Listen now
Listen in the appEpisode context
Listen
Keep going with Free Outside.
Listen here or keep browsing the show and related sport coverage from here.
Episode Notes
Bob Stewart joins the Free Outside Podcast fresh off finally setting the Benton MacKaye Trail FKT after two previous failed attempts.
What started as a backpacking challenge turned into an obsession with Fastest Known Times, leading Bob to records on trails like the Superior Hiking Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Mid State Trail, and now the Benton MacKaye Trail.
In this episode we talk about why the Benton MacKaye became his "white whale," sleep deprivation, hallucinations, unsupported FKT strategy, bizarre trail encounters, cold-soaked backpacking meals, and what keeps bringing people back to these massive endurance projects.
Bob also shares stories from the trail, including seeing great white sharks in the woods, imaginary hiking partners, and trying to explain a 289-mile FKT to confused campground hosts.
Topics:
-Benton MacKaye Trail FKT
-Failed attempts and coming back stronger
-Sleep deprivation and hallucinations
-Unsupported FKT strategy
-Superior Hiking Trail and Pinhoti Trail
-Backpacking vs FKTs
-Nutrition and gear
-Why obsession can be a superpower
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 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
Next listen
All from Free Outside →
Next listen
Ann Trason on Western States, Aging, and What Endurance Means After the Records
Yesterday1:12:54
Listen guide
How do I listen to this episode of Free Outside?
"The FKT That Took Bob Stewart 3 Tries to Finish" is an episode of Free Outside. Runtime 1 hr 7 min. Published June 5, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.
Step by step
- Open Spot Sports. Get the free Spot Sports app for background play, lock-screen controls, and offline downloads.
- Or stream right here. Tap play on the episode card above. No app needed.
- Browse the full podcast. Jump to the Free Outside page for the rest of the catalog.
- Or subscribe in any podcast app. Free Outside ships on a standard RSS feed, so Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts all work too.
Quick FAQ
- When was this episode published?
- June 5, 2026.
- How long is this episode?
- 1 hr 7 min.
- What podcast is this from?
- Free Outside. Browse the full back catalog on the show page.
- What does this episode cover?
- Free Outside covers running. This episode runs on the show's regular cadence.
