The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Jacob Banta is a pro trail runner and photographer based in Mill Valley, CA. He's been building a strong racing resume in the sport for a few years before achieving a big breakthrough in February when he finished 2nd place at the Tarawera 100k in New Zealand. That result earned Jacob a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100 in June. This podcast coincides with Jacob signing his first professional running contract with Altra -- an important moment for any ambitious athlete. Topics: What makes you you? Jacob's experience racing motocross Dealing with traumatic brain injuries and concussions An email Jacob's mother Misty sent to Freetrail The importance of being given an opportunity Jacob's coach, Rick Floyd Earning a Golden Ticket How the Altra partnership came to be Practicing patience while building a pro athletic career Visualization and cultivating belief Training and goals for Western States Upcoming race at the Gorge Waterfalls 50k A lot more! Tarawera Instant Recap Show with Jacob's post-race interview Watch The Big Alta 100k Highlight Video REGISTER FOR TRAILCON Sponsors: Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com Use code FREETRAIL for an extra discount on Clearlight Saunas at HealWithHeat.com Go to ketone.com/freetrail30 for 30% off a subscription of Ketone IQ Freetrail Links: Website | Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | YouTube | Freetrail Experts Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava

Rest Day Live is back with special guest Rachel Entrekin. We kick things off with a post-Chianti interview before Tim Tollefson joins the show to break down the latest news from around the sport. We'll be LIVE on YouTube at 5pm PT. Run of Show 1:00 — Breaking News 4:00 — Rachel Entrekin post-Chianti interview 35:25 — François D'Haene 2026 race calendar 52:01 — Shen Jiasheng joins Salomon 57:42 — Fuzhao Xiang new sponsor speculation 1:03:53 — Strava File of the Week Bonus Miles (Freetrail Pro) Trail House Boulder discussion Links & Resources SUBSCRIBE TO FREETRAIL'S NEWSLETTER https://mailing.freetrail.com/newslettersignup JOIN FREETRAIL PRO https://freetrail.com/pro REGISTER FOR TRAILCON https://trailconference.com/register/ REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=130943 REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129366 Sponsors NEVERSECOND Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order https://www.never2.com Clearlight Sauna Use code FREETRAIL for an exclusive discount https://healwithheat.com/ Freetrail Links Website https://freetrail.com/ Freetrail Pro https://freetrail.com/freetrail-pro/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/dylanbowman Instagram https://www.instagram.com/runfreetrail/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8MKI1xB8YMchI1764zJXHg Freetrail Experts https://freetrail.com/freetrail-experts/ Dylan Bowman Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dylanbo/ Twitter https://twitter.com/dylanbo LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-bowman-06174380/ Strava https://www.strava.com/pros/1596921

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.