The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

In this lively discussion, trail runner Hilary Yang, known for her fierce spirit in mountain races, and her filmmaker partner Billy Yang, dive into the upcoming Hardrock 100. They share personal anecdotes about the race's camaraderie and the unique challenges of its terrain. The duo emphasizes the mental resilience needed for such demanding races. Hilary reveals her preparation journey, while Billy highlights standout athletes to watch. Together, they capture the excitement building around this iconic event and the community's love for the mountains.

In a live discussion, Kilian Jornet, a celebrated professional ski mountaineer and long-distance runner, shares insights into his multifaceted life. He dives deep into his roles as an athlete, philanthropist, and co-founder of a shoe brand. Kilian reflects on returning to the Western States 100 after 14 years, highlighting growth and health priorities. He passionately discusses his environmental foundation aimed at combating climate change and balances fatherhood with his rigorous training schedule. His journey emphasizes authenticity, values, and mindful living.

Delve into the excitement of the 2025 Western States 100, where emotional highs and inspirational performances take center stage. Discover the journey of a new ultra-running star overcoming obstacles to achieve victory. The discussion also highlights the changing landscape of sponsorships and the impact of advanced gear on racing outcomes. Tune in for insights on the record-breaking audience engagement and predictions for the future of this iconic race, celebrating the resilience and passion of the ultra-running community.

Dan Green, a professional runner recently signed with Salomon and winner of the Cocodona 250, shares his thrilling journey in ultrarunning. He recounts how unexpected opportunities shaped his career and emphasizes the camaraderie within the running community. As he gears up for his debut at the prestigious Western States 100, Dan discusses his strategies for racing, including pacing and mental preparation. His insights into the joy of becoming a sponsored athlete reflect his gratitude for community support and the excitement surrounding upcoming challenges.

Craig Thornley, the race director of Western States 100, and Carrie Meng, the assistant race director and participant, dive into the intricacies of organizing one of North America's premier ultra-marathons. They share tales of race day preparations, highlighting volunteer efforts and teamwork dynamics. Carrie discusses her dual role of directing and running, balancing personal goals with organizational responsibilities. The conversation reveals how strategic hires have streamlined operations and emphasizes the passion of volunteers who make the event truly special.

Emily Hawgood, a professional ultrarunner with a remarkable record at the Western States 100, dives into her journey of continuous improvement. She shares her reflections on the intense competition, particularly the inspiring camaraderie among female runners. Emily discusses the race's challenges, focusing on strategies for mastering the second half and the importance of mental resilience. With insights on racing strategies and a positive mindset, she prepares for the upcoming race, blending ambition with respect for the course and competitors.

David Roche, a professional runner and respected coach, shares insights ahead of his debut at the 2025 Western States 100. He highlights the importance of kindness and community in trail running, fostering deep bonds among athletes. Roche discusses the emotional journey of endurance running, emphasizing personal growth through ultramarathons. Innovative training strategies take center stage as he reveals the significance of speed in endurance events, offering advice on pacing and injury management. His upbeat perspective encapsulates the spirit of running.

Hela Sidibe, a former professional soccer player turned ultramarathon runner with an impressive 2,965-day run streak, joins the conversation. They dive into heated predictions for the 2025 Western States 100, discussing athletes' preparations and the thrills of potential race outcomes. The impact of health challenges on competitors is explored, alongside inspiring stories of older and sub-elite runners. With camaraderie and community spirit at the forefront, this episode captures the essence of the trail running experience, building excitement for the upcoming race.

Heather Jackson, a professional runner and HOKA athlete, recently celebrated a victory at the Unbound XL 350-mile race and is gearing up for the prestigious Western States 100. In this conversation, she reflects on her evolving training strategies and the joy she finds in trail running. Jackson discusses the unpredictable nature of the upcoming women's race, emphasizing the exciting competition among a diverse group of athletes. She also shares insights on race strategy, highlighting the importance of adaptability for long-distance success.

Vincent Bouillard, a HOKA athlete and 2024 UTMB champion, and his wife Kamilah Journet, a seasoned running industry professional at Salomon, share insights on their exciting journey. They discuss the whirlwind of attention after Vincent's UTMB victory and how it has transformed their lives. They also reveal their upcoming parenthood and how that shapes their approach to running. With Vincent preparing for his first Western States, they highlight the importance of community support and teamwork in ultrarunning, making this conversation both personal and inspiring.