The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Cam Smith is a pro trail runner and ski mountaineer living in Crested Butte, CO. Anna Gibson is a pro trail runner and ski mountaineer living in Jackson Hole, WY. Together they are representing Team USA at the winter olympics in the Mixed Relay SkiMo race. This is the first time skimo has been included in the Olympic Games but the sport has gained increasing popularity in recent years, especially among top trail runners who often pursue the sport competitively or recreationally in the winter months. 

 
Chapters:

03:55 Introduction to Olympic Aspirations
06:46 The Emotional Finish at Solitude
09:53 Personal Journeys to the Olympics
12:43 Understanding the Mixed Relay Format
16:06 The Stakes of the Solitude Race
19:07 Margin of Victory and Team Dynamics
21:55 Recruitment and Team Building
24:48 Transition Skills in Ski Mountaineering
28:00 Lessons from Trail Running Competitions
35:21 Building Confidence Through Competition
36:26 Mentorship and Team Dynamics
38:24 Strategic Preparation for World Championships
39:04 The Evolution of Ski Mountaineering in North America
41:22 Lessons from Olympic Inclusion
44:07 Navigating Individual vs. Team Formats
47:55 The Journey to Team USA
50:48 Embracing Inexperience as a Strength
52:24 Final Training Push Before the Olympics
56:45 Mindset and Competition
01:00:35 Overcoming Health Challenges
01:04:04 Family Support and Emotional Moments
01:08:04 Looking Ahead to Future Goals
 
 
Sponsors:

 
Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.com
 
Freetrail Links: Website | Freetrail Pro | Patreon | Instagram | YouTube | Freetrail Experts

 
Dylan Links: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Strava

Welcome to Rest Day, Freetrail's weekly news show dissecting the latest happenings in Trail Running. this week our co-hosts are Tim Tollefson and Corrine Malcolm.
 
The Docket:
- Free agency updates
- Kilian Jornet's state of the sport essay​
- Freetrail's new Realized Competition Index​
- Recent race results
- Trail runners in the Boston Marathon elite field​
- Strava file of the week
 
REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA
 
REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS

 
Sponsors:
Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.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

This is an emergency episode to share some breaking news, Jenn Lichter and Adam Merry sign pro contracts with All Conditions Gear (ACG), filling out their growing roster of top global talent. Both Jenn and Adam are making their 2026 debut and their ACG debut at the Black Canyon 100k in two weeks.  

 
WATCH REST DAY LIVE
 
Chapters:

 
04:15 Introduction and Major News
06:57 Personal Updates and Life Changes
09:58 Transitioning to New Partnerships
12:30 The Energy at ACG and Brand Support
15:24 Behind the Scenes of Contract Negotiations
18:16 Training for Black Canyon
20:55 Race Strategy and Mindset
23:56 Equipment Choices for Race Day
26:25 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
 
REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA

 
REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS


 
Sponsors:

 
Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.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

Seth LaReau is a trail runner and finance professional working in the technology industry. On the side, he publishes an informative newsletter called Trail Waves, which has become a key part of my information diet. Trail Waves analyzes the business, economics, and culture of trail running, bringing an informed editorial perspective to contextualize industry news in the sport. This is his first appearance on the podcast.

 
SUBSCRIBE TO TRAIL WAVES

 
Chapters:


02:51 Introduction to Seth LaReau and his Career
05:38 The Birth of Trail Waves Newsletter
08:30 Analyzing Saturation in Trail Running
11:19 Differentiation and Demand in the Market
14:17 The Role of Brand in a Saturated Market
17:09 Cultural vs. Commercial Impact of Trail Running
19:58 Media Landscape and Monetization Challenges
22:36 The Future of Trail Running Media and Ownership Dynamics
32:45 The State of Strava and Its Future
40:03 The Growth of Trail Running
47:28 Coaching Opportunities in Trail Running
53:10 Reviving the North Face 50 Mile Championship

REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA

 
REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS


 
Sponsors:

 
Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.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

Kilian Korth is a pro trail runner and coach most known for his recent dominance of the 200-mile distance. In 2025, Kilian won the Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, and the Moab 240 in a four month span, shattering the cumulative record for the Triple Crown of 200s by more than five hours. He's become viewed as a leader and pioneer in the discipline, rigorously documenting and sharing his learnings from this still nascent competitive sub-category of the sport. This is his first appearance on the podcast.

 
Subscribe to Kilian's substack

   

Chapters:


02:35 – Introduction and Early Life 05:30 – The Journey into Ultra Running 08:15 – The Rise of 200-Mile Races 11:16 – Philosophy and Mindset in Ultra Running 14:14 – Training for 200-Milers 17:16 – Strength Training and Its Importance 20:06 – The Role of Intensity in Training 22:55 – Overcoming Challenges and DNF Experiences 25:49 – Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 28:37 – Looking Ahead to Future Races 41:34 – Speed Work: The High-Risk Investment 42:31 – Emerging Training Strategies for 200-Mile Races 44:41 – Family Bonds: Running with My Dad 47:29 – Aiming for the Triple Crown: Goals and Aspirations 48:13 – Lessons from the Tahoe 200: Embracing Slog Miles 49:12 – Bigfoot 200: Fun in the Grind 51:15 – Moab 240: The Importance of Support 52:40 – Breaking Records: Reflections on the Triple Crown 56:15 – Race Strategy: Move Slow, Never Stop 01:00:05 – Recognition in the Ultra Community 01:06:35 – Sponsorships and Building a Brand 01:10:00 – Future Goals: Coca-Dona and Beyond
 
REGISTER FOR THE BIG ALTA

 
REGISTER FOR GORGE WATERFALLS


 
Sponsors:

 
Grab a trail running pack from Osprey
Use code FREETRAIL25 for 25% off your first order of NEVERSECOND nutrition at never2.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