In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I take a deep dive into my experience at the Grand to Grand stage race, a grueling 171-mile journey through some of the most rugged and remote terrain in Arizona and Utah. The race is a self-supported, six-stage event that tests not just your endurance, but your mental toughness and resilience, as you carry all your food and gear on your back for an entire week.

takeaways

• Packing light is crucial for long races.
• Medical clearance is necessary for serious races.
• Food planning can make or break your race.
• Embracing the adventure is key to enjoyment.
• Running with a pack requires practice and strategy.
• Mental resilience is as important as physical strength.
• Connecting with fellow racers enhances the experience.
• Heat management is vital in desert races.
• Post-race celebrations can be unexpectedly extravagant.
• Learning from each race helps improve future performance.

Sound Bites

"I was able to come out with second place."

"It was really brutal. I learned a lot."

"I had to get a medical clearance form."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Grand to Grand Stage Race

02:53 Preparation and Packing for the Race

06:03 The Start of the Adventure

08:55 Day One: The Challenges Begin

11:46 Day Two: Embracing the Experience

14:59 The Long Stage: Pushing Limits

21:07 Mid-Race Reflections and Strategies

24:53 Day Five: The Final Marathon

38:12 The Last Day: Finishing Strong

43:05 Post-Race Celebrations and Reflections

keywords: Grand to Grand, stage race, ultra running, adventure, endurance, preparation, challenges, race recap, outdoor podcast, Jeff Garmire

In this episode, I discuss the importance of knowing when to quit in various aspects of life, including outdoor adventures and personal projects. I share my experiences of quitting the Superior Hiking Trail and Nolan's 14, and how those decisions led to more fulfilling experiences. I emphasize the need to have a strong why and to prioritize enjoyment and personal growth over external achievements. I also highlight the importance of recognizing signs of dehydration and knowing when to quit for one's own well-being.

Takeaways

• Knowing when to quit is important for personal growth and fulfillment.
• Having a strong why and prioritizing enjoyment and personal growth over external achievements is crucial.
• Recognizing signs of dehydration and knowing when to quit for one's own well-being is essential.
• Quitting can lead to new opportunities and more fulfilling experiences.

Sound Bites

• "We don't talk now about quitting."
• "I quit after three days and then I had three more days to explore."
• "There is such an importance in knowing when to quit and when not to."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Knowing When to Quit

03:53 Quitting the Superior Hiking Trail and Exploring

10:42 The Importance of Knowing When to Quit

19:44 Quitting as a Path to New Opportunities

24:43 The Benefits of Quitting

28:04 Success and Failure Defined by Fulfillment

31:53 Learning from Failure

33:48 Quitting for Personal Well-being

Keywords

quitting, outdoor adventures, personal projects, fulfillment, growth, why, enjoyment, success, failure, dehydration

In this episode, I answer questions from my Instagram followers, diving into topics like fast-packing gear, the thrill of ultra running, and the challenges of financing race participation. I share personal stories from my adventures on the trail, talk about my offseason training strategies, and reflect on the fears and challenges I face while hiking. The conversation is packed with humor and insights, making it a great listen for outdoor enthusiasts and aspiring ultra runners.

takeaways

• Fast-packing combines running and backpacking for efficiency.
• Choosing the right gear is crucial for multi-day fast-packing.
• The adventure and unknown aspects of ultra running are appealing.
• Financing races can be managed through sponsorships and creative solutions.
• Offseason training should focus on intensity rather than volume.
• Heat training can be beneficial year-round for endurance athletes.
• Personal fears on the trail often revolve around safety and hydration.
• Humorous and relatable hiking anecdotes can lighten the conversation.
• Community support plays a significant role in endurance sports.
• Chasing goals is more important than worrying about failures.

Sound bites

• "Fast-packing is a cross between running and backpacking."
• "I love the adventure of attempting something new."
• "The world is too big, chase your goals!"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Audience Engagement

02:44 The Adventure of Ultra Running

06:35 Financing Race Participation

11:14 Offseason Training Strategies

14:58 Fears and Challenges on the Trail

19:00 Humorous Hiking Anecdotes