The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman Rest Day | Courtney is BACK, Chuckanut, The Big Alta, & TrailCon Breaking News
Mar 24, 2026
Breaking TrailCon news with a major keynote reveal. Chianti race recaps, including a dramatic comeback win and golden ticket roll-downs. Chuckanut mud, fast podiums, and standout performances. The Big Alta’s tight racing, logistics wins, and human-interest volunteer moments. Strava file spotlight on a recent standout performance.
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Racecraft And Final Surge Won Chianti Women
- The Chianti women's podium was tightly packed: Courtney DeWalter won 11:31:55, Ingvild Kaspersen 11:33:34, Rachel Entrikin 11:38:13, showing sustained pack racing over ~73 miles.
- Courtney surged in the final 15K from a few minutes down to first, exploiting recent marathon-based speed to close gaps on runnable descents.
Keep Speed In Build When Targeting Runnable Ultras
- Use shortest-effort training blocks to preserve speed when targeting long ultras with runnable finishes.
- Tim noted Courtney's recent marathon cycle gave her foot speed that let her dominate runnable final 15K sections at Chianti.
Golden Ticket Shifts Reshape Western States Field
- Chianti golden tickets: Tomah Carden and Vincent Bouillard accepted men's tickets; Andreas Reiter declined due to family timing, so his ticket rolled to Vincent.
- Tickets shifting from declines altered the Western States field and validated smaller events' role in qualifying.
