The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

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!

Race day excitement is captured with firsthand perspectives and live-stream thrills. Weather complications cause strategic shifts, challenging athletes on demanding terrain. The discussion dives into dynamic position changes, highlighting emotional highs and lows during the competition. Insights into sponsorship and innovative running gear add depth, while standout performances from talented competitors like Joylene and emerging East African athletes showcase the evolving landscape of ultra-running. Anticipation builds for an exciting race weekend ahead!

In this interview, Jessica Brazeau, a professional runner for HOKA, shares insights from her recent experiences racing in Chamonix. She reflects on her training techniques for uphill races and the unique challenges of the ETC race within the UTMB series. Jessica discusses the pressures of competing with and without crews, highlighting the joy of community support. She emphasizes the importance of self-care during race transitions and embraces her identity as an athlete, all while celebrating the thrill of ultra-running.

Joyline Chepgneno, the 2025 OCC by UTMB Champion from Kenya and a member of the Milamani Runners team, shares her inspiring journey in the world of trail running. She discusses her resilient return to the sport after motherhood and the incredible support from her community. Joyline reflects on overcoming sponsorship challenges to achieve unexpected victories and highlights the rise of East African athletes in trail running. Her story is a testament to perseverance, camaraderie, and inspiring the next generation of runners.

Judith Wyder, a professional runner for HOKA and Red Bull, known for her trail and mountain running expertise, shares her insights on race dynamics and competitiveness. She discusses adapting to last-minute race changes and the mental resilience required in challenging conditions. Judith reflects on the excitement of returning to the OCC, the camaraderie among female runners, and the unique challenges of balancing family life with competitive racing. Her journey highlights the emotional dynamics of parenting while striving for athletic excellence.

Antoine Charvolin, the 2025 TDS Champion from Annecy, France, shares his exhilarating journey from an engineering background and cross-country skiing to becoming a professional trail runner. He dives into the emotional highs and lows of his recent victory, the importance of community support, and the challenges of transitioning to ultra-distance racing. Charvolin also highlights the significance of cross-training for performance, race preparation, and the bonds formed within the trail running community that make the journey unforgettable.

Join Ryan Sandes, a legendary South African trail runner known for his thrilling endurance feats, and Martina Valmassoi, the 2022 TDS champion from Italy, as they dive into the recent TDS race highlights. They share personal anecdotes about their challenging experiences and the mental fortitude required in ultramarathons. The duo also discusses the rise of short-distance trail races, their importance in developing new talent, and their mutual admiration for the evolving trail running community. Expect insights, strategies, and inspiring performances!

In this riveting conversation, Careth Arnold, the first American to claim victory at the TDS, shares her remarkable journey from Thailand to the thrilling heights of Colorado trail running. She reflects on the physical and mental challenges of her 95-mile race, the vital role of community support, and the emotional weight of balancing family life with competitive pressure. Careth also discusses her deep sisterly bond formed through running and the overarching sense of community in ultra running, celebrating triumphs and the joy of shared passion.