The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman Caleb Olson & Sara Alonso | #3 Trail Runner of the Year
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Jan 8, 2026 In this engaging discussion, guests Caleb Olson and Sara Alonso share their remarkable trail running journeys. Caleb reflects on becoming a father, the pressure of fame, and his impressive wins at key races like Transgrancanaria and GPT100. Meanwhile, Sara discusses her rapid rise in trail running, emotional wins at Zegama, and a memorable encounter with a cow that led to injury. Both athletes outline their ambitious goals for 2026, showcasing their dedication to the sport and personal growth.
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Sudden Wins Change Perception More Than Routine
- Caleb Olson says breakout wins can shift public perception even when personal routine stays the same.
- That new attention increases internal pressure and makes athletes chase the next peak.
Parenthood Brought New Purpose
- Caleb describes how becoming a parent gave him a clearer sense of purpose and motivation for racing.
- He links fatherhood to focus and a desire to provide, which reshaped his perspective on competition.
Use Practice Races As Weather Rehearsals
- Use practice races to rehearse worst-case weather and overnight logistics before a major target.
- Treat them as systems tests for layering, lighting, and night navigation rather than purely competitive goals.