David Rutherford Show: Inside Jeff Garmire’s 45-Day Appalachian Trail Record: Pain, Fear, and Unbelievable Grit | Ep. 79
David Rutherford Show: Inside Jeff Garmire’s 45-Day Appalachian Trail Record: Pain, Fear, and Unbelievable Grit | Ep. 79  
Podcast: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Published On: Mon Nov 24 2025
Description: 📍Ultra-endurance athlete Jeff Garmire joins Navy SEAL David Rutherford to break down one of the most insane physical and mental feats ever attempted — a record-setting, unsupported 2,200-mile speed run of the Appalachian Trail in 45 days, 8 hours, and 37 minutes. Jeff reveals: How he quit a life path that wasn’t his Why depression pushed him into the wilderness What 20 hours a day of problem-solving does to the mind How starvation, sleep deprivation, and hallucinations nearly broke him What the AT teaches about presence, identity, and authenticity Why suffering is the path to true freedom This episode blends elite performance, mental health, spiritual presence, and raw survival stories — including the day Jeff ran 32 miles with only a handful of peanuts, and how he overcame brutal setbacks to secure the record. If you’re drawn to endurance, resilience, military mindset, or the search for purpose… this conversation is a masterclass. Next Steps: 🏫 Get coaching by David Rutherford: https://www.froglogicinstitute.com/ 📕 Get David's novel, The Poet Warrior: https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/the-poet-warrior 📰 Sign up for David's weekly newsletter for free coaching tips, updates, and more: https://davidrutherfordletter.substack.com/ 00:00 - Intro 02:42 - Problem solving on the trail 03:55 - Why Jeff started hiking the AT 07:27 - Feeling the elation of the trail 12:13 - When did you decide to pursue this grand goal of endurance? 19:09 - Finding who you are through adversity 24:45 - Technical realities of attempting the record 29:32 - Life is suffering. 43:46 - Insane stories of challenges on the AT 59:23 - Crossing the finish line, beating the record, and the lessons learned 01:10:32 - The Trevor Project 01:14:13 - What’s next and how to follow/support Jeff  Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.