This one is part training update, part origin story, and part figuring things out in real time.

I’m down in Arizona right now, overheating on purpose, trying to finally solve the thing that’s crushed me at Cocodona 250 for years. Day one. Heat, hydration, sodium, all of it. I’ve known it’s a weakness, but this is the first year I’ve actually committed to fixing it.

So I built a training camp around it.

We get into how I’m thinking about specificity, dialing in calories and sodium per hour, and actually testing everything in the conditions that matter. Not guessing, not hoping, just collecting data and adjusting.

Then we rewind to the beginning. Signing up for the first Cocodona with no idea what I was doing, showing up with one drop bag, living off Skittles and electrolytes I’d never tried before, and somehow figuring it out along the way.

Six years later, this is the first time I’ve treated Cocodona like an A goal. And I think that changes everything.

We also wrap up Outdoor March Madness, talk about why the Appalachian Trail won (controversial), give out prizes, and get into a bigger theme. If something is a weakness, you can either avoid it or actually go fix it.

This time, I’m trying to fix it.

Eric Jenkins joins the podcast to talk about one of the weirdest things in sports, retiring in your early 30s… and then figuring out what comes next.

Follow Eric online: https://www.instagram.com/_ericjenkins/

We get into his career from running 9 miles a week in high school (with snorkel training and backyard workouts) to becoming an NCAA champion and professional runner. Then we talk about the part nobody really prepares you for, what happens when it all ends.

We also dive into:

• Why track struggles to grow compared to other sports
• The Olympic Trials pressure and the “one race” problem
• His transition into media and podcasting
• What trail running actually looks like from the outside
• Pacers in ultras and whether they’re cheating (kind of)
• Why a 100-mile race might be the hardest thing he’s ever attempted

And yes, we try to convince him to run a 100 miler.

This one is part running, part life after sport, and part figuring out what to do when your identity changes overnight.

Follow Eric's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7L5aLeFO5zDMcinUfrm8oV?si=0e59984bb5cc4e7d

Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffeeGarage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8abSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Liz Derstine is back on the podcast to talk about her self supported Pacific Crest Trail effort, the highs and lows of going after a huge goal, and the film that came out of it, Ridgeline. We get into brutal desert heat, night hiking, trying to balance daily trail updates with an FKT effort, and what it feels like when a record starts slipping away but you keep pushing anyway.

We also talk about the music side of Liz’s life, how she helped shape the soundtrack of the film, what it is like to write for an orchestra, and why hiking and creating art might not be as different as they seem. This one is about follow through, vulnerability, and going for something big even when there is no guarantee it works out.

Watch Ridgeline on the Mountain Hardwear YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSWTddKCbf4

Follow Liz online: https://www.instagram.com/pinkfeathers/

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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

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#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure

Allison is back and we cover a ton in this one. Will Peterson is officially going after the Appalachian Trail self-supported FKT, so we talk about what it is like when someone comes for your record and how different people approach these huge trail efforts. We also get into Cocodona 250 strategy, race-day chaos, pacing, heat, and how not to implode over 250 miles. Then we hit the running news, including the World Indoor Championships, Josh Kerr vs Cole Hocker, Cooper Lutkenhaus announcing himself to the world at 17, and Mondo continuing to be ridiculous. Also, yes, there is a lot of discussion about falling down and bleeding in public. It is that kind of episode

Support our Sponsors:

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

CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee

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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

March Madness is here… but make it outdoors.

We just wrapped round one of Outdoor March Madness and chaos has already taken over. No perfect brackets remain, upsets are happening everywhere, and somehow Nerds Clusters might actually win the whole thing. I break down the biggest results, the closest matchups, and what’s coming next as we head toward the Sweet 16.

We also raffle off our first prize (shoutout Robbie), and I explain how YOU can win gear, race entries, and more just by voting.

On my end, I’m finally back training after breaking my rib at Barkley Marathons. After nearly four weeks off, I’ve jumped back into big mileage, working toward Cocodona 250. The fitness feels good, the falls do not, and now it’s all about dialing in runnable miles, heat training, and race-specific prep.

Topics in this episode:

Round 1 Outdoor March Madness results and biggest upsets

Why there are zero perfect brackets left

Prize raffles and how to win

My Cocodona 250 training update post-injury

Why I keep falling (seriously, what is going on)

Early voting trends for Round 2

Vote on matchups and follow along:

freeoutside.com

New prizes dropping every round. Your vote actually matters.

Support our Sponsors:

Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/

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Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com

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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

Mike McKnight is on the Free Outside Podcast, and this one goes all over the place in the best way. We talk about his jump into Hyrox, why it might be more of a runner sport than people think, and what it was like dealing with a brutal back injury that left him unable to run but somehow still riding 200 miles on a bike.

https://www.freeoutside.com/outdoor-march-madness

We also get into his massive 2026 schedule, including five 200-mile races, Hardrock, and launching the Old Ephraim 200, a race that finishes at the same ski area where he once broke his back. Mike talks about what it takes to get a race permitted, how he thinks about goals across a huge season, why he is not big on pacers, and what actually makes him so good at 200-mile races.

Then, naturally, we end up talking about sleep deprivation, childhood farm life, dissociation in ultras, a possible Colorado Trail head-to-head FKT showdown, and Mike’s deep love for the Backstreet Boys.

This one is funny, honest, and full of the kind of ultra running rabbit holes I love.

Support our Sponsors:

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

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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

Today I’m introducing something I’ve been putting way too much work into: Outdoor March Madness.

Luke Pearsall of Trail Goods Co joins for a Bracketology episode discussing the outdoor march madness bracket. Join for a joke filled episode.

Follow Trail Goods Co: https://www.instagram.com/trailgoodscompany

It’s a giant bracket where outdoor things go head to head. Trails, gear, snacks, and the things that ruin your day outside. Think Appalachian Trail vs Pacific Crest Trail. Peanut Butter vs Trail Mix. Trekking poles vs Headphones.

You fill out a bracket predicting what will win, and then every round the matchups are decided by public voting.

There will be prizes, chaos, and probably some very strong opinions.

Fill out your bracket here:

https://www.freeoutside.com/outdoor-march-madness

Vote on the matchups here:

https://forms.gle/9DEK6x2iUK4gMzVH9

Let’s see what the outdoor world decides is the ultimate champion.

Support our Sponsors:

Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/

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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

I have a huge announcement. The Free Outside Outdoor March Madness Bracket is live.

https://www.freeoutside.com/outdoor-march-madness

Go to freeoutside.com and fill out your bracket to predict which outdoor things will win head-to-head matchups all month long. Trails, snacks, gear, and trail problems will face off until we crown a champion.

Follow Cody Taylor online: https://www.instagram.com/codytaylorperformance

You can vote in each matchup as the rounds progress, track the leaderboard, and enter raffles for prizes along the way. We’re giving away race entries, gear, gift cards, and more.

Some example matchups include things like:

• Appalachian Trail vs Timberline Trail

• Peanut M&Ms vs Running Gels

• Blisters vs Mosquitoes

• Gear battles and trail legends

Brackets close Wednesday March 18 at midnight MST, and voting continues through early April.

Go submit your bracket and start voting:

freeoutside.com

Episode

Today on the Free Outside Podcast I talk with Cody Taylor, who has been diving deep into the world of unsupported long-distance trail adventures.

Cody went from starting running during the pandemic to taking on massive unsupported efforts like:

• The Bruce Trail (900 km)

• The International Appalachian Trail

• Planning an unsupported out-and-back of Vermont’s Long Trail

We talk about what it takes to go hundreds of miles completely unsupported, including gear, food planning, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and the mental side of long solo efforts.

Cody also shares his story of going from touring drummer to endurance athlete, building a coaching business with his wife, and why doing hard things in the wilderness can completely change how you see everyday life.

It’s a fun conversation about pushing limits, learning the hard way, and figuring things out one long trail at a time.

Sponsors

Janji

Check out the gear I use from Janji, including the AFO shorts and 2-in-1 shorts with great pockets.

Visit janji.com

Garage Grown Gear

Everything you need for trail running, backpacking, and thru-hiking.

Check them out at garagegrowngear.com

Sawyer

Known for their water filters like the Sawyer Squeeze, but also their Stay Put sunscreen, which lasts all day on long runs and hikes.

More Free Outside

Website: freeoutside.com

Newsletter: freeoutside.substack.com

Patreon: patreon.com/freeoutside

You can also watch the film about my unsupported Colorado Trail FKT on Tubi.

Chapters

00:00 Outdoor March Madness

05:00 Cody Taylor's Journey into Endurance Running

08:00 Transition from Musician to Endurance Athlete

11:00 The Challenges of Unsupported Adventures

13:48 Mental Preparation and Coping Strategies

16:54 Nutrition and Gear for Long Trails

19:47 Experiences with Hallucinations and Wildlife

22:45 Exploring the Bruce Trail

25:40 Strengths and Future Projects

40:23 Overcoming Challenges in FKT Attempts

46:00 Training Philosophy: Grease the Groove

50:34 Cody's Journey: From Hockey to Drumming

55:12 Canadian Childhood and the Love for Hockey

01:00:26 Building a Business Together

01:06:51 Future Aspirations and Coaching Philosophy

Support our Sponsors:

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

CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee

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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