Ryan Becker and Lindsay Allison join the Steep Stuff Podcast fresh off their selection to the US Trail Running World Championship team, bringing listeners a candid glimpse into the realities of high-level mountain running while balancing demanding careers.
The conversation begins with Ryan's breakthrough performance at Broken Arrow 46K—a victory made more remarkable by the circumstances surrounding it. Working 70-80 hours weekly at a new job, Ryan nearly withdrew from the race entirely just days before. This work pressure paradoxically created the mental space for his best performance yet. Meanwhile, Lindsay shares her struggle with an unexpected asthma attack during her own Broken Arrow race, demonstrating the unpredictable challenges elite athletes face even with perfect preparation.
What truly distinguishes this episode is the honest discussion about the psychological aspects of achievement in ultrarunning. Lindsay articulates the surprising difficulty of "recalibrating" after reaching long-held goals: "Having been an underdog for seven years, now my mindset has shifted. Where do I get my motivation now?" This refreshing vulnerability reveals how success brings its own unique pressures and identity questions that athletes rarely discuss publicly.
Unlike many professional ultrarunners who can spend weeks training on course before major events, both Ryan and Lindsay must fit their world-class performances around full-time careers. Their strategies for maximizing limited training time and their practical approach to race preparation offer valuable insights for listeners navigating similar balance challenges.
As they look ahead to the grueling Speed Goat 50K with its 10,000+ feet of elevation gain, the couple shares course insights, nutrition strategies, and reflections on how the increasing depth of competition is transforming the sport. Their genuine love for mountain running shines through every segment of this conversation.
Join us for this fascinating discussion about finding excellence in both career and ultrarunning, and discover how two of America's top mountain runners approach the delicate balance between professional ambition, athletic achievement, and finding joy in the journey.
Follow Lindsay on IG - @l_allison
Follow Ryan on IG - @r_beckz
Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello
Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod
Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!
