What do wildfires, the Arizona desert, and the Oregon Coast have in common? They’ve all tried—and failed—to stop Katie Gunvalson, aka Raven. In this episode, I catch up with Jeffrey Award winner and self-supported FKT crusher Katie after her overall record on the Oregon Coast Trail, where she took the long way and still came out fastest.
This is the full-circle redemption arc. Katie first came on the podcast after her PCT FKT was stopped by a wildfire on day one. Since then? She’s failed a few more times (we all have—ask Nick), kept showing up, and finally broke through with one of the coolest FKTs around—one that involves tide timing, beach running, and some major resilience.
Consider donating to support the trevor project as I attempt this record https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT
We talk about what it means to chase something hard, to fail publicly, and to come back swinging. Katie shares the real stuff—motivation, self-worth, wanting to compete with the big names at Cocodona (hey Jamil, you listening?), and why this record mattered more than any other.
This episode is brought to you by:
Janji – for clothing that keeps you stylishly off the FKT dole
Garage Grown Gear – for all your weird, ultralight, cottage gear needs
Mount to Coast – shoes for people who want to look fast
CS Coffee – still the only reason I’m coherent today
And a reminder: I’m currently out chasing an Appalachian Trail FKT and raising money for The Trevor Project—because using our niche little sport to support people who feel different can actually make a difference. Link in bio to support. Stay elite, my friends.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Award Banter
03:00 Setting the Oregon Coast Trail FKT
06:01 Navigating Challenges on the Trail
08:58 Resupply Strategies and Nutrition
12:02 Training for the FKT
15:03 Mental Preparation and Overcoming Doubts
17:55 The Final Push and Weather Challenges
20:57 Crossing the Finish Line
23:54 Reflections on Failure and Success
26:49 Community Support in FKTs
29:48 Future Aspirations and Goals
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
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