The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Discover the thrilling highlights from the World Mountain & Trail Championships! Nina Engelhardt's stunning double gold steals the spotlight while Lauren Gregory’s breakout performance showcases U.S. talent. The discussion heats up with the fierce competition among African athletes and the unveiling of the team medal standings. Uncover the challenges athletes faced, including wasps and injuries, and hear inspiring tales of perseverance. Plus, a sneak peek at upcoming champion interviews sets the stage for more excitement!

Hear how Jim Walmsley and Katie Scheid clinched gold at the Long Trail, showcasing elite race tactics and sheer endurance. The hosts dive into the teamwork of runners like Louis-san Coife and Benjamin Rubio, and discuss the unusual ruling on medal placements. Check out standout performances and comebacks, including Jasmine Lother and Francesco Puppi's impressive recoveries. With a spotlight on the women's podium dynamics and a glance at the upcoming Classic race, excitement builds for what's next in trail running!

Sophia Rodriguez, an U20 Team USA trail and cross-country runner aiming for a professional career, shares her journey from soccer to the trails. She details the influence of her family, especially her dad, on her running path. Sophia discusses her training in Mercer Island, adapting to mountain races, and the importance of consistency in improving her performance. She reflects on qualifying for the U20 team, her memorable UTMB experience, and the excitement of racing with family support. Ambitious yet humble, she's ready to tackle the U20 8K with her team's support.

Lauren Gregory, a professional trail and mountain runner for Nike ACG, shares her insights as she prepares for the Classic 14K at the 2025 World Championships. She reflects on her past junior championships, mentoring younger athletes, and the evolving landscape of collegiate trail running. Lauren discusses balancing college eligibility with her pro ambitions, her recent race highlights, and the characteristics of the Classic course. With guidance from her coach Ben True, she shares techniques to manage nerves and her goals for both team and individual success.

Jenn Lichter, an elite American trail and mountain runner, shares her journey after a hamstring injury led to her withdrawal from the upcoming Long Trail event. She discusses how self-care has been crucial in processing her disappointment, even highlighting a refreshing haircut as a form of recovery. The conversation shifts to the Short Trail, with insights on race conditions and standout performances by Tove Alexandersson and Freddie Trenchard. Jenn also offers a preview of the Long Trail course, detailing its challenges and her role supporting Team USA.

Christian Allen, a professional trail runner and member of the All Conditions Gear racing department, shares his insights after racing the uphill 6k. He discusses the chaos at the start and his strategic positioning to avoid bottlenecks. Reflecting on his fourth place finish and contributing to Team USA's bronze medal, he explores the emotional journey and future goals. The conversation also covers mental preparation, comparisons between cross country and trail racing, and predictions for the upcoming short trail race.

Tyler Green, a professional trail and mountain runner and member of Team USA for the 2025 World Championships, shares insights on balancing training with family life after welcoming his daughter. He dives into his unique training mix of track sessions and steep hill work, revealing how the Wasatch mountains prepped him for the race. Tyler discusses his race strategy, emphasizing patience and allowing the terrain to dictate his pace. He also reflects on his decision to prioritize mountain races over more traditional competitions, comparing Team USA's lineup to a 'dream team'.

Katie Schide, an elite American trail runner selected for Team USA's long trail squad for the 2025 World Championships, talks about her excitement for her first world event. She shares insights on the technical challenges of the course and why she chose Worlds over other races. Katie reflects on her experiences at Hard Rock and UTMB, addressing her versatile racing style. The discussion touches on race strategy, gear choices, and the impact of teammate Jen Lichter's withdrawal, showcasing a blend of personal and competitive insights as she prepares for the big day.

Seth Ruhling, a professional trail and ultrarunner with impressive wins at Black Canyon 100K and Western States, shares insights ahead of the 2025 World Championships. He talks about his breakthrough season, breaking down key moments from Western States and his post-race training adjustments. Seth reveals his unique high-frequency threshold training approach and discusses racing mindset. He also shares tactics for the upcoming race and his unconventional choice to skip using poles. Tune in for an inspiring look at his championship journey!

Adam Peterman, an elite American trail and ultrarunner and 2022 world champion, discusses his race preparations for the 2025 World Championships. He reflects on the challenges of humidity in Thailand compared to the Pyrenees and shares his motivations for representing Team USA. Adam talks about his tough finish at Western States, his bounce-back at OCC, and insights into race strategy for the Long Trail, including pacing and team tactics. He also highlights strong international competitors and the depth of the U.S. men's team.