnership and how he’s finding freedom—and a better shoe rotation—on his own.

Find Zach online:

https://zachbitter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/zachbitter

https://zachbitter.com/hpo

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Zach Bitter and His Achievements

03:04 The Importance of Fixed Time Races

05:57 Zach's World Record Experience

08:51 The Evolution of Ultra Running Technology

12:08 The Challenges of Record Keeping in Ultra Running

15:00 Doping in Ultra Running: A Complex Issue

18:07 The Future of Ultra Running and Accessibility

21:03 The Role of Coaching and Development in Running

23:55 Cultural Shifts in Ultra Running

27:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

38:16 The Future of Talent Development in Ultra Running

41:39 Brand Building and Athlete Sponsorship Dynamics

44:45 The Evolution of Trail Running Sponsorships

47:58 Nike's Strategic Interest in Trail Running

51:16 The Role of Athlete Managers in Brand Partnerships

55:47 Exploring Authenticity in Product Reviews

01:01:11 Innovations in Running Technology and Future Trends

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