The Steep Stuff Podcast

Send us Fan MailSomeone finally closes the gap on you mid-race. You don't know if it's one runner or the whole field. Your legs are fading on a rocky climb, the descents are muddy and technical, and every choice feels expensive. That's the moment where champions either tighten up or stay clear headed. We talk with 2026 U.S. Mountain Running Champion Maya Rayle just days after her win to find out what she told herself, what she did tactically, and why she never let the race turn into a panic spiral. We break down the Sunapee course in practical trail running terms: how she handled an aggressive start, where she felt strongest, and why the descents were actually the highlight. Maya shares what it looked like when Elisa caught her, how she managed the pass without giving up contact, and how subtle terrain changes like trail sections, fire roads, and long downhills shape pacing in mountain running. If you care about race strategy, downhill running technique, and staying composed under pressure, this recap delivers real, usable lessons. Training talk gets equally honest. Maya explains being self-coached, balancing preparation with field ecology research in remote Montana, and using winter backcountry skiing and Nordic skiing to build aerobic volume without forcing a rigid weekly mileage plan. We also dig into Missoula's low-key but highly athletic culture, the value of supportive training partners, and how she's thinking about the transition to Broken Arrow and representing Team USA in Canada. If this conversation helps you rethink your own trail running training or race mindset, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. What's the hardest part for you: the climb, the descent, or staying calm when the race changes?Follow Maya on IG - @maya_rayleUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailPost Sunapee Interview from Sunapee Mountain in NH - Mason was interviewed by the commentary team, Rachel Tomajacyk, James Lauriello, Remi Leroux & Corinee Shalvoy Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailOne wrong turn can end your day, or it can reveal what you're made of. Right after the U.S. Mountain Running Championships, we link up with Ares Reading in the airport for a quick, honest debrief on how he ran himself into fourth place and onto Team USA, right behind names like Christian Allen, Dan Curts, and Mason Coppi.We walk the race from the opening climb to the moment Ares, Mason, and Christian all followed the wrong markers into the woods, and the split-second mental scramble that followed. Ares explains how he settled back in, where he regained ground, and why the technical downhills are still the biggest separator for him. If you care about mountain running, trail racing tactics, and what actually changes performance week to week, this conversation gets specific fast.We also dig into training with coach Matt Daniels, including fatigue resistance sessions, long hill reps, and a hill ladder workout designed to simulate pushing hard on tired legs. Ares shares how getting dropped on technical descents at Canyons flipped a switch, why he's leaning into more technical downhill practice, and what he's most excited about next at Broken Arrow and beyond, with international goals on the horizon.If you're chasing your own breakthrough, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a trail friend, and leave a review so more runners can find the show.Follow Ares on IG - @ares_readingUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan Mail2026 USATF Mountain Running Championship - Sunapee Scramble Live Stream AudioHostsJames Lauriello - @jameslaurielloRemi Leroux - @remi_lerouxCorinne Shalvoy - @corinne_shalvoyageRachel Tomajczyk - @rachrunsworldAll Rights - Six03Endurance & Marathon Sports Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailSunapee is the kind of short trail race that exposes everything you skipped in training. Two loops. Steep ski-area grades. A second lap that turns sloppy and technical. And if the forecast holds, wet rock, roots, and mud that can rip shoes right off your feet. That's why we're so fired up for the Sunapee Scramble and the US Mountain Running Championships, where a national title and Team USA selection spots are on the line. We walk through the course in plain language, then get specific about what actually wins here: when to push the first climb, why patience matters before the second loop, and how East Coast terrain changes the game for athletes coming from smoother, faster trails. We also dig into the “complete runner” trend in mountain running, where pure aerobic engine is not enough and technical descending skill plus race-day decision-making can flip the results in minutes. Then we name names. We talk women's contenders and the wide-open opportunity created by who's not on the start list, plus the men's field with proven killers, risky front-runners, and a few dark horses who could turn this into a breakout performance. We also touch on prize money and what it means for sustainable growth in professional trail running. Subscribe for more mountain running previews, share this with a friend who loves short trail chaos, and leave a review with your podium picks so we can debate them after the race.Contact our CoHost Steve Taylor for Commercial Insurance NeedsDirect - (970)-384-8338Email - steve.taylor@glenwoodins.comUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailMud, pressure, and a two-loop course that punishes impatience. We sit down with Oakley Olson as she heads into Sunapee for the US Mountain Running Championships, fresh off finishing her time at Florida State and moving back to Utah where altitude and technical trails feel like home again.Oakley walks us through what NCAA training in the ACC gives her heading into trail running season, then breaks down Twisted Fork in Park City: a great venue, a stacked vibe, and weather that turned the day into a cold, sliding mess. That experience tees up the questions every trail runner asks before a rainy championship: Which shoes actually hold in mud, how many pairs do you pack, and how do you stay composed when footing is gone and time no longer matters?The conversation goes deeper when Oakley explains what a Team USA spot means to her, shaped by growing up a military kid and living overseas. We also dig into the skills that make her dangerous on a course like Sunapee: fearless descending rooted in steeplechase, patient tactics for loop two, and the mindset shift from imposter syndrome to believing you belong on the start line. She closes with a clear theme for race day: be the hunter, not the hunted.If you care about mountain running, trail racing strategy, and the mental side of competing when the field is deep, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a friend chasing big goals, and leave a review with your best tip for racing in the mud.Follow Oakley on IG - @oakleyolsonUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailThe fastest races can be the most revealing, especially when they're your first start back after injury. We sit down with a Quebec-based Brooks athlete ahead of the Sunapee Scramble to talk about what it really feels like to open a season in June, how to race without a perfect taper, and why “no pressure” still turns into a hard charge once the gun goes off. If you love trail running, mountain running, and the messy reality of rebuilding fitness, this one is packed with practical detail. We break down the Sunapee Scramble course like racers do: a two-loop format, a brutally steep first climb, and the kind of conditions where mud can erase even the best plans. You'll hear how packs form early, why staying connected without leading can be a winning move, and how power hiking habits can help or hurt depending on grade and terrain. We also get into gear decisions for wet trails, including shoe options, traction, and the reality that sometimes the course is slick no matter what you wear. Then we zoom out to the bigger season. Broken Arrow brings altitude concerns, confidence questions, and a reminder that mindset matters as much as physiology when you're climbing near 3,000 meters. We talk scheduling, world championship goals, and training sessions that actually translate to steep trail performance: sustained threshold climb efforts, smart downhill work for eccentric strength, and pacing choices that keep you racing strong late. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a training partner, and leave a quick review so more trail runners can find us.Follow Elisa on IG - @elisamorinfrcaUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailOne muddy ski slope can turn a championship race into a traction test, and Mount Sunapee is exactly that kind of day. We sit down with rising mountain runner Rena Schwartz for a quick, honest pre-race check-in before the US Mountain Running Championships, where the stakes include confidence, experience, and a real shot at Team USA.Rena talks about how wild it feels to be back a year later, especially since last year was basically her first true trail race. We get into what's changed since then: more consistent running, working with coach David Roach, and learning how to approach a stacked field without pretending you have every answer. She shares why she's treating Sunapee as a chance to practice racing itself, the emotions, the decisions, and the moments where you choose to push or stay controlled.We also go deep on the details that decide outcomes on the East Coast: mud, slick grass, water, and the shoe choice that can make you brave or cautious on the descents. Rena breaks down her move from Salomon roots to the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro and what she still doesn't know about that setup when conditions get sloppy. We round out with her summer plans, including Broken Arrow (VK and 23K), the reality of managing knee pain after a 50K, and her exciting news about joining the Green Racing Project.If you're into mountain running, trail racing strategy, and the behind-the-scenes choices athletes make before a big start line, you'll get a lot out of this one. Subscribe, share it with a training partner, and leave a review with your best tip for racing in the mud.Follow Rena Schwartz on IG - @rena.s22Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailTwo loops can turn a “simple” mountain race into a full blown tactics problem, especially when the second lap gets more technical and the weather hints at mud. We're joined by Taylor Peavey ahead of the US Mountain Running Championships to talk through the nerves and excitement of stepping into her first true mountain classic and why that unknown is exactly what makes it worth chasing. We get into real race strategy: how measured pacing on loop one can still keep you in position, where moves tend to happen once the course steepens up, and how to stay open minded while racing against a deep field. Taylor also shares how she thinks about course previewing, arriving a couple days early, and handling East Coast style trails that have a reputation for being slick and unforgiving. Footwear talk gets specific, because on a rainy championship day your shoe choice is part of your plan. Taylor compares what she's liked in the Nike ACG Ultrafly and why she's considering a lower profile option like the Nike Kiger for better control on steep descents. We also zoom out to the season, from Broken Arrow to Sierre Zinal, and what a Team USA opportunity and racing in Canada could mean for building experience ahead of bigger world team goals. If you're into mountain running, trail racing tactics, technical descending, and the training mindset that holds up when the race gets chaotic, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a review with your best mud racing tip.Follow Tayler on IG - @taylerwithlimeUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailThe East Coast trail running season flips on fast, and suddenly you're staring down wet descents, ski-slope climbs, and a start line packed with people who have nothing to lose. We sit down with mountain runner and race director Aimee Kohler right before Sunapee to get practical about how you actually prepare for a short, brutally competitive mountain race when life is already full. She's coming off injury, rebuilding fitness in a compressed training block, and still managing a spring race directing calendar that leaves “balance” feeling like a myth. We dig into what makes a two-loop course tricky, why loop one can bait you into going out too hot, and how Amy thinks about positioning so she can attack when the second loop gets longer and more technical. She calls out the glades descent as the make-or-break section and shares how she's approaching pacing with restraint early so she can hammer late. If you love skyrunning, mountain running, and East Coast trail racing, you'll recognize the stakes: the moment you hesitate, the field swarms. Then we go full gear nerd, from traction and outsole feel to what Amy plans to race in (Hoka Zinal 3) and what she trains in when the miles get longer. We wrap with her summer schedule and big goals, including Whiteface, Loon, Escarpment, and Grindstone 50K with UTMB OCC qualification on the horizon, plus a look behind the curtain at Running Kind events and the logistical chaos of directing a Backyard Ultra where you can't predict the finish time. Subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a review, then tell us: do you race loop one conservative or go on the attack?Follow Aimee on IG - @aimskohLooking for more fun races in the Northeast? Check out The Running Kind ! - @therunningkind_ / The Running KindThe Running Kind Races ->  @therunningkindUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailA neck surgery is not part of any training plan, but it became the center of Dan Curts offseason and the lens for everything that came after. We sit down with Dan ahead of Mount Sunapee to talk about what recovery actually feels like when your body is “cleared” but not fully back, from tightness and numbness to the strange details you never expect. It is an honest look at health, patience, and how quickly confidence can wobble when consistency gets interrupted. From there, we get practical about mountain running training. Dan explains why he changed coaches, why the rebuild started with strength and volume instead of flashy workouts, and how he is trying to upgrade the aerobic engine that can get exposed in longer high-intensity efforts. We also go deep on technical downhill running, including his take on fear, focus, and why the best “hack” for better descending is still time on the terrain, especially when you are tired. If you care about trail running performance, skyrunning skills, and smart endurance training, there is a lot here to steal. We close with race-day thinking for Sunapee, what the bigger prize purse changes, and what Dan wants from the day beyond a result. Then we look ahead to Marathon du Mont Blanc, possible FKT dreams like the Presidential Traverse, and the real-life question of where to live to train with the right climbs and the right people. If you enjoyed this, subscribe, share it with a training partner, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Follow Dan on IG - @dancurtsUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailThat moment when a trail points straight down, the mud is slick, and your brain says “absolutely not” but you go anyway, laughing the whole way. That's the vibe of our pre-race sit-down with Gabby DeAngelis as Sunapee race week finally arrives, and it's also a perfect window into why New England trail running hooks so many people.We talk with Gabby about her unconventional path into the sport, from four years of college soccer at Siena to discovering she actually loved track workouts, then heading back to New Hampshire for grad school and running for the University of New Hampshire. She shares how hiking in the White Mountains shaped her comfort on technical terrain, why agility from soccer translates so well to rocky trails, and how she's approaching this season while coming off a knee injury.Then we get practical: what makes the Sunapee course feel so “vintage Northeast,” how the two-lap format changes your head game, and why the steep descent can be both terrifying and ridiculously fun. Gabby also explains what it means to be part of the Marathon Sports trail team, what she's racing in for shoes (Altra Mont Blanc Carbon), and which White Mountains routes she keeps coming back to, including a Mount Adams scramble and a redemption run after a missed turn.If you're into trail racing, skyrunning, the White Mountains, or the growing New England mountain running scene, you'll leave with course insight, mindset tools, and a reminder that sometimes the real opponent is the route itself. Subscribe, share this with a trail friend, and leave a review with your favorite technical descent story.Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailTwo loops can mess with your head in a way a single climb never will, and Mount Sunapee is the perfect example. We sit down with Courtney Coppinger to get specific about what wins a mountain classic style race: how hard to push the first climb, where the real separation happens on lap two, and why the steep grass start is the fastest way to ruin your day if you get greedy. If you love mountain running, trail racing, and short high-intensity climbs with technical descents, this one is pure gold. Courtney walks us through the training that matches the course, especially the underrated skill of descending hard and then turning around to climb again. We talk race-simulation workouts, effort control, and the mindset shift of racing like an underdog even when people expect you to be up front. We also get into footwear strategy for Mount Sunapee, including why low-to-the-ground trail shoes with serious lugs matter when the downhill gets fast and messy. Then we zoom out to the bigger scene: Courtney's breakout spring in China, what she learned from WMRA World Cup racing, and what it is like serving on the WMRA athletes commission with topics like environmental impact and the complicated path toward Olympic recognition. Finally, she lays out a packed summer that includes Broken Arrow, TrailCon, a first skyrace in Peru, ETC during UTMB week, and a bold plan for the Golden Trail finals. If you enjoy deep race strategy and practical mountain running training advice, subscribe, share this with a friend who loves steep trails, and leave a review. What part of a two-loop race breaks you first, the second climb or the second descent?Follow Courtney on IG ! - @cpcop_Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailSunapee is the kind of mountain race that exposes everything you try to hide, especially your downhill. We sit down with Remy LaRue to get specific about what changed in his training since last season, why he finally feels more prepared for the Sunapee Scramble, and how technical trail skills can make or break a two-loop race when the pace goes nuclear from the gun.We talk through the messy reality of getting to the start line healthy, including Remi's Achilles issues last winter and the foot and big-toe injury that hit mid-race last year. From there, we get practical about improvement: how he's building faster technical descents through repetition on rugged terrain, staying mentally engaged on downhills during easy runs, and developing the confidence to be efficient instead of cautious. It's a conversation about trail running performance that goes beyond workouts and into decision-making, risk, and skill.Strategy and gear get their own spotlight. Remy shares how he thinks about positioning when the first loop leader is often not the winner, what it feels like to race from too far back, and how he plans to balance an aggressive start with a strong second lap. We also get nerdy about shoes for wet, muddy trails, including why he might race in the Brooks Cascadia 19 for grip and stability even if it's heavier than the “optimal” choice. Plus: double-loop-specific training tweaks, the Golden Trail Series calendar, Quebec Mega Trail excitement, and what a big result would mean.If you like deep trail running talk that's honest, tactical, and useful, hit play. Subscribe to the podcast, share this with a training partner, and leave a review so more mountain runners can find us.Follow Remi on IG - @remi_lerouxUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailA championship race can mess with your head before it ever tests your legs. We're back with Mason Cobi on the eve of the US Mountain Running Championships at Mount Sunapee, and we get real about the early season weirdness: stacked fields, unknown fitness, and the uncomfortable shift from “underdog” to “the guy people watch” on the start line. Mason breaks down how he thinks about pressure, why being keyed off can be a disadvantage, and how he's learning to race from a more established position without abandoning what made him dangerous in the first place. From there we go deep on mountain running tactics for a two loop course. We talk aggressive starters, when to let someone go, and how a simple pacing cap and a quick systems check can keep you from redlining early. Mason shares what he learned last year about respecting competitors, choosing the right moment to move, and why improved downhill running can completely change your options on race day. If you love short trail racing, this is the kind of practical strategy talk you can steal immediately. Then the conversation takes a turn to road speed and controlled chaos with the full Boston Marathon story. Mason shows up planning a victory lap after Gorge, decides to race anyway, and surprises himself with an OTQ and a huge PR. We also get into the experimentation side of endurance performance: super shoes, trail shoe choices for mud versus dry conditions, and the pros and cons of testing supplements like sodium bicarbonate and Nomeo, along with a clear warning about what not to try on your A race. If you're training for a mountain race, a marathon, or both, hit play and come race-nerd with us. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves tactics, and leave a review. What's one decision you want to make smarter on your next start line?Follow Mason on IG - @mcoppi44Reach out to Mason for Coaching - Hello to Running!Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailYour backyard peak can be more than a workout, it can be a measuring stick for an entire community. We're joined by Kelsey Quinn from La Sportiva marketing plus athletes Anton Krupicka, Jason Dorias, and Tom Goth to unpack the La Sportiva Green Mountain and Grandeur Peak Challenge, running May 15 through June 15. The goal is simple and addictive: chase the fastest uphill time, stack the most summits, or just get in the game and let the mountain sharpen you. We get into why Green Mountain in Boulder has become a daily ritual for so many trail runners, from its proximity to town to the sheer number of ways you can climb it. Anton shares the kind of long-view perspective only years of repeats can create: how the trail has rerouted over time, how pre-Strava “ghost times” still shape the lore, and why breaking 30 minutes remains a real marker in mountain running. Then we shift to Grandeur Peak in Salt Lake City, a steep, clean effort that functions like a perfect vertical kilometer and a favorite training tool for ski mountaineers. Tom and Jason talk routes, strategy, and the local history of FKTs and early Strava rivalries, including why the West Grandeur line is such a magnet for uphill specialists and why poles often win the day. We also cover the prizes, including $750 cash for the fastest man and woman, awards for the most completions, and raffle entries for anyone who participates. If you're near Boulder or the Wasatch Front, this is your excuse to learn the route, test your pacing, and add your name to the story. Subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a review if you want more conversations like this.Details For Grandeur You have from May15 to June15 to complete the Grandeur Peak West Climb segment.The fastest single ascent (trailhead → summit) for both Male & Female during this timeframe will receive $750 cash each!The most verified summits during event window (Top 3 Most Completions) during this timeframe will receive $500 | $350 | $150 each!Every registered participant will be entered for a chance to win a pair of La Sportiva Mountain Running shoes (5 total) + other prizes!Dates:The challenge runs from May 15 to June 15, 2026.Details for Green The Challenge:You have from May15 to June15 to complete the Green Mountain via Amphitheater/Saddle Rock/Greenman Trail segment.The fastest single ascent (trailhead → summit) for both Male & Female during this timeframe will receive $750 cash each!The most verified summits during event window (Top 3 Most Completions) during this timeframe will receive $500 | $350 | $150 each!Every registered participant will be entered for a chance to win a pair of La Sportiva Mountain Running shoes (5 total) + other prizes!Dates:The challenge runs from May 15 to June 15, 2026.To Sign up  for the Green Mountain Challenge - >  RegisterTo Sign up for the Grandeur Peak Challenge -> RegisterFollow Anton Krupicka on IG - @antonkrupickaFollow Jason Dorias on IG - @jasondoriasFollow Tom Goth on IG - @tomgothUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailTrail running is getting faster right in front of us, and you can see it in the results: course records dropping, deeper fields showing up everywhere, and athletes crossing over from road and track with zero patience for “easing into” the trails. We sit down with Rachel Temaichek to catch up on a wild personal update from racing in Europe, then zoom out into what's already shaping the heart of the season across US trail racing, the Golden Trail World Series, the Skyrunner World Series, and the World Cup calendar.We recap Gorge Waterfalls 30K and why the Lauren Gregory vs Taylor Tuttle showdown felt like a statement race, plus what Mason Cope's performance says about the current level of American men's racing. From there we hit Canyons 50K, where Matt Daniels and McKenna Morley light up a fast course and push the bigger question: are nutrition, training, and shoe tech making trail running records the new normal? That naturally leads into Western States 100, where the fields look deep enough to make even “safe” picks feel spicy.On the international side, we talk Skyrunner quirks like evening starts and headlamps, then go deep on Zagama: the fan energy, the mud, Taylor Stack's historic American podium, and Tove Alexanderson's jaw-dropping course record. We also break down Ledro, the Kenyan depth in the men's race, and the ongoing debate about staggered starts and passing on technical descents. Subscribe for more race breakdowns, share this with a trail friend, and leave a review if you want more frequent ranking and results check-ins.Follow Rachel on IG - @rachrunsworldUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailMount Rainier is not the place where you get to switch your brain off and “just suffer.” The route moves, the glacier breathes, and a boot pack that looked safe two days ago can point straight at a crevasse. That's why Simon Kearns' new Mount Rainier round trip on-foot FKT, 3:43:50 car to car, stopped us in our tracks. Simon is an RMI Expeditions mountain guide and a rising name in mountain running and skyrunning, with speed records that include Mount Hood and a recent fastest time on Mailbox Peak. We talk through the real story behind the Rainier effort: a last-minute pivot away from a ski record attempt after snapping a race ski, the advantage and responsibility that comes with doing route work on the mountain, and how he stays sharp when the terrain demands both speed and precision. If you've ever wondered what “dialing a route” means on snow and ice, this conversation makes it concrete. We also get into how he trains around guiding logistics, why he works with Jackson Cole as a coach, and how he thinks about the balance between lonely FKT projects and the energy of racing. Along the way we swap notes on the Pacific Northwest volcano scene, European skyrunning culture in Chamonix, and what it looks like to pursue the AMGA and IFMGA guiding path while still chasing big athletic goals. If you like FKTs, alpine running, mountaineering strategy, and honest talk about risk, training, and motivation, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a mountain friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Follow Simon on IG - @simonkearns1Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailA muddy mountainside, a deafening wall of fans, and a start line stacked with icons of trail running. Taylor Stack joins us right after Zegama to break down the day he turned a “maybe top 20 is solid” opportunity into a third place podium against one of the deepest Golden Trail World Series fields anywhere. If you've ever wondered what it actually feels like to race in Europe's steep, wet, technical chaos and still finish fast, Taylor gives the clearest picture I've heard. We get into the unsexy stuff that creates big results: consistent training, finding your personal volume sweet spot, and why he avoids chasing hero workouts for confidence. Taylor explains how he uses early-season races as rust busters, how living around 9,000 feet shapes his fitness, and why he drops down in elevation for faster sessions. We also talk metrics and why he keeps it simple with pace and heart rate instead of obsessing over running power. Then we go mile by mile through Zegama: the shockingly hard early pace, the iconic Sancti Spiritu climb shoulder to shoulder with Kilian Jornet, and the decision to stay controlled so he could attack late. Taylor shares how he fueled, how Golden Trail bottle service changes the game, what he saw when Kilian's day went sideways, and the mindset shift required to move from “podium is a dream” to “winning is the goal.” If you enjoy deep race recaps, practical mountain running training advice, and the mental side of performance, subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a review so more runners can find the show. What part of Taylor's approach are you going to try in your next build?Follow Taylor on IG - @stack_taylorUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailZegama-Aizkorri in the rain is supposed to slow people down. Instead, it gave us one of the loudest statements of the year, and I needed a solo mic to process it. The course was wet, muddy, and technical enough to punish every mistake, yet the racing still felt electric on both sides of the field. If you follow trail running, mountain running, skyrunning, or the Golden Trail World Series, this is the kind of weekend that reshapes expectations.We have to talk about Tove Alexanderson. She didn't just win Zegama, she smashed the course record and put massive time into athletes who are normally right in the mix. I dig into why her background on technical terrain translates so well, why her finishes look like she emptied the tank every single time, and what her path could look like with big targets like Ledro SkyRace, Quebec Mega Trail, and the bigger season narrative that ends at Sierre-Zinal. The big question I keep coming back to: are we watching a one-year heater, or the start of a truly dominant era?Then we flip to the men and I make the case that Taylor Stack might be the next great American short-trail star. The podium at Zegama matters, the way he raced matters, and I don't think we've seen his ceiling yet. We also hit the Kilian Jornet conversation, what we know about the rough day and the fall, why I'm not panicking, and why I still think he's a major factor going forward, including Western States.Listen, share this with a friend who loves the sport, and then leave a review if you want to support the show. After you hear it, what's your prediction for Tove, Taylor, and Kilian this season?Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailA pro trail runner who spends her days modeling blue whale populations sounds like a made-up character, but Kristina Randrup is very real and very deep in both worlds. We talk about what it's actually like to pursue a PhD at the University of Washington while racing ultras for Brooks, and why “computer ecology” can be just as meaningful as fieldwork when the goal is conservation and truth.We get into blue whale recovery and why the numbers look radically different depending on the population. Khristina explains how blue whales were hunted to near-extinction in some regions, what carrying capacity means, and how management decisions like protections from ship strikes and entanglements lean on population status. She also breaks down the practical science behind abundance estimates, including line transect surveys and photo-based mark-recapture using fluke IDs, plus how models combine historic whaling catches with modern data.Then we swing back to trail running: growing up around Bay Area running culture, learning to love long runnable ultras, the strange magic of the Dipsy Race, and what it takes to “sell yourself” to sponsors without being weird about it. We also talk Washington training, Cirque Series Crystal Mountain, gear choices like the Brooks Cascadia Elite, and how to find balance when both school and sport demand your best.If you enjoyed this one, subscribe, share it with a friend who loves trail running or marine science, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Follow Kristina on IG - @kristina.randrupUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailZegama-Aizkorri is the race that turns a mountain into a stadium. One steep Basque climb packed with cowbells, one technical day where mud can rewrite the script, and a start list so deep that a “safe” prediction still feels risky. I sit down in person with Steve Taylor to build a true Zegama race companion: equal parts course preview, culture primer, and athlete scouting report for anyone following the Golden Trail World Series.We start with what makes Zegama different. Steve shares firsthand context on the Basque Country, why the region's identity shows up so strongly on race day, and how traditions like the Basque beret and the winner's axe turn a finish line into something unforgettable. From there we get tactical: how pacing works on a course with sustained climbing, how the descents punish mistakes, and why weather forecasts matter as much as fitness when the trails go slick.Then we dig into the contenders and call our shots. On the men's side, we talk Kilian Jornet's bid for another win, Elhousine Elazzaoui's chances to disrupt the storyline, and why names like Davide Magnini and Manu Merillas can thrive when conditions get messy. On the women's side, we weigh the hype around Tove Alexanderson against the local firepower of Sarah Alonso, plus consistent threats like Judith Wyder and tough, technical runners like Fabiola Conti. We also shout out the American athletes in the mix, including Taylor Stack, Nicholas Turco, and Sidney Peterson.If you're watching Zegama-Aizkorri live or catching the replay, this conversation gives you the context to understand every surge and every collapse. Subscribe, share this with a trail running friend, and leave a review with your podium picks so we can compare notes after the dust and mud settle.Follow STEVE on IG  - @outdoorinsagentUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailStevie Kremer's name is stitched into trail running history, but the part that surprised us most wasn't the podiums. It was how she built a world-class career without letting running swallow her life whole. Stevie takes us from a childhood split between German roots and growing up in Connecticut to discovering running later than most, then finding her stride in Colorado and accidentally stumbling into the trails that would define her.We talk about the rocket-ship years of skyrunning and mountain running when she was traveling to Europe, lining up at iconic races like Sierre-Zinal and Zagama, and winning on courses that still intimidate the best athletes in the sport. Stevie shares what it felt like to join the Salomon team during a formative era, how team camaraderie shaped her experience, and why she often flew in right before a race and left immediately after. Beneath the results is a real conversation about performance anxiety, confidence, expectations, and the quiet pressure of being asked, again and again, “Are you going to win?”What makes this conversation stick is Stevie's core philosophy: balance is not a compromise, it's a strategy. She explains why teaching gave her stability, why limited time pushed her to make runs count, and why enjoying the process mattered more than following a perfect plan. If you care about trail running growth, athlete identity, mental toughness, and sustainable success in endurance sports, this one goes deep.Subscribe to Steep Stuff Podcast, share this with a friend who loves mountain races, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Follow Stevie on IG - @steviekremerUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailHe flew across the world, navigated a high-stakes visa process, got sick right before travel, and still walked away with a breakthrough weekend. We're back with mountain running standout Kieran Nay, fresh off the WMRA World Cup in China, where he delivers a top 15 in the uphill and a top 10 in the Mountain Classic, including the surreal experience of racing on the Great Wall.We talk through what WMRA events feel like on the ground: the organization, the media presence, and why Kieran values the series' anti-doping focus. From there, we zoom out into the bigger trail running conversation: WMRA vs Golden Trail vs skyrunning, the push and pull between private series and federations, and whether the sport should ever try to unify under one umbrella. Along the way, Kieran shares what it's like standing out in a new culture, troubleshooting payments with WeChat, and seeing how sport can cut through the easy narratives we tell about other countries.Then we get practical. Kieran breaks down pacing, heart rate, and decision-making for steep VK-style efforts, plus what changed for him on technical downhills in the Mountain Classic. We dig into training in Gunnison, grade specificity, heat prep, and the mental shift that helps him race with curiosity instead of pressure. We also hit altitude tools, respiratory muscle training, and his interest in experimenting with bicarb and other marginal gains as the season ramps toward Broken Arrow, SeirSandal, Grand Traverse, and the Pikes Peak Marathon.If you enjoy deep, honest conversations about mountain running performance and the life behind the results, subscribe, share this with a running friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.Follow Kieran on IG - @kieran_nayPhoto Credit - WMRA Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailDavid Norris is stacking proof-of-fitness in the most honest way possible: show up early, race hard, learn fast. We sit down to catch up right as he rolls out big spring results including a win at Big Alta 50K and a podium at Gorge Waterfalls 50K, all pointing toward a new challenge at Snowdonia 100K. If you're curious about ultra running progression, trail running strategy, and how a mountain specialist stretches into longer distances without losing speed, this conversation goes deep on the decisions behind the calendar.We get specific on pacing and execution. David explains why he skipped formal heat training yet still thrived at Big Alta, how he prioritized hydration (and what that did for his fueling), and when he finally committed to making a race-winning move. Then we contrast it with Gorge Waterfalls, where he races head-to-head from the gun on technical singletrack, underfuels, and detonates late. The value is in the honesty: you can hear exactly how effort, terrain, and nutrition interact when the course keeps changing under your feet.From there we zoom out to the full mountain running picture: training in Steamboat Springs, cross-training with Nordic skiing and mountain biking, strength work realities, and the day-to-day logistics of doubles while holding down an office job. We also dig into UTMB OCC takeaways, worlds course quirks, and Mount Marathon, the Alaska classic where David is a six-time champion chasing history and maybe a sub-40 someday. If you like mountain running, trail racing, the Golden Trail Series, and smart training you can actually replicate, hit play and take notes.If this one helps, subscribe, share it with a training partner, and leave a review so more runners can find the show. What part of your own training would you change after hearing David's approach?Follow David on IG - @grandmasternorrisUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailBarkley Marathons is famous for suffering, but Max King explains the part most people miss: it's a puzzle that rewards cooperation as much as fitness. We talk about why he's drawn to deep-woods, off-trail navigation, how the old-school “tear a page from a hidden book” checkpoints actually make sense, and what it takes to build the kind of year-to-year knowledge that can move you from survival to real progress. If you've ever wondered why even elite runners struggle there, Max makes it painfully clear. We also get into a major career shift: after a long run with Salomon, Max joins Kylas Fuga and breaks down what he wanted from a sponsor at this stage of his career. We talk trail running shoes in the details that matter, including durability, outsole grip, and why he's leaning into more cushioning as he gets older. He shares what he's using now, what he still wants for more aggressive terrain, and how he hopes the brand will reach the American trail running market through better distribution and hands-on demos. From there, we zoom out to longevity, recovery, and the realities of coming back from injury. Max walks through his meniscus tear, what helped him return, and why rebuilding true world-championship fitness can take longer than simply running again. We also tackle the growth of trail running, the pull between UTMB-style races and World Championships, and Max's blunt take on anti-doping: when someone cheats, it doesn't feel theoretical, it feels like stealing from friends. If you like smart, honest conversations about ultrarunning, adventure racing, and the future of the sport, subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a rating and review so more people can find the show.Follow Max on IG - @maxkingorUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailShe's calling in from the backcountry of Utah with a Starlink connection, fresh off slot canyons, desert miles, and yet another FKT. Erin Tun is back, and our catch-up quickly turns into a deep look at what it actually takes to move fast in the mountains when the air is thin and the consequences are real.We dig into Erin's four-month South America push anchored by altitude training in Quito, Ecuador, where repeat climbs and local trail running community support helped set the table for bigger goals. From Cotopaxi and other 5,000 meter peaks to the main objective, Aconcagua, Erin breaks down the real-world mechanics of a fastest known time attempt: scouting versus full summits, choosing lines, managing snow and scree, and why a perfect weather window can disappear overnight. She also describes what performance feels like above 21,000 to 22,000 feet, where “going hard” often means relentless efficiency and not stopping, not running a pretty pace.From there, the lens widens to the Seven Summits record path, including why Kilimanjaro might be next and what makes an Everest speed record uniquely complicated: oxygen choices, north versus south side routes, political access, permits, and the funding reality behind big peaks. We also talk sponsorship in a way most podcasts skip, including Erin's move to Tava, her hands-on role testing prototypes, and how building a sustainable career as a modern mountain athlete now includes storytelling, not just results. If you want the behind-the-scenes version of these adventures, Erin and Chris are launching a YouTube channel to show what Instagram can't.If you like this kind of mountain running, high altitude training, and adventure athlete problem-solving, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.Follow Erin on IG - @erin_ton7Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailShe steps away from competition for years because of serious health issues then returns with a top-five at Transgrancanaria and an audacious Sierra project that looks more like an alpinist's dream than a runner's itinerary. Olivia Amber joins us from Bishop, California to talk about building a comeback that's less about hype and more about durability, curiosity, and doing hard things for the right reasons.We dig into how a Midwest childhood and an All-American Nordic skiing background shaped her engine, her grit, and her love for long days. From there, we get practical about life on the Bishop and Mammoth corridor: altitude training, endless vert, technical trails, the climbing community, and why that access changes what's possible week to week. Olivia also breaks down big wall climbing, the mental side of exposure, and the “systems” skills that matter when mistakes have real consequences.Then we go deep on Normans 13, the open-ended FKT linking 13 Sierra 14ers with huge climbing, talus, cross-country travel, and a brief 5.9 crux at 14,000 feet. Olivia explains her north-to-south strategy, how she planned logistics and resupplies, what sleep deprivation actually felt like over multiple days, and why the experience hit differently than racing. We also hear what it was like joining Kilian Jornet during his attempt and what she's learning from The North Face team across running and climbing.Subscribe for more mountain running stories, share this with a friend who loves big objectives, and leave a review if you want to help the show grow. What part of Normans 13 sounds harder to you: the fifth-class terrain, the sleep loss, or the endless talus?Follow Olivia Amber on IG - @osamberUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailA top European trail runner lands in the US, strings together races and workouts across the West, and leaves with a clearer view of what makes American trail running culture feel so alive. We sit down with Marcel Höche, professional athlete for the Adidas Terrex team, right after his spring swing that includes Big Alta and a podium at the Lake Sonoma 50K. Along the way, he breaks down what surprised him most: the speed of the fields, the variety of terrain, and the post-race community rituals that turn a hard day into a shared celebration. Marcel walks us through the reality of racing Lake Sonoma, a course that looks runnable until you feel how “relentless” it is, plus how weather swings and mud can become an advantage if you thrive in rough conditions. We also talk training and travel, including his time in Cedar City with Hayden Hawks, syncing workouts with his coach and finding the right terrain without ego. If you care about trail running performance, mountain running preparation, and the small decisions that shape a season, this conversation is full of practical insights. Then we go behind the curtain on pro team support with Adidas Terrex: travel planning, housing, physio, chefs, media help, experienced crewing, and why removing that mental load can change how you race. Marcel is also candid about the pressure that can come with resources, his coaching relationship with Dmitry Mityaev, and a training approach that prioritizes heavy strength work and high-quality sessions over piling on “junk miles.” If you're building toward big goals like UTMB week races, steep European mountain events, or long ultras, you'll find plenty to steal for your own plan. Subscribe for more athlete conversations, share this with a trail friend, and leave a five-star review if the show helps your running. What part of Marcel's approach would you try first?Follow Marcel on IG - @macy_pacyUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Send us Fan MailTrail running says it loves the outdoors, but are we willing to change how we race to protect the places we run? I'm joined by Aimee Kohler race director of The Running Kind, a small but fast-growing organization putting on carbon-neutral trail races across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and upstate New York, including the brutally steep Climate For Climate in the Catskills. We talk about why the Northeast is still underrated for mountain running, and why “smaller mountains” can deliver bigger technical challenges than people expect.We also go straight at the uncomfortable stuff: the UTMB stones ecosystem, private-equity vibes in a sport that's supposed to have soul, and the weird reality of carbon “offset fees” being pushed onto runners. Aimee shares what she's learned from working big events earlier in her career, then building a different model focused on accessibility, community, and trail stewardship. If you've ever wondered whether grassroots races can coexist with mega-events, you'll hear a candid take on why the big leagues still depend on local race directors and first-time trail racers.Then we get practical. Aimee breaks down how carbon neutrality actually works for an event: measuring emissions, submitting annual reduction plans, choosing vetted offset projects, and making real upgrades like moving from gas to solar power on race day. We also unpack permits and wilderness rules in the Catskills, why public transit matters for city runners, and why a meaningful race experience beats another free shirt every time. Climate For Climate takes place August 16, and The Running Kind is also adding new events like a backyard ultra and the Basilisk.If you care about sustainable trail running, carbon-neutral races, and protecting public lands while the sport explodes in popularity, listen now. Subscribe, share this with a running friend, and leave a review so more runners find the conversation.Follow Aimee on IG - aimskohFollow the Running Kind on IG - @therunningkind_Sign up for a Running Kind Race ! - @therunningkind.netFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailChris Fisher just came back from a three-month Ecuador adventure that started with almost no plan and turned into a full-on human-powered volcano mission. From a base in Quito at high altitude, he links long bike days with climbs on Ecuador's biggest volcanoes, chasing a “Big Ten” style objective that becomes nine summits once he decides an actively erupting peak is a hard no. We get into what the miles actually feel like, including a brutal opening push to Cayambe and the reality of riding loaded on highways where the risk is out of your hands.We also talk logistics that make or break a bikepacking and mountaineering trip: mapping routes with CalTopo and Strava, finding cheap hotels, staying fueled with local food, and why Ecuador can feel far more accessible than people assume. Chris shares the one sketchy moment that nearly derailed the trip, then explains why he still encourages people to explore the Andes and the Amazon with smart awareness instead of fear.The biggest shift comes in the rainforest, where an immersion with a Kichwa village reframes what “enough” looks like. That lesson carries into what's next: a possible return to Everest to support Tyler Andrews, a growing focus on bike-to-climb projects like the Tour des 14ers, and candid thoughts on the current state of FKTs, sponsorship, storytelling, and launching a YouTube channel with Erin.If you like big objectives with real heart behind them, subscribe, share this with a friend who loves the mountains, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What part of Chris's approach would you borrow for your own adventures?Follow Chris on IG - @chrisjfishContact Chris - chrisjfish.com Photo - Santiago Gurrero (@santigurrerog_)Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA stacked start line, a rolling course that never lets your legs settle, and a late climb that can flip the whole day on its head. That's why the Gorge Waterfall 30K feels like more than “just” an early-season trail race, and why I wanted Tyler McCandless back on Steep Stuff for a pre-race check-in. Tyler comes from a deep road and track background, but he's been sharpening his trail running range, and this two-hour sub-ultra effort asks for the full toolkit: speed, strength, patience, and smart decisions when everyone around you wants to surge. We talk tactics and how a mixed field changes the pace, with short-course racers more willing to light it up early while ultra runners may wait for the back half. Tyler breaks down how he's trained differently to build durability, leaning into longer mountain runs with real vertical gain and more time in the weight room so the climbs and descents still feel runnable late. We also get nerdy about gear, including hydration for longer trail races and shoe choices for a course with both trail and road sections, plus what he's learning about traction and ride in models like the Norda 005 and Nike ACG Ultrafly. Then we zoom out to the bigger picture: sponsorship cycles in sub-ultra trail racing, the rise of serious prize purses, and Tyler's WMRA World Cup plans that include Beijing and the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of racing on the Great Wall of China. We close with his road ambitions too, from chasing another Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier to the tricky balance of using super shoes for speed without inviting hip and hamstring issues. If you're into trail running, Gorge Waterfall 30K previews, sub-ultra strategy, WMRA racing, and the real decisions athletes make behind the scenes, hit subscribe, share this with a running friend, and leave a review with your favorite race-day lesson.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA fast 30K can be more intimidating than a steep ultra, especially when the trail begs you to push from the opening minute. James sits down with Robin Vieira Brower ahead of the Gorge Waterfalls 30K to talk about what makes the Columbia River Gorge such a special place to race: lush, sea-level air, deceptively technical singletrack, and that mix of speed and flow that punishes overreaching early.We get into the nuts and bolts of trail running training from Bend, Oregon, where Robin balances dirt-road speed work with mountain days on terrain like Mount Bachelor and South Sister. The conversation also tackles the bigger question many runners are asking this year: how does a low snowpack winter change fitness, durability, and even race outcomes across the West? More runnable days can mean stronger legs in spring, but it can also bring new risk if recovery falls behind.Robin also breaks down why she treats tune-up races as mental training: practicing strategy, managing nerves, dialing nutrition, and learning when to push versus when to protect the bigger skyrunning goals ahead. Finally, we talk about juggling it all with her work as Marketing Director at Wazelle, travel around major events like the Boston Marathon, and the real-life chaos that can derail “perfect” training weeks. If you're building toward a spring trail race or a summer skyrace, you'll leave with practical cues for pacing, preparation, and staying steady when plans break.Subscribe for more athlete interviews, share this with a training partner, and leave a review with your favorite tune-up race lesson. What's one habit you want to bring to your next start line?Follow Robin on IG - @mindfullyrobinFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA great race can change your season, but it can also expose every weakness you've been dodging. We're joined by Mason Coppi for a Gorge Waterfalls 30K pre-race talk that goes deeper than predictions, getting into what it really takes to show up ready when the course is fast, punchy, and technical and the men's field is stacked.Mason shares how he's building Hello To Running, coaching everyone from couch-to-5K athletes to runners competing at the highest level. We dig into why training theory transfers across trail running, marathon training, and even ski mountaineering, plus what coaching beginners teaches you about the fundamentals that matter most. Then we lock onto Gorge Waterfalls 30K, a course that demands constant changes in effort, smart pacing, and durability when the climbs never let you settle into a rhythm.We also talk openly about the pressure of racing as a free agent in trail running, where travel costs, sponsorship opportunity, and prize money can make every start line feel like a gamble. Mason explains how he's thinking about hydration, early-race excitement, and the “two-hour zone,” especially while managing a recent runner's knee flare-up. We close with a look ahead to Boston Marathon plans and how mindset swings are part of the sport for all of us.If you enjoy detailed race strategy, honest coaching insight, and trail running talk that doesn't dodge the hard parts, subscribe, share this with a running friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. What's your Gorge Waterfalls 30K pacing rule when the course is punchy and fast?Follow Mason on IG - mcoppi44Talk to Mason about Coaching - @Hello to RunningFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA course that makes you hammer 5:15 pace on the road, then immediately asks you to thread technical trail like you still have fresh legs, is not a “standard” trail race. Gorge Waterfall 30K is built to punish hesitation, and that's exactly why we wanted to sit down with Grant Colligan before the gun goes off.We talk through why Grant originally saw Gorges as a chill rustbuster after a disrupted winter, and how that plan changes fast when a deep, aggressive start list shows up. Grant breaks down what makes this route feel like “death by a thousand cuts” instead of one big climb, and why the race may tilt toward short trail athletes who can surge, recover, and then surge again. We also get into practical race-day thinking for a two-hour effort: simple fueling, bottle strategy, and how to treat the whole day like sustained high intensity rather than a long grind.From there we zoom out to the bigger picture: coaching and pacing at Mines, the mindset shift from chasing Golden Trail Series points to picking races on “mostly vibes,” and the reality of global trail running logistics for North American privateers. Grant also shares the tactical approach he wants to take when the course hits those fast runnable sections, plus how the technical terrain could reshape the front pack.If you're training for a 30K trail race, dialing in race strategy, or just want a smart look at modern competitive trail running, hit play. Subscribe to the show, share this with a trail buddy, and leave a review if you want more pre-race interviews like this.Follow Grant on IG - @gmoneyhoppinFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailThe Gorge Waterfalls 30K brings a rare mix of speed and strength: runnable trail, road sections where pace changes can stick, and late climbs that punish anyone who goes out too hot. We're in Hood River with Alexa Aragon for a pre-race conversation about stepping up to 18 miles, testing her limits against a deep women's field, and using one early-season start line to guide an entire summer of trail running goals.We talk training through an unusually warm winter, when less snow means more time on the trails and fewer ski days. Alexa explains why she treats this race as a learning opportunity, how she thinks about course prep without fully scouting, and what terrain fits her best right now. With a road and track background as a former Notre Dame steeplechaser, she also breaks down where speed can matter on a course like this and why steep grades are still a key focus in training.Then we get into what's new off the course: Alexa shares that this will be her first sponsored race, representing Mammut and La Sportiva (footwear), and why it matters that a brand supports her student adventure club, not just her racing. We wrap with a look ahead to Broken Arrow, Minotaur, Sierra Zinal, and the Cirque Series, plus the mindset she'll bring to the start when the pace gets spicy early.If you're into trail running race strategy, pacing for a 30K, and the real decisions athletes make before a big day, hit play. Subscribe for more conversations like this, share it with a running friend, and leave a review with the one question you want us to ask Alexa post-race.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA five hour push across Boulder's Flatirons sounds like a hard trail run until you add exposed scrambling, solo climbing up to 5.7, and the kind of off trail linkups where every boulder wants your ankles. We sit down with Caleb Hardaway, a new La Sportiva mountain running athlete, to unpack how he set the FKT on Jerry Roach's Top 10 Flatirons linkup and why that time was built months before the clock ever started.Caleb walks us through the route's moving parts: choosing a clean style, climbing and downclimbing efficiently in running shoes, and treating navigation between formations as its own technical discipline. We get into the projection process that makes serious Fastest Known Time efforts possible, including rehearsing cruxes, studying video beta move by move, comparing GPS tracks, and learning when “fast” starts to feel unsafe. It's a conversation about performance, but also about judgment, restraint, and earning confidence on steep terrain.We also zoom out to the bigger mountain athlete picture: why Caleb isn't motivated by racing, how van life and bartending shifts create training freedom, and what he's eyeing next around Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park. Plus, we nerd out on gear details that actually matter on rock, from sticky rubber to resoling shoes for better traction on the Flatirons.If you're into mountain running, scrambling, FKTs, Boulder climbing culture, and the messy human side of big goals, you'll want this one. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend who loves steep terrain, and leave a review so more mountain athletes can find the show.Follow Caleb on IG - @calebspeedbumpFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA great trail race isn't a distance on a flyer, it's a line you cannot stop thinking about. I sit down with Connor and Alice, the founders and race directors behind Mountain Tiger, to unpack how a “run it because it's beautiful” mindset turned into one of the most talked-about mountain races in Donner Summit, California near Lake Tahoe. We get specific about what makes their course work: a point-to-point route that links two ski areas, hits four summits, and avoids the usual trap of adding awkward mileage just to land on a round number. We also go behind the curtain on race directing. Connor and Alice share the real workload that shows up long before bib pickup: permitting across multiple partners, the stress and joy of race day, and how they build a tight community feel by keeping it one day and one distance. Then we nerd out on the brand itself, from the Smilodon-inspired “Mountain Tiger” name to the punk and metal design language that helps the event stand out in the California trail running scene. And yes, we talk about the free finish-line tattoos and why runners went all in. Big news closes it out: Mountain Tiger Diablo is coming to Mount Diablo State Park in the Bay Area on October 10, 2026, aiming for a steep, direct, short mountain race around 12 to 13 miles with roughly 4,000 feet of gain. We also dig into their inclusion goals, equal prizes for men, women, and non-binary finishers, plus a free women's training program with San Francisco Running Company designed to bring more women and non-binary runners to the start line. If you love mountain running, community-first events, and California trail races that feel different on purpose, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves steep trails, and leave a review so more runners can find the show.Register for Mountain Tiger ! - @mountaintigerMore info on Mountain Tiger - @mountaintigerFollow Mountain Tiger on IG - @mountaintigerFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailBig Alta didn't just crown winners, it showed how quickly short trail racing in the U.S. is leveling up. Rachel & James break down a heat-impacted weekend where the 28K delivered a course record and the 50K produced tight battles that came down to execution. Rachel shares what the Big Alta course feels like at speed, why the exposure changes everything late, and how she approached racing while pregnant, chasing smart goals and still competing hard.From there, we go global with skyrunning and the World Skyrunner Series, starting with the Trans Gran Canaria Marathon and then jumping to Rachel's trip to Chile for the Andes Mountain Sky Race. We talk real logistics and real terrain: travel delays, mandatory kit, high-altitude starts around 9,000 feet, and a mountain environment that turns “only 35K” into an all-day effort. We also dig into why South American athletes deserve more spotlight and how these races reveal a different skill set than fast, smooth trail formats.We wrap with a packed preview of Calamoro and the Gorge Waterfalls 30K and 50K start lists, then pivot to trail running sponsorship moves that made waves. Salomon's additions of Grayson Murphy and Tove Alexandersson, plus Arc'teryx signing Jane Maus and Kyle Richardson, spark a broader conversation about what brands value and how the sport treats athletes through life changes. Finally, we get into Sierre-Zinal separating men's and women's starts and why that small shift could dramatically improve fairness and flow on singletrack.If you like smart race recaps, skyrunning results, and the behind-the-scenes forces shaping trail running, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review.Follow Rachel on IG - @rachrunsworldFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailBreaking news with a human pulse: we sit down with Kyle Richardson to unpack his move to Arc'teryx and what it means for the future of mountain running, creative projects, and the gear we trust on steep ground. From FKTs to film, Kyle's vision thrives where art meets endurance, and this partnership gives him the tools, team, and runway to make it real.We dive into why the fit works beyond logos. Kyle describes a culture where designers, marketers, and athletes are climbers, skiers, and runners first—people who obsess over fabrics, construction, and performance in wild weather. He shares how he'll help shape the running line from the ground up: daily-driver Norvans, faster Silence models, and winter-ready platforms, plus ideas that bridge running, scrambling, and approach use. Think precise materials, durable builds, and lugs that make sense at pace. Pinnacle gear, built for the real mountains.Kyle also opens up about a training shift that balances steep strength with run economy. Expect more flat, faster work, smarter fueling, and strength sessions that target stability and coordination under a coach's eye. The goal is durability and range—being able to race hard when it matters while keeping space for long creative projects. He teases an early-season bike linkup in Tuscany, a Scotland traverse that stitches peaks by pedal and foot, and a fall project with a strong artistic lens, possibly in Japan. The throughline is clear: process over outcome. The daily craft—photos, notes, metronome miles—builds a body and mind ready for both podiums and poems.If you love mountain running, product design, or the creative life that sits between them, this conversation delivers depth and direction. Hit play, then tell us what you want to see Kyle build or attempt next. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves steep stuff, and leave a quick review—it helps more curious runners find the show.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailThe NCAA doesn't last forever, but the hunger to train, compete, and belong to a team doesn't magically disappear at graduation. That's where Grace Strongman is right now: a Colorado School of Mines standout, a materials engineer, and one of the newest additions to Trail Team Elite, stepping into trail racing with equal parts confidence and curiosity.We trace Grace's story from growing up in Kansas City in an all-sports household to discovering cross country in high school, nearly quitting on day one, and then getting pulled in by the people around her. She explains how coaches shape identity, why the running community matters, and how trails became a source of peace after her coach used them as a way to keep her effort under control. From there we get into what it's like choosing a school based on engineering first, finding the right fit at Mines, and treating training like a long science experiment across events from the mile to the 10K.Grace also opens up about the real balance of elite running and a demanding materials engineering schedule, plus what she wants professionally, from research to the possibility of coaching. Finally, we talk trail racing goals and the shift from track pressure to the more open, community-driven world of short trail, including her plan to debut at Broken Arrow 23K and longer-term dreams like Moab, Pikes Peak, and eventually racing in Europe. If you care about trail running, post-collegiate running, endurance mindset, and the engineering side of performance, this one hits all of it. Subscribe, share this with a runner who's in a transition year, and leave a review with the biggest change you've faced after a season ended.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA stress fracture can either end your momentum or teach you how to build a career that actually lasts. I'm joined by Elise Coates, fresh off being named to the 2026 Trail Team Elite squad, and her story is a rare blend of high-performance ambition and real-world perspective. She's the only Canadian on the new elite squad, based on Vancouver Island, and she's chasing the tricky middle ground where track speed meets mountain durability.We get into how a soccer background turned into an obsession with racing tactics, why the 800 hooked her early, and how injuries forced her to slow down and rebuild. Elise opens up about testing herself in mountain running and trail racing, including the hard lessons from Defy De Couleur and the quad-destroying reality check of Meet The Minotaur. If you care about training for steep trails, a vertical kilometer, skyrunning, or simply learning how to transition from track training to trail running, her approach is honest and practical.Then we shift into the side of the sport most people ignore until it's too late: athlete branding and sponsorship. Elise breaks down her pivot from a physics degree into media work, community runs, creative direction, and what she calls “activations” that actually bring people together. We also talk big dreams like the Olympics, Golden Trail Series level racing, and how to map a season when you want both fast track results and real trail strength.Subscribe for more conversations like this, share this with a runner who's building their own hybrid path, and leave a review if you want more guests who go deep. Which matters more for you right now: speed, strength, or community?Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailYou can feel the moment a runner starts to outgrow the track and get pulled back toward the mountains. That's where we meet Paul Knight, newly selected for the 2026 Trail Team Elite and fresh off D2 Indoor Nationals, where a strength-focused block for the 10K unexpectedly sharpened his 3K and 5K speed too. We dig into what that kind of fitness means when you're eyeing trail racing and skyrunning, where the pace changes constantly and the terrain demands more than clean splits.Paul grew up in Durango, Colorado, with the San Juan Mountains as his backyard and Hardrock 100 as part of the local summer rhythm. He explains how early trail days, big climbs, and fast descents built both confidence and an aerobic base, and why one of his most “committed” seasons on paper felt flat when he stopped trail running. The through line is motivation: when training is enjoyable, consistency follows, and consistency is the real superpower for endurance athletes.We also get practical about the muddy middle between NCAA running and the pro trail scene. Paul shares why Trail Team Elite felt like the right bridge, how mentorship and community shape opportunities, and how he's thinking about race choices like Broken Arrow now while keeping an eye on bigger dreams like Hardrock and UTMB. On top of it all, he's pursuing a master's in bioengineering at Colorado School of Mines and trying to picture a life that blends biotech work with racing.If you're into trail running, mountain running, skyracing, or the transition from collegiate running to trails, you'll leave with a clearer map and a bigger sense of what's possible. Subscribe, share this with a running friend, and leave a review with your bucket list race.Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA re-release with a purpose: we're celebrating Zach Erickson's selection to the 2026 Trail Team Elite and unpacking the gritty, honest road that got him there. Zach grew up in Idaho Falls chasing every ball sport, found running in middle school, and lived the BYU dream—until a chronic hip injury benched him for a year and eventually cut him from the roster… twice. What followed wasn't a comeback montage; it was a mindset shift. He let go of fear, built gratitude into his daily training, and said yes to trails on a nudge from Christian Allen.That curiosity changed everything. Zach showed up as a total unknown at the US Mountain Champs at Snowbird and finished third. He followed with a collegiate national title at Sunapee and a podium at the Pikes Peak Ascent, proving he's built for steep, sustained climbing and high altitude. We dive into why trails fit his physiology better than the track, how cycling translates directly to uphill power, and what he learned from a humbling weekend at Broken Arrow. He shares altitude confidence built on a Peru trek to 15,000 feet, the value of course scouting, and why vertical races may be his sharpest blade.We also pull back the curtain on life inside an elite NCAA program—the allure and the pressure—and how trying to hang with national champions on rep one can derail long-term progress. Zach talks gear on a budget, hand-me-down super shoes, and segment hunting on Utah's canyon climbs. He's eyeing LOTOJA, the 200-mile Logan-to-Jackson ride, not as a detour but as targeted base work for mountains. Plus: triathlon chaos, ocean swims that humbled him, and the joy of stacking new skills even when you're a beginner.If you're navigating injury, searching for your best event, or just hungry for a grounded, practical take on mountain running, Zach's story delivers. Hit play to learn how to turn setbacks into fuel, build real climbing strength, and set goals that motivate without crushing you. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a training partner who loves big climbs.Follow Zachary on IG - @zacheriksonFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA Harvard biologist who loved salamanders, a Wisconsin grad-year racer chasing deeper fields, and a Montana transplant who found her stride on steep, technical trails—Maya Rayle's story is a study in smart risk and joyful grit. We sit down to chart her rapid rise from track speed to mountain savvy, including a breakout podium at The Rut 28K and a fresh selection to the Trail Team.Maya unpacks what it's really like to be recruited to an Ivy through likely letters, how she balanced organismal and evolutionary biology with Division I training, and why choosing the right coach changed everything. Then we head west: landing in Missoula, discovering a community of world-class mentors, and learning to respect vertical gain, dial in fueling, and keep curiosity front and center. Hear the practical shifts that mattered most—steep sessions on Sentinel, long mountain days, and replacing mind-numbing cross-training with backcountry ski tours, XC skiing, and gravel rides that build aerobic depth without draining stoke.We also preview what's next: a spring rust-buster, the rugged challenge of Mount Sunapee, and the stacked field at Broken Arrow 23K. Maya shares how she's treating 2026 as an exploration year—testing distances, seeking steep profiles, and staying open to a Europe start line. Along the way we spotlight the Missoula crew—Jen Lichter, Adam Peterman, Erin Clark, Jackson Cole—and how training alongside people who care raises your ceiling. If you're eyeing technical trail races or trying to protect joy while building fitness, this conversation delivers hard-won lessons on community, nutrition, and the art of loving vert.If this story fires you up, follow Maya at maya_rail on Instagram, hit subscribe, and leave a quick review so more trail runners can find the show. Which mountain range should Maya explore next? Share your pick and join the conversation.Follow Maya on IG - @maya_rayleFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA late-race surge, a flow-state descent, and a new home with the bird—this conversation with Jane Moss is pure momentum. We kick off with Black Canyon 50K where Jane, still two weeks removed and sore in all the usual places, explains how a volume-first, low‑workout block set her up to race by feel. She breaks down the risk of going out hot, the mental game of tuning out hype, and the moment she finally spotted the leader's hat and decided to chase. It's a masterclass in pacing, patience, and trusting your body when the course is fast and the field runs deep.From the desert to the Pyrenees, Jane takes us inside her 2025 Worlds experience: a chaotic mass start, a wasp's nest stinging the pack, and a short trail course that felt more like a sky race—steep, technical, and unforgiving. She shares how early course previews paid off, why she managed effort to protect a top‑ten finish, and how running with teammates in Spain reinforced the habits that keep her sharp: sleep, simple routines, and a clear head. The confidence shift is obvious—she's not just a mountain specialist anymore; she's versatile on fast terrain and happy to prove it.Then we climb. Jane details the Grand Teton FKT: five total reps in a month, dialing lines through boulder fields and saddles, and testing how her head handles exposure. A rival's quick mark dented confidence, but a tight weather window turned pressure into freedom. She climbed better than ever, hit the summit ahead of schedule, and descended in a rare flow state to set 3:45. That single day expanded her map of what's possible and set the tone for bigger mountain goals.We wrap on her signing with Arc'teryx and why it matters. Jane wants a brand that values both racing and ambitious objectives, and she's already feeding product teams real-world input on shoes for mixed terrain—think flatirons scrambles, Madeira's ridges, and fast 50Ks. Her 2026 plan blends it all: a true sky race in Spain, Madeira 56K, Minotaur, a Wasatch Whirl FKT attempt, CCC, and aspirational times on Longs and Whitney. Subscribe, share, and leave a review—then tell us: which goal should Jane prioritize next?Follow Jane ! - @_janemaus_Follow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us Fan MailA helmet for the whole race. Crumbly rock. Big exposure. And somehow a course record anyway. We're joined by Kalie McCrystal fresh off her win at the Quattro Refugios Sky Race in Bariloche, Argentina, and she walks us through what made the day click, from setting the pace early to chasing a time goal when the gap opened up. If you love skyrunning, mountain running, and the gritty details that separate a good day from a great one, this conversation delivers.We also zoom out to the bigger arc of Kalie's story: early running talent, a long injury that pushed her into other sports, and the moment Squamish trail running finally gave her a home for technical terrain. From local breakthroughs to Sky Masters in Spain, she explains how confidence is built one start line at a time, and why her best performances show up when the route turns into a scramble. Along the way we get into training specifics that actually match skyraces: ski touring as a base, steep vert “panic training,” downhill durability, and weighted hiking that sometimes looks like carrying a paraglider up a mountain.Then we go where most athlete interviews don't: sponsorships, contracts, NDAs, and pay gaps between Canada, the US, and Europe. With her background as a corporate lawyer, Callie shares how she evaluates brand deals, why she won't trade her value for free shoes, and what athletes should think about when they negotiate. We wrap with what's next, including more technical FKTs like the Armchair Traverse, Skyrunner stops in Europe and Peru, and the pull of iconic races like Kima.If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a mountain-running friend, and leave a five-star rating and review so more people can find it.Follow Kalie on IG - @kalie_mccFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textYou can feel the momentum from the first minute: a year after his last visit, Alex King returns with a bigger warehouse, a stronger brand story, and the same stubborn commitment to making trail running gear people can actually afford. We dig into the founder's rollercoaster—$75k days, quiet slumps, and the steady routine that carries him through both—and why he refuses to chase competitors or rent attention with paid ads. Instead, Alex lays out a different model: build products that solve real problems, price them honestly, and publish your numbers so customers can see exactly where their money goes.We go behind the scenes on the Valhalla vest, from months of sampling to a six-figure production leap that could have ended Terignōta if it flopped. Alex speaks openly about risk tolerance, Shopify loans, and the constant tension between perfecting a prototype and committing to scale. He shares how tariffs factor into decisions, why bandwidth is a finite asset, and how customer service—done with patience, ownership, and a human voice—can turn a tough email into a lifelong fan. We also explore his marketing stance: no Meta, no Google, no hype tax. The payoff is trust, community-led growth, and prices that don't creep upward to feed an ad machine.On the athletic side, Alex breaks down wins at Cirque Series Crystal and UTMB Whistler 100K, the mindset shift that helped him run free of external pressure, and the lingering realities of an old Achilles rupture that changed his body but not his ceiling. He previews restocks and launches—updated fleece with recycled polyester, a sun hoodie and long sleeve in testing, and half tights heading into production—while keeping the brand's north star clear: useful design, fair pricing, and transparency that speaks for itself.If you believe great gear shouldn't require a second mortgage, or you're wrestling with how to build a brand without selling your soul to ads, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves the trails, and leave a review to help more runners find the show.Shop Terignōta Follow Terignōta on IG - @TerignōtaFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textBig news meets bigger mountains. We sit down with Robin Vieira Brower to unpack her dual signing with Oiselle—as a professional athlete and the brand's director of marketing—and explore how one decision can reset what's possible for women in endurance sport. Robin opens up about the timing, the “duality” behind the announcement, and why showing the whole athlete matters just as much as splitting seconds on course.We trace Oiselle's roots back to 2007, their return to trail, and a fresh strategy that prioritizes the moments around the moment: training blocks, travel days, recovery, motherhood, injury, and everything that shapes a race without showing up on the results sheet. Instead of slicing the sport into road, track, trail, or gravel, the focus is on gear that flexes with a woman's life—fit, function, and feel that actually move with her from strides to summits. Robin explains how athlete voices are baked into product cycles that stretch to 2028, and why that long view is essential for meaningful innovation.If skyrunning still sounds mysterious, prepare to get hooked. Robin lays out what makes these courses so electric—steep vert, technical ridges, and weather that turns tactics into art—then walks through a bold 2026 plan that balances the Skyrunner World Series with the U.S. regional circuit. We talk Whiteface, Beast of Big Creek, Kismet, and the tough calls when two great races land on the same weekend. Along the way, we get candid on the gravel boom, the value of athlete-led design, and the growing trend of pros taking real roles inside brands to build what comes after peak performance.This is a story about clarity over hype, purpose over trend, and how a thoughtful career can climb as high as any skyline. If you care about skyrunning, trail culture, and better gear shaped by the people who test it at the limit, you'll find a lot to love here. Subscribe, share with a training partner, and leave a quick review to help more runners discover the show.Follow Robin on IG - @mindfullyrobinFollow Oiselle on IG - @oiselleFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textThe path from a bumpy summer to a national kit isn't straight, and that's exactly why this conversation hits. We sit down with Canadian trail standout Josh Potvin to unpack a season that tested his patience, his calf, and his mindset—then set him up to go bigger. From the rocky, runnable rhythm of Canfranc to the endless descent of hard-packed switchbacks, Josh explains how terrain specificity can scramble podium math and why wearing your country's colors feels different than chasing points in a sponsor kit.We open up the hood on support and systems. Josh draws a clear line between the deep coaching staffs of European programs and the leaner setups in North America, and he points to real steps Canada is taking to invest smarter between championship years. Then we get tactical. After years with marathon ace Dylan Wykes, Josh moved to coach Matt Daniels to match his growing ultra focus. The shift isn't about exotic workouts—it's about less weekend stacking, more weekday substance, and a simple schedule change that's paying off: morning quality runs, late work starts, and consistency that compounds. Toss in a nutrition reset with a dietitian—hydration habits, gut training, and enough calories when it counts—and you get a foundation built for longer days.With that base set, Josh lays out what's next: a return to the fast, deceptively painful Chuckanut 50K and a leap to Canyons 100K, where the goal is to execute, learn the distance, and see what disciplined pacing can do. We also look ahead to the Canadian Championships at Quebec Mega Trail, the Golden Trail stop elevating the Eastern scene, and why keeping the late-summer calendar loose might be the smartest competitive edge. If you care about trail strategy, life–training balance, and the quiet mechanics that turn “fit” into “ready,” this one's for you.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop a rating and review—it helps more curious runners find conversations like this.Follow Josh on IG - @jjpotvinFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod