The Steep Stuff Podcast
By: James Lauriello
Language: en-us
Categories: Sports, Running, Wilderness
Welcome to the Steep Stuff Podcast, your source for all things Short Trail
Episodes
#146 - Emma Cook-Clarke
Dec 15, 2025Send us a text
What does it take to choose the mountains when a different calling has your heart? We sit with Arc’teryx athlete Emma Cook-Clarke for a candid, high-altitude conversation about identity, risk, and the rare joy of sustainable excellence. Emma reflects on a season loaded with contrasts—top 10 in the world at the uphill and a historic team bronze for Canada, a Speedgoat podium in a record-fast year, and the sting of missing Olympic SkiMo qualification—then walks us through how she’s rebuilding momentum by staying grounded in Canmore and training by feel.
The World Skyrunner Series has Returned to the United States
Dec 12, 2025Send us a text
Breaking news rarely hits mountain running like this. The World Skyrunner Series is officially returning to the United States, and the Beast of Big Creek on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is the stage. We dive straight into what makes this 23K course so compelling: sustained grades exceeding 20 percent, a clean up-and-down profile that rewards efficient climbers and fearless descenders, and a summit near 6,000 feet that avoids altitude headaches without losing the punch. With 1.5x points on offer, we make the case for why European stars could cross the Atlantic and why sub-two hours mi...
Duration: 00:26:59#145 - Coree Woltering
Dec 11, 2025Send us a text
What happens when a top ultrarunner steps behind the curtain and starts managing athletes, budgets, and contracts—while still chasing Western States dreams? We sat down with Coree Woltring for an unfiltered deep dive into the modern trail ecosystem: how sponsorships really get done, why timing matters, what brands value beyond results, and how the sport can better support its athletes.
Coree traces his arc from triathlon hopeful to crewing Leadville, to a breakout North Face contract sparked by a well-timed magazine article. Then the script flips. He explains life on bo...
#144 - McKennon Woltman
Dec 09, 2025Send us a text
What happens when a Texas kid with marathon roots drops 60 pounds, moves across continents to mentor young athletes in Kenya, and then turns that purpose into a season-long charge through the Cirque Series? We unpack the full story with McKennon Woltman—complete with chai-fueled mornings, singletrack at altitude, and the lessons that only service and steep terrain can teach.
We start with a family tradition of marathoning and the health scare that pushed him to act. That path led to Germany, then into the heart of Kenya’s running culture, where dail...
#143 - Michael Wirth
Dec 05, 2025Send us a text
What happens when a mountain athlete chooses meaning over metrics? We sit down with ski mountaineer and mountain runner Michael Wirth for a rare, candid conversation about privacy, purpose, and why FKTs feel more honest than podiums. Michael traces his path from the Roaring Fork Valley to a brief stint in consulting, then into a life shaped by long tours, sketchy weather windows, and the strange pressure of being recognized for what you do in quiet places.
We dive into the gritty details of his November push on the Tonto Traverse—tr...
#142 - Robin Vieira Brower
Dec 03, 2025Send us a text
The view from a razorback ridge can change your life—and your training. We invited Robin Vieira Brower, one of the few American women racing the Skyrunner World Series, to unpack how she built a season across Austria and Ireland, what “sea to sky” truly demands, and why skyrunning needs a bigger footprint in the U.S. Robin shares a refreshingly candid path from college soccer to technical mountain running, the exact workouts that paid off on steep grades, and the mindset shift required when weather cancels races the day before the start.
#141 - Noah McMahan
Dec 01, 2025Send us a text
A Tahoe childhood can shape an athlete for life—and Noah McMahan proves it. At 19, he’s a Gonzaga steeplechaser who keeps his easy runs on dirt, wins Broken Arrow 11K off a Hayward Field PR, and carries hard-earned lessons from the World Mountain Running Championships in Spain. We talk about the quiet confidence it takes to recover from injuries, the patience to build fitness through a long collegiate season, and the racecraft to navigate tight European singletrack when the start line explodes.
We dig into what it means to balance D1 e...
#140 - Mali Noyes
Nov 25, 2025Send us a text
What happens when a Nordic engine meets Wasatch steeps and a taste for big objectives? We sit down with pro skier and trail runner Mali Noyes to trace the throughline from Sun Valley ski kid to freeride competitor to ultra podium threat, and the conversation is packed with sharp takeaways you can use right away.
Mali unpacks the modern mountain athlete’s toolkit: how backcountry ski touring builds unmatched muscular endurance, why Speedgoat rewards poles and patience at altitude, and how pacing transforms “survival” into a strong finish. We go inside freeri...
#139 - Niko Teller
Nov 20, 2025Send us a text
The road from an Okinawan family dojo to the rocky spine of the Northeast isn’t as long as it looks. Meet trail runner and former Muay Thai athlete Niko Teller, a blue-collar UPS driver who turns daily mileage, discipline, and gritty terrain into real speed. We dig into how martial arts forged his mindset, why hips are the hidden engine for climbing and descending, and how he built technical downhill confidence on the Appalachian Trail, in the Catskills, and across the White Mountains.
We break down the Northeast short-trail scene—from...
#138 - Makena Morley
Nov 18, 2025Send us a text
A road racer with big engine and bigger grit, Makena Morley decided to test the mountains—and then turned a curious experiment into a statement season. We go all the way back to Maui and Montana, through a high-pressure collegiate career at Colorado, and into the realities of turning pro during Covid. Then the pivot: why ASICS’ support opened the door to trails, how Bozeman and Montana State became her training backbone, and what it took to blend threshold speed with the chaos of technical terrain.
Makena breaks down the moment Kodi...
#137 - Chad Hall
Nov 14, 2025Send us a text
The plan was simple: go test the 100K waters. The reality was a masterclass in pacing, hydration, and what happens when marathon instincts meet an eight-hour mountain day. Chad Hall brings candor and clarity to his Kodiak debrief—why he went out hard, where the wheels came loose around Snow Summit, and how he’ll rebuild for another shot. From there, we widen the lens: short trail versus ultras, why 50K deserves more respect in the U.S., and how cycling’s strength engine can transform uphill running without sacrificing leg speed on descen...
Duration: 01:37:30#136 - Alicia Vargo
Nov 13, 2025Send us a text
A broken back, a fractured knee, and nearly a year off running—then podiums at Pikes Peak Ascent, Kodiak, and Moab. That’s the arc Alicia Vargo takes us through, sharing how a brutal dog attack in 2024 unraveled her season and how skate skiing, patience, and stubborn belief stitched it back together. We start with her fresh Moab Trail Half podium and the course’s split personality—slickrock step-ups, sandy slogs, and off-road pavement—before moving into the training mindset that keeps her sharp late in the year.
From there, we head home...
#135 - Nick Cornell, Founder of Trailhead Athlete Management
Nov 11, 2025Send us a text
The sport we love is growing up, and that’s a good thing—if we build it right. I’m joined by athlete and agent Nick Cornell of Trailhead Athlete Management to dig into what “professional” actually looks like in trail running: livable contracts, smarter bonuses, real anti-doping, and a path that lets athletes focus on performance without losing the grassroots soul that makes this community special.
Nick shares how he went from thru-hiking the Triple Crown to winning Montana 50Ks and managing athletes who train 20 hours a week while juggling logistics...
#134 - Zach Colby, Founder of Dust
Nov 07, 2025Send us a text
A brand doesn’t become real the day the website goes live—it becomes real the day someone beats it up on a mountain and still reaches for it the next morning. That’s the heart of our conversation with Dust founder Zach Colby, who walked away from politics to build a running brand rooted in the Mountain West: trails, dirt, big days, and gear that doesn’t need babysitting.
We trace the idea back to Boulder, where Zach saw a clear gap. The urban-run-club look had its champions, but the West’s m...
#133 - Abby Lock
Oct 31, 2025Send us a text
A sharpening workout at 10,000 feet. A sudden stab in the chest. Vision slipping. Hours later, Abby Locke learned her right lung had collapsed—and that was only the beginning. Across one summer she weathered three collapses, seven chest tubes, helicopter flights, and two surgeries, then found her way back to 50-mile weeks with a new definition of strength.
We talk through the full arc with honesty and grit: the ER chaos, hospital routines, and why “take it easy” is dangerous advice for driven athletes. Abby details the shift from vague rest to a p...
Coaching Mini-Series Episode 1 with Addison Smith
Oct 30, 2025Send us a text
Ready to stop signing up for everything and start building a season that actually fits your life? We sit down with CTS coach Addison Smith to design a smarter year from the ground up: choosing an A race that truly motivates you, mapping B and C races that build skill without burnout, and matching training blocks to your goal’s specific demands. Whether you’re eyeing a first 50K or sharpening for a 100-mile bid, this conversation turns vague intentions into a practical plan.
We break down the three-phase progression that driv...
#132 - Adrian Macdonald
Oct 29, 2025Send us a text
A week after tackling a steep Canadian classic, two-time Leadville champion Adrian Macdonald joins us to chart a season that nearly went off the rails—and how he brought it back. After Western States left him drained and “half-sick,” bloodwork confirmed anemia. Adrian pressed pause on workouts, added iron, and rebuilt with patience. That decision reshaped his plans: fewer hero efforts, more deliberate steps. Now he’s heading to Ultra‑Trail Cape Town’s 100 miler to practice night pacing, big vert management, and problem‑solving—key skills he wants dialed before returning to UTMB.
W...
#131 - Dan Curts
Oct 24, 2025Send us a text
A tailbone crash on a triangle rock. A season of strange falls and late-race cramping. And then a decision to tear it all down and rebuild. We sit with Dan Curts to map the truth behind his 2025 campaign, from a promising start at Canyons to a frustrating run through Iger, ETC, and Plitz Alpin Glacier. The thread is unglamorous and vital: when the posterior chain shuts down, quads overwork, climbing implodes, and even the best descenders can’t press when it matters.
Dan walks us through a hard reset with coach Ja...
#130 - Francesco Sunseri
Oct 23, 2025Send us a text
A short trail host, a 214-mile finish, and a brutally honest look at what it really takes to cross a 200-mile line with your head still on straight. Franc returns fresh off the Mammoth 200 to unpack the race that started as a joke and turned into a test of logistics, mindset, and pain tolerance. We talk about the fast first day that had him mixing it with the leaders, the sandy fire roads that shredded his feet, and the moment—somewhere around mile 114—when he had to find a real why or walk off...
Duration: 01:20:41World Mountain & Trail Running Championship Recap with Paul Kirsch & Tom Hooper
Oct 21, 2025Send us a text
A month after Canfranc, the dust has settled but the stories still sting—sometimes literally. We sat down with Team USA leaders Paul Kirsch and Tom Hooper to unpack a world championship defined by raw terrain, tight logistics, and athletes who found another gear when it mattered most. If you watched the medals, you saw the headlines. If you listen here, you’ll hear the blueprint.
We start where results are made: planning. Paul and Tom pull back the curtain on selection debates, athlete travel, hotel puzzles, kit approvals, and an aid...
#128 - Amanda Koslosky
Oct 17, 2025Send us a text
What if you didn’t grow up on a track and still became a force on steep, thin-air courses? We sit down with Colorado Springs native Amanda Koslosky to trace a candid, practical path from soccer fields to summit podiums—top ten at the Pikes Peak Ascent, podiums at Telluride Mountain Run and Bar Trail—and the bold decision to go part-time at work to chase what’s possible.
Amanda opens up about the moment a Golden Trail–stacked Ascent proved her ceiling was higher than she thought, and why a coach, com...
#127 - David Sinclair
Oct 16, 2025Send us a text
Ten hours on the edge, a live stream watched by hundreds of thousands, and a second-place finish that announced David Sinclair to the world stage. We unpack how an injury scare turned into a smarter build, why he chose CCC over OCC, and the exact training and fueling choices that helped him lead for hours, survive the low points, and find the grit to hold the podium in Chamonix.
David takes us inside the chaos at Worlds—from canceled flights to a sky-high vert profile—and what that taught him about spec...
#126 - Tyler McCandless
Oct 13, 2025Send us a text
The race began before the gun—shoulder to shoulder, 12 rows deep, with a call-up protocol that flipped expectations and turned the opening meters into a high-stakes fight for position. From a fast frontage road into stairs and tight singletrack, Tyler McCandless had to manage chaos without panic: protect effort, find clean lines, and pass only when it counted. What followed was a masterclass in patience and presence—steady gains through the forest, a fierce late surge on a 30% wall to the summit, and a finish that helped Team USA lock down bronze at the...
Duration: 00:48:22Golden Trail World Series Final Preview with Robert Prosser
Oct 10, 2025Send us a text
Golden Trail World Series Final Preview with Robert Prosser
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Duration: 01:09:09#125 - David Hedges
Oct 08, 2025Send us a text
A fall storm, ankle‑deep snow, and a west wind tearing across the Sawatch set the stage—then David Hedges took the Nolans 14 record back by roughly ten minutes. We unpack how it happened, from the early confidence on Antero to a near-collapse between Harvard and Oxford, a frozen night saved by borrowed layers and hot gels, and a final, ruthless push off Massive that flipped the math with miles to spare. The story isn’t just splits; it’s style, stewardship, and what local fluency really looks like when the terrain turns feral.
#124 - Kyle Richardson
Oct 06, 2025Send us a text
Start in city gravel, end on a knife-edge ridge. That’s the arc of Kyle Richardson’s 1,300-mile Northeast Summits Tour—fifteen days, 84,000 feet, and six peaks stitched together by a bivy, a bike, and a refusal to overplan. We talk about why he treats endurance like an art form, how loosening timelines kept motivation high, and what it means to curate routes that flow from Catskill roots to Adirondack slabs, across the Whites, and onto Katahdin’s cathedral spine.
We get tactical without killing the magic. Kyle breaks down mapping with Gai...
#123 - Ben Robinson
Oct 02, 2025Send us a text
What if the best prep for a world-stage 50K isn’t altitude at all—but rock, root, and relentless decision-making? That’s the case Ben Robinson makes as we dive into his Grindstone 50K win, an OCC qualifier that doubled as redemption after a brutal DNF during a rabies vaccine saga the year before. From Pennsylvania’s Roxylvania series to Alaska’s Mount Marathon chaos, Ben maps a season where the Northeast’s technical terrain becomes a training edge, not a compromise, and where joy beats pressure as a performance tool.
We trace Ben...
#122 - Meikael Beaudoin-Rousseau
Sep 30, 2025Send us a text
What does it take to race at a world-class level when running itself isn’t an option? We sit with Meikael Beaudoin-Rousseau to trace a brutal knee injury—down to bone—and the long, confusing road back: tendon thickening, scar pain that burns like hot iron, false starts, and a fitness base built on a handbike, arms-only swims, and an elliptical. Meika is candid about uncertainty and the daily choice to believe that today could be the first day of the comeback. Then we go deep on what that mindset looks like on the st...
Duration: 01:15:31World Championships Race Preview & Analysis - Uphill, Mtn Classic & Short Trail with Robert Prosser
Sep 24, 2025Send us a text
The mountains of Spain are set to host an unprecedented gathering of mountain running talent as the World Mountain Running Championships descend upon Canfranc in the Pyrenees. This year's championship field is arguably the deepest ever assembled, with elite athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Italy, France, Spain, and the United States poised for an epic showdown across four grueling disciplines.
The championship courses themselves present extraordinary challenges. The vertical race features nearly 1,000 meters of climbing over just 6.4 kilometers, while the short trail packs a staggering 12,000 feet of elevation gain into its 45-kilometer...
Mason Coppi - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
What happens when you suddenly find yourself among the world's elite athletes? Mason Coppi, who has exploded onto the sub-ultra mountain running scene with remarkable success, joins us for a candid conversation about his journey to the top and upcoming World Championships appearance.
Despite dominating races and earning his place among the sport's best, Mason reveals his ongoing battle with imposter syndrome. "I would feel uncomfortable putting my name in that conversation," he admits, even as his results speak volumes. Yet he's found a powerful antidote in staying present during competition – de...
Remi Leroux - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
What happens when you throw away your carefully crafted race plan and follow your intuition instead? For elite mountain runner Remi Leroux, it meant transforming a 15-race schedule into nearly 25 events across two continents in a single summer.
Diving deep into his whirlwind season, Remi shares how his partnership with Brooks teammate Dan has pushed him toward spontaneity and risk-taking. Their contrasting personalities—Dan's high-energy spontaneity balanced against Remy's thoughtful approach—created the perfect dynamic for an unforgettable European racing campaign. From training camps in Les Houches to competing alongside the Broo...
Michelino Sunseri - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
What does it truly mean to represent your country on the world stage? For Michelino Senseri, it's the fulfillment of a childhood dream that once seemed impossible. Speaking from Spain where he's been meticulously studying the World Trail Championship course, Michelino offers an unfiltered look at what American trail runners can expect when they toe the line against the world's best.
The terrain in Spain presents a fascinating challenge - more technical than anything in the United States, with runnable climbs that zigzag up mountains and downhills so steep and rocky...
Anna Gibson & Cam Smith - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
Cam Smith and Anna Gibson join the podcast from Italy where they're juggling an extraordinary athletic challenge. Currently training with the USA Skimo team, both athletes are preparing to represent Team USA in dual events at the upcoming Mountain Running World Championships in Spain.
The conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into their Italian training camp and the unique dynamics of preparing for two completely different mountain disciplines simultaneously. Anna reveals her deep skiing background—"It's definitely the original sport for me"—explaining how her lifelong passion for skiing has naturally evolved into...
Noah Williams - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
Noah Williams has been on fire this summer. Fresh off a breakthrough performance at Sierre-Zinal where he clocked an impressive 2:45:10 as the third American finisher, he's now setting his sights on something even bigger: gold at the Trail Running World Championships in Spain.
The conversation kicks off with Noah recounting his recent racing adventures, from Alaska's rugged terrain to the iconic trails of Switzerland. His Sierre-Zinal performance stands out as particularly special - finishing 27th in what many consider the most competitive mountain race globally. Noah breaks down how he managed...
Taylor Stack - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
Taylor Stack's remarkable transformation from promising college runner to Team USA representative has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this wide-ranging conversation, Stack opens up about his breakthrough European racing season where he finished as top American and 12th overall in the Golden Trail Series, plus secured a podium at the brutally technical Pitz Alpine Glacier race.
What makes Stack's journey particularly fascinating is his balanced approach to high-pressure competition. Rather than buckling under expectations, he emphasizes gratitude for these opportunities and focuses on embracing the experience—a mindset that has pa...
Christian "Slim" Allen - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
Christian Allen takes us deep into the rugged heart of the Pyrenees as he prepares to represent Team USA at the World Mountain Running Championships. The reigning US Mountain Running Champion opens up about the wild, technical trails of Canfrank that barely resemble paths at times—"They stuck flags into a bunch of rock that you're just hiking up. It's really steep."
Fresh off his stunning victory at Broken Arrow, where he outpaced legends Kilian Jornet and Joe Gray, Allen reveals the strategic approach that's transformed his running. "I've been working wi...
Jazmine Lowther - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
Summits conquered, records shattered, and mountains yet to climb—Jasmine Lowther's extraordinary summer of racing defies conventional limits. Fresh from breaking the Grand Teton FKT and excelling at OCC, she now stands on the precipice of the World Championships in Spain.
The Grand Teton FKT attempt reveals a fascinating dimension of Jasmine's relationship with mountains. Despite having only three weeks to prepare for a challenge that ideally requires months of intimate mountain knowledge, she conquered not just the technical terrain but her own fears. "You're going to be dancing with it," he...
Ruby Lindquist - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
Ruby Lindquist has experienced a meteoric rise in the trail running world this season, securing a coveted spot on Team USA for the World Trail Championships following a gutsy sixth-place finish at the hyper-competitive Broken Arrow 50K. Our conversation dives deep into the mental strategies that allow her to push through pain barriers when races aren't going according to plan.
"You feel this awful feeling and you just have to pass right through it," Ruby explains, describing how she managed to stay focused at Broken Arrow despite not feeling her best...
Sydney Petersen - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
When Sydney Petersen toed the line at the Broken Arrow Skyrace this summer, she wasn't sure she'd even finish. After two weeks of complete rest nursing what she feared might be a serious hip injury, her training was far from ideal for what would serve as the US World Championship qualifier. Yet sometimes our greatest performances emerge when expectations fall away.
"I think everything that could have gone wrong leading up to this race went wrong," Peterson reveals in this candid conversation. "I wasn't feeling good, I wasn't even sure if...
Courtney Coppinger - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
Courtney Coppinger takes us inside her journey to the Mountain Running World Championships in this candid conversation about mental resilience, team camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence on the international stage.
From Colorado's high altitude training grounds to the pristine trails of Europe, Courtney shares the rollercoaster of emotions that define an elite athlete's preparation. "Nothing felt really shiny and nothing felt really good," she admits about her final training block, before describing how arriving in Europe instantly restored her confidence: "The stoke immediately came back because sea level, 60-degree temps...
Lindsay Allison - Pre 2025 World Trail Championship Interview
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
When Lindsay Allison submitted her application for the US Mountain Running World Championship team, she never expected to be selected. "When I got the call I was like, 'What? Are you sure? Me?'" she shares with genuine surprise in her voice. This unexpected honor comes at the perfect moment in her season—just as she's hitting her stride after overcoming early-season challenges.
Our conversation explores Lindsay's fascinating journey through a summer of unexpected hurdles and triumphant breakthroughs. After battling persistent nausea that severely impacted her performance at Speedgoat, Lindsay discovered sh...
Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon Preview with Mark Tatum
Sep 19, 2025Send us a text
Standing at the base of Pike's Peak, staring up at the formidable 14,115-foot summit piercing the Colorado sky, runners face more than just a grueling physical challenge—they confront what veterans call "the ultimate mental battle." Every year, over 2,500 athletes from 46 states and eight countries gather in Manitou Springs to test their limits in America's most iconic mountain race.
What keeps bringing elite and recreational runners back to this punishing course year after year? As one participant puts it: "You know this is a test against yourself... everybody that's out here is...
Kieran Nay - Pre Pikes Peak Ascent Interview
Sep 18, 2025Send us a text
Pike's Peak isn't just a mountain—it's America's Ultimate Challenge. Rising dramatically from 6,000 to 14,000 feet, this Colorado landmark draws over 2,500 runners annually from across the globe, all seeking to test their limits against its unforgiving terrain.
What makes this race truly special? As elite mountain runner Kiern Nay explains, "It's just you're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die." Unlike strategic ultra events where pacing and problem-solving matter, Pike's Peak demands maximum effort from start to finish—a "total red line from the gun to the...
Brian Whitfield - Pre Pikes Peak Ascent Interview
Sep 18, 2025Send us a text
What does it take to conquer one of America's most grueling mountain races? Elite trail runner James Reeves takes us behind the scenes of his preparation for Pike's Peak, a race that draws over 2,500 runners annually from 46 states and eight countries to challenge themselves against the formidable Colorado mountain.
"It's just you're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die," Reeves explains about the race experience. "It's an ultimate mental battle." Having previously posted an impressive 2:14:55 at Pike's Peak in 2023, Reeves now returns with ambitious goals...
Jeff Cuno - Pre Pikes Peak Ascent Interview
Sep 18, 2025Send us a text
The mental and physical crucible of Pike's Peak brings together over 2,500 runners annually to test themselves against what organizers aptly call "America's Ultimate Challenge." What drives athletes back to this mountain year after year? As one elite runner explains, "You're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die... it's an ultimate mental battle."
This conversation dives deep into the psychology of mountain racing, examining how athletes approach a challenge where the real competition isn't other runners but the mountain itself. "I don't care what racers show...
Kristina Mascarenas - Pre Pikes Peak Marathon Interview
Sep 18, 2025Send us a text
Every summer, thousands of runners journey to Manitou Springs for America's Ultimate Challenge – the legendary Pikes Peak Marathon. For three-time champion Kristina Mascarenas, this race represents something far deeper than just another mountain to conquer.
"It's just you're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die," Kristina candidly shares, capturing the essence of what draws elite athletes back to this grueling event year after year. "You know this is a test against yourself. Everybody that's out here is doing it and everybody's testing themselves."
In...
Sarah Carter - Pre Pikes Peak Ascent Interview
Sep 18, 2025Send us a text
The mental battle against the mountain defines Pike's Peak Ascent, drawing thousands to test their limits at what's rightfully earned its reputation as "America's Ultimate Challenge." Elite trail runners reveal that beyond physical preparation, it's the psychological fortitude required that brings them back year after year.
When asked what keeps competitors returning to this grueling ascent, the answer is simple yet profound: "You're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die." This raw honesty captures why over 2,500 runners from 46 states and eight countries gather annually in...
Andie Cornish - Pre Pikes Peak Ascent Interview
Sep 18, 2025Send us a text
The mountain looms ahead, a vertical challenge that tests not just physical endurance but mental fortitude. "It's just you're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die," says one elite runner, capturing perfectly why uphill racing has become such a compelling discipline within trail running.
We dive deep into the world of vertical challenges, exploring America's Ultimate Challenge at Pike's Peak, where over 2,500 runners from 46 different states and eight foreign countries gather annually to push their limits. The conversation takes us across continents as we compare...
History of the Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon with Mark Tatum, Re-Release
Sep 16, 2025Send us a text
What makes a mountain race become legendary? In this deep dive into the historic Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent, we're joined by Mark Tatum to uncover the remarkable journey of America's third-oldest and longest consecutively running marathon.
From its unlikely origins—when a Finnish doctor challenged smokers to race him up the mountain in 1958—to Arlene Piper becoming the first woman to complete a marathon in the United States in 1959 (in "dime store tennis shoes"), the race's heritage is as rich as the mountain is tall. We explore how the Jemez Pueb...
#121 - Anton Krupicka
Sep 15, 2025Send us a text
Ever wonder how a mountain runner's motivations evolve over decades in the sport? Anton Krupicka opens up about his remarkable journey from Nebraska ranch kid to ultrarunning legend in this captivating conversation recorded live at La Sportiva Boulder.
Anton shares the origin story of his running career, from his science scholarship at Colorado College to his early days working at Colorado Running Company and running with the legendary Matt Carpenter. He reflects candidly on how serendipity shaped his path—when a missed email about the Pikes Peak Marathon entry led him to...
#120 - Benjamin Townsend
Sep 12, 2025Send us a text
Balancing on the knife edge between breakthrough performance and burnout, Benjamin Townsend takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable season traversing continents in pursuit of skyrunning glory. From the humid jungles of Malaysia to the technical Alps, his journey reveals the unseen challenges young athletes face when building a global racing career.
The conversation opens with Benjamin's qualification for the U23 Skyrunner World Series Final and his rollercoaster experiences competing internationally. After a devastating DNF in Spain where debilitating foot pain left him unable to continue, Benjamin rebounded spectacularly with...
Join us Thursday Sept 11th for a Live Pod with Anton Krupicka
Sep 10, 2025Send us a text
Join us Thursday Sept 11th for a Live Pod with Anton Krupicka at the La Sportiva Flagship store in Boulder, Colorado
When - Thursday September 11th
What - Group Run & Live Podcast with Anton Krupicka
Timing - Group Run Starts at 5:30 pm / Live Pod Starts (around) 6:45/7pm
RSVP - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-sportiva-summer-run-series-tickets-1344591662859
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Duration: 00:01:38#119 - Abby Stone
Sep 10, 2025Send us a text
Meet Abby Stone, a 19-year-old trail running phenom who's rewriting the traditional path to mountain running success. After placing 19th at the prestigious Broken Arrow Skyrace 23K in her first-ever trail race, Abby made the bold decision to leave collegiate running behind and dive headfirst into the world of mountain racing.
What makes Abby's story so compelling is her refreshing perspective on competition. While she struggled with the pressure and "business" side of track and cross country, she found immediate joy on the trails. "I've never been a big racer, always...
#118 - Addison Smith
Sep 08, 2025Send us a text
What happens when an elite trail runner must quickly transition from racing a grueling mountain ultramarathon to coaching other athletes through their own epic challenges? Addison Smith lives this reality, and in our captivating conversation, he reveals the fascinating duality of his role at the UTMB festival in Chamonix.
Fresh off his performance at the OCC race, Addison shares the mental gymnastics required to shift from competitor to coach within hours. "When you're really tired, in terms of making mistakes for my athletes, it's like I need to be on when...
#117 - Adam Loomis
Sep 05, 2025Send us a text
When a Nordic Combined athlete transitions to mountain running, the results can be remarkable. Adam Loomis brings unique insights from his years as a national team ski jumper and cross-country skier to the challenging world of technical mountain races and ultramarathons. Having recently won the Telluride Mountain Run 40-mile race with a course record, Loomis opens up about how his specialized background has shaped his approach to trail running.
"Training for Nordic Combined, you're combining very, very different sports," Loomis explains, describing how balancing the power and technique of ski jumping...
#116 - Nicholas Turco
Sep 03, 2025Send us a text
Dive into the remarkable dual journey of Nicholas Turco, who seamlessly navigates the demanding worlds of elite trail running and international diplomacy. As one of only three American men invited to the prestigious Golden Trail World Series Final in Italy, Nicholas has established himself among the country's top mountain runners while simultaneously serving as a consultant for the United Nations Human Rights Office.
From the vertical trails of Durango that shaped his early running career to the halls of the UN in Geneva, Nicholas shares how he's intentionally crafted a life...
#115 - Michael Earnhart
Aug 29, 2025Send us a text
Bronze medal Nordic skier Michael Earnhart opens up about the fascinating overlap between skiing and trail running, revealing why skiers consistently dominate mountain races despite minimal running-specific training. His journey from a young Alaskan runner to Olympic-level Nordic skier provides a unique window into the physiological and methodological advantages that transfer between sports.
The secret lies in the structured, periodized training approach that Nordic skiers follow religiously. While runners might log impressive mileage, skiers focus on heart rate zones, threshold training, and extensive time under tension that builds tremendous leg strength. "...
#114 - Matt Daniels
Aug 27, 2025Send us a text
Matt Daniels opens up about his journey through the highs and lows of professional trail running in this wide-ranging, candid conversation. After battling significant health issues from mold exposure while simultaneously going through a divorce, Daniels shares how he's rebuilding his season around the prestigious Run Rabbit Run ultramarathon.
The conversation takes us behind the scenes of the phenomenally successful Boulder Boys podcast, which Daniels co-hosts. What started as casual conversations among friends has evolved into one of trail running's most popular media outlets, now part of Jonathan Levitt's podcast collective...
UTMB OCC & Some ETC Race Preview with Teddy Tonelli
Aug 25, 2025Send us a text
Get ready for an exhilarating UTMB OCC race preview that blends expert analysis with laugh-out-loud banter! James Lariello teams up with Teddy Tonelli from the Chasing Trail podcast to break down this iconic 55K mountain race that features over 11,000 feet of climbing through some of the most spectacular terrain in the Alps.
The duo dives deep into what makes OCC special - from its technical course that prohibits switchback cutting to the mandatory gear requirements that add an extra layer of challenge. With forecasts showing potential rain and temperatures ranging from 48...
#113 - Liam Meirow
Aug 22, 2025Send us a text
Ever wonder what happens when one of America's most talented track athletes fully commits to the trails? Liam Meirow joins us fresh off his win at the Y East Trail Fest 28K to share exactly that journey.
Growing up in Summit County, Colorado, Liam's path wasn't initially pointed toward running - he dreamed of becoming a professional skateboarder or snowboarder. After finding success in high school running, he pursued a collegiate career at Oklahoma, where despite dedication, he never quite reached his full potential. The true breakthrough came after graduation when...
Special Announcement - Live Podcast at the La Sportiva Summer Run Series
Aug 21, 2025Send us a text
Special Announcement - Live Podcast at the La Sportiva Summer Run Series with Special Guest - Anton Krupicka
RSVP will be going live soon, so mark your calendars !
When : Thursday, September 11th
Where: La Sportiva Store, Boulder Colorado
Time: 5:00pm event start
5:30pm run start
6:45pm Live Podcast
DM me on Instagram with any questions !
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Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstu...
Duration: 00:02:06#112 - Jane Maus
Aug 19, 2025Send us a text
Jane Maus' trail running journey embodies perseverance against formidable odds. After multiple extended injury layoffs that nearly ended her running career, she's emerged as one of America's premier mountain athletes. Her remarkable comeback culminated in earning a coveted spot on Team USA for the World Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, Spain this September.
The conversation reveals how strategic racing propelled Jane to success at the fiercely competitive Broken Arrow 46K. Despite rolling her ankle just days before the race, she executed a flawless race plan—conservatively pacing the first lap to st...
The State of Sub Ultra Part 2, with Emkay Sullivan & Dani Moreno
Aug 14, 2025Send us a text
Two of trail running's most beloved podcasts collide in this dynamic exploration of the sport's evolution, challenges, and future. The hosts of SubHub and Steep Stuff dive deep into trail running's identity crisis, debating whether "short trail" or "sub-ultra" better describes races under marathon distance – a conversation that reveals much about how we frame our sport's narrative.
The discussion moves through fascinating territory, examining how races can achieve iconic status in today's sponsorship-driven landscape. Can events survive without being part of major series like Golden Trail? The hosts identify community integration as...
Announcing a Collaboration Episode Between the Sub Hub Podcast & The Steep Stuff !
Aug 13, 2025Send us a text
Announcing a Collaboration Episode Between the Sub Hub Podcast & The Steep Stuff ! Dropping tonight at 11pm MST - we will be releasing a "State of Sub Ultra" episode ! Part 1 will be available on the Sub Hub Podcast and Part 2 will be available on the Steep Stuff Podcast ! We hope you can tune in !
Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello
Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod
Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com! Duration: 00:01:51
#111 - Sarah Kushner
Aug 13, 2025Send us a text
Sarah Kushner captivates listeners with her remarkable journey from childhood jogs through Garden of the Gods to becoming the 2024 Pikes Peak Marathon Champion. With disarming honesty and warmth, she reveals how walking on to Baylor University's track team as a steeplechaser laid the foundation for her trail running success, despite never being the fastest collegiate runner.
What makes Sarah's story particularly compelling is her perspective on competition and community. While fiercely competitive (something she admits hides beneath her friendly exterior), she approaches running with refreshing balance. She's intentionally stepped away from...
Sierre Zinal Race Preview with Bailey Kowalczyk
Aug 06, 2025Send us a text
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Sierre-Zinal stands as perhaps the most competitive short trail race on the planet. It's the place where mountain running meets marathon speed in a showcase of pure athletic brilliance. To help break down this iconic event, host James Lauriello welcomes the perfect co-host – Bailey Kowalczyk, who scored a remarkable 5th place finish at the race in 2022.
Bailey paints a vivid picture of what makes Sierre-Zinal so special: "It has that European energy – people with enormous Swiss cowbells and even chainsaws at the summit creating this electric atmo...
#110 - Grant Colligan
Aug 05, 2025Send us a text
Grant Colligan sits down with the Steep Stuff podcast to share his fascinating journey from Michigan flatlands to Colorado mountain peaks. Despite growing up in the Midwest without access to mountains, Grant developed into an elite trail runner while maintaining his career as a metallurgist.
The conversation explores how Grant's decorated collegiate running career at Colorado School of Mines (where he earned 10 All-American honors) ended abruptly—first by being tripped in his final cross country race, then by the pandemic canceling his track season. This unfulfilling conclusion led him to trail ru...
#109 - Courtney Coppinger
Aug 01, 2025Send us a text
What happens when an elite athlete rejects pressure and runs purely for joy? Courtney Coppinger's remarkable transformation from burned-out track star to trail running standout offers a blueprint for finding success through authenticity and boundary-setting.
A Kansas native and All-American steeplechaser at the University of Kansas, Courtney's path took unexpected turns after representing Team USA internationally in 2019. She candidly shares her journey through multiple "retirements" from professional running, the personal struggles that led to identity crises, and the profound healing that ultimately brought her back to the sport—but on entirely di...
#108 - Sarah Carter
Jul 30, 2025Send us a text
From collegiate rejection to trail running triumph, Sarah Carter's story is one of extraordinary resilience and self-discovery. After being cut from her university team and told she lacked potential, Sarah transferred to Colorado State University where she rebuilt her confidence and reignited her passion for running.
Our conversation dives deep into Sarah's remarkable capacity to overcome adversity – a quality that defines her athletic journey. She candidly shares the emotional toll of her college transfer, the years spent rebuilding her confidence, and how these experiences shaped her approach to professional competition. Rather th...
Lindsay Allison & Ryan Becker| Speedgoat 50K Pre Race Interview
Jul 24, 2025Send us a text
Ryan Becker and Lindsay Allison join the Steep Stuff Podcast fresh off their selection to the US Trail Running World Championship team, bringing listeners a candid glimpse into the realities of high-level mountain running while balancing demanding careers.
The conversation begins with Ryan's breakthrough performance at Broken Arrow 46K—a victory made more remarkable by the circumstances surrounding it. Working 70-80 hours weekly at a new job, Ryan nearly withdrew from the race entirely just days before. This work pressure paradoxically created the mental space for his best performance yet. Meanwhile, Li...
Robyn Lesh | Speedgoat 50K Pre Race Interview
Jul 24, 2025Send us a text
From defending 28K champion to 50K challenger, Robin Lesch brings her trademark consistency and strategic approach to this year's Speedgoat 50K. The mountain ultrarunner from Durango shares a refreshingly honest assessment of her racing philosophy: "I'll either blow up, and that'll be a learning, or I won't, and that'll be a learning."
Robin's consistency across diverse race distances and terrains stands out in a sport where many experience dramatic performance swings. She attributes this to her measured racing style—staying within herself during the first half before hunting down competitors in th...
Scott Klingonsmith | Speedgoat 50K Pre Race Interview
Jul 24, 2025Send us a text
Meet Scott Klingonsmith, a rising star in the mountain running scene who's ready to take on one of America's most challenging ultramarathons. At just 20 years old, this Utah-based athlete brings fresh energy and strategic thinking to the grueling Speed Goat 50K.
Scott shares his fascinating journey from dabbling in ultras to deliberately focusing on shorter trail races to build speed, and now returning to test himself against the punishing 11,000 feet of elevation gain at Speed Goat. What sets Scott apart is his methodical preparation – he's been exploring the course's notorious rocky ba...
Speedgoat 50K Race Companion
Jul 24, 2025Send us a text
The legendary Speedgoat 50k isn't just another mountain race—it's a brutal test of endurance that has humbled even the sport's greatest athletes. With 11,400 feet of climbing packed into 31 miles at altitudes reaching 11,000 feet, this Karl Meltzer creation has rightfully earned its reputation as America's toughest 50k.
James and Nick dive deep into what makes this race so special, tracing its rich history through the performances of ultrarunning royalty like Kilian Jornet, Anton Krupicka, and Jim Walmsley. They analyze David Sinclair's mind-blowing course record (4:57:35) set last year when he became the fi...
#107 - Alexa Aragon
Jul 22, 2025Send us a text
Welcome to a captivating conversation with Alexa Aragon, the rising trail running star who's taken the mountain running scene by storm. With remarkable top-10 finishes at the Broken Arrow Sky Race, Sunapee Scramble, and most recently, a second-place finish at Cirque Series Snowbird, Alexa has quickly established herself as someone the trail running world needs to watch.
What makes Alexa's story particularly fascinating is her unorthodox path. Unlike many elite trail runners, she balances her competitive pursuits with a full-time career as a middle school math teacher. Growing up in Montana...
Barr Trail Mountain Race Elite Panel
Jul 20, 2025Send us a text
The steep stuff podcast delivers a fascinating glimpse into the minds of elite mountain runners in this special episode featuring the Bar Trail Mountain Race Elite Night panel. Host James Loriello brings listeners directly into the pre-race conversation with six accomplished athletes preparing to tackle one of Colorado Springs' most iconic trail races.
The episode opens with crucial safety information from El Paso County Search and Rescue, highlighting the unique challenges of the course, including the infamous Big Boulder section where traffic jams are inevitable. Their practical advice serves as a...
#106 - Steve White
Jul 16, 2025Send us a text
Steve White brings a refreshing perspective to mountain sports as both the West Coast Race Director for the Cirque Series and an accomplished athlete in his own right. Through our conversation, Steve offers a glimpse behind the curtain of what it takes to create memorable race experiences while maintaining his personal connection to mountains and movement.
What sets Steve apart is his approach to adventure – less concerned with structure or external validation and more focused on inspiration and meaningful experiences. He describes finding running in his twenties not as a competitive pu...
#105 - Noah Williams
Jul 08, 2025Send us a text
When Noah Williams crossed the finish line at Broken Arrow 46K in fourth place, beating dozens of elite international competitors, he knew something special had happened. "I felt almost out of body," he shares, describing that rare state where everything clicks perfectly into place. Just one week later, he stood on the podium at Italy's prestigious Lavaredo 80K.
This conversation takes us deep into the mind of one of America's most exciting mountain runners. From his Vermont roots to his current home in the thin air of Leadville, Colorado, Noah reveals...
#104 - Rena Schwartz
Jun 25, 2025Send us a text
The trail running world has a new star to watch, and she comes from an unexpected background. Rena Schwartz, fresh off her victory at the Mount Washington Road Race, joins the Steep Stuff Podcast to share the fascinating journey that took her from Nordic skiing champion at Dartmouth College to dominating some of America's most challenging mountain races.
What makes Reena's rapid rise in trail running so remarkable is how new she is to competitive racing. After graduating from Dartmouth in 2022 where she competed as an elite Nordic skier, Reena moved...
Broken Arrow Ascent Preview
Jun 19, 2025Send us a text
Welcome to a special preview of what might be the most competitive mountain race ever assembled on American soil. As the Broken Arrow Skyrace approaches, we're diving deep into the Ascent competition (formerly known as the VK) where the stakes couldn't be higher – the top four American men and women will earn spots on Team USA for the World Mountain Running Championships.
The star power in this year's field is simply astounding. Patrick Kipngeno returns to defend his title against an unexpected challenger – the legendary Killian Jornet, who's taking a detour from...
Broken Arrow 23K Race Preview
Jun 19, 2025Send us a text
The trail running universe's spotlight turns to Squaw Valley as the Broken Arrow Sky Race earns its rightful place on the prestigious Golden Trail World Series. James Lauriello and Nick Tusa dive deep into this watershed moment for American mountain running, breaking down why this recognition has been long overdue and what makes this race so special.
The hosts explore the fascinating dynamics of the 23K course with its 4,500 feet of vertical gain over roughly 14.5 miles. They analyze the thoughtful race format that gives elite women their own separate start time—a...
Broken Arrow 46K Race Preview
Jun 19, 2025Send us a text
The mountain running world turns its attention to Palisades Tahoe this week for what promises to be an epic showdown at the Broken Arrow 46K. This isn't just any race – it's a Team USA selection event that has attracted virtually every elite mountain runner in the country, creating what might be the most competitive field ever assembled on American soil.
The race itself presents a formidable challenge: approximately 28 miles with a punishing 9,000 feet of vertical gain over two loops. Course record holder David Sinclair's time of roughly four hours could be un...
Sam Lewis - Pre Broken Arrow 46K Interview
Jun 19, 2025Send us a text
Sam Lewis brings a wealth of experience to the starting line of the Broken Arrow 46K, having represented Team USA three times internationally and competed in the 23K version of this iconic mountain race twice before. In this compelling conversation, she shares the meticulous preparation that has her feeling "in the best shape of my life" heading into one of the season's most competitive events.
Training from her temporary base in Boulder, Colorado has given Lewis the mountain-specific preparation needed for Broken Arrow's demanding terrain. Working with long-time coach Travis Fleck...
Denali Strabel - Pre Broken Arrow 46K Interview
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
Denali Strabel returns to the Steep Stuff Podcast for a deeply personal conversation about her journey back to the Broken Arrow 46K Skyrace after a five-year hiatus. The Alaskan mountain runner opens up about the transformative path that led her here – through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and the heartbreaking loss of her twin sister.
From the moment she arrived at the race venue, Denali's connection to this special place is palpable. Since 2008, she's been drawn to these mountains, first for college training camps and later with her sister when they craved elevation. He...
Dani Moreno - Pre Broken Arrow 46K Interview
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
A broken bone can shatter more than just your foot – it can fracture your confidence. When professional Adidas Terrex athlete Dani Marino suffered a cuboid fracture (the rare "nutcracker fracture") during OCC last year, the physical damage was just the beginning. The psychological barrier of running downhill again loomed larger than any mountain course.
This conversation captures a pivotal moment in Marino's comeback journey. Fresh off a confidence-building performance at the GoPro Games, where navigating through crowds of runners on technical terrain proved she could trust her body again, Dani opens up...
Ashley Brasovan - Pre Broken Arrow 46K Interview
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
Ashley Brasovan redefines what success looks like in ultrarunning. With 25 years of competitive running experience, four Team USA appearances, and consistent podium finishes, she's accomplished what many dream of—all while running just five days a week.
The secret? Balance. After battling four femoral stress fractures during her collegiate career at Duke, Ashley developed a sustainable approach to training that prioritizes cross-training, recovery, and listening to her body. Rather than chasing high mileage, she focuses on quality workouts, strategic race selection, and proper tapering. This approach not only keeps her healthy bu...
Jane Maus - Pre Broken Arrow 46K Interview
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
From podium finishes to mountain FKT ambitions, Jane Maus has been quietly building an impressive resume in trail running. Just weeks before the highly anticipated Broken Arrow Skyrace 46K, she joins the Steep Stuff Podcast to share her practical approach to one of North America's most competitive mountain races.
Having placed 7th at Broken Arrow in 2022, Moss brings valuable course experience to this year's event. She candidly discusses her race strategy—holding back on the first loop to avoid the late-race blowup she experienced previously. "Last time I raced this, I fe...
Oakley Olson - Pre Broken Arrow VK & 23K Interview
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
Meet Oakley Olson, a rising star in the trail running world who's breaking barriers between collegiate track and mountain racing. Fresh from her NCAA steeplechase season and now a Trail Team Elite selection for 2025, Oakley joins us just days before tackling both the Vertical Kilometer and 23K races at Broken Arrow Skyrace.
Oakley's story is remarkable – from showing up at her first trail camp in worn-out road shoes to finishing top-10 at the US Mountain Running Championships within months. Speaking from the Trail Team camp in Grand Lake, Colorado, she shares ho...
Cade Michael - Pre Broken Arrow 46K Interview
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
Imagine grinding uphill at a 30% gradient during the Broken Arrow 46K, your heart hammering against your ribs, legs burning with each step. Now imagine doing it twice—because that's exactly what awaits the elite athletes competing for spots on Team USA this weekend in Olympic Valley.
Trail running standout Cade Michael joins us fresh off impressive performances at Canyons 50K and GoPro Games to share his mindset heading into what might be the most significant race of his career. With candid humor and thoughtful insight, Cade reveals the dramatic details of hi...
Josh Potvin - Pre Broken Arrow 46K Interview
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
Trail running fans rejoice! Canadian elite mountain runner Josh Potvin joins the Steep Stuff podcast to share his preparation for the upcoming Broken Arrow 46K race. Coming off a victory at the Gorge Waterfall 50K, Potvin's confidence is high as he aims for a podium finish against top American competition.
In this candid conversation, Potvin reveals his meticulous training approach, including innovative heat adaptation sessions on the bike while wearing a heat suit. "It's the first time I've ever done this," he explains, describing how this method provides altitude preparation benefits...
Talon Hull - Pre Broken Arrow 23K Interview
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
The world of mountain running has transformed dramatically in recent years, with increasing competition and international participation revolutionizing races across America. In this illuminating conversation, elite Brooks athlete Talon Hull shares his journey from collegiate track star to professional trail runner, offering rare insights into the tactical approach needed for mountain racing success.
Fresh off an impressive top-10 finish at the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee, Talon breaks down his race strategy for the muddy, technical course. "I wasn't climbing well at first," he admits, before explaining how he found...
Michelino Sunseri - Pre Broken Arrow 46K Interview
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
The trail running world buzzes with anticipation as Broken Arrow 46K approaches, and there's no better guest to break down this iconic race than its 2023 champion, Michelino Sunseri. Fresh off a move to Salt Lake City—which he boldly claims has "the best trail running community in the United States"—Michelino brings refreshing honesty about his current fitness and race strategy.
Coming back from winter injury with just five weeks of running in his legs, Sinceri shares why he's approaching this year's race differently: "I'm not going to join the dick meas...
Brian Whitfield - Pre Broken Arrow 46K Interview
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
The countdown to Broken Arrow is on, and Colorado Springs crusher Brian Whitfield has his sights set firmly on earning a coveted spot on Team USA for the World Mountain Running Championships. This conversation reveals not just an athlete ready to race, but one who has methodically transformed his approach to professional trail running.
Whitfield offers a refreshingly candid look at his evolution from self-coached athlete to someone with a comprehensive support system. "I think if I really want to step it up and make that leap, I need to fund...
Jade Belzberg - Pre Broken Arrow VK & 23K Interview
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
Jade Belzberg has quietly become one of the most formidable forces in North American mountain running, with podium finishes at Broken Arrow Skyrace that have turned heads throughout the elite trail running community. As she prepares to tackle both the Vertical Kilometer and 23K races at this year's event, Jade offers a rare glimpse into the mindset and preparation of an athlete operating at the highest level of mountain sport.
The journey to elite status wasn't predetermined by genetics or family background. "I don't feel like I'm super talented genetically," Jade...
Cam Smith- Post Sunapee Scramble Interview
Jun 11, 2025Send us a text
The mountains call and Cam Smith answers. Having just secured his spot on Team USA in the Mountain Classic discipline with a stellar fourth-place finish at the Sunapee Scramble, Cam joins us to unpack his tactical brilliance and focused mindset that led to this achievement.
What stands out immediately in our conversation is Cam's strategic approach to racing. Despite minimal specific downhill training—"I did maybe about 20 minutes of fast downhill running total this year"—he leveraged his climbing prowess while developing a nuanced plan for the technical terrain. Drawing from his...
Allie McLaughlin - Post Sunapee Scramble Interview
Jun 10, 2025Send us a text
Ever wonder what goes through an elite athlete's mind when injury threatens to derail everything they've trained for? In this captivating conversation with mountain running legend Allie Mack, we discover how the most challenging moments often lead to unexpected triumphs.
Fresh off qualifying for her eighth USA Mountain Running Team at the Sunapee Scramble, Allie reveals she almost didn't make it to the starting line. Battling hip pain that left her in tears the night before, she made a last-minute decision to race - then proceeded to lead almost wire-to-wire on...
Anna Gibson - Post Sunapee Scramble Interview
Jun 10, 2025Send us a text
Crossing the finish line as U.S. Mountain Running Champion wasn't even on Anna Gibson's radar a week before the race. Fresh off a grueling marathon at Zagama on the other side of the world, with jet lag in her system and soreness in her quads, victory seemed improbable. Yet sometimes the greatest achievements come when pressure evaporates.
"If you had told me this was going to be the outcome the week before Sunapee, I would have probably laughed at you," Anna reveals with genuine surprise still in her voice. What...
Taylor Stack - Post Sunapee Scramble Interview
Jun 09, 2025Send us a text
The path to international mountain running stardom isn't paved – it's steep, muddy, technical, and tests athletes to their absolute limits. Taylor Stack knows this firsthand after his breakthrough performance at the 2025 US Mountain Running Championship Son of Peace Scramble, where he secured third place and a coveted spot on Team USA.
What makes Stack's performance remarkable isn't just the result – it's how tantalizingly close he came to winning it all. Leading the race during critical sections and finishing just 10 seconds behind the winner, Stack executed a nearly perfect tactical race. Unlike prev...
Lauren Gregory - Post Sunapee Scramble Interview
Jun 09, 2025Send us a text
Lauren Gregory takes us deep into her journey at the 2025 US Mountain Running Championship at Sunapee Scramble, where she secured second place and earned a coveted spot on Team USA. Just a week removed from this performance, Lauren shares the intimate details of a race that demanded everything from her physically and mentally.
The conversation reveals the fascinating chess match that unfolded over 80 intense minutes of mountain racing. Lauren explains how she strategically played to her strengths on technical descents while navigating the relentless pressure from competitors Allie McLaughlin and Anna...
David Norris - Post Sunapee Scramble Interview
Jun 09, 2025Send us a text
Ever wonder what happens when elite Nordic skiers turn their attention to mountain running? The answer might surprise you.
David Norris, fresh off his victory as the 2025 US Mountain Running Champion at the Son of Peace Scramble, joins us to break down his remarkable journey from Alaska's cross-country ski trails to the podium of one of America's most prestigious mountain races.
Growing up in Fairbanks and now based in Alaska, Norris reveals the specific training adjustments that transformed him from a powerful climber with limited running economy into a c...
Mason Coppi - Post Sunapee Scramble Interview
Jun 09, 2025Send us a text
Mountain running has a new force to reckon with. Fresh off his silver medal performance at the 2025 USATF Mountain Running Championships, Mason Copey joins James Lauriello to break down the race that earned him a coveted spot on Team USA for the upcoming World Championships.
What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is the clear evolution of an athlete coming into his own. Mason candidly shares how just two years ago on the same course, he "could not stay on my feet" during descents, losing multiple positions every time the trail pointed...