The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman World Champs Trailgating: Short Trail Recap + Long Trail Preview with Jenn Lichter
Sep 26, 2025
Jenn Lichter, an elite American trail and mountain runner, shares her journey after a hamstring injury led to her withdrawal from the upcoming Long Trail event. She discusses how self-care has been crucial in processing her disappointment, even highlighting a refreshing haircut as a form of recovery. The conversation shifts to the Short Trail, with insights on race conditions and standout performances by Tove Alexandersson and Freddie Trenchard. Jenn also offers a preview of the Long Trail course, detailing its challenges and her role supporting Team USA.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Injury On Course Recon
- Jenn Lichter fell on a training run a mile from her car and immediately felt a hamstring pull.
- She cross-trained, consulted USATF physio Carol, tried short runs, and withdrew to avoid long-term damage.
Use An Objective Voice To Decide
- Call an objective advisor if you're emotionally attached to a race decision.
- Let a coach or agent frame choices by goals, not emotion, to avoid worsening injury.
Haircut As Self-Care
- After withdrawing, Jenn treated herself to a spontaneous salon visit in Zaragoza as self-care.
- She used the haircut as a symbolic 'warm hug' to process disappointment healthily.