The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Dylan and Adam dive into the pre-race vibes at the 2025 World Mountain & Trail Running Championships. They discuss the intriguing VK course features and encounter athletes from all over the globe during their reconnaissance run. The hosts analyze the strength of various teams, highlighting favorites in both men's and women's categories. There’s a spotlight on Team USA's contenders and the promising dark horses from Canada. The excitement builds as they tease upcoming guests and share their expectations for the opening ceremony.

Delve into the thrilling top storylines for the upcoming World Mountain & Trail Running Championships. Discover the rising importance of this competition since 2022 and the exciting dynamics between individual and team performances. Meet returning champions like Joe Gray and the elite contenders aiming for glory. Follow Grayson Murphy and her transition to longer distances, and get ready for epic matchups, including the rematch between Jim Walmsley and Francesco Pupi. This event promises drama, statistics, and standout debuts!

Anna Gibson, a double U.S. champion and rising star of Team USA trail running, shares her journey ahead of the 2025 World Championships. She discusses the thrill of representing her country and the significance of this moment in her career. Transitioning from track to trail, Anna reveals how this shift has enhanced her fitness. She shares insights on training, including uphill intervals and cross-training through skiing and gravel racing, emphasizing the mental benefits. With a focus on enjoying the experience, she sets her sights on a successful championship.

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!