The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and a 50k age-group record holder, shares his journey from marathon racing to ultra-running. He discusses the interplay between media and running, reflecting on leadership challenges at The Atlantic. Nick reveals the personal growth he's experienced through long-distance running, emphasizing balance in a hectic life. The conversation touches on a mysterious hiker story, personal running aspirations, and the transformative power of embracing change. His insights blend humor with deep reflections on resilience and fulfillment.

Lauren Gregory is a pro athlete for Nike Trail living in New England. This season, Lauren had a big breakthrough in her professional career, notching three top-10 performances in Golden Trail World Series races, including an amazing 2nd place finish at the World Final in October. She has a huge career ahead of her and we're excited to host her on the podcast.   Topics discussed: Lauren's background and history with sport Her bronze medal from the 2017 Junior Mountain Running World Championship Winning an NCAA Cross Country National Championship Signing with Nike and the realities of going pro The Trail Team and how it's onboarded new athletes to trail running The advantages and disadvantages of living on the East Coast Her coach Ben True, and he's influenced her training Her 2024 season and reasons for the success Goals for the future A lot more! VOTE FOR TROY   VOTE FOR TPOY   FOLLOW LAUREN ON IG   FOLLOW LAUREN ON STRAVA   Sponsors: Use code freetrail10 for 10% off Speedland Footwear Grab a trail running pack from Osprey Use code FT15 for 15% off Gnarly Nutrition 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

Aaron Lutze is a creator and sports marketing savant. He's also a dear friend and mentor who has had an enormous impact on my career as an athlete and content creator. Aaron recruited me to Red Bull and acted as my manager for many years. He's recognized as one of the best sports marketers in the industry. Now, Aaron and I co-host another podcast called Second Nature where we talk about the Outdoor Industry, endeavoring to help people build brands, businesses, and careers in the space.    In this conversation, we talk about the past and present of athlete partnerships, the reasons brands sponsor athletes, the value of creating longform content, audience vs. community, the future of athlete partnerships, and a lot more!   LISTEN TO SECOND NATURE   SIGNUP FOR SECOND NATURE NEWSLETTER   FOLLOW SECOND NATURE ON LINKEDIN   SIGNUP FOR THE FREETRAIL NEWSLETTER   Sponsors: Use code freetrail10 for 10% off Speedland Footwear Use code freetrail15 for 15% off Gnarly Nutrition Use code BFCM24 for 20% off a one time purchase or 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ at Ketone.com Get your next favorite pack at Osprey.com or at your favorite local retailer. Freetrail Links: Website | Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | YouTube | Freetrail Experts   Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava

Courtney Olsen is a pro runner for HOKA living in Bellingham, WA. She is also the brand new World Record holder for the 50-mile distance, something she was able to achieve last weekend at Tunnel Hill in Southern Illinois. Finishing in a time of 5:31:56, Courtney managed to lower the existing record held by Ann Trason for 33 years by nine minutes. This is her first appearance on the podcast.   Topics we discuss:   Courtney’s background and history with sport Her struggles with depression and finding purpose in her 20s The Bellingham Distance Project, a training group she helped to found 10 years ago Her passion for art and writing Her experience at lululemon’s FURTHER event where she was there supporting Devon Yanko Her huge podium performance at Comrades A deep unpacking of her WR at tunnel hill Look ahead to the 100k World Championship next month And a lot more! Follow Courtney on Strava   Follow Courtney on Instagram   If you enjoy listening to the Freetrail Podcast, please consider leaving us a review to help other like-minded listeners find our show.   Sponsors: Use code freetrail10 for 10% off Speedland Footwear Grab a trail running pack from Osprey Use code FT15 for 15% off Gnarly Nutrition 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

Kilian Jornet, a legendary figure in trail running and alpinism, shares his incredible journey, including winning Zegama for the 11th time and completing a 1200km project called 'Alpine Connections.' He discusses the importance of fostering a love for adventure in children and how his family is adapting to parenthood. Kilian dives into training philosophies, particularly around stress management and circadian rhythms. He also shares insights on balancing high performance with life as he looks ahead to exciting races in 2025.

Max Jolliffe is a pro runner for Satisfy living in Southern California. Max has only been in the sport for a couple years, accumulating experience and discovering his talent. Last week, Max had his biggest athletic breakthrough, winning and setting a new CR at the Moab 240. Max has a powerful personal story and it was great to get to know him in this conversation.    Topics discussed: Max's struggles with addiction Getting clean and discovering purpose through running Run streaking and why he started 3+ years ago Max's tattoos and tattoo culture Discovering running talent and chasing goals The value of jumping in the deep end Max's sponsors Satisfy & Cadence Learnings from TDS The Moab 240 comeback victory A lot more! The Beach Kid -- Film about Max's race at TDS   Follow Max on Strava   Subscribe to Woah Max on YouTube   Sponsors: Use code freetrail10 for 10% off Speedland Footwear Grab a trail running pack from Osprey Use code FT15 for 15% off Gnarly Nutrition 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 enjoy listening to the Freetrail Podcast, please consider leaving us a 5 star review in Apple Podcasts (or wherever to are consuming this) to help other like-minded listeners find our show. If we like your review, we'll consider sharing it so make sure you're following us @runfreetrail on Instagram.

Tim Tollefson is a pro runner for Craft Sportswear, living in Mammoth Lakes, CA. He is also the Founder and Race Director of Mammoth Trail Fest. Tim is just eclipsing his tenth year as a trail runner where he's been one of the best athletes in the world. Approaching his 40th birthday, Tim is in a bit of a transition, still motivated to compete at the top while building the foundation for his next chapter. Tim is a longtime friend and our careers are unfolding in similar ways, making this a really fun conversation.   Topics discussed: Creativity and craftsmanship The practical physical and mental realities of aging The importance of continuous self-work Living in alignment with personal values Burning clean fuel vs dirty fuel metaphorically Tim's 2024 season including his DNF at UTMB The rapid changes in the sport and increasing competition Tim's relationship with UTMB championship Vincent Bouillard Mammoth Trail Fest's growth The idea of pursuing your life's work The controversy and peaceful resolution of the Golden Trail race in Mammoth Tim's personal development Goals for 2025 A lot more! Craft's film about Tim's 2024 UTMB   Sponsors: Use code freetrail10 for 10% off Speedland Footwear Grab a trail running pack from Osprey Use code FT15 for 15% off Gnarly Nutrition 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

Caleb Olson, a professional trail runner for Nike, shares his incredible journey as the fastest debutante at the Western States race and his mountaineering exploits. He discusses the vibrant trail scene in Salt Lake City, the significance of good partnerships in sports, and his self-coaching journey. Caleb reflects on his strong 2023 season, including his Golden Ticket win and preparation for 2024. He dives into lessons about motivation and the mental aspects of racing, underscoring the importance of camaraderie in both running and life.

Tara Dower is a trail runner and thru-hiker from Virginia. Last week, Tara Dower managed to lower the overall Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail (AT), previously held by the legend Karel Sabbe, by 13hrs. This is her first appearance on the podcast.   Topics discussed:   -       Tara’s background -       Her failed attempt to thru hike the AT in 2017 and her struggles with anxiety -       Her relationships with former record holders like Karl Meltzer & Jenn Pharr-Davis -       Her decision to go southbound instead of northbound -       Doing Hardrock only three weeks before the attempt -       Her slow start and need to make up a lot of time -       We talk about her crew known as chump change and her crew chief Rascal -       The saying that “the trail provides” and what that means practically -       Compare and contrast her strategy with Karrel Sabbe’s -       The character of the trail itself, what makes the AT different -       We talk about the practical tactics of sleep and self care -       A lot more!   Subscribe to Tara's YouTube   Follow Tara on Strava   Sponsors: Use code freetrail10 for 10% off Speedland Footwear Grab a trail running pack from Osprey Use code FT15 for 15% off Gnarly Nutrition 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

Jean-Marc Djian is the brand new VP of Footwear for SATISFY and one of the OG shoe dogs of trail running. Jean-Marc worked at Salomon for almost 20 years, pioneering trail running footwear during an important moment for the sport. After Salomon, Jean-Marc went to The North Face where he was able to significantly improve the brand's footwear offering. We talk about his career and learnings from both brands and look ahead to the goals for SATISFY.   Topics discussed: The intersection of science and soul Jean-Marc's Olympic hockey career & the psychology of the goalie The birth of Salomon trail running His relationship with Jean-Luc Diard, the Co-Founder of HOKA The 0 to 1 process for TNF footwear His transition to SATISFY and the intention behind it The evolution of trail footwear over time Athletes who are pushing their sport forward A lot more! Follow Benjamin Vadrines   Sponsors: Use code freetrail10 for 10% off Speedland Footwear Grab a trail running pack from Osprey Use code FT15 for 15% off Gnarly Nutrition 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