The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Seth LaReau, a trail runner and finance pro who publishes the Trail Waves newsletter, digs into the business side of trail running. He discusses market saturation, brand differentiation, media and monetization challenges, Strava’s future, coaching as a growth opportunity, and reviving marquee races. Short, sharp takes on where the sport’s money and culture are heading.

Kilian Korth, a pro ultrarunner and coach famed for dominating 200-mile races and breaking the Triple Crown record. He talks about why 200-milers fascinate him and their rising popularity. He explores training strategies, strength work, and the role of intensity. He reflects on race tactics, support systems, and the mental shifts after DNFs and big wins.

Beth McKenzie is an American pro trail runner living in Australia. She is also the Founder and CEO of Wyn Republic, a performance sports apparel brand, and a mother of two. Over the last two seasons, Beth has accumulated several very strong performances including 2x podium finishes at Ultra Trail Australia and 2x podium finishes at Tarawera. Last fall, in her 100 mile debut, she finished 2nd place at the Javelina Jundred. Previous to her trail running career, Beth was a professional triathlete where she and her husband both enjoyed very successful careers. During that time, Beth tested positive for Ostarine and ultimately served a two-year ban, which we discuss at length in this episode. This is Beth's first appearance on the podcast. Chapters: 04:27 – What Makes You You? 07:26 – Beth's Journey into Endurance Sports 10:20 – The Impact of Triathlon on Beth's Life 12:49 – The Ostarine Incident: A Life-Changing Moment 15:36 – Public Reaction and Support During Controversy 18:28 – Navigating the Community and Personal Relationships 21:13 – Reflections on the Experience and Moving Forward 28:56 – Navigating Anti-Doping in Trail Running 38:13 – The Aftermath of Doping Cases 42:08 – Transitioning to Trail Running 45:23 – Building Wyn Republic: A Family Business 55:08 – Expanding the Brand into Trail Running 58:01 – Beth's Journey in Trail Running 01:02:48 – Navigating the Golden Ticket Dilemma 01:07:05 – Reflections on CCC and Javelina 01:10:05 – The Future of Beth's Racing Career Beth's Substack for further reading on her story REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS Sponsors: Grab a trail running pack from Osprey Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ Freetrail Links: Website | Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | YouTube | Freetrail Experts Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava

In this engaging chat with Tim Tollefson, a professional ultrarunner and trail-running expert, they delve into the Trail Runner of the Year voting process, uncovering surprises and what the results reveal about the sport. Tim addresses the recent criticism surrounding rankings and the complexities of free agency, highlighting athlete dynamics. They also explore the rising trend of 200-mile races and the implications of athletes transitioning from road to trail. Tollefson’s insights bring clarity to the evolving landscape of trail running.

Will Murray, a professional trail and ultrarunner from Bellingham, WA, reflects on his triumphant 2025 season, including winning the Javelina Jundred. He discusses the importance of a mathematical mindset in simplifying racing strategies and enhancing mental clarity during high-pressure situations. Will shares insights on deliberate self-talk practices that boost performance and his approach to injury recovery. With upcoming goals and a new partnership with Brooks, he also emphasizes the value of teamwork and visualizing success for future races.

Join Jim Walmsley, a celebrated ultrarunner known for his wins at major events, and Katie Schide, a two-time Trail Runner of the Year with impressive course records, as they discuss their recent successes and challenges. Jim reveals his comeback from injuries and his triumph at the Long Trail World Championships, while Katie shares her record-breaking journey at Hardrock 100. They reflect on the competitive landscape, the evolving nature of trail running, and their mutual admiration amid a friendly rivalry.

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.