The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Nina Engelhard, a Double World Mountain & Trail Running Champion from Germany, balances her stunning athletic success with a career as an environmental engineer. She discusses her journey from jogging with her mother to dominating in uphill and classic races. Nina shares the challenges of sudden media attention and her preference for living off the digital grid. With insights into her unique training philosophy that includes low volume and cross-training, she reflects on her emotional victories and the joy of spontaneous race planning.

Jeremy Long, the founder of Daybreak Racing in Portland, shares exciting news about the inaugural Big Alta 100K. He reveals a stunning point-to-point course starting beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, tackling the scenic trails of Marin County. Listeners learn about the steep ascent of Mount Tam, the tough finish at Marinwood, and how the race aims to attract participants from all over. With a three-day trail festival planned, Jeremy discusses logistics and challenges faced in organizing this extraordinary event.

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.

Frédéric Tranchand, the 2025 Short Trail World Champion and former elite orienteering star, shares his fascinating journey from navigating forests to trail racing. He delves into how orienteering shapes race strategies, emphasizing the advantage of navigation skills in difficult courses. Tranchand also discusses his preparation with the French team, his transition to skyrunning, and his unexpected lead in the race. He highlights his relationship with fellow athlete Noah Williams and the team's collective goal for medals, rounding off with insights into his upcoming skyrunning challenges.

Remi Bonnet, a Swiss mountain and ski-mountaineering athlete and 2025 Uphill World Champion, shares his journey through injury recovery and his training strategies. He reveals how he utilized cycling and treadmill workouts during his no-run period and emphasizes the unique bounce in his uphill stride, a result of his ski mountaineering background. Remi also discusses his ambitious plans for a vertical world record attempt and highlights the balance between running and ski mountaineering seasons, encouraging others to trust their support during tough times.

Discover the thrilling highlights from the World Mountain & Trail Championships! Nina Engelhardt's stunning double gold steals the spotlight while Lauren Gregory’s breakout performance showcases U.S. talent. The discussion heats up with the fierce competition among African athletes and the unveiling of the team medal standings. Uncover the challenges athletes faced, including wasps and injuries, and hear inspiring tales of perseverance. Plus, a sneak peek at upcoming champion interviews sets the stage for more excitement!

Hear how Jim Walmsley and Katie Scheid clinched gold at the Long Trail, showcasing elite race tactics and sheer endurance. The hosts dive into the teamwork of runners like Louis-san Coife and Benjamin Rubio, and discuss the unusual ruling on medal placements. Check out standout performances and comebacks, including Jasmine Lother and Francesco Puppi's impressive recoveries. With a spotlight on the women's podium dynamics and a glance at the upcoming Classic race, excitement builds for what's next in trail running!

Sophia Rodriguez, an U20 Team USA trail and cross-country runner aiming for a professional career, shares her journey from soccer to the trails. She details the influence of her family, especially her dad, on her running path. Sophia discusses her training in Mercer Island, adapting to mountain races, and the importance of consistency in improving her performance. She reflects on qualifying for the U20 team, her memorable UTMB experience, and the excitement of racing with family support. Ambitious yet humble, she's ready to tackle the U20 8K with her team's support.

Lauren Gregory, a professional trail and mountain runner for Nike ACG, shares her insights as she prepares for the Classic 14K at the 2025 World Championships. She reflects on her past junior championships, mentoring younger athletes, and the evolving landscape of collegiate trail running. Lauren discusses balancing college eligibility with her pro ambitions, her recent race highlights, and the characteristics of the Classic course. With guidance from her coach Ben True, she shares techniques to manage nerves and her goals for both team and individual success.

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.