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

Welcome to Rest Day Live, Freetrail's weekly livestream breaking down the biggest stories in trail running.
Tonight, Corrine Malcolm and Tim Tollefson step into the co-host chairs, carrying the show after a big weekend at The Big Alta. We'll also be sharing some exciting breaking news right at the top of the show.
We'll be live on YouTube at 5pm PT.
The Docket:
Breaking news: Major confirmed keynote speaker at TrailCon

Chianti recap and Golden Ticket recipients

Chuckanut recap

The Big Alta final thoughts

Strava file of the week

Bonus Miles: Mailbag and training updates (available for Freetrail Pro members)

 
Links & Resources:
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 extra discount with purchase
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 Links:
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

Welcome to Freetrail's Trailgating coverage of the 2026 Big Alta. This year's race is presented by Salomon. Salomon makes the gear that transforms sports, experiences, and culture – helping unleash the best in people through mountain sports. Born in the French Alps and refined around the world, check out Salomon's S/LAB range to find your best solutions for shoes, packs, and apparel. We've been running in the new S/LAB Ultra Glide 2 lately and enjoying the balance of comfort and performance on the trails.  Make sure to tune into our full weekend of Trailgating, hosted by Dylan Bowman and presented by Salomon. You can join us in person during race weekend at the Marinwood Community Center right at the finish line, or follow along at the Freetrail YouTube channel or listen in the Freetrail Podcast audio feed. You can find Salomon gear on salomon.com (http://salomon.com/) or in your favorite running store near you.

Welcome to Freetrail's Trailgating coverage of the 2026 Big Alta. This year's race is presented by Salomon. Salomon makes the gear that transforms sports, experiences, and culture – helping unleash the best in people through mountain sports. Born in the French Alps and refined around the world, check out Salomon's S/LAB range to find your best solutions for shoes, packs, and apparel. We've been running in the new S/LAB Ultra Glide 2 lately and enjoying the balance of comfort and performance on the trails.  Make sure to tune into our full weekend of Trailgating, hosted by Dylan Bowman and presented by Salomon. You can join us in person during race weekend at the Marinwood Community Center right at the finish line, or follow along at the Freetrail YouTube channel or listen in the Freetrail Podcast audio feed. You can find Salomon gear on salomon.com (http://salomon.com/) or in your favorite running store near you.