The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman Heather Jackson & Riley Brady | Big Alta Pre-Race Interviews
Mar 20, 2026
Riley Brady, elite ultrarunner with major wins, talks race performances, nervous-system GI issues, training volume, and UTMB goals. Heather Jackson, pro endurance athlete transitioning among tri, ultras, and bike, previews a packed 2026 race calendar and coaching-driven training shifts. They dive into race prep, recovery strategies, and using Big Alta as practice for bigger targets.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Why Heather Packed A Brutal Bucket List Season
- Heather Jackson built a bucket-list 2026 season by combining multi-day ultras and long bike races after realizing sponsors and timing made it possible.
- She chose Cocodona, Tour Divide and others to test endurance limits and personal curiosity rather than chase single fast results.
Heather's 20 Week Coaching Pivot With Luke Nelson
- Heather started working with coach Luke Nelson in September to specifically prepare for Cocodona and combine cycling with running.
- Their 20‑week block included integrating cycling days and a fresh excitement about daily training plans.
Change Workouts From K Reps To Zone Two And Strength
- Shift training from frequent kilometer speed reps to more zone‑2 steady efforts and one change‑of‑pace session per week for long endurance events.
- Pair that with dedicated weekly strength sessions to rebuild lost power and fatigue resistance as an older athlete.