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 blowups
Scuba Steve Award
I’m Not Back, I’m Better Award
The Cougar of the Field
The Zach Miller Lookalike Award
...and of course,
Jeff of the Day
We 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 you
Janji – The best running shorts in the game (and yes, I’m literally wearing them right now).
Use code freeoutside for a discount.
👉 janji.com
GarageGrownGear.com
CSinstant.coffee
Montana 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
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Westees Awards
06:08 The Women's Race Highlights
11:58 The Men's Race Highlights
21:45 Awards and Recognitions
28:55 Reflections on Performance and Training
30:25 Celebrating Chris Myers and Brooks' Impact
33:05 The Performance of Hoka and Unsponsored Athletes
39:24 Mo Money, Mo Problems: The Pressure of Sponsorships
42:53 The Rise of Women in Ultra Running
47:00 The Need for Better Storytelling in Ultra Running
51:58 Age is Just a Number: Inspiring Performances
54:58 Consistency and Experience: The Legacy of Jeff Browning
55:57 Hans and His Journey
01:00:00 Sponsorships and Their Impact
01:05:00 Awards and Recognition
01:10:03 FKTs and Trail Challenges
01:15:07 Reflections on the Appalachian Trail
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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
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