The Steep Stuff Podcast

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

Send a textWant to see a kid light up after nailing a steep climb? We sat down with pros Joseph Gray, Annie Hughes, and Dreama Walton to unpack how a three-day Colorado Springs Trail Running Camp turns second through eighth graders into confident movers and thoughtful trail stewards. Set in the shade of North Cheyenne Canyon, the camp blends short runs, hands-on drills, and creek-side cool-downs with simple lessons on leave no trace, hydration, sunscreen, and gear that actually fits the terrain.We dig into why starting young matters. While many U.S. runners first meet endurance on the track, this camp gives kids a feel for real trails: how to lean into climbs, place their feet on descents, pass safely on tight corners, and choose lines that build control. The coaches demonstrate good and bad form so kids see it before they try it. A nutritionist stops by to explain fueling on hot days, and a gear segment demystifies tread, traction, and midsoles. Groups split by ability so smaller kids stay close and older athletes can stretch out; everyone circles back for obstacle courses, stretching, and yoga.Race day ties it together. A relay format teaches pacing, teamwork, and confidence, with mantras written on the back of bibs to meet the tough moments head-on. Thanks to sponsors and community support, the registration stays family-friendly and often includes shoes, shirts, bottles, snacks, and electrolytes—lowering the barrier to a sport that can change a child's life. We also share dates, location, capacity, and how volunteers can help keep kids safe, stoked, and seen.If you know a young runner—or a curious newbie—send them this and help them register. Subscribe for more stories from the trail community, share this episode with a parent or coach, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Who's the first kid you'd bring to the canyon?REGISTRATION - @COS-TRCK_RegistrationVOLUNTEER - @COS-TRCK_VolunteerFollow COS-TRCK on Instagram - @COS_TRCKFollow COS-TRCK on Youtube - @COS_TRCKFollow the Coaches Follow Dreama Walton - @dreamawaltonFollow Joseph Gray - @joegeeziFollow Annie Hughes - @annie.a.hughesFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textBig news drops: we're adding two late-season mountain classics to the Cirque Series calendar and turning it into a true coast-to-coast slate. Jay Peak in Vermont brings 7.1 miles with 3,044 feet of climbing and a rugged, two-peak ridge that blends flowy running with real technical spice. One week later, Mount Baldy in Southern California delivers 9.1 miles and 3,926 feet of vert over the iconic Devil's Backbone, cresting Mount San Antonio at 11,000-plus feet with the Pacific on the horizon and LA at your back.We break down what makes each venue special. Jay Peak sits perfectly for Northeast athletes and our neighbors in Quebec and Montreal, with a tram-side festival zone and fast, character-filled double singletrack on the descent. Baldy is rootsy and high-alpine, shockingly close to Ontario Airport, and built for a finish-line party at a mom-and-pop ski hill with deep local pride. Expect steep pushes, ridge exposure, big views, and descents you can actually open up on—plus dates and temps that hit the sweet spot for post-UTMB and fall racing.We also share how a 10-race national series comes together: thoughtful course design that avoids bottlenecks, a summit-first ethos, and an evolving overall-points plan that rewards your best finishes rather than pure volume. With three East races now at or above 3,000 feet of vert and seven in the West, the stage is set for new rivalries, fresh community energy, and one unified title worth chasing. Registration is open, dates are set—Jay Peak on September 26 and Mount Baldy on October 3—and the competition looks fierce.Ready to pick your line and join us on the ridge? Hit play for the full details, then subscribe, share with a friend who loves vert, and leave a quick review to help more runners find the show. Which course are you targeting first?Register for Cirque Series Jay Peak (Sept 26th) - @Cirque JayPeakRegister for Cirque Series Baldy (October 3rd) - @Cirque BaldyCheck out the Cirque Series Website for All Races - TheCirqueSeriesFollow the Cirque Series on Instagram - @cirqueseriesFollow Julian Carr on Instagram - @juliancarrFollow Steve White on Instagram - @steve_white2Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textStart with a helmet-required skyrace where five to six hours at altitude is just the warm-up, then jump to an Olympic mixed relay finish decided by seconds. That's the energy we ride as we unpack a month that felt like a full season: Four Refugios fireworks, Anna Gibson and Cam Smith nearly nabbing a medal, and a Black Canyon weekend that proved how fast trail running has become.We break down why Kelly McChrystal's course record matters beyond a single win—technical fluency, risk management, and South American depth are resetting expectations. Then we relive the Olympic sprint-to-relay arc and ask the big what-if: how would a vertical event tip the podium toward pure uphill specialists? Back in Arizona, we parse the 50K and 100K storylines—from late-race surges to course record composure—and talk honestly about why road stars can shake up the field yet still face a different sport on dirt: downhill economy, fueling on uneven terrain, and heat pacing.The business side hits just as hard. We map free agency moves—Grayson Murphy and Joseph Gray's open lanes, Arc'teryx landing Jane Moss and Kyle Richardson, Nike ACG adding Jennifer Lichter—and what they signal about team-building and athlete value. Then we translate the alphabet soup of series into plain English: Golden Trail now counts four best results plus a heavyweight final, adds segment points and team rankings; Skyrunner splits red vs white races to concentrate elite matchups; WRMA World Cup rewards volume and brings the strongest governance and testing. If you're choosing a calendar, we outline how travel, recovery, and points interact so you can peak where it pays.We also debut two fresh mountain tests: Cirque Series Jay Peak in Vermont and Mount Baldy in Southern California, creating a true coast-to-coast arc from June to October. Finally, we detail US selections for WRMA finals in Quebec and Poland, and how athletes can thread series goals with national team ambitions without burning matches too early. Tap play for strategy, results, and a candid look at where short trail running is headed this year—then tell us what you'd race and why. If you're into smart training, bold racing, and real talk on contracts and points, hit follow, share with a friend, and drop a review with your biggest takeaway.Follow Rachel on IG ! - @rachrunsworldFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textWhat if getting cut—twice—was the best thing that ever happened to your running? We sit down with 2025 Collegiate National Trail Champion Zach Erickson to unpack how a BYU distance runner rebuilt his confidence, found joy on steep terrain, and turned setbacks into podiums at races like Snowbird and the Pikes Peak Ascent.Zach brings a candid look at pressure inside an elite NCAA program, the chronic pelvis injury that sidelined him for a year, and the mental spiral that came with fearing failure. Then the story bends: friends nudge him onto trails, the vertical clicks immediately, and he applies an analytic eye to course scouting that pays off fast. We talk why steep gradients suit his physiology, how he handled high altitude without a fancy setup, and why gratitude—not grind—became the engine for progress.Beyond trail running, Zach shares the cross‑training that keeps him sharp. He joins a local cycling team, races Zwift, and uses the bike to build the same climbing power he needs for uphill miles. He even dabbles in triathlon, battling through the swim and still running into top overall finishes—proof that versatility and humility can coexist with high goals. Looking ahead, Zach calls his shot on the US Mountain Running Team, circles vertical races like Broken Arrow for redemption, and targets big rides like LOTOJA alongside local canyon KOMs.If you care about mountain running, uphill training, injury comebacks, or building an aerobic engine without burning out, this one hits home. Come for the Pikes Peak insights and BYU war stories, stay for the practical takeaways on mindset, cross‑training, and racing where your strengths shine. Enjoy the conversation and, if it resonates, subscribe, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review to help more runners find the show.Follow Zachary on IG - @zacheriksonFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textSkyrunning on American granite hits different. We sat down with race director Tom Hooper of 603 Endurance to unpack why the Kismet Cliff Run belongs at the center of a revitalized Skyrunner USA—and how the Northeast became a proving ground for steep, technical racing that rewards guts as much as VO2.We get specific about Kismet's design: fast beachside start at Echo Lake, a brutal haul to Cathedral and Whitehorse, slick slabs, exposed ridgelines across the Moats, and a descent that taxes every ankle. Tom traces the race's locals‑only roots to its current moment, backed by a $20,000 prize purse from Merrell and serious media ambitions. We talk travel and logistics—why North Conway works with multiple nearby airports, abundant lodging, and a new trail hub from Marathon Sports—and how that infrastructure invites bigger fields, deeper competition, and better storytelling.From there, we zoom out. With Golden Trail stepping away from U.S. dates, can Skyrunner USA claim the space without overcomplicating points or definitions? Tom shares candid thoughts on course certification, simple rankings, and the kind of coverage that keeps fans engaged. We challenge the status quo on athlete pay, agents, and NDAs, arguing for transparency and consistent prize structures that elevate short‑trail specialists. We also spotlight a rising pipeline in the Northeast—names you know and names you will—plus the realistic path to a multi‑race festival weekend that feels like Broken Arrow on the other coast.If you care about where American short trail is headed—athlete opportunities, prize money, media quality, and the races worth traveling for—this conversation maps the terrain. Listen, share with a friend who loves steep miles, and leave a review with your take: Should Kismet be the Skyrunner USA championship, and what would you change to grow the sport? Subscribe for more sharp, on‑the‑ground stories all season.Follow Tom Hooper - @tomhooper603Follow Six03 Endurance - @six03enduranceRegister for the Sunapee Scramble - SUNAPEERegister for the Loon Mountain Race - LOONRegister for the Ragged 75 Stage Race & 50K - RAGGEDFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textStart lines are loud, data is messy, and mountains don't care about your watch. We sat down with coach and ultrarunner Addison Smith to sort the signal from the noise: when to trust rate of perceived exertion, when heart rate zones help, and how to train for races that start cool, turn hot, and punish mistakes. Addison opens with a candid Black Canyon 100K recap—pacing with restraint, GI trouble in the middle miles, and the stubborn choice to keep fueling until the legs came back—then flips it into a toolkit you can use right away.We break down a simple, usable RPE scale and show how to layer it with heart rate ranges without becoming a slave to numbers. On steep and technical terrain, grades, heat, and altitude can skew heart rate and pace; RPE keeps you honest. For heat adaptation, Addison shares a safe, effective 7–10 day protocol using sauna or hot baths after easy sessions in the 2–3 weeks before race day. The rule is “stimulus, not another workout”: 20–30 minutes, hydrate well, shorten after long runs, and avoid the temptation to “win” the sauna.If Pikes Peak or big vert is on your calendar, you'll want the over-under session in your toolbox. We explain how short VO2 surges followed immediately by threshold or steady state teach your body to shuttle lactate and your mind to settle when it craves a break—exactly the skill you need cresting steep switchbacks and rolling into runnable terrain. We also tackle the puzzle of why a crusher on the Manitou Incline might still have a modest mile PR: specificity, mechanics, and background sports make climbing strength and flat speed different beasts.Throughout, we talk block training vs “a bit of everything,” the real role of zone two, and how life stress quietly shifts your zones day to day. We close with a reality check on coaching changes—why results often lag new systems—and shout out standout CTS performances at Black Canyon. Subscribe, share with a training partner, and leave a quick review to help more trail athletes find the show. What guides your long runs most—heart rate, pace, or feel? Tell us after you listen.Follow Addison on IG - @addison_smith16Contact Addison for Coaching - @CTSFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textWhat happens when raw talent, relentless prep, and an unfiltered voice collide with a sport increasingly driven by optics? We sit down with elite trail runner and coach Michelino Senseri to talk wins, world teams, a headline-grabbing Grand Teton FKT, and what the culture gets wrong—and right—about mountain running today. It's an honest, funny, and deeply practical conversation that moves from emus on leashes to cameras on social trails, from pacer debates at Western States to how influencer marketing is reshaping who gets seen and paid.Michelino opens up about the craft of coaching: building durable athletes with VO2 work, smart plyometrics, and week-over-week progress you can actually feel. We dig into why human coaching still matters in an AI world, how accountability beats templates, and the difference between training that looks good online and training that actually moves the needle. If you care about performance, this is a masterclass in process over hype.We also go deep on injury and return-to-form strategy. Michelino breaks down living and racing with bulging discs, the tug-of-war between extension and decompression approaches, and what eight to twelve weeks of patient, consistent work can do for your spine and your season. Then we look ahead: CCC on the calendar, selective FKTs, a potential Grand Teton docuseries with too much story for a one-hour cut, and writing that may grow into a book.If you're tired of staged narratives and want the signal without the noise, this one's for you. Hit play for candid insights on coaching, culture, access, and how to stay grounded while getting fast. If you enjoyed the conversation, follow Michelino on Instagram, check out his coaching at mikelinosenseri.com, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review to support the show.Follow Michelino on IG - @michelino_sunseriReach out to Michelino for Coaching - michelinosunseri.comMichelino Inquiries - @michelino_sunseriFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textSteep grades, sharper ideas, and zero fluff—this conversation with Jackson Cole tracks a season where grit meets growth. We start with the highlights: a win at Cirque Series Alyeska, more Cirque podiums at Killington and Grand Targhee, a strong Rut 28K, and a proud top‑26 at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships short trail. Then we zoom out to what shaped it all: a two‑week, 1,100‑mile bikepacking trip across New Zealand's South Island that built deep aerobic strength and reconnected Jackson with the Southern Alps, from Aspiring and Aoraki's glaciated faces to the ridge‑rich basins of Arthur's Pass and Nelson Lakes.Jackson breaks down why low‑altitude alpine can still feel massive, how technical courses reward decision‑making as much as VO2, and what The GOAT race showed him about grit over turnover. We revisit his hard push on T‑Winot in the Tetons—route choice, switchback ethics, and the line between fourth‑class flow and fifth‑class traps—and unpack the honest realities of chasing the Grand Teton FKT: weeks of scouting, precise acclimatization, and respect for the gold standards already set.Worlds in Canfranc gets the spotlight it deserves: a steep, technical course that elevated skyrunners who are lesser known stateside, a New Zealand team that punched above its weight with minimal federation support, and a personal moment of pride that lingers longer than a ranking. From there, we look at the sport's fault lines and opportunities—brand money flowing into short trail, the need to keep true skyrunning alive in North America, the promise of Beast of Big Creek, and why governance, fair access, and year‑round anti‑doping have to catch up with the cash.We wrap with a living 2026 sketch: Mount Marathon in Seward, a possible return to Minotaur, Beast of Big Creek, and a decision tree that includes Whistler, Speedgoat, and a Skyrunner World Series run depending on support. If you care about real mountains, real talk, and a future where athletes can race hard without selling the soul of the sport, this one hits home.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves steep trails, and leave a quick review so more mountain‑minded listeners can find us.Follow Jackson on IG - @jayrcoleeFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textBig changes hit short trail running, and we're here for all of it. We kick off The Substack with Rachel Tomajczyk to unpack the new Golden Trail World Series calendar, the late surge into Asia, and why a four-race-plus-final format forces athletes to rethink everything from training blocks to travel budgets. With no US stop on the GTWS schedule and Quebec Mega Trail standing alone in North America, the balance of power and opportunity shifts—especially for American athletes trying to build a season without burning out on flights.We pull apart the strategy calls that matter now: whether to base in Asia for Japan, China, and a technical South Korea final or bounce back and forth and risk jet lag; when to favor course specificity over brand obligations; and how to use Broken Arrow's massive platform even without GTWS points on offer. We also look at segment rankings—uphill, downhill, and flats—as a storytelling win that may widen gaps at the top without radically changing podiums. Safety gets a real upgrade too with the prologue removed from the final, a move we applaud after last year's fatigue-fueled injuries.Then we turn to the US National Skyrunning Series, with Whiteface, Beast of Big Creek, Ski Talk Scramble, and Kismet Cliff Run creating a steep, technical path on home soil. For athletes who want world-class competition minus transoceanic chaos, this is a timely alternative with real prize purses and accessible travel. Expect East Coast rock and root to reward different strengths than the smooth Euro burners, and watch for new names to break through.If you're mapping a 2024 season, this is the roadmap: pick your A-races, respect recovery, and let geography serve your goals. Subscribe, share with a trail friend, and leave a quick review to help more runners find the show. Got a question or a hot take on the calendar? Drop it our way and we might feature it next time.Follow Rachel on IG - @rachrunsworldFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send a textIntroducing The Sub Stack, The News Show for all Things Short Trail Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textYou press play for stoke, but stay for substance. We sit down with legendary endurance athlete and coach Travis Macy to unpack ski mountaineering's Olympic debut, the rise of Skimo Gold as “SportsCenter for Skimo,” and how smart storytelling can turn niche talents into household names. From the first shotgun blast at Leadville to adventure racing across continents, Travis connects the dots between joyful beginnings and professional systems that actually grow a sport.We dig into the sprint and mixed relay—how three minutes of mayhem can hinge on a flawless skin rip—and why Team USA's duo of Cam Smith and Anna Gibson has real medal potential. Travis explains the physiology behind these formats, why training low builds the power you can't access at 9,000 feet, and what a modern program looks like when you balance sleep-high, train-low blocks with precise transition practice and downhill control under redline fatigue. If you've ever wondered how to watch schemo like an insider, start by watching hands and feet.The conversation also tackles the big question: can schemo scale without losing its soul? We weigh the broadcast-ready sprint against the long, romantic epics of Pierramenta, and the absence of vertical and individual at the Games. Along the way, we spotlight youth pipelines in the U.S., how European systems give rivals a head start, and why star building—done with authenticity—creates the next wave of fans and athletes. Travis even opens up about auditioning for Olympic commentary and what it takes to make technical sport coverage sing.If you enjoyed this deep dive, follow Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show, share this episode with a friend who loves mountain sport, and leave a quick rating or review. Your support helps more people discover the athletes, stories, and ideas reshaping ski mountaineering and short trail.Follow Travis on IG - @travismacyFollow Skimo Gold on IG - @skimogoldSubscribe to Skimo Gold on Apple - @skimogoldSubscribe to Skimo Gold on Spotify - @skimogoldSubscribe to Skimo Gold on Youtube - @skimogoldFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textThe mountain weekend Flagstaff has been waiting for just showed up with big legs and bigger lungs. We sit down with race director Aaron Barber to unpack how Flagstaff Sky Peaks evolved from a “nice race in the pines” into a full three-day festival at Arizona Snowbowl, built around steep ski runs, high-altitude ridgelines, and a finish-line scene right by the lodge. From a Friday uphill lung-burner to Saturday's slate with a 2,500-foot opening climb, fixed-time vert loops, and distances from 5K to 50 mile, to a Sunday point-to-point that tops out near 11,500 feet, this is mountain racing with teeth.Aaron shares the playbook behind the overhaul: hard-won permits through Coconino National Forest, alignment with resort management to unlock summer terrain, and a design that prioritizes big climbs, real technicality, and community. We dive into the 50-mile circumnavigation of the San Francisco Peaks caldera, why short doesn't mean easy, and how gnarly ski-run grades change pacing, fueling, and gear choices. If you're planning a late-summer or early fall schedule, we lay out who should target which race, how to prep for altitude swings and unpredictable weather, and why descending on tired legs might be the weekend's real decider.We also explore the competitive layer: potential prize purses, what scalable anti-doping could look like, and early conversations that align the event with skyrunning-style courses and live coverage. Flagstaff's running culture, from Buffalo Park sessions to big-vert weekends, frames the story, while the Snowbowl venue adds food, beer, and an easy basecamp to keep the community together between efforts. Whether you chase the uphill, stack a vert challenge, or go all-in on the point-to-point, Sky Peaks now offers a sharper test for elites and everyday mountain runners alike.If you enjoy the show, tap follow, share it with your crew, and leave a quick review so more runners can find us. Ready to pick your race and build your plan? Subscribe and tell us which climb you're tackling first.Register for Flagstaff Skypeaks - @flagstaffskypeaksFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textThe voice you hear at the steepest start lines has a story—and a system. We sit down with Goldy, the announcer behind the Cirque Series and the force behind the Beehive Bandwagon, to unpack how a kid who DJed camp dances became the guy who turns finish lines into goosebumps. From a fateful Red Bull gig to years across X Games, Dew Tour, and trail races, he shares how preparation, empathy, and restraint shape the sound of an unforgettable race day.We explore the craft that most people never see: studying start lists and past results so callouts are accurate and earned; reading the course so updates actually help families track their runners; pacing energy to protect the voice while still lighting up the key moments. Goldie explains why he treats the winner and the final finisher with equal weight, and why the “last 100 yards” is where brands are built, communities grow, and athletes decide to come back next season. He also gets candid about budgets, live-tracking tradeoffs, and how clear timelines plus a good radio beat fancy tech for keeping crowds engaged.Short-course mountain racing sits at the heart of this conversation. We talk about the visibility, the shared stoke, and the way these events invite elites and first-timers into the same narrative arc. You'll hear how the Cirque Series balances game-day decisions with tight production, why guest experience matters as much as athlete flow, and how a great MC can connect all the dots without getting in the way of the moment. If you care about trail running, event production, or the secret ingredients that make a finish line unforgettable, this one delivers.If this resonated, follow Goldie at beehiveproductions.com and on Instagram at The Beehive Bandwagon. Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—your support helps more runners find us.Follow the BeeHive BandWagon on IG - @thebeehivebandwagonReach out to Goldy for Booking's & Questions - @thebeehivebandwagon.comFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textWant to know how an elite mountain runner designs the very supplements he trusts on race day? We sit down with Momentous VP of Innovation, Matt Chorney, to connect the dots between steep trail performance, clean ingredient sourcing, and the certifications that actually protect athletes. Matt's story stretches from New Hampshire's rugged roots to Jackson's endless access, and he brings that same blend of grit and curiosity to building products that stand up in pro and collegiate locker rooms.We dig into the difference between “third-party tested” and true third-party certification, and why NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport should be non-negotiable if you care about your career—or simply your health. Matt outlines the Momentous three—protein, creatine, and omegas—as everyday pillars backed by research, then walks us through a smarter path to better sleep using apigenin, magnesium L-threonate, and L-theanine. No knockout melatonin bombs here, just targeted support for falling asleep, staying asleep, and getting deeper recovery.Then we switch gears to racing and real-world tools. Sodium bicarbonate is hot, but the GI tradeoffs are real; Matt explains how a topical option like PR lotion can buffer acidosis without wrecking your gut. We also get into training philosophy and longevity: choosing joy over pressure, skipping a marathon when the spark isn't there, and using mountain days to build sustainable fitness. With Broken Arrow on the horizon and classic adventure routes on deck, Matt shows how science can fuel the soul of the sport.Trail running is having a moment—bigger prize purses, crossover stars, and growing visibility—so protecting the culture while raising performance matters more than ever. If you care about clean fueling, smarter sleep, and steep trail stoke, this conversation delivers. If you enjoyed the show, follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review—your support helps us keep bringing you thoughtful stories from the mountains.Follow Matt on IG - @matt_chornUse code SteepPod for 15% off your next Momentous Order - code valid through March Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textA high-stakes relay, a new Olympic sport, and two athletes who refused to blink. We sit down with Cam Smith to unpack how he and Anna Gibson qualified Team USA for the ski mountaineering mixed relay—beating Canada when it mattered most—and how an underdog mindset became their superpower. Cam's story delivers a rare inside look at Olympic prep when your sport is making its debut: recruitment gambles, selection races, and the art of saying no to media so you can say yes to training.Cam explains how he recruited Anna, why her track speed and mountain grit were a perfect fit, and how selection races turned a bold idea into a winning relay. He breaks down the Solitude World Cup from the inside: crisp transitions, a key pass from fourth to first, and the calm second lap that sealed it. We dive deep into training specificity—ankle weights matched to ski system weight, start cadence rehearsal, treadmill intervals with race film study—and how peaking for a three-to-four-minute burst mirrors track more than trail. Expect practical takeaways on race craft, pacing under pressure, and building systems that protect performance when the spotlight gets hot.We also demystify Olympic logistics and gear rules: national kits with strict logo sizes, manufacturer-only markings on helmets and poles, and equipment checks that may lock your gear pre-race. Cam offers a candid view on seeding, the wide first climb, and why a second-row start isn't a problem. He shares the mantra anchoring his approach—“Expect nothing, handle anything”—and looks ahead to the likely addition of the individual event in 2030, where his engine can really sing.If you're curious about ski mountaineering, or you love stories of process beating pressure, this one's for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who thrives in big moments, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Then tell us: what's your favorite underdog win?Follow Cam on IG - @camfromcbFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textWhat does it take to race on the edge, fix your flaws, and build a season that holds up under pressure? We dive deep with Mason Copi, fresh off a blistering run at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and a domestic campaign that turned him from underrated to undeniable. Mason opens up about starting fast when the course rewards it, working the early road section, and the moment when cramps hit yet belief held. You'll hear how teammates on the course and a fired-up Team USA on the sidelines fueled each surge and why chasing the podium sometimes means accepting the crash.Then we get practical. Mason breaks down how he transformed downhill running from a fear response into an advantage using exposure reps on technical segments and a simple “monster truck” form cue. He shares the training blueprint that keeps him healthy while racing often: threshold work for speed and lactate clearance, high aerobic volume buffered by the bike, and minimalist strength focused on hips, glutes, calves, and soleus. No fluff, no gimmicks—just the boring, repeatable work that lets you push hard again next week. We also explore how rising U.S. depth—think Taylor, Cam, Christian—lifts everyone, turning rivalry into fuel.Looking ahead, Mason maps an ambitious 2026: sharpening for the USATF Half in Atlanta, testing range at the Boston Marathon, mixing mountain classics like Big Alta and Gorge, and stepping into the unknown at Speedgoat 50K to build muscular endurance and dial nutrition. He'll chase a WMRA team spot at Sunapee and aim for an Olympic Trials qualifier at CIM, answering the bigger question of how fast a sub-ultra mountain runner needs to be now. We close with a candid look at free agency—why sponsorship timing is tricky, what autonomy enables, and how to keep betting on yourself when the budget says camp and the goals say compete.If this conversation moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves mountain running, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find these stories. Your support helps us bring you deeper conversations with the athletes shaping the sport.Follow Mason on IG - @mcoppi44Interested in Working with Mason as a Coach ? @hellotorunningFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textA world champion who won't let algorithms define her worth—Grayson Murphy joins us for a candid, sharp, and hopeful conversation about racing, health, and the future of trail running. From life in Bozeman to the first time grizzlies changed a solo run, we open with place and presence, then dive straight into how she built Wild Strides Paper Co, why multiple identities make better athletes, and how part-time sustainability work keeps her grounded in real-world impact.Grayson breaks down her pivot from mountain classic mastery to the short trail learning curve: higher volume, more zone 2, poles, and a smarter fueling plan. She walks us through the Crohn's diagnosis that finally explained 18 months of confusion, and how treatment helped her trust her body again. There's craft here too. She details the simple-yet-brutal mountain classic formula—empty the tank to the top, descend like a technician—and why short trail requires an entirely new toolkit. Along the way, we unpack selection for Worlds, the value of a coach on-site, and the friendships that keep her inspired.We also tackle the business of being an athlete. Grayson draws a clear line between athlete and influencer, shares how brands dropped her for “low engagement” after winning Worlds, and explains why she now avoids deals that hinge on reach. The conversation expands to prize purses, athlete support, and the Olympic question—what trail format would resonate, and what professionalization must include: appearance fees, better visibility, and real anti-doping. It's a blueprint for a healthier sport and a braver career.If this resonates, follow Grayson on Instagram, check out Wild Strides Paper Co, and share this episode with a friend who loves trail running. Leave a rating and review, hit subscribe wherever you listen, and tell us: should trail be in the Olympics?Follow Grayson on IG - @racin_graysonFollow Wild Strides Paper Co on IG - @wildstridespapercoCheck out Wild Strides Paper Co Website - Wild Strides Paper CoFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textA young ultra runner with a mountain kid heart and a pro's mindset—Coleman Cragun brings the heat. We dig into how he went from SUU walk-on to stacking top finishes at Canyons, Broken Arrow, Speedgoat, and Mammoth in his first year of ultras, and how mentorship from trail legend Hayden Hawks is shaping every decision. The honesty of their training partnership, from blunt fitness assessments to choosing the hardest race fields, has helped Coleman skip the usual trial-and-error and focus on the skills that actually win races.Black Canyon 100K is the target, and Coleman breaks down the pillars of his prep: specificity on fast desert singletrack, back-to-back long runs, sweat testing to dial sodium and fluids, and the art of not leading when the opening miles go hot. He shares how he'll choose between carbon and non-carbon shoes, why pacing by effort and heart rate matters when Bumble Bee changes the race, and how he structures 5,000-calorie days to stay durable in heavy blocks. The goal is simple and bold: keep the leaders in sight, stay patient, and make a real run at a golden ticket to Western States.We also look ahead to a season that may pivot on one result. If he punches a ticket, Western States becomes the centerpiece—with OCC as the UTMB-week balance. If not, CCC offers a bigger Alpine canvas. Coleman's excited by Sierre-Zinal for speed, by Cedar City's high-low training ecosystem, and by the sport's growing professionalism that could one day let him run full time. He's coaching, refining, and choosing the hard line: race the best, learn fast, and build a name the right way.If you're into trail running, heat management, fueling strategy, Western States lore, or the mentor-mentee dynamic shaping the next generation, you'll love this one. Subscribe, share it with a friend who lives for golden ticket drama, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show.Follow Coleman on IG - @coleman_cragunFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textMoney is moving up the mountain, and the Northeast is ready for it. We sit down with Tom Hooper of 603 Endurance to unpack how a new partnership with Marathon Sports unlocks bigger prize purses, stronger production, and a smarter sponsor model that gives each race its own brand identity. Sunapee Scramble returns as the U.S. Mountain Running Championship with a $30,000 purse from Brooks and Team USA selection on the line. Loon Mountain leans into its legendary Upper Walking Boss with $20,000 backed by Darn Tough and likely more on the way. Ragged brings a three-day stage race and a $30,000 purse from Altra, while Cranmore gets fresh momentum tied to a new trail-forward retail hub in North Conway.We go inside the business: why retail distribution changes the ROI for brands, how prize money can reshape athlete contracts, and whether this surge signals a sustainable path or a temporary splash. We talk logistics and legacy—permitting realities in New England, course character across Sunapee, Loon, Cranmore, Kismet, and Ragged—and the growing pipeline from NCAA track and cross-country to the mountains. If you care about the sport's future, you'll want the full take on appearance fees, what elites owe in promotion, and the rising urgency of credible anti-doping as purses climb.This is a candid, ground-level look at how trail running grows up without losing its edge: steep grades, slick roots, and real money on the line. Hit play, share it with a friend who loves mountain running, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show. Your feedback keeps these conversations going and helps the sport take its next step.Follow Tom Hooper - @tomhooper603Follow Six03 Endurance - @six03enduranceRegister for the Sunapee Scramble - SUNAPEERegister for the Loon Mountain Race - LOONRegister for the Ragged 75 Stage Race & 50K - RAGGEDFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textTrail running deserves sharper storytelling than recycled podium posts. We open the books on Steep Stuff: what we botched in 2025, what finally clicked, and how we're going big on short trail in 2026. James and guest host Francesco get specific about the pivot from clunky Zoom reels to clean Riverside workflows, a fresh brand identity, and a quality-first mindset that actually scales. The result is a clear plan: show up at Broken Arrow, The Rut, Cirque Series stops, and championships with interviews, previews, and expert analysis that make racing feel immediate and worth following.We talk about the gaps in trail running media and how to close them—more curiosity, fewer safe takes, and real coverage of prize money, anti-doping, and the business forces shaping athletes' careers. The goal isn't just reporting results. It's star building. If more fans know why Christian Allen, Ana Gibson, or Lauren Gregory matter, the sport grows and athletes land better contracts. That means tighter formats, smarter co-hosts who've raced at the top, and video storytelling that highlights training, tactics, and personalities long before a breakout podium.You'll also hear what's next for the platform: a new show under the Steep Stuff umbrella, on-site commentary and interviews, and a revamped approach to awards that gives short trail its own spotlight. We get personal about balancing training with production, why breathwork and calmer stimulus make workouts cleaner, and how structure beats hustle when you're building something real. The promise we keep coming back to: this is the worst the product will be. From here, coverage, quality, and community presence only rise.If you care about where short trail is heading—and how media can help it get there—press play, share it with a friend who loves mountain running, and leave a quick rating or review so we can keep building this together.Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textA late start, a canceled senior season, and a move to Bozeman turned Lucy Kolpa from a soccer defender into one of trail running's most compelling rising names. We dive into how she traded splits for summits, built a durable engine without a coach, and learned to treat races as a celebration of big mountain days rather than a verdict on her identity.Lucy opens up about the moments that shaped her: walking on to DIII cross country with no high school PRs, discovering how sleep, hydration, and structure turbocharge confidence, and finding freedom in objective‑based long runs. She explains why winters aren't an off‑season—downhill days, backcountry tours, and finally cracking skate skiing add massive aerobic volume with minimal impact, sharpening technique and resilience for steep, technical courses.We break down her 2025 near‑podiums at Broken Arrow and The Rut, the surprise of holding her own at Sierre‑Zinal, and a 2026 plan centered on the Broken Arrow 23K, Beast of Big Creek in the Skyrunner World Series, and a return to The Rut 50K. Lucy shares her simple weekly framework: two quality sessions, one big mountain long run, and lots of truly easy miles, plus yoga and light strength to keep IT bands happy. We also get real about ambition and authenticity—how to chase sponsorship and bigger stages without losing the underdog mindset that makes training fun and sustainable.If you love mountain running, Bozeman culture, or stories of steady, joyful progress, Lucy's journey will light a fire. Listen, share with a friend who needs a nudge to get outside, and leave a quick review to help more trail fans find the show.Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textThe spark wasn't love at first stride. Tayler Tuttle Peavey once hated running, chose softball, and struggled through PE miles—then found a coach who spoke the language of physiology and a path that led from Georgia to Colorado and, ultimately, to USATF national titles on the trails. We sit down to unpack how a hip labrum surgery, a health-first rebuild, and a sustainable coaching approach turned doubt into momentum and a breakout 2025.Tayler takes us inside the pivotal transfer from Georgia to CU Boulder, the up-and-down college years, and the moment she realized roads weren't the only way forward. She traces her first steps into trail racing—second at the Moab Trail Half after two years without a start—then the return to win Moab, a Twisted Fork statement, and a USATF 50K crown on runnable terrain that matched her strengths. We dig into Broken Arrow's shortened VK, the chaos of mass starts, and the strategic lessons she can't wait to apply when she lines up for the 23K.Training with David and Megan Roche, Taylor's blueprint centers on durability: weekly rest days, individualized intensity, and a mix of track, road, and trail sessions to keep speed sharp while building technical skill. She shares how she uses heart rate as a guide rather than a governor, why cross-training tools like Zwift, the elliptical, and stairs are staples, and how she keeps winter work efficient without unnecessary risk. Looking ahead, she's targeting the two-to-three-hour sweet spot—30K mountain races, Broken Arrow 23K, and a potential Golden Trail schedule—while staying selective with travel and open to the right sponsorship fit as she moves full time into the sport.We also talk bigger picture: how short trail can grow by inviting mass participation at accessible distances, why community and media coverage matter, and how the rising wave of D1 talent is raising the competitive bar. If you care about the future of mountain, trail, and sub-ultra racing—and the mindset it takes to thrive—this conversation delivers both inspiration and a practical playbook.Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review so more listeners can discover the show.Follow Tayler on IG - @taylerwithlimeFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Send us a textBest of 2025 - Ryan Becker Fan Favorite Episode Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

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Send us a textA world-level skyrace is returning to U.S. soil, and the path runs straight up a rugged Olympic Mountains summit. We sit down with race director and media voice Mathias Eichler to unpack how Beast of Big Creek became the only U.S. stop on the Skyrunner World Series, what ISF course certification really requires, and how you scale a steep, technical route without breaking the wilderness that makes it magic.Mathias shares the full arc: inheriting a beloved local race, modernizing without losing soul, and navigating permits, fires, trail capacity, and access in a part of Washington that's breathtaking and stubbornly off-grid. We get practical about logistics—Olympia as a pre-race hub, ferry approaches from Seattle, limited parking, and why camping might be a feature, not a bug. Along the way, we zoom out to the sport's bigger picture: why short trail and VK-style events thrive in Europe, how UTMB, Golden Trail, and Cirque each shape the calendar, and what it will take to build a real fan culture here—cheer zones, better visuals, and honest, story-driven media.Expect sharp takes on world championship timing, sponsor incentives, and how to film races that live above treeline. If you care about the future of American skyrunning—course design, elite fields, and spectator experience—this conversation is your field guide to what's next and what's possible.Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, share with a trail friend, and leave a review on Apple or Spotify. Your feedback helps more runners discover new mountains to climb.Follow Mathias on IG - @einmaleins / @electric.cable.carFollow The Beast of Big Creek on IG for Updates - @beastofbigcreekListen to Mathias on Electric Cable Car - @electriccablecarCheck out Electric Cable Car Online - @electriccablecarCheck out the Beast of Big Creek online - @beastofbigcreekFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!

Send us a textThe ache that won't sit still, the quad-dominant stride, the back that tightens after miles on trail—none of it is random. We invited Dr. Sean Rimmer, PT, DPT of Run Potential PT, to unpack how the pelvis truly drives running: three-plane motion, rotational loading, and the elastic recoil that makes a stride feel effortless. When the pelvis stops moving, hips overwork, nerves get irritated, and the system loses its spring. Sean explains how to spot the difference between hip, pelvis, and nerve-driven pain, and why a shifting, vague ache is often a neural clue rather than a muscle tear.We go deep on practical solutions you can apply today. Sean demos walking pelvic rotations and reverse steps to restore glide and rotation, and shows how a simple flow rope builds rhythm, timing, and side-to-side weight shift that mirrors efficient running mechanics. He also shares quick self-screens—pelvic side glides and marching with hands on the pelvis—to reveal blocked planes of motion. If you've been told “anterior pelvic tilt” is your problem, you'll learn why hip flexor rotation is the missing piece and how better sequencing beats endless stretching.Strength that actually transfers to performance is the final lever. Sean outlines heavy split-stance isometrics to load the glute–ham complex the way running demands—fast stabilization with tendon recoil—without crushing soreness during hard training blocks. Expect clearer cues, less quad overload, and a snappier, more resilient stride within weeks. Whether you're dealing with nerve flare-ups, stubborn hip tightness, or you just want more power and durability, this conversation gives you a blueprint: restore pelvic motion, retrain rhythm, and load what matters.If this helped, subscribe, share it with a running friend, and leave a quick review on your favorite app. Tell us which drill changed your stride first, and what body area you want us to tackle next.Follow Sean on IG - @runpotentialptContact Sean for PT - @runpotentialptCheck out Run Potential PT online - @runpotentialptFollow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!