Dirtbag Rich Fred Sabater Pastor: trail running coach, father, Spaniard (also: Dirtbag Rich is published!)
Mar 28, 2026
Fred Sabater Pastor, a Spain-born trail running coach and sports scientist who has coached pros and studied in Canada and France. They debate whether dirtbag lifestyles fit European systems. Fred recounts transitioning from nomadic years to family and coaching in Valencia. They also cover how pro runners pivot after peak careers, practical paths to more free time in Spain, and the realities of publishing a book.
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Europe Lowers Short Term Dirtbag Risk
- Europe makes short-term dirtbag living easier because social supports reduce financial risk.
- Fred notes free/low-cost college and unemployment insurance let young people take gap years and sabbaticals safely.
Fred's Postdoc Year That Felt Like Freedom
- Fred recounts his path from studying sports science to a flexible postdoc year that felt like a dirtbag-rich period.
- He taught four hours weekly, coached ~15–20 hours, and spent the rest skiing, hiking, and trail running.
Tradeoffs Between Time Money And Purpose
- Moving into a higher-commitment paid role can increase money and purpose while reducing absolute time freedom.
- Fred now earns more and enjoys purposeful work with pro athletes, but he works more hours and has less loose freedom.
