The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman Jim Walmsley | 2025 Long Trail World Champion
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Oct 9, 2025 Join elite trail runner Jim Walmsley, a multi-time champion and the newly crowned Long Trail World Champion, as he recounts his gripping victory in Spain. He dives into his unique recovery methods and the mental strategies that define his 'clutch gene.' Discover insights on the technical challenges of the course, the dynamics of team racing, and the critical turning points that shaped his performance. Jim also shares his candid thoughts on the future of trail running, including the prospects of Olympic inclusion and his upcoming race plans.
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Post-Race Bike Trip Celebration
- Jim and teammates biked long days, rode ~120 miles/day and celebrated with beers along the route.
- He rendezvoused briefly with friends mid-ride and described the trip as a recovery celebration.
Clutch Wins Build A Champion Mindset
- Jim says repeated clutch wins build confidence and reinforce a champion's mentality.
- He intentionally embraces pressure and digs deeper when races get hard.
Post-OCC Volume Rebuild
- After OCC Jim returned to high volume quickly, including a 40-mile long run with ~16,000ft.
- He used long slow runs to rebuild strength rather than chase speed before Worlds.