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• Western States Gets an Award Show: The Westees

  Western States 100 needed an awards show—so we made one. I’m joined by Allison Mercer for the first-ever Westees, a highly serious, extremely prestigious, and entirely made-up award show for the 2025 Western States 100.We hand out awards like:BDE: Big Dad Energy Michigan "Bluff" Award (for premature blowupsScuba Steve AwardI’m Not Back, I’m Better AwardThe Cougar of the FieldThe Zach Miller Lookalike Award...and of course, Jeff of the DayWe also break down the biggest performances, the carnage, the drama, the livestream chaos, trail fashion disasters, questionable pacing decisions, and how Killian somehow still looks fresh after 100 miles.If you like trail running, roasting, fashion critiques, or just hearing someone talk trash about professional runners while wearing Janji shorts—this episode is for youJanji – The best running shorts in the game (and yes, I’m literally wearing them right now).Use code freeoutside for a discount.👉 janji.comGarageGrownGear.comCSinstant.coffeeMontana Meltdown – Our very own fixed-time race in Bozeman, Montana. 4, 12, and 24-hour options on a beautiful loop course.👉 Sign up on UltraSignup – just search Montana Meltdown Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Westees Awards06:08 The Women's Race Highlights11:58 The Men's Race Highlights21:45 Awards and Recognitions28:55 Reflections on Performance and Training30:25 Celebrating Chris Myers and Brooks' Impact33:05 The Performance of Hoka and Unsponsored Athletes39:24 Mo Money, Mo Problems: The Pressure of Sponsorships42:53 The Rise of Women in Ultra Running47:00 The Need for Better Storytelling in Ultra Running51:58 Age is Just a Number: Inspiring Performances54:58 Consistency and Experience: The Legacy of Jeff Browning55:57 Hans and His Journey01:00:00 Sponsorships and Their Impact01:05:00 Awards and Recognition01:10:03 FKTs and Trail Challenges01:15:07 Reflections on the Appalachian TrailSubscribe 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 [email protected] 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

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• The One Where We Fix Western States (ft. Allison Mercer)

  Western States may be the most iconic race in ultrarunning—but it also comes with carnage, heartbreak, and a pile of DNS and DNF drama. In this episode, I’m joined by the always-entertaining Allison Mercer (of FastestKnownTime.com) to break down the storylines, the runners who didn’t make it to the start line, and wild ideas to spice up the sport (spoiler: mile-seeding starts for elites?).We also dive into the FKT world—John Kelly’s latest madness, what’s changing in the scene, and why FKTs still matter. Plus, I give a quick life update because I’m moving out, living out of a storage unit, and heading out for an Appalachian Trail FKT attempt.Big thanks to our sponsors:🩳 Janji – Great sun hoodies, shorts, and gear. Use code freeoutside for a discount (let me know what you get!).☕ CS Instant Coffee – Freeze-dried and trail ready.🎒 Garage Grown Gear – Your one-stop shop for small-business adventure supplies.Share the episode, leave a review, and help support the chaos. Stay elite, my friends.Chapters00:00 In Memoriam: The Unbreakable List02:05 The Impact of Social Media on Performance04:58 The Women's Field: Intriguing Storylines07:46 The Men's Field: A New Dynamic10:48 The Role of Coaches and Competitors13:54 Heat Training and Its Influence16:54 Predictions for the Race19:53 The Unsung Heroes of Coverage22:41 Final Thoughts and Predictions33:32 The Rising Stars of Trail Running34:47 Analyzing the Men's Field Dynamics37:13 Des Linden: The Most Valuable Pacer40:26 Women Transitioning from Road to Trail42:28 The Importance of Recovery in Ultra Running48:50 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes53:02 John Kelly's FKT Attempt: A Community EffortSubscribe 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 [email protected] 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

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• Big Horn 100: No Pacers, No Headphones, All Delusions, and a Hardrock Qualifier

  I just ran the Bighorn 100—no pacers, no headphones, and absolutely no planning. In this episode, I share the full breakdown of how I tackled Wyoming’s classic 100-miler while juggling life stress, sleep deprivation, and a recent pacing stint on the Pacific Crest Trail. From garbage bag drop bags to a ramen-fueled revival at mile 48, this race was anything but conventional.I talk about the wildflowers, the relentless climbs, the raw and rugged vibe of the race, and why I chose to run it in the middle of prepping for my Appalachian Trail FKT attempt. I also dive into the mental side of ultrarunning—what it means to finish, to recalibrate goals mid-race, and to stop caring about optics when you’re throwing up on the side of a mountain.This is a race recap, a therapy session, and a reality check all rolled into one. Whether you're training for a 100 or just want to hear how I managed to survive a race with no taper, a busted ankle, and two weeks of pacing fatigue, this one’s for you.Use code FREEOUTSIDE at Janji.com for sweet gear and check out Garage Grown Gear and CS Instant Coffee to support the show. And if you're feeling generous—or just entertained—drop a five-star review, join the Patreon, or send me a nice email at [email protected]’s get into it.Subscribe 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 [email protected] the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutsideChapters00:00 Introduction and Recent Adventures01:54 The Big Horn 100 Experience12:02 Challenges Faced During the Race17:51 Lessons Learned and Reflections25:07 Looking Ahead to Future Goals

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• Therapist Out of Office, AT FKT Coming Up

  In this brutally honest solo episode, I unpack what’s been the most stressful month of my life—losing my apartment, unresolved medical issues, financial pressure, and trying to prep for a 100-miler I haven’t even packed for. Oh yeah, and I’m attempting a self-supported Appalachian Trail FKT in less than a month. No big deal.But it’s not all chaos. I reflect on the finite nature of miles, what "best" really means, and why shared suffering for the wrong reasons is never worth it. I read from Mike Versteeg’s powerful Colorado Trail FKT post and explore how ego, purpose, and community collide in our outdoor pursuits. If you've ever questioned the "why" behind your adventures—or what you’re asking others to carry for your dreams—this one’s worth a listen.Mike Versteeg's Colorado Trail: https://satisfyrunning.com/blogs/possessed/colorado-trail-fkt-field-notesChapters00:00 Navigating Life's Challenges01:30 The Finite Nature of Miles06:08 Lessons from Failure and Community09:44 Embracing Adventure Amidst Uncertainty

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• Golden Hour Grit

  On this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by coach, ultra runner, and creator Justin Andreas—aka Running in Stash. We talk about his wild transformation from jacked military bodybuilder to golden hour 100-miler finisher and trail coach. We dive deep into his life in Alaska, where training includes moose dodging, sub-zero treadmill marathons, and running in negative 49 degrees… in a singlet.We cover everything from his Bighorn 100 tips (mud. lots of mud.) to racing in sandals, brushing teeth mid-ultra, taper meltdowns, and why the golden hour might be the most inspiring part of the sport. We even dish out spicy takes on Spring Energy, toothbrush resets, and how coaching is more about emotional support than the perfect workout.Whether you're a mid-pack legend or an aspiring 200-mile cowboy, this episode brings wisdom, laughs, and plenty of stories from the far north. Also, stay for Justin’s mantra: “Don’t be a hero in the first half. Don’t be a b*tch in the second.”Chapters00:00 From Bodybuilding to Ultra Running: A Journey of Transformation02:59 Preparing for the Bighorn 100: Insights and Experiences05:58 The Unique Culture of Ultra Running: Community and Support08:50 Training in Extreme Conditions: The Alaska Experience11:57 Wildlife Encounters: Running with Nature's Challenges15:01 The Golden Hour: Celebrating Every Finish18:05 Learning from Experience: Coaching and Personal Growth20:55 Mindset Matters: Mantras and Mental Resilience29:57 Running Rituals and Playful Competition30:56 The Joy of Running in Sandals32:49 Camaraderie in Racing33:22 Physical Fitness Tests in the Air Force34:33 Lessons from Nutrition Mistakes38:00 The Magic of Teeth Brushing During Races40:31 Embracing the Taper44:47 The Freedom of Trail Running48:33 The Value of Having a Coach51:37 Excitement for Upcoming RacesSubscribe 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 [email protected] 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

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