Why do we care so much about sports, adventures, and the stories we choose to follow?

We record right after the Egypt and Argentina world cup game.

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning soccer coach and backpacker Jon Schwarze to talk about the power of fandom, connection, and the communities built around the things we love.

Jon’s two favorite things are soccer and the outdoors, and his life has revolved around both. From coaching the beautiful game to completing a Pacific Crest Trail yo-yo, he has experienced how a shared passion can bring complete strangers together.

We dive into why the World Cup captures the attention of billions, why being a fan gives people a sense of belonging, and why chasing a team, a trail, or an impossible goal might not be that different.

At the center of it all is a simple idea: the things that seem like “just a game” or “just a walk” are often the things that create the strongest memories, friendships, and meaning.

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#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Most runners think a backyard ultra is crazy.

Lukas Janulitis looked at that format and decided it wasn't hard enough.

Try a Last Skier Standing, an event where athletes skin uphill 1,200 feet every hour, ski back down, and repeat until only one person remains. That means battling sleep deprivation, sub-zero temperatures, brutal winds, hallucinations, and the mental challenge of not knowing when it will end.

In this episode, Lukas shares his experiences at Last Skier Standing, Bubba's Backyard Ultra, Swiss Alps 100, and Cruel Jewel 100. We discuss sleep deprivation, nutrition, heat training, problem-solving during races, New Hampshire mountain culture, and his upcoming attempt at the New Hampshire Appalachian Trail FKT.

Topics include:

-Last Skier Standing

-Backyard ultras and sleep deprivation

-Swiss Alps 100

-Cruel Jewel 100

-Nutrition and race strategy

-Training for multi-day endurance events

-Hallucinations and mental resilience

-The New Hampshire AT FKT

-Why people keep pushing their limits

If you've ever wondered what happens when someone decides to stay awake for days while skiing uphill, this conversation is for you.

Support our Sponsors:

Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/

Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726

CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee

Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab

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

#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Western States 2026 delivered one of the most memorable races we've ever seen.

Instead of doing a mile-by-mile recap, Allison and I hand out our completely unofficial Western States Awards. We talk about the biggest performances, the most impressive comebacks, the heartbreaking DNFs, the smartest race tactics, and the moments that made this year's race so special.

From Vincent Bouillard proving that a full-time HOKA employee can beat the world's best, to Jen Lichter's incredible debut, Hans Troyer's aggressive race, Canyon Woodward's performance, Molly Seidel's first 100 miler, and everything in between—we break down the biggest stories from one of the fastest and deepest Western States fields ever assembled.

Whether you watched every minute of the livestream or are just catching up, this episode is a fun look back at one of the biggest weekends in trail running.

Topics include:

• Vincent Bouillard's historic win

• Jen Lichter's course record

• Biggest surprises and disappointments

• Our favorite performances

• The future of Western States

• Why this race may never be repeated

• FKT updates and what's next in trail running

If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to the channel. Every week we bring you trail running, ultrarunning, FKT, and endurance stories from the people pushing the sport forward.

Support our Sponsors:

Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/

Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726

CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee

Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab

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

#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure