Free Outside

The White Mountains have a special talent for making strong hikers question their life choices, and their mileage math. In this episode, I’m joined by Eli Burakian and Justin Chapman, the brains behind Northeast Trail Adventures, to break down what makes the Northeast so rugged, so beloved, and so different from anywhere else.

Sign up for the retreat: https://northeasttrailadventures.com/

We dig into Moosilauke as the first true alpine-style summit for northbound AT hikers, the old-school trail design philosophy (straight up, minimal mercy), and the culture shift where vert matters more than pace. Then we get into the wild story of the Mount Ascutney Vertical Backyard, a last-person-standing race that went a jaw-dropping 90 hours, and somehow turned race directing into an ultra of its own.

After that, we talk about something more important than suffering, community. I’m officially joining Northeast Trail Adventures as a leader for their White Mountains running and hiking retreat (June 5 weekend at Hub North), a low-pressure, all-abilities weekend built around moving efficiently in the mountains, learning from experienced leaders, and hanging out like normal humans at night with meals, stories, and whatever game ends friendships.

If you want an entry point to the Whites that’s fun, supportive, and not gatekeep-y, this is it. Retreat spots are limited, and Free Outside listeners can use FREE OUTSIDE for $100 off.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Northeast Hiking Experience
06:41 Personal Connections to the White Mountains
11:48 Launching Northeast Trail Adventures
21:45 The Unique Vertical Backyard Race
32:26 Reflections on the Race and Future Plans
34:03 Community Building in the Whites
39:18 Retreat Structure and Activities
55:43 Inspiring Stories and Personal Experiences
01:04:35 Future Events and Opportunities

Find Northeasttrailadventures.com on social media https://www.instagram.com/northeasttrailadventures

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Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected]

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 Mercer drops a one-month-in “ins and outs of 2026” list that should be printed and taped to every smartphone: ranting to your phone is out, solutions and actual dialogue are in. From the chaos of Burrito League to the hype of the Millrose Games, we bounce between weather-whiplash field reporting, race-culture grievances (selfie sticks, pacers, entitlement), and a very biased Black Canyon 100K preview with picks, storylines, and the important reminder that community is built by showing up, not shouting into the void.

Chapters

00:00 2026: A Year of Change and Observations
02:43 Ranting vs. Solutions: A New Approach
05:32 Weather Woes: A Running Perspective
07:23 Running Czar: Changes in the Race World
10:18 Behind the Scenes: Understanding Race Logistics
11:49 Personal Achievements: Racing Stories and Reflections
15:12 Bucket List Dreams: Olympic Aspirations
17:55 Community Engagement: The Burrito League Experience
21:44 Milrose Games: Indoor Track Insights
32:54 Racing Dynamics and Athlete Strategies
38:54 Emerging Talents and Competitive Landscape
43:52 Youth in Sports: Pressure and Performance
45:38 The Impact of Betting on Professional Sports
49:54 Trail Running: Anticipation for Black Canyon
58:00 Golden Ticket Races: Opportunities and Challenges
01:03:48 Women's Race Preview: Anticipation and Insights
01:06:31 Key Athletes to Watch: Molly Seidel and Tara Dower
01:09:37 Emerging Talents: Jade and Shai's Breakout Potential
01:14:11 Race Strategies and Turnarounds: Caitriona Jennings and Others
01:18:54 Marathoners Transitioning to Ultra: Des Linden's Debut
01:23:42 Strava Insights: The New Age of Training Analysis
01:26:42 Final Thoughts: Predictions and Weekend Highlights

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 [email protected]

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

Ben Dhiman has one of the best names in the sport, and he actually earned it. We talk nicknames, alter egos, and the wild cat energy he taps into when racing, then rewind to the thru hiking years that shaped his brain, his grit, and his need to keep pushing the edge. From the AT and CDT to the Hayduke and a full-on Himalayan mission in Nepal, Ben explains why big adventures can be both glorious and miserable, and why thru hiking can “ruin you” in the best and worst ways.

Then we follow the pivot into trail running, pacing Hardrock almost by accident, showing up to races undertrained on hiking fitness and stubborn confidence, and eventually forcing the door down in Europe the old-school way, by racing hard and winning. We also get into family, balancing ambition with real life, his coaching philosophy, and why he treats winter as an off season where the work goes up and the pounding goes down.

Chapters

00:00 The Origins of the 'Demon' Nickname
05:34 Mental Clarity Through Hiking
08:25 The Impact of Thru-Hiking on Personal Growth
11:38 Transitioning to Trail Running
14:37 The Journey to Becoming a Competitive Runner
17:34 Navigating the World of Sponsorships
20:25 Racing in Europe vs. America
23:23 The Challenge of Proving Oneself
26:16 The Evolution of Thru-Hiking Experiences
30:49 Navigating the Wilderness: From Maps to Experience
33:18 The Call of the Himalayas: Planning the Adventure
35:06 Challenges in the Himalayas: Red Tape and Realities
37:58 Surviving the Elements: A Tale of Perseverance
41:43 The Role of Guides: Navigating Culture and Communication
43:24 Resupply Strategies: Making the Most of Local Resources
45:29 Reflections on Thru-Hiking: Contentment and Progression
49:35 Shifting Focus: From Thru-Hiking to Ultra Running
56:22 The Addictive Nature of Adventure: Community vs. Solitude
56:53 The Community of Thru-Hiking
01:00:28 Mental States in Long-Distance Hiking
01:05:57 The Dynamics of Team vs. Solo Hiking
01:12:37 Coaching and Evolving as an Athlete
01:19:05 Skiing as a Complement to Running
01:20:56 The Journey of Thru-Hiking and Ultra Running
01:21:28 Living Abroad and Competitive Spirit in Sports

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 [email protected]

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’ve struggled to record this episode. Lately, it’s been harder to run, harder to feel motivated, and harder to know what to do in a world that feels increasingly loud, divided, and unjust.

This episode is about words without action, the illusion of impact created by social media, and the lessons the trail has taught me about accountability, humility, and real work. Community isn’t built by the loudest voices. It’s built by the people who show up when no one is watching.

If you’re angry, frustrated, or unsure where to put that energy, this is my attempt to talk through it.

Chapters

00:00 The Challenge of Communication in a Noisy World
02:58 Words vs. Actions: The Need for Authenticity
06:06 The Importance of Community and Real Impact
08:56 Harnessing Emotions for Positive Change
11:51 The Role of Consistency in Achieving Goals
15:13 Navigating Authority and Accountability
17:43 The Slow Path to Progress and Real Change

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 [email protected]

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

In this episode, I sit down with Krista, winner of the Jeffrey Award for Most Tragic FKT, to talk about what might be the happiest tragic FKT of all time. We start with the infamous double Tahoe Rim Trail effort, an adventure that was never officially recognized, never really meant to be an FKT, and somehow still earned an award. From there, the conversation spirals in the best possible way.

We get into thru-hiking origins, trail names, COVID-era Appalachian Trail chaos, living in vehicles, selling bikes in Poland, walking across Europe, scary moments on trail, bear encounters, ultra running detours, and the strange emotional comedown that follows big goals. Krista is thoughtful, honest, funny, and self-aware in a way that makes this episode feel less like an interview and more like two people trying to understand why we keep choosing hard, inconvenient adventures.

We also accidentally pitch a thru-hiker assisted living facility, question the economics of adventure, and agree that sometimes the process matters more than the recognition. This is one of those conversations that reminds me why I love long trails, long runs, and talking to people who are willing to build unconventional lives around curiosity and movement.

Follow Krista on Instagra: https://www.instagram.com/kristafas/

Chapters

00:00 The Tragic FKT Award
01:54 The Tahoe Rim Trail Experience
03:50 Travel Adventures and Countries Visited
06:52 Biking vs. Hiking: A Personal Preference
09:52 The European Adventure: From Biking to Hiking
12:44 Challenges and Changes in Travel Plans
15:32 Scary Moments on the Trail
18:29 The Journey of Thru-Hiking
21:51 COVID-19 and the AT Experience
25:45 The PCT and CDT: A New Chapter
29:35 Post-Triple Crown Adventures
31:35 Transitioning to Ultra Running
32:56 The Journey into Ultra Running
35:02 The Draw to Challenging Adventures
37:12 Coping with Post-Trail Depression
39:00 Living the Adventure Lifestyle
42:01 Making Sacrifices for Adventure
45:01 Life Lessons from Thru-Hiking
50:33 Transformative Experiences in Nature
53:38 Wildlife Encounters and Their Impact
57:03 Innovative Ideas for the Future of Adventure
01:02:59 Introduction to Outdoor Adventures
01:03:28 Sponsorships and Support for the Show

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 [email protected]

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