The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Join Ryan Sandes, a legendary South African trail runner known for his thrilling endurance feats, and Martina Valmassoi, the 2022 TDS champion from Italy, as they dive into the recent TDS race highlights. They share personal anecdotes about their challenging experiences and the mental fortitude required in ultramarathons. The duo also discusses the rise of short-distance trail races, their importance in developing new talent, and their mutual admiration for the evolving trail running community. Expect insights, strategies, and inspiring performances!

In this riveting conversation, Careth Arnold, the first American to claim victory at the TDS, shares her remarkable journey from Thailand to the thrilling heights of Colorado trail running. She reflects on the physical and mental challenges of her 95-mile race, the vital role of community support, and the emotional weight of balancing family life with competitive pressure. Careth also discusses her deep sisterly bond formed through running and the overarching sense of community in ultra running, celebrating triumphs and the joy of shared passion.

Get ready for the electrifying build-up to the 2025 Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc! The hosts share vibrant stories of race week excitement and athlete energy in Chamonix. Expect thrilling insights on the dynamics of the UTMB landscape, including top contenders and recent athlete withdrawals. They dive into innovative pacing strategies and mental resilience, plus predictions on how weather could impact performances. The community spirit shines through as they discuss fantasy challenges and live coverage plans to keep everyone engaged!

Francesco Puppi, a professional trail runner from Italy and a rising star in the HOKA team, shares insights on his exciting transition to longer distances. He discusses his mindset shift as he prepares for the CCC, focusing on personal growth and key strategies to maintain performance under pressure. The conversation also touches on balancing speed and endurance in training, the camaraderie developed at HOKA Team Camp, and setting personal goals ahead of the race, showcasing the blend of ambition and humility that defines his approach.

In this conversation, Jeff Mogavero, a versatile athlete who recently wowed everyone with a 4th place at the Western States, shares his unique journey through trail running, skiing, river surfing, and hunting. He discusses his preparations for the upcoming UTMB, reflecting on key lessons from his prior races, including hydration strategies and the importance of mental resilience. Jeff's excitement and insight into balancing various athletic passions make this an engaging listen for trail running enthusiasts!

Sally McRae, a five-time UTMB runner, shares her insights from racing around Mont Blanc. She delves into the unique challenges of the impending UTMB, discussing the critical role of local knowledge and weather adaptability. Sally also reflects on the evolution of the race atmosphere and the increasing representation of female athletes in ultra-running. The conversation highlights the importance of mental resilience and training strategies tailored for the diverse terrain, making it essential listening for all trail running enthusiasts.

Ludovic Pommeret, a French trail running legend and HOKA athlete, shares his journey as a two-time Hardrock champion and former UTMB winner. He reflects on his training strategies and the challenges of racing after significant milestones like his recent 50th birthday. Ludo discusses the evolving nature of UTMB, including the increase in women's participation and unique race dynamics. He also emphasizes the importance of recovery and preparation, offering insights into the psychological nuances of racing against top contenders.

Heather Jackson, an elite trail runner and gravel cyclist who placed 5th at CCC in 2024, discusses her journey toward the challenging UTMB race. She shares insights on the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for such a prestigious event, detailing the importance of resilience after her DNF at Western States. Heather also reflects on her growth in managing technical descents and adapting to the unique demands of nighttime racing, all while eagerly anticipating the thrill of the UTMB loop around Mont Blanc.

Hayden Hawks, a two-time CCC Champion and professional ultrarunner, dives into the anticipation surrounding the 2025 Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. He reminisces about his cherished memories in Chamonix and discusses the importance of celebrating past victories as motivation for future races. Hawks shares insights on race strategies, especially during the challenging climbs, and the impact of weather and competition on performance. The conversation also highlights the growth of trail running, recognizing both American and international talent, especially within the women's field.

In this engaging conversation, Tom Evans, a professional runner for Asics and Red Bull, shares his journey as a new father and how it has rekindled his joy for racing. He discusses his shift to focused training methods, cleverly dubbed 'dad intervals.' Tom emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in endurance training, categorizing workouts into 'gold', 'silver', and 'bronze' to enhance efficiency. With insights on personal growth and the support of loved ones, this dialogue highlights the emotional dynamics driving athletes toward the UTMB.