The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Caleb Olson, a professional trail and ultramarathon runner and 2024 Western States champion, discusses his journey leading up to the 2025 World Championships. He reflects on his tough 2023 experience as a learning opportunity. Caleb shares insights on recovery, training challenges, and the impact of fatherhood on his focus. He details the steep and technical long-trail course, transitioning from fast trails to mountain power, and the team dynamics fueling their gold ambitions. Get ready for some race-day excitement!

In this conversation, Scott Johnston, the founder of Evoke Endurance and coach to trail running champions Tom Evans and Ruth Croft, shares insights from their incredible journey to UTMB victories. He discusses the critical aspect of fatigue resistance and the differences between local and global fatigue. Scott highlights innovative training techniques and the importance of quality gear, continuous communication, and teamwork in achieving peak performance. His enthusiasm for coaching shines through as he reflects on the emotional highs of their success.

This week, the podcast dives into the recent suspension of Joyline Chepgneno for doping, discussing its impact on the trail running community and the responsibilities of athletes and coaches. The conversation contrasts her case with others, highlighting systemic issues in sports and the inequalities faced by athletes. On a brighter note, Francesco Puppi celebrates securing a coveted golden ticket for an upcoming race, showcasing the high stakes and excitement in trail running. Prepare for an engaging mix of controversy and triumph!

Tom Evans, a pro runner for Asics and the 2025 UTMB champion, shares his inspiring post-race reflections. He discusses the importance of passion and effective race management, sprinkled with humorous tales of balancing victory and fatherhood. Tom dives into the tactical maneuvers required in ultramarathons, including dealing with challenging weather and the vital role of emotional support. He also highlights the significance of teamwork in elite athletics and describes his new partnership with ASICS, marking an exciting chapter in his career.

This week, the discussion focuses on thrilling performances from British athletes at the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. Listeners learn about the weather challenges elite runners faced and how strategic adjustments played a crucial role. The conversation dives into the evolving dynamics of competitors from different nations and the impact of brand sponsorships in trail running. Insights on performance analytics and the significance of training strategies provide a deeper understanding of the sport, culminating in a celebration of the camaraderie that defines the UTMB experience.

Martyna Mlynarczyk, the 2025 CCC Champion from Poland, shares her inspiring journey from ballet to the podium. She reflects on the emotional highs and lows of her recent victory, discussing how her dance background enhances her running technique and resilience. Martyna opens up about her past setbacks, including a challenging DNF at the Western States, and the mental strategies that helped her bounce back. She also shares her ambitions for future races and the evolving trail running scene in Poland.

Ruth Croft, a professional ultrarunner from New Zealand and the 2025 UTMB Champion, shares her journey to victory at one of trail running's biggest events. She discusses the strategic decisions she made during the race and the mental and physical challenges she faced. The conversation delves into the evolution of competitive racing, the crucial role of coaching, and innovative training strategies, including the fun side of recovery, like celebrating with peanut butter whiskey. It's an inspiring peek into the world of elite trail running!

In this engaging discussion, professional ultrarunner Jim Walmsley shares insights from his journey as the 2025 OCC by UTMB Champion. He delves into his struggles with health challenges and the emotional hurdles he faced during recovery. Jim emphasizes the importance of adaptability as he navigates varying weather conditions and course adjustments. He reflects on critical hydration challenges faced during races and the mental resilience required to tackle steep climbs and competition. His experiences reveal the strategic mindset that drives success in ultrarunning.

Francesco Puppi, the 2025 CCC Champion and HOKA athlete, shares his inspiring journey in the world of trail running. He reflects on his podium finishes at major events and the mental resilience required for success. Exploring the legacy of Italian endurance athletes, he hints at a golden ticket opportunity for a pivotal race in 2026. The conversation also touches on the motivations behind racing dynamics, including the quest for golden tickets, and the community spirit that fuels endurance sports.

In this engaging discussion, Jim Walmsley, the 2025 OCC champion, and viral trail running sensation Sally McRae share their instant reactions to the 2025 Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. They dive into the unpredictable weather conditions and their impact on race strategies, emphasizing the camaraderie among athletes. Both guests reflect on the inspiring rise of female ultra-runners and celebrate individual triumphs and emotional journeys within the community. Join them as they navigate through the highs and lows of this thrilling sport!