The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

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.

 
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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

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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

Beth McKenzie is an American pro trail runner living in Australia. She is also the Founder and CEO of Wyn Republic, a performance sports apparel brand, and a mother of two. Over the last two seasons, Beth has accumulated several very strong performances including 2x podium finishes at Ultra Trail Australia and 2x podium finishes at Tarawera. Last fall, in her 100 mile debut, she finished 2nd place at the Javelina Jundred.

Previous to her trail running career, Beth was a professional triathlete where she and her husband both enjoyed very successful careers. During that time, Beth tested positive for Ostarine and ultimately served a two-year ban, which we discuss at length in this episode. This is Beth's first appearance on the podcast.
 
 
Chapters:
04:27 – What Makes You You? 07:26 – Beth's Journey into Endurance Sports 10:20 – The Impact of Triathlon on Beth's Life 12:49 – The Ostarine Incident: A Life-Changing Moment 15:36 – Public Reaction and Support During Controversy 18:28 – Navigating the Community and Personal Relationships 21:13 – Reflections on the Experience and Moving Forward 28:56 – Navigating Anti-Doping in Trail Running 38:13 – The Aftermath of Doping Cases 42:08 – Transitioning to Trail Running 45:23 – Building Wyn Republic: A Family Business 55:08 – Expanding the Brand into Trail Running 58:01 – Beth's Journey in Trail Running 01:02:48 – Navigating the Golden Ticket Dilemma 01:07:05 – Reflections on CCC and Javelina 01:10:05 – The Future of Beth's Racing Career
 
Beth's Substack for further reading on her story
 
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

Welcome to Rest Day, Freetrail's occasional news pod covering the latest happenings in trail running. This week we're joined by Tim Tollefson to talk through the following topics:


 
Trail Runner of the Year voting process, results recap & stats
Interpreting the results and what we can learn
Confronting TROY criticism
Free agency news: Hans Troyer, Will Murray, Theo Detienne, Ben Dhiman, etc.
Road to trail news: Molly Seidel, Des Linden, & Shelby Houlihan
Tim's Transcendent Truth
A lot more!
 
Chapters
 
03:26 – Introduction and Overview of Trail Runner of the Year 06:30 – Voting Process and Community Engagement 09:12 – Nationality Diversity in Rankings 11:52 – Distance Dynamics: Long, Short, and Mid-Distance Athletes 14:46 – Significance of Major Races and Championships 18:03 – The Rise of 200-Mile Racing and Its Recognition 20:58 – Criticism and Community Feedback on Rankings 42:19 – The Rise of 200-Mile Races 44:39 – Criticism and Integrity in Trail Running 47:00 – The Fragmentation of Trail Running 50:34 – Free Agency News and Athlete Transfers 59:51 – Emerging Athletes and New Partnerships 01:03:04 – The Complexities of Doping in Sports 01:09:35 – Tim's Transcendent Truth
 
CHECK OUT MAMMOTH TRAILFEST


 
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

Will Murray is a pro trail runner living in Bellingham, WA. He was one of the breakout stars of the 2025 season, finishing 2nd at the Black Canyon 100k and winning the Javelina Jundred in a new course record time. Entering the 2026 season in partnership with Brooks, Will is poised to continue the momentum into a new year and towards the Western States 100 - his main goal for the season. This is his first time on the podcast.

 
Chapters:


04:15 – Introduction and Personal Insights 06:59 – Recognition as #8 Ultra Runner of the Year 09:40 – Athletic Roots and Trail Running Discovery 12:26 – Mathematical Mindset in Running 14:59 – Cultivating Clarity in High-Pressure Situations 20:52 – Psychological Strength and Self-Talk 23:25 – Relationship with Social Media 26:01 – Injury Just Before Western States 33:08 – Training Evolution and Strategies 36:51 – Mindset and Preparation for Javelina 39:37 – Race Dynamics and Internal Dialogue 42:48 – Celebrating Success and Future Aspirations 45:58 – Joining Brooks and Team Dynamics 50:44 – Future Goals and Upcoming Races
 
Follow Will on Strava
 
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