The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

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.

Leah Yingling, a professional athlete from lululemon, and Rod Farvard, associated with HOKA, team up for an exciting preview of the 2024 UTMB. They discuss the challenging terrains and strategies for both men's and women's fields, emphasizing the importance of pacing and early positioning. The rise of female athletes and notable Asian runners like Fu Zhao and Shen Lin is highlighted, showcasing their potential impact. Additionally, insights on gear performance and the mental aspects of racing add depth to the anticipation for this year's competition.

Rémi Bonnet, a leading figure in trail running, discusses his journey leading up to the prestigious 2024 OCC race. He shares insights on navigating the challenges of returning to endurance racing after a long injury break. The transformative influence of his coach, Simone Gosselin, highlights how personalized training methods have enhanced his performance. Bonnet also reflects on his recent competitive experiences and the emotional aspects of racing, providing a glimpse into the mental and physical preparations for one of the sport's biggest events.

Fuzhao Xiang, an elite athlete set to compete in the 2024 UTMB, shares insights into his transformative experiences in trail running. He discusses the evolution of the sport in China, particularly its rising popularity among youth and women. Reflections on overcoming gastrointestinal challenges at previous races reveal his resilience. Fuzhao also emphasizes the importance of crew support, celebrating the strong connection with his key supporter, who plays a crucial role in his racing success.

Helen Mino Faulkner, an athlete gearing up for her first UTMB, shares her journey from CCC races to tackling the prestigious ultra. She dives into her mindset, excitement, and emotional dynamics of racing. Reflecting on past performances, she discusses how pressure can unlock potential and the intricacies of racing strategy. Helen also reveals insights on her training regimen, the shift from a previous career to elite endurance running, and the vital role crew support plays in achieving her goals.

Corrine Malcolm, a trail running expert, and Matt Daniels, a seasoned competitor and commentator, dive into the thrilling OCC and CCC races as part of the 2024 UTMB. They discuss the challenging course layout, technical demands, and strategic considerations athletes will face. Listen for insights on emerging talents like Samuel Chilangat and Hannes Namburger, along with predictions on key competitors. The duo also explores athlete performance, recovery stories, and the deep excitement surrounding these iconic trail events.