The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

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.

Marcel Hoche, a German international trail runner who raced Big Alta as a tune-up for longer races. Joe DeLeon, competitive Crested Butte-based runner and frequent podium finisher. They recount early co-leading miles, key moves on the cell tower climb, pacing strategies, downhill separation tactics, impressions of California trails, and plans for upcoming races like Lake Sonoma.

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.

Race-day drama and tactical secrets from the Big Alta 50K podium. Athletes describe pacing choices, bridging moves, and managing brutal heat on Big Rock Ridge. Conversations cover race calendars, recovery plans, and surprising tarot readings that reflect competitors' mindsets.

Tommie Runz, a runner and content creator shifting from road racing to trail and ultrarunning, talks about embracing trail culture as "Tommy Trails." He recounts his first 100-miler at Javelina and pacing lessons for ultras. He describes qualifying for Western States and using Big Alta 100K as a dress rehearsal. Training in flat Michigan, heat strategies, shoe choice, and post-race plans also come up.

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.

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.

A lively preview of the 28K course, its key climbs, aid stations, and record holders. Discussion of race-day strategy like pushing early climbs and using downhill momentum. Weather and hydration risks get focused attention. Profiles of top women and men to watch and notes on late scratches and race logistics.

Kellen Blumberg, a San Diego runner shifting from marathons to ultras and recent Kodiak 100K winner. Anna Louden, Marin-based road-to-trail runner and 100K contender coached by Magda Boulay. Johen DeLeon, Crested Butte creative runner and Satisfye athlete who raced Black Canyon. They talk race strategies, training routines, heat and cooling tactics, local community vibes, and creative sponsorship work.

A lively preview of the Big Alta 100K course, from Cavallo Point through coastal climbs to the long Mount Tam ascent. Discussion of the brutal 13,000ft profile, nine major climbs, and the decisive 8-mile, 3,000ft crux. Weather, heat strategies, aid station and crew logistics get practical attention. A rundown of top contenders and intriguing dark-horse picks rounds out the race build-up.