The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman Klaire Rhodes & Ryan Montgomery | Big Alta Pre-Race Interviews
Mar 20, 2026
Klaire Rhodes, an Alaska-based pro ultrarunner with podiums and international selection, talks training in snow, track workouts, and choosing Big Alta as an early-season target. Ryan Montgomery, a pro ultrarunner and MBA student recovering from ankle surgery, discusses rehab, rebuilding trail confidence, and using Big Alta as a racing at-bat. They cover race tactics, heat strategies, and season plans in short, lively interviews.
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Alaska Winters Produce Packed Snow Singletrack
- Snow and limited sunlight in Alaska create persistent packed and icy surfaces instead of dry ground for months.
- Klaire Rhodes explained trails stay snow-covered Oct–Apr and rely on fat-bike packing to produce runnable singletrack unique to Alaskan winters.
Replace Runs With Skiing When Winter Demands
- Do substitute skiing for runs when conditions demand and prioritize running near races.
- Rhodes said she skis more in December–January, uses treadmills or packed trails when needed, and keeps priority on running as races approach.
Feeling Like You Earn Your Partner's Golden Ticket
- Klaire felt Tracen's Black Canyon golden ticket was a long time coming and like shared in that success.
- She described guarding her excitement until he crossed the line and said his achievement felt like a golden ticket for both of them.