The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Ben Gibbard, the frontman of Death Cab for Cutie and an avid trail runner, shares his journey balancing music and ultra-running. He discusses life on tour, the emotional connection to revisiting old songs, and the evolving music industry landscape. He reflects on his experience running the challenging Western States 100, highlighting his relationship with coach Gary Robbins. Ben also talks about his collaboration with Speedland on a new trail shoe and the trials he faced during the race, showcasing the community spirit of ultrarunning.

EmKay Sullivan and Dani Moreno, co-hosts of the SubHub podcast that highlights sub-ultra distance trail running, join to discuss Kilian Jornet's ambitious "States of Elevation" project. They recap the recent Speedgoat 50k results and introduce Milimani Runners, Kenya's pioneering pro trail team. The conversation dives into emerging East African talents and the competitive landscape leading up to the prestigious Sierre-Zinal race, exploring the dynamics of trail running and the evolving role of sponsorships.

Ben Dhiman, an American pro runner for Asics living in France, shares the highs and lows of his running journey. He dives into his impressive wins at Ventoux and Lavaredo, where he set a course record. Ben opens up about dealing with personal loss and the disappointments of DNFs at UTMB. He also discusses his goal of breaking the sub-30 10k barrier, the training he documents on Substack, and the mental resilience required for competitive racing. With a lighthearted take on cultural differences, he shows what it means to thrive in the sport.

Rachel Entrekin, a rising star and two-time Cocodona 250 champion, shares her inspiring journey from Alabama to record-breaking successes. She discusses grappling with newfound fame, the transformative challenges of endurance racing, and her experiences at Cocodona 250. Rachel highlights the joys of community in ultrarunning, the realities of being unsponsored, and her ambitions for the future. Alongside her running, she touches on how her life in Colorado has shaped her approach to training and competition.

Topher Gaylord, President of the Board for the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run and a trail running industry veteran, delivers an inspiring keynote at TrailCon. He discusses the rich history and community spirit of the Western States race, emphasizing the importance of volunteerism and women’s contributions. Topher highlights innovative gear that enhances athletic performance, including research on Ketone IQ. He also champions trail stewardship and the creation of meaningful traditions that support the ultra-running culture.

This week delves into the exhilarating world of trail running with a recap of the Western States race and notable performances from athletes. The discussion highlights Francois D'Haene's record-breaking Nolan's 14 FKT and the emotional triumphs at the Hardrock race. Listeners will enjoy insights on training strategies and the evolving dynamic of professional racing. There's also buzz about new gear innovations and the competitive spirit of emerging talents in the trail running community, making for an inspiring and informative listen.

In this engaging conversation, Katie Schide, the 2025 Hardrock 100 champion, and Germain Grangier, who finished third, share their gripping experiences from the intense race. They delve into the physical and emotional struggles faced during the grueling ultramarathon and emphasize the value of mental resilience and solid support systems. With candid reflections on pacing strategies and camaraderie, they also outline their upcoming racing ambitions, including a noteworthy event at Javelina, and celebrate the connections forged with fellow runners.

Ludovic Pommeret, the reigning champion and course record holder of the Hardrock 100, brings wisdom and inspiration as he approaches his 50th birthday. He shares reflections on his training and strategies as he prepares for the prestigious race, emphasizing the integration of hiking and running. The camaraderie among French athletes adds depth to the conversation, revealing the supportive spirit within the ultra-running community. Ludo discusses aging positively while chasing ambitious race goals, making him a role model for aspiring runners.

Mathieu Blanchard, a professional runner with a passion for adventure, shares his insights as he prepares for the challenging Hardrock 100. He discusses his transition from multiple podium finishes at UTMB to tackling this new course, driven by a love for discovering unique environments. Mathieu reflects on the vital role of mental resilience in ultra-running and shares personal anecdotes about acclimatizing to high altitudes and the camaraderie that forms among fellow competitors. His preparation story is both inspiring and relatable for any athlete.

In this engaging conversation, Stephanie Case, a professional runner and board member of Hardrock 100, shares her journey of balancing parenthood with her passion for ultra running. She discusses the emotional and logistical challenges she faced while preparing for the Hardrock 100, especially as a new mother. Stephanie recounts her arduous travel experience from Switzerland and highlights the importance of community in the race. With her inspiring reflections on resilience and personal growth, she emphasizes the power of determination in both running and life.