The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Patrick Kipngeno, a top athlete in the Cirque Series, along with racers Philemon Kiriago and Adrian Macdonald, dive into their experiences preparing for the A-Basin event. They discuss the excitement of competing in ultra-trail racing and how it transforms them personally. Julian Carr, founder of the Cirque Series, shares insights on the series' unique community-focused atmosphere. The group highlights the significance of Kenyan athletes in trail running, their supportive training environments, and the blend of skiing and trail cultures that enrich their racing experiences.

Katie Schide, the 2024 UTMB champion, shares her exhilarating journey of breaking the course record in tough conditions. She discusses her goal-setting strategies, the rigorous training and recovery involved in tackling the WS/UTMB double, and her fearless racing approach. The conversation dives into her mental focus during UTMB week, her ambitious sub-22hr goal, and insights on navigating sponsorship expectations. Katie also reflects on the emotional landscape following major races and her innovative techniques for peak performance.

This week features compelling reflections on the incredible achievements of UTMB champions, highlighting Katie Scheid as an inspiration for female runners. The discussions dive into the camaraderie among women in ultra running, as well as the balance of athletics and innovation showcased by a mountain running champion with a career in materials engineering. Listeners will also uncover triumphs and challenges faced by athletes in the competitive landscape, including the emotional stories from both veterans and newcomers. Join in on the excitement surrounding trail running's evolving dynamics!

Hayden Hawks, the CCC champion and rising star in trail running, shares his emotional journey following his stunning victory. He reflects on how family bonds motivated him, especially the moments with his young son. The conversation dives into his confident race strategy and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. He also discusses his year of triumphs, smart training, and mental well-being, while expressing hope for the future of his running career and the broader trail running community.

In this engaging conversation with Toni McCann, a celebrated trail runner and CCC champion, she reflects on her emotional victory and personal growth throughout the race. Toni shares insights on adapting race plans and the vital role of a supportive community. She discusses the intense challenges of her first 100K, from mental hurdles to high temperatures, and how these experiences shape her ambitions for future ultramarathons, including Western States. Her passion for the sport and camaraderie among competitors shines through!

Vincent Bouillard, a celebrated UTMB champion, shares his thrilling journey of triumph in trail running. He delves into the emotional rollercoaster athletes face post-victory, navigating newfound fame while staying true to oneself. Bouillard reflects on his transition from diverse endurance sports to trail running, emphasizing the joy found in training. His insights on strategy during competitive races, including critical moments that led to his win, highlight the psychological aspects of the sport, showcasing the blend of friendship and competition that fuels his passion.

Vincent Bouillard, an unsponsored racer and HOKA employee, shares his exhilarating victory at the 2024 UTMB, clocking an impressive 19:54:23, making history as the third-fastest time ever. He discusses the camaraderie and competitive spirit among elite runners, including Katie Schide, who shattered the women’s course record by over 20 minutes. The insights into race strategy, athlete preparation, and the vibrant atmosphere of Chamonix truly highlight the significance of this iconic event in the ultra-running community.

Francesco Puppi and Dani Moreno, both accomplished trail runners, share their insights on the recent OCC race and personal race experiences. They discuss the emotional and physical challenges athletes face, including unexpected wrong turns and hydration issues. The duo analyzes competitive dynamics, highlighting remarkable performances, particularly among women. They celebrate emerging talents and the camaraderie among racers while reflecting on the unpredictability of race outcomes. A thrilling dive into the resilience and strategies of elite trail running!

Eli Hemming, the first American to win the OCC race, shares his thrilling journey in trail running. He reflects on his victory and the challenges that followed, including doping controls and unexpected delays. The conversation dives into the intensity of the race, focusing on critical uphill strategies and the camaraderie among competitors. Eli also shares humorous anecdotes from the course, highlighting the vibrant community around trail running and his upcoming involvement with an Adidas event.

Ben Dhiman, an American professional trail runner based in France, shares insights ahead of the highly anticipated UTMB. Reflecting on his challenging DNF last year, he reveals how his approach has evolved. The conversation dives into the bittersweet nature of preparing for a major race while living abroad, touching on cultural contrasts in Chamonix and the training advantages of the stunning Alpine backdrop. Ben also emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, race strategy, and community support in achieving success in endurance running.