The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman The Big Alta 100k Instant Recap + Podium Interviews
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Mar 22, 2026 Bill Armstrong, co-founder of Never Second nutrition. Sylvie Abel, tactical ultrarunner who surged to third. Robin Lesh, Durango-based multi-distance winner and race victor. Rob Mulkey, former collegiate runner turned strategic ultra finisher. Kellen Blumberg, San Diego runner and inaugural race winner. They discuss race tactics, climbs and descents, midrace turning points, product innovation, and upcoming race plans.
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Patience Plus Treadmill Climb Work Built Rob's Second Half
- Rob Mulkey used prior DNFs and conservative races to craft a deliberate strategy: stay patient early and hunt in the second half, especially on big climbs.
- He creditied treadmill uphill thresholds and a winter of incline work for being one of the strongest climbers despite training in Minneapolis.
Ski Patrol Winters Converted To Climbing Strength
- Matt Zupan recounted balancing a ski-patrol winter schedule (5am–6pm shifts) with coaching from Jojo Rolando to adapt into 100K fitness.
- He credited uphill treadmill and coach-led plans for turning ski legs into race climbing strength for the Big Alta podium.
Run Conservatively Early Then Move Up
- Do run conservatively early on long ultras and plan to move through the field later; Rob applied lessons from Javelina and Black Canyon to avoid early overreach.
- He practiced race-specific treadmill uphill sessions and used targeted training blocks to support that second-half plan.