POPULARITY
Send us Fan MailBroken Arrow is no longer “a big US race” and Sunapee is no longer “just a championship weekend.” These two stops are starting to feel like proof that trail running and mountain running in North America has entered a new era: deeper fields, smarter tactics, better coverage, and performances that hold up on the world stage.We sit down together to unpack what we saw across the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee and the Broken Arrow Skyrace festival, from pacing strategy on runnable early miles to the chaos of steep ski-hill starts at altitude. We talk about why these courses demand real planning, how athletes can make huge moves after the opening climb, and why knowing the terrain can be as valuable as fitness. Along the way, we dig into the “don't believe elites when they say they are injured” phenomenon and how cross-training like skiing and biking can still produce world-class race days.We also nerd out on what great storytelling looks like for the sport, including Broken Arrow's next-level live stream and the tech behind it, plus how commentary can help fans understand what is happening in real time. Then we get into the results and the human stories: breakthrough performances, veteran longevity, and comeback wins that make you want to lace up your shoes immediately.If you care about trail running results, mountain running tactics, the Golden Trail Series ecosystem, or where the US scene is headed next, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves the sport, and leave a review with the most impressive performance from the weekend.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 MailYou can learn a lot about mountain running by talking to someone who didn't grow up logging endless run miles. Marshall Graybill comes to the sport through cycling and ski mountaineering, with all the fitness those sports build and all the baggage they can bring, too. We get honest about what it feels like to line up for a race after crashes and concussions, how fear shows up in specific scenarios, and why trail running can feel like a mental reset compared to crit racing chaos. Marshall also lives a double life that a lot of driven athletes will recognize: he's deep into a PhD focused on underwater robotics, studying alternative propulsion inspired by marine organisms. That time pressure forces a different training mindset, and we talk about how to stay competitive with shorter, harder sessions, how to avoid the Strava comparison trap, and how to pick races that fit real life. If you're chasing endurance performance with limited hours, this one is packed with relatable strategy. We also swap stories from skimo culture in Colorado, the intensity of local “world cup” style races, and the frustrating reality of canceled events and narrow qualification paths now that skimo is an Olympic sport. Then we jump to Marshall's surprise 25K win at the Waterville Trail Running Festival in Ireland, where navigation, farm crossings, and under-flagged trails turn a race into a problem-solving mission. We wrap with Broken Arrow plans, pacing lessons at altitude, and why the community keeps bringing him back. If you enjoy conversations on trail running, mountain running, skimo training, altitude racing, and balancing sport with a demanding career, subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Follow Marshall on IG - @marshallgraybillUse 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 MailSkyrunning is back on U.S. soil, and we wanted to make the details impossible to miss. James Lauriello sits down with Eti Rodriguez (Managing Director, Skyrunner World Series), Ben Stark (Brand Manager, Merrell), and Louis Down (Media and Communications, Skyrunner) for a roundtable on what the new Merrell Skyrunner U.S. National Series is, why the timing finally makes sense, and how this season can grow a real skyrunning fan base in the United States.We get into the big questions first: why it has been so hard to establish consistent skyrunning races in the U.S., what role organizers and permitting play, and why the country's terrain is actually the perfect argument for a national series. From steep coastal climbs to big mountain routes and Alaska-level wildness, skyrunning thrives when courses demand more than runnable trail. Eddie and Louie also clarify the skyrunning vs trail running distinction and why that niche identity is a strength, not a limitation.On the brand side, Ben explains why Merrell is leaning in globally and what that means for athletes and spectators at U.S. stops. Expect community-forward activations, athlete interactions, and demo opportunities featuring key Merrell trail and mountain running shoes, plus a big push at Beast of Big Creek where the World Series and National Series meet. We also talk about live stream potential, the race lineup (Whiteface Sky Race, Beast of Big Creek, Sitka Skyline Scramble, and the Kismet Cliff Run final), and how rankings and prize money work, including a $20,000 purse at the final.If you care about technical mountain racing, short and steep sufferfests, and a clearer pathway for U.S. skyrunners, this one sets the stage. Subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a review with your pick for the must-watch race of the series.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 MailBroken Arrow isn't just another race weekend anymore, it's the point in the season where trail running feels like it snaps into full focus. Steve Taylor joins me to talk through why this stop has exploded into a true international destination in North America, how the venue and spectator access change the vibe, and why the growing prize purse keeps pulling the fastest names into one start list. If you're tracking the road from Broken Arrow to Western States, Hardrock, and UTMB, this is the moment where storylines start to lock in.We zoom in on the Broken Arrow Ascent and get specific about what makes this course weirdly brutal: the full-gas ski hill start, the fast road and singletrack sections that reward speed strength, and the reality that a “vertical” can still punish you for racing like it's a 3-minute effort. We talk pacing, tactics, and why this format can favor athletes with big VO2 engines, while still demanding legit climbing legs once the lactic hits and the finish gets close.Then we get into the fun debate: is this the race of the roadies, or do mountain specialists still own the day? We dig into the crossover trend, what it does for the sport's visibility, and why trail running remains a skill even on runnable terrain. From the stacked women's matchup to the men's field depth and our podium picks, you'll walk away with clear names to watch and a sharper sense of how the Ascent is likely to unfold. If you like the breakdown, subscribe, share the episode with a trail buddy, and leave a quick review.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 MailTwo loops can turn a fast mountain race into a straight up psychological experiment. Broken Arrow 46K is the perfect example: you rip a demanding first lap, punish your quads on the descent, and then get asked to climb back into the pain cave all over again. We're back with Steve Taylor to preview how this ultramarathon-style trail race really plays out when pacing mistakes start compounding and the second loop becomes the only thing that matters.We dig into the stakes, including the prize money, and then get specific on the men's field: why Eli Hemming looks like the clear favorite, what it would take for someone like Chad Hall to actually break him, and how racers like Noel Williams, Brian Whitfield, and Cole Campbell fit into the front pack math. We also go deep on sleepers and high-variance names, from Jared Hazen's upside to under-the-radar threats like Matt Chorney, Matt Zupan, Mikey Mitchell, and Nicholas Turko. If you like race strategy, we talk through where separation is likely to happen and why this course rewards patience more than ego.Then we shift to what might be the main event: the women's race. We make the case that the women's field is deeper, talk Rachel Drake's form, Dani Moreno's toughness coming off injury, and why Jasmine Louther and Leah Yingling make the triple crown storyline so interesting. We also debate whether the women can dip under last year's winning time and what kind of day it takes to earn a podium at Broken Arrow 46K.Subscribe for more race previews, share this with a friend who's lining up at Broken Arrow, and leave a review if you want more picks, more sleepers, and more honest takes. Who's on your podium and what's your spiciest prediction?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 Mail$102,200 on the line, a Nike livestream, staggered elite starts, and a start list so deep we joke we'd need a hundred pre-race interviews to cover it. Broken Arrow 23K is lining up like a mini all-star event for trail running and mountain running, and we're here to call the shots before the gun goes off.We dig into why this prize purse matters and why we want payouts like this to become the benchmark for marquee races that draw international talent. Then we get practical: 14.25 miles, about 4,500 feet of climbing, a lot of fast running, and the late-race terrain where things can finally get spicy. We also talk broadcast and logistics, including the staggered starts for elite women and men and what that means for how the race unfolds and how you should watch it.From there, it's pure storyline season. On the women's side we're fired up about Ninka Brinkman's return, McKenna Morley's step up into a brutally stacked field, and the long list of podium-level threats who could turn this into a total coin flip. On the men's side we look at the tacticians and the burners, what happened last year, and why Elhousine Elazzaoui, Patrick Kipngeno, and a rising American contingent make the tactics just as interesting as the fitness. Finally, we lock in our top-five picks for both races and explain exactly what would have to happen for our calls to be right.If you're watching Broken Arrow 23K live, listen first, make your own picks, and come back to tell us what we got wrong. Subscribe, share this with a trail running friend, and leave a review so we can keep bringing the hype with better and better coverage.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 MailJoin us Thursday - Sunday at the Broken Arrow Vendor Expo at the Sidas booth! You can also hang with us Thursday 6/18 at the Mountain Tiger Group Run at Donner SummitUse 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
Beim Thema Laufschuheinlagen gibt es viele Mythen und Meinungen – Grund genug, mit zwei absoluten Experten aus dem Bereich zu sprechen. Als Gründer und Vorstand der corpus.e AG treibt Dirk Rutschmann mit der shooIQ-Plattform die digitale Transformation für Kunden, Händler und Marken voran. Bereits 2005 wurde er für seine wegweisende cloudbasierte 3D-Scanning-Lösung mit dem Deutschen Internetpreis ausgezeichnet. Heute ist shooIQ unter seiner Führung ein weltweit gefragter Partner in der Sportindustrie. Martin Kirmair ist Head of Training DACH der Sidas Academy und hat 30 Jahre Erfahrung im Sportfachhandel und im Vertrieb. Spezialisiert ist er auf Gang- und Laufanalysen, Bootfitting und Conceptional Sales. Mit beiden hat unser Kollege Urs Weber ein spannendes Gespräch geführt – unter anderem darüber, wie Laufschuheinlagen (richtig) wirken, was es bei Kauf und Auswahl zu beachten gilt und wer beim Laufen wirklich von einer Sohleneinlage profitiert. Wir wünschen viel Freude beim Hören! Diese Podcast-Folge wird dir präsentiert von Sidas und shooIQ. Mitwirkende in Folge 201: Martin Kirmair, Dirk Rutschmann, Urs Weber, Ela Wildner Audiodesign und Postproduktion: Waldemar Markin
Wie funktionieren Einlagen für den Laufschuh und wer profitiert davon? Beim Thema Laufschuheinlagen gibt es viele Mythen und Meinungen – Grund genug, mit zwei absoluten Experten aus dem Bereich zu sprechen. Als Gründer und Vorstand der corpus.e AG treibt Dirk Rutschmann mit der shooIQ-Plattform die digitale Transformation für Kunden, Händler und Marken voran. Bereits 2005 wurde er für seine wegweisende cloudbasierte 3D-Scanning-Lösung mit dem Deutschen Internetpreis ausgezeichnet. Heute ist shooIQ unter seiner Führung ein weltweit gefragter Partner in der Sportindustrie. Martin Kirmair ist Head of Training DACH der Sidas Academy und hat 30 Jahre ... Dieser Podcast wird vermarktet von der Podcastbude.www.podcastbu.de - Full-Service-Podcast-Agentur - Konzeption, Produktion, Vermarktung, Distribution und Hosting.Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen?Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich.Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.
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
Podden är i riksdagen eftersom det händer så mycket. Det är utfrågningar i KU, Mp håller pressträff om elbilar och finansministern är optimistisk – trots allt. Maggie Strömberg har varit på Konstitutionsutskottet för att utröna om Sidas fd generaldirektör Jakob Granit är aktivist eller proffs. Henrik Torehammar har träffat Elisabeth Svantesson hos riksdagsjournalisterna men vågade inte ställa frågan som alla undrade: hänger klädstilen ihop med skilsmässan? Torbjörn Nilsson undrar varför alla har blivit dåliga socialdemokrater. Och så har Maggie dessutom varit på sin bästa pressträff i livet. I SvD:s podd Politiken får du hjälp att ligga steget före i svensk inrikespolitik. Nya avsnitt varje tisdag och fredag. Producent: Tove Friman Leffler.
Tidöregeringen vill kunna utvisa utlänningar som döms för brott som ger strängare straff än böter. President Trump satte tidsrekord i sin State of the union och berömde sina egna framgångar. Matpriserna har inte smyghöjts inför momssänkningen, och Sidas generaldirektör petas av regeringen. 40 år sedan mordet på Olof Palme, och Magdalena Andersson lägger skulden på Åkesson och Kristersson för att nyfödda i Skåne blir torkade med tvättlappar som är hårda och sträva. Veckopanelen med Anne Ramberg, Ronie Berggren och Andreas Johansson Heinö under ledning av Staffan Dopping.
Tidöregeringen vill kunna utvisa utlänningar som döms för brott som ger strängare straff än böter. President Trump satte tidsrekord i sin State of the union och berömde sina egna framgångar. Matpriserna har inte smyghöjts inför momssänkningen, och Sidas generaldirektör petas av regeringen. 40 år sedan mordet på Olof Palme, och Magdalena Andersson lägger skulden på Åkesson och Kristersson för att nyfödda i Skåne blir torkade med tvättlappar som är hårda och sträva. Veckopanelen med Anne Ramberg, Ronie Berggren och Andreas Johansson Heinö under ledning av Staffan Dopping.
Nyheter och fördjupning från Sverige och världen. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radios app.
IF Metall tar strid för den svenska modellen. Så kunde Sidas pengar gå till Hamas. Nya börsrekord när Trump reser i Asien. Civila pressas när paramilitära RSF intar arméns sista fäste i Darfur. Och Peth-tester kan slopas. Programledare: Magnus Thorén.
.
UTMB champion. Western States course record threat. Field hockey state champion. Rock doctor. Katie Schide is one of the most accomplished ultrarunners on the planet, and somehow, still one of the most quietly focused. In this episode of The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan catch up with Katie ahead of her Hardrock 100 debut to talk about how she's evolved as a competitor, why she used to downplay her ambitions, and what's changed in both the sport and herself since her eighth-place finish at UTMB back in 2021. They dig into why UTMB might just be the “Goldilocks” race of the sport, how Katie and her partner are spending the summer training in Colorado's San Juans, and how her background in geology shapes the way she sees, and runs through, the landscape. Katie also shares her take on the term “sub-ultra” and why she thinks we've maybe overcomplicated what's just... running. Plus, Buzz Burrell drops in for a TrailCon Hall of Fame recap, a preview of a potential Katie vs. Courtney showdown at UTMB, and a quick nod to the real MVPs: New England moms on Facebook. This episode is brought to you by SIDAS, makers of high-performance insoles, socks, and footbeds specifically designed for trail running. Whether you're grinding out vert or trying to keep your feet happy past hour six, SIDAS gear is built to handle the unpredictable trail, so your feet don't have to. Check them out at sidas.us and give your feet the upgrade they deserve. And if you're dreaming of a trail experience that's less race and more wild adventure, don't miss our featured adventure: Ruta de los Arrieros, a three-day expedition run through Colombia's ancient gold routes. Expect big climbs, river crossings, waterfall rappels, jungle villages, and about as much trail magic as you can handle. It's capped at just 10 runners this year and kicks off September 14, so if you're into chasing moments instead of PRs, this one's for you. Registration closes August 20 at UltraSignup.
Merci à SIDAS, partenaire de cet épisode, qui a pour mission de vous garantir confort et performance pour chaque pied, chaque sport et chaque jour ! ⇒ 20% de réduction valable sur bit.ly/sidas-extraterrien dès 25€ d'achats, non cumulable avec d'autres codes (limité à 1 seule utilisation par client). Du 01/07/2025 au 31/07/2025.Code promo : EXTRA20Dans cet épisode d'Extraterrien, j'ai eu le plaisir de recevoir François Duvillard, expert incontournable de la santé du pied et dirigeant de SIDAS. On a plongé dans l'univers fascinant de la foulée, du choix des chaussures et des semelles pour maximiser confort, performance… et surtout prévenir les blessures pour les sportifs de tous niveaux.Si vous courez, marchez ou skiez, cet épisode pourrait bien transformer votre relation à vos pieds !Partenariat ou collaboration commerciale#pied #chaussure #run #course #sport _Questions_Pourquoi la perception du confort est-elle aussi centrale dans le choix de chaussures ou de semelles, même chez les sportifs de haut niveau ?Quels sont les principaux écueils à éviter lorsqu'on choisit une chaussure de running ou de trail ?Comment l'innovation dans les matériaux et la technologie a-t-elle fait évoluer la santé du pied et le confort des chaussures au fil des décennies ?Quelles sont les étapes recommandées pour préparer ses pieds avant un ultra-trail, notamment en termes de soin de la peau et d'équipement ?Selon l'approche de SIDAS, comment adapter l'équipement (semelles, chaussettes, chaussures) à des sports très différents, du ski au vélo en passant par le trail ?Comment chacun peut-il apprendre à mieux connaître ses pieds ?_Chapitres_3:49 Présentation de François Duvillard11:36 Le confort est une perception19:16 L'équipement et le type de chaussures31:15 Faut-il aller gratter la corne des pieds ? 49:39 Masterclass de soin des pieds 59:30 Le minimalisme est-il une tendance ?1:07:14 Comment bien choisir son modèle de chaussettes ?1:11:24 Combien de temps porter des chaussettes ?1:17:57 Comment choisir sa chaussure ? 1:28:30 L'importance de se reconnecter à son ressenti 1:35:11 Conseil sur les chaussures Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.
Merci à SIDAS, partenaire de cet épisode, qui a pour mission de vous garantir confort et performance pour chaque pied, chaque sport et chaque jour ! ⇒ 20% de réduction valable sur bit.ly/sidas-extraterrien dès 25€ d'achats, non cumulable avec d'autres codes (limité à 1 seule utilisation par client). Du 01/07/2025 au 31/07/2025.Code promo : EXTRA20Dans cet épisode d'Extraterrien, on a reçu François Duvillard, expert incontournable de la santé du pied et dirigeant de SIDAS.Cet épisode pourrait bien transformer votre relation à vos pieds !
This week on The Trailhead, Zoë and Brendan talk with Abigail West—trail runner, printmaker, and full-time creative who's showing us what it means to run with purpose. Based in the lush foothills of Southern Appalachia, Abigail blends endurance and artistry, carving out time (and linoleum) to tell stories about wild places, climate, and community. We dive into everything from FKTs in the Georgia mountains to why training for ultras is a terrible match with art fair season. Abigail shares how she captures the emotional texture of landscapes through printmaking, why she's obsessed with spiderweb-filled singletrack, and what it means to be an entrepreneurial artist-athlete in a world that doesn't quite know what to do with either. Plus: the problem with art world algorithms, the reality of life in a construction zone, and a full-throated defense of Waffle House. Grab your gravy and your gaiters, this one goes deep. The Trailhead is brought to you by Sidas! The company that supports your feet so that they can support you!
The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: MidPack Musings SubStackSupport the MidPacker Pod on Patreon.Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy's Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH JANJI HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCEUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT"Your feet are your foundation—take care of them, and they'll take care of you."In this episode, Troy Meadows sits down with Dr. Jeff Hammond, a podiatrist, endurance athlete, and founder of Hammond Foot and Ankle in Provo, Utah. Jeff shares his journey from collegiate swimmer to trail runner, his unique approach to foot care, and his experiences crewing at the Cocodona 250. Dr. Jeff HammondBackground: Jeff transitioned from swimming and triathlon to trail running, bringing a deep understanding of endurance sports to his medical practice.Medical Practice: He runs a direct-care podiatry clinic, focusing on personalized treatment plans and innovative therapies like custom orthotics and minimally invasive surgeries.Cocodona 250: Jeff served as crew chief and foot-care specialist for Shelby Farrell during her remarkable 4th place finish at the Cocodona 250. Inspired by the experience, he's now training for the 2026 edition of the race.Key TakeawaysFoot Health: Jeff emphasizes the importance of proactive foot care, including proper shoe selection and addressing issues like blisters and calluses before they become major problems.Direct-Care Model: His clinic's approach eliminates insurance hassles, allowing for longer appointments and more comprehensive care.Balancing Roles: Jeff discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing his roles as a healthcare provider, athlete, and family man.Relevant LinksHammond Foot and Ankle: https://hammondfootandankle.com IG: @hammondfootandancleJeff's Personal IG: @jeff.r.hammondQtipics 15% off link - HERE - https://qtopix.com/?ref=HammondfootandankleIf you want to order Sidas products reach out to Jeff directly he is happy to give you 10% off and ship to you.Partner Links: Janji - Janji.comA big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust. Check them out at janji.comUse the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.comMade by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving.Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.comUse the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.Freetrail - https://freetrail.com/Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.Dr. Jeff Hammond, podiatry, foot care, trail running, Cocodona 250, endurance sports, direct-care model, custom orthotics, blisters, ultramarathon, Hammond Foot and Ankle, Provo Utah, Shelby Farrell, Aravaipa Running, foot health, trail running injuries