The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Jim Walmsley: 2025 OCC by UTMB Champion

Aug 30, 2025
Guest
Jim Walmsley
In this engaging discussion, professional ultrarunner Jim Walmsley shares insights from his journey as the 2025 OCC by UTMB Champion. He delves into his struggles with health challenges and the emotional hurdles he faced during recovery. Jim emphasizes the importance of adaptability as he navigates varying weather conditions and course adjustments. He reflects on critical hydration challenges faced during races and the mental resilience required to tackle steep climbs and competition. His experiences reveal the strategic mindset that drives success in ultrarunning.
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ANECDOTE

A Different Kind Of Victory

  • Jim describes OCC as a fun, new challenge after missing full UTMB this year.
  • He enjoyed a big fight in a shorter race despite preferring to race the full UTMB.
ANECDOTE

Injury, PRP, And A Slow Comeback

  • Jim recounts a long winter battle with pes anserine tendonitis that hampered training.
  • He used PRP in May, sat two weeks, then gradually rebuilt volume and intensity for races.
ADVICE

Prioritize Quality Over Volume

  • Be disciplined with effective workouts rather than relying solely on volume.
  • Jim shifted to quality sessions as he aged and found them more efficient than high-mileage sloppiness.
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