The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Ruth Croft, a legendary New Zealand ultrarunner known for her multiple major race victories, and Francesco Puppi, an up-and-coming Italian talent with a stellar 2025 season, share their inspiring journeys. Ruth reflects on her epic win at UTMB and the importance of Vipassana meditation for recovery and mindset. Francesco details his best season yet, his approach to training, and his excitement for debuting at Western States. They both celebrate the growth of trail running in Asia and share personal milestones that illuminate their extraordinary lives.

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.

In this engaging conversation, Abby Hall, a standout ultrarunner known for her victory at the 2025 Western States 100, reflects on her challenging season and the lessons learned from her first DNF at UTMB. Elhousine Elazzaoui, the two-time Golden Trail World Series champion, talks about his nomadic life in the Sahara and the significance of his recent wins, including the prestigious Zegama. Both athletes share insights on training specificity, the power of recovery, and their ambitions for the future, painting a vivid picture of the competitive trail running landscape.

Tom Evans, a professional ultramarathon runner and 2025 UTMB champion, shares insights on balancing family life with elite running while discussing his unconventional training for upcoming races like Hard Rock. Nina Engelhard, a trail and mountain runner who won double gold at the World Championships, talks about her surprising success, mixing cross-training with low mileage, and finding mental recovery in solitude. Both athletes highlight the importance of process in their athletic journeys and discuss their future ambitions.

Join the fun as Corrine Malcom returns to recap the thrilling world of trail running in 2025! Discover the nominees for Trail Runners of the Year and hear their performance highlights, including Tove Alexandersson's stunning world victory. Listen in on candid discussions about the tight competition and key storylines, like doping controversies and innovations in training. Get excited for predictions about the future of the sport and hear personal goals, including Dylan's ambitious comeback to elite racing!

Asker Jeukendrup, a renowned sport scientist and co-founder of NeverSecond, dives deep into endurance nutrition. He discusses the evolution of carbohydrate strategies in sports and the importance of glucose-fructose combinations for optimal absorption. Asker shares insights on gut training for improving carbohydrate tolerance and how to tailor nutrition based on race conditions. He also covers the nuances of electrolyte balance, caffeine's role, and practical tips for fueling performance, while emphasizing evidence-based approaches for athletes.

Stephen Holmberg, the Founder of Insight Accelerator and ex-Nike executive, joins David Callahan, Co-CEO of UltraSignup, to discuss the booming trail running scene. They highlight how trail running is a driving force for overall running growth and the variety of available race formats. The duo explores the influence of star athletes on brand awareness and sales, alongside market challenges like tariffs and inflation. They emphasize the importance of preserving trail culture amidst commercialization and provide strategic advice for brands looking to enter this vibrant community.

Rod Farvard, a professional trail and ultrarunner for HOKA, shares his journey from corporate life to embracing the trail running path in Mammoth Lakes. He discusses the sacrifices required for success, the mental shift towards UTMB after focusing on Western States, and the fine margins influencing race outcomes. Rod also opens up about his upcoming goals, the challenges of fastpacking the John Muir Trail, and the importance of authenticity in professional running. Tune in for insights on following your path and maximizing performance!

Corrine Malcolm, an experienced trail and ultrarunning journalist, joins to discuss exciting developments in the trail running scene. They dive into the Western States and Hardrock lotteries, analyzing interesting contenders and potential rivalries. CIM results spark conversation about athletic performance while trends from The Running Event showcase brand innovation. Corrine also shares insights on Rachel Entrekin's signing with Norda, presenting a fresh face in the sport. Tune in for a lively round-up of the latest in ultrarunning!

Zach Miller, a celebrated ultrarunner known for his blue-collar grit, shares insights on his racing journey and training philosophy. He discusses the balance between art and science in athleticism, reflecting on his early racing days and the evolution of the sport. Miller pays tribute to his late friend Bill Dooper, sharing emotional memories and the inspiration behind the film 'A Lap For Bill.' He also dives into his toughness during races and future goals, including ambitious projects on the horizon.