

The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman
Dylan Bowman
Professional ultrarunner, Dylan Bowman, brings conversations with a wide-ranging cohort of guests, covering ultrarunning, sports, business, and the outdoor industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 19, 2025 • 60min
Top 10 Storylines of the 2025 Broken Arrow Skyrace
Thanks for tuning into Freetrail’s coverage of the 2025 Broken Arrow Skyrace! We’ll be live every day starting today Thursday June 19th through Sunday June 22nd starting at 3:30pm PT. Today’s show covers The Top 10 Storylines of the 2025 Broken Arrow Skyrace, hosted by Dylan Bowman and EmKay Sullivan. The storylines we cover are below, tune into the show for our full breakdown of each storyline: #10 Growth of Broken Arrow both in size and significance #9 Depth this year across races #8 Grayson Murphy goes long - double world champ running her first ultra #7 Golden Trail World Series at BA for the first time #6 Double Team USA qualifier #5 Racers already on Worlds team Taylor stack - VK, 23k (Classic) Anna Gibson - VK, 23k (Classic) Mason Coppi - 23k (Classic) Cam Smith - VK, 23k (Classic) Allie Mac - VK, 23k (Classic) David Norris - 46k (Classic) Tracen Knopp - 46k (Long) Klaire Rhodes - 46k (Long) Jade Belzberg - Canada VK, 26k (Vertical, Short) #4 Prize Money - $60k in total #3 Fantastic Four - Elhoussine, Patrick, Philemon, Remi all racing #2 Returning Champions #1 Kilian vs Patrick vs Philemon in the Vertical + Joyce, Anna, Allie for women (whole 2024 podium) What do you think? What storylines did we miss? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to pick your favorite athletes in Freetrail Fantasy at fantasy.freetrail.com for your chance to win sweet prizes! Our Broken Arrow coverage is brought to you by our good friends at HOKA. We're grateful for their generous support and belief in Freetrail. Make sure to check out the latest and greatest from HOKA, the Mafate X. The Mafate X is all about innovation and pushing past limits. HOKA evolved their max-cushion trail experience to provide the confidence, control, and adaptability ultra runners require for their biggest trail efforts. Embracing the paradox of max cushion and stability on trail to develop a new experience for the longest adventures. You can learn more and shop here: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mafate/ Freetrail Links: Website | https://freetrail.com/ Freetrail Pro | https://freetrail.com/pro/ Patreon | / dylanbowman Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/runfreetrai... YouTube | / @freetrail Freetrail Experts | https://freetrail.com/experts/ Dylan Links: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dylanbo/?hl=en Twitter | https://twitter.com/dylanbo?lang=en LinkedIn | / dylan-bowman-06174380 Strava | / strava

Jun 19, 2025 • 23min
Tara Dower | Western States 2025 Pre-Race Interview
This interview is part of Freetrail's coverage of the 2025 Western States 100, the most important trail running event in North America. Our shows and athlete interviews are hosted each day by Dylan Bowman who sits down to talk with some of the favorites who are racing this year. In this interview, Dylan talks to professional runner, Tara Dower (Altra). In 2024, Tara famously set the FKT on the AT, solidifying her as one of the best through hikers in the world. Recently, she’s thrown down very fast times at some of the most competitive trail races, including a 2nd place at the 2024 Black Canyon 100k and a very impressive win at the Lake Sonoma 50. Her enthusiasm is contagious and we’re excited to see her in the mix at the Western States 100. Make sure to tune into all of Freetrail's coverage leading into the 2025 Western States. We'll have a daily show Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of race week before we set our sites on the official broadcast where Dylan will be commentating, and provide photo and video coverage of the race for the Freetrail social channels. Make sure to follow along here and @runfreetrail on Instagram. Make sure to play Freetrail's own fantasy trail running at https://fantasy.freetrail.com/events and pick 10-deep for Western States. Fantasy winners this week will receive a head to toe trail kit from HOKA as well as other sweet prizes from Freetrail and brand partners like Ketone and Neversecond. Our Western States coverage is brought to you by our good friends at HOKA. We're grateful for their generous support and belief in Freetrail. Make sure to check out the latest and greatest from HOKA, the Mafate X. The Mafate X is all about innovation and pushing past limits. HOKA evolved their max-cushion trail experience to provide the confidence, control, and adaptability ultra runners require for their biggest trail efforts. Embracing the paradox of max cushion and stability on trail to develop a new experience for the longest adventures. You can learn more and shop here: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mafate/ Freetrail Links: Website | https://freetrail.com/ Freetrail Pro | https://freetrail.com/pro/ Patreon | / dylanbowman Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/runfreetrai... YouTube | / @freetrail Freetrail Experts | https://freetrail.com/experts/ Dylan Links: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dylanbo/?hl=en Twitter | https://twitter.com/dylanbo?lang=en LinkedIn | / dylan-bowman-06174380

Jun 19, 2025 • 26min
Dan Jones | Western States 2025 Pre-Race Interview
This interview is part of Freetrail's coverage of the 2025 Western States 100, the most important trail running event in North America. Our shows and athlete interviews are hosted each day by Dylan Bowman who sits down to talk with some of the favorites who are racing this year. In this interview, Dylan talks to professional runner, Dan Jones (Terrex). Dan lives and trains most of the year in New Zealand and has thrown down incredible performances at major races around the globe including multiple wins at the Tarawera 100k. Dan was 5th at the Western States 100 in 2023, and 4th in 2024. No doubt, he comes back hungrier than ever this year. What do you think, is 2025 Dan’s year? Make sure to tune into all of Freetrail's coverage leading into the 2025 Western States. We'll have a daily show Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of race week before we set our sites on the official broadcast where Dylan will be commentating, and provide photo and video coverage of the race for the Freetrail social channels. Make sure to follow along here and @runfreetrail on Instagram. Make sure to play Freetrail's own fantasy trail running at https://fantasy.freetrail.com/events and pick 10-deep for Western States. Fantasy winners this week will receive a head to toe trail kit from HOKA as well as other sweet prizes from Freetrail and brand partners like Ketone and Neversecond. Our Western States coverage is brought to you by our good friends at HOKA. We're grateful for their generous support and belief in Freetrail. Make sure to check out the latest and greatest from HOKA, the Mafate X. The Mafate X is all about innovation and pushing past limits. HOKA evolved their max-cushion trail experience to provide the confidence, control, and adaptability ultra runners require for their biggest trail efforts. Embracing the paradox of max cushion and stability on trail to develop a new experience for the longest adventures. You can learn more and shop here: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mafate/ Freetrail Links: Website | https://freetrail.com/ Freetrail Pro | https://freetrail.com/pro/ Patreon | / dylanbowman Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/runfreetrai... YouTube | / @freetrail Freetrail Experts | https://freetrail.com/experts/ Dylan Links: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dylanbo/?hl=en Twitter | https://twitter.com/dylanbo?lang=en LinkedIn | / dylan-bowman-06174380

15 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 9min
Rich Roll | Playing The Long Game
Rich Roll, an ultra-endurance athlete, author, and host, shares his journey of recovery after back surgery, emphasizing the importance of personal intent and self-reflection during enforced rest. He discusses navigating identity in athletics, the transformative power of service, and adopting a growth mindset amidst discomfort. Rich also explores the launch of his Voicing Change Media Network, highlighting collaboration in the podcasting space, and underscores the balance between competitive spirit and enjoying fitness.

Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 5min
Rest Day | Trail Running Tastemakers, Shea Aquilano to Nike, More Western States Attrition, & The Dipsea Race
Welcome to Rest Day, Freetrail's occasional news pod covering the latest happenings in trail running. This week we're joined by Corrine Malcolm & Matt Trappe. The docket: Shea Aquilano signs with Nike More attrition from the men's race at Western States Trail Running Tastemakers The 114th Dipsea Race Cirque Series goes Beast Coast Ethan Newberry Wins an Emmy! Subscribe to Matt's Newsletter Check out Auteur Sportif REGISTER FOR TRAILCON Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts or wherever you digest the show! Thank you!! Sponsors: Use code freetrail10 for 10% off Speedland Footwear 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

5 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 12min
Stephanie Case | Fertility, Motherhood, & Winning Snowdonia by UTMB
Stephanie Case is a Canadian pro ultra runner and human rights lawyer based in Chamonix, FR. Over the last few years, Stephanie has been very open about her fertility journey, including miscarriages and failed IVF treatments, and all the emotional turmoil of her path to motherhood. At the end of 2024, Stephanie gave birth to her daughter Pepper, and in May 2025, Stephanie returned to the racecourse for the first time in nearly 3 years, winning the Snowdonia by UTMB 100k. The performance has gained immense mainstream news coverage. This is her third appearance on the podcast: Stephanie's fertility struggles The financial and lifestyle sacrifices on the path to motherhood Return to racing at Snowdonia, only 6 months post-partum Starting with a 30min disadvantage Lessons on optimism Preparing for Hardrock in July A lot more! REGISTER FOR TRAILCON Sponsors: Use code freetrail10 for 10% off Speedland Footwear 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

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 14min
Alex King | The Story of Terignōta
Today's episode is a crosscast with our other show, Second Nature. If you enjoy this type of content, search and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast player or on YouTube. Alex King launched his brand Terignōta less than a year ago, showing the industry that it is possible to deliver high quality running apparel without breaking the bank. In this extremely transparent conversation, Alex shares all of the details of the business. As a first-time founder, Alex shares all of the lessons he's learned, as well as his plans for the future of Terignōta. Show Notes: Terignōta: https://terignota.com/ Trailmix Article: https://wearetrailmix.substack.com/p/what-if-running-apparel-was-cheaper Warby Parker HIBT Episode: https://www.npr.org/2018/03/26/586048422/warby-parker-dave-gilboa-neil-blumenthal Terignōta x Abigail West: https://terignota.com/products/abigail-west-x-crest-cap Shopify Loan Program: https://www.shopify.com/capital Outside Buyer's Guide: https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/best-running-shirts-for-men/ Brand, Product, Content: Gates $100k Prize: https://go.gates.com/GBD-100k-BELTED-PURSE.html Andy Irons Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJWIPRvtAHk HY.Q: https://www.drinkhyq.com/ Join us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-nature-media Meet us on Slack: https://www.launchpass.com/second-nature Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondnature.media Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.secondnature.media Subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@secondnaturemedia

May 30, 2025 • 1h 6min
Rest Day | Western States Attrition, Kilian's Training, TrailCon, Zegama, & Sunnape Scramble
Welcome to Rest Day, Freetrail's occasional news pod covering the latest happenings in trail running. The docket today: Western States Training Camp Jim Walmsley, Hayden Hawks, & Jon Rea withdraw from Western States Is Kilian the WS favorite? Unbreakable 2 cancellation What to expect at at TrailCon Freetrail's Trailgating coverage of Broken Arrow and WS Zegama recap Sunnape Scramble preview REGISTER FOR TRAILCON Sponsors: Use code freetrail10 for 10% off Speedland Footwear 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

May 28, 2025 • 1h 16min
Joaquin Lopez | UTMB Podium Finisher & Mt. Fuji 100 Course Record Holder
Joaquin Lopez is a professional trail runner from Ecuador, living in Barcelona. After many years of strong performances, Joaquin had a huge international breakthrough, finishing 3rd at the 2024 UTMB. Building off that momentum, Joaquin started his 2025 season with a huge win and course record at the Mt. Fuji 100 in Japan, winning by a large margin. This is his first appearance on the podcast. Topics discussed: Ecuadorian sporting culture The state of Latin American trail running Having a clear purpose and its benefit to performance Joaquin's background in adventure racing The 2024 UTMB and what led to that breakthrough Joaquin's method for goal setting and race selection The dominant Mt. Fuji 100 performance Joaquin's sponsor Kailas His work with the Pro Trail Runners Association A lot more! *Note: In the podcast, Joaquin says his first ultra was in 2019 - he meant to say 2012, when he was 19 years old. Subscribe to Joaquin's Substack Follow Joaquin on Strava REGISTER FOR TRAILCON Sponsors: Use code freetrail10 for 10% off Speedland Footwear 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 If you enjoyed the show, please consider leaving us a 5 star rating and review in the Apple podcast player to help other listeners find us.

8 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 22min
Hans Troyer | Young & Fit with a Golden Ticket
Hans Troyer, a rising star in trail running from Cartersville, GA, made waves with his record-breaking win at the Bandera 100k. He discusses the significance of his recent second-place finish at the Canyons 100k, earning him a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100. The conversation dives into his training strategies under coach David Roche, the personal challenges he faced, including rhabdomyolysis, and the essence of cherishing athletic moments. Hans's journey reflects dedication, resilience, and the joy found in nature.