Free Outside

Sub-4 Miler to Black Canyon 100K: The Zach Perrin Story

Zach Perrin has run 3:59 for the mile, then promptly got humbled by his first trail race in road shoes and swore he would never do it again. Now he is all-in on ultras, dialing sweat rate and sodium, and lining up at Black Canyon with a golden ticket on the mind. We talk sub-4 race strategy, the “panic point” in the mile, ego-check moments on the trails, and what it actually takes to run well for seven to eight hours.Follow Zach online: https://www.instagram.com/zach_perrin/Chapters 02:00 What a Sub-4 Mile Actually Feels Like05:00 The Mile’s Panic Point vs Ultra Pain08:00 From Montana to CU and Early Running Roots12:00 Leaving Track and Finding the Trails16:00 Getting Humbled in His First Trail Race20:00 Letting Go of Pace Ego and Learning Effort26:00 Fueling, Sweat Rate, and Fixing 100K Mistakes33:00 Adam Peterman, CU, and Training With the Best40:00 Black Canyon 100K Strategy and Golden Ticket Goals52:00 Staying Calm, Mental Approach, and What’s NextSupport 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

White Mountains Stories and a Retreat Invite

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Northeast Hiking Experience06:41 Personal Connections to the White Mountains11:48 Launching Northeast Trail Adventures21:45 The Unique Vertical Backyard Race32:26 Reflections on the Race and Future Plans34:03 Community Building in the Whites39:18 Retreat Structure and Activities55:43 Inspiring Stories and Personal Experiences01:04:35 Future Events and OpportunitiesFind Northeasttrailadventures.com on social media https://www.instagram.com/northeasttrailadventuresSupport 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

Black Canyon 100k Preview: Burritos, Banked Tracks, and Golden Tickets

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.Chapters00:00 2026: A Year of Change and Observations02:43 Ranting vs. Solutions: A New Approach05:32 Weather Woes: A Running Perspective07:23 Running Czar: Changes in the Race World10:18 Behind the Scenes: Understanding Race Logistics11:49 Personal Achievements: Racing Stories and Reflections15:12 Bucket List Dreams: Olympic Aspirations17:55 Community Engagement: The Burrito League Experience21:44 Milrose Games: Indoor Track Insights32:54 Racing Dynamics and Athlete Strategies38:54 Emerging Talents and Competitive Landscape43:52 Youth in Sports: Pressure and Performance45:38 The Impact of Betting on Professional Sports49:54 Trail Running: Anticipation for Black Canyon58:00 Golden Ticket Races: Opportunities and Challenges01:03:48 Women's Race Preview: Anticipation and Insights01:06:31 Key Athletes to Watch: Molly Seidel and Tara Dower01:09:37 Emerging Talents: Jade and Shai's Breakout Potential01:14:11 Race Strategies and Turnarounds: Caitriona Jennings and Others01:18:54 Marathoners Transitioning to Ultra: Des Linden's Debut01:23:42 Strava Insights: The New Age of Training Analysis01:26:42 Final Thoughts: Predictions and Weekend HighlightsSupport 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

Ben Dhiman: From Sleeping by the River to UTMB

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.Chapters00:00 The Origins of the 'Demon' Nickname05:34 Mental Clarity Through Hiking08:25 The Impact of Thru-Hiking on Personal Growth11:38 Transitioning to Trail Running14:37 The Journey to Becoming a Competitive Runner17:34 Navigating the World of Sponsorships20:25 Racing in Europe vs. America23:23 The Challenge of Proving Oneself26:16 The Evolution of Thru-Hiking Experiences30:49 Navigating the Wilderness: From Maps to Experience33:18 The Call of the Himalayas: Planning the Adventure35:06 Challenges in the Himalayas: Red Tape and Realities37:58 Surviving the Elements: A Tale of Perseverance41:43 The Role of Guides: Navigating Culture and Communication43:24 Resupply Strategies: Making the Most of Local Resources45:29 Reflections on Thru-Hiking: Contentment and Progression49:35 Shifting Focus: From Thru-Hiking to Ultra Running56:22 The Addictive Nature of Adventure: Community vs. Solitude56:53 The Community of Thru-Hiking01:00:28 Mental States in Long-Distance Hiking01:05:57 The Dynamics of Team vs. Solo Hiking01:12:37 Coaching and Evolving as an Athlete01:19:05 Skiing as a Complement to Running01:20:56 The Journey of Thru-Hiking and Ultra Running01:21:28 Living Abroad and Competitive Spirit in SportsSupport 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

Consistency Beats Intensity: Action over Noise

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.Chapters00:00 The Challenge of Communication in a Noisy World02:58 Words vs. Actions: The Need for Authenticity06:06 The Importance of Community and Real Impact08:56 Harnessing Emotions for Positive Change11:51 The Role of Consistency in Achieving Goals15:13 Navigating Authority and Accountability17:43 The Slow Path to Progress and Real ChangeSupport 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