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The Steep Stuff Podcast#104 - Rena SchwartzSend us a textThe trail running world has a new star to watch, and she comes from an unexpected background. Rena Schwartz, fresh off her victory at the Mount Washington Road Race, joins the Steep Stuff Podcast to share the fascinating journey that took her from Nordic skiing champion at Dartmouth College to dominating some of America's most challenging mountain races.What makes Reena's rapid rise in trail running so remarkable is how new she is to competitive racing. After graduating from Dartmouth in 2022 where she competed as an elite Nordic skier, Reena moved...2025-06-2534 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastBroken Arrow 46K Race PreviewSend us a textThe mountain running world turns its attention to Palisades Tahoe this week for what promises to be an epic showdown at the Broken Arrow 46K. This isn't just any race – it's a Team USA selection event that has attracted virtually every elite mountain runner in the country, creating what might be the most competitive field ever assembled on American soil.The race itself presents a formidable challenge: approximately 28 miles with a punishing 9,000 feet of vertical gain over two loops. Course record holder David Sinclair's time of roughly four hours could be un...2025-06-1937 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastBroken Arrow Ascent PreviewSend us a textWelcome to a special preview of what might be the most competitive mountain race ever assembled on American soil. As the Broken Arrow Skyrace approaches, we're diving deep into the Ascent competition (formerly known as the VK) where the stakes couldn't be higher – the top four American men and women will earn spots on Team USA for the World Mountain Running Championships.The star power in this year's field is simply astounding. Patrick Kipngeno returns to defend his title against an unexpected challenger – the legendary Killian Jornet, who's taking a detour from...2025-06-1950 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastBroken Arrow 23K Race PreviewSend us a textThe trail running universe's spotlight turns to Squaw Valley as the Broken Arrow Sky Race earns its rightful place on the prestigious Golden Trail World Series. James Lauriello and Nick Tusa dive deep into this watershed moment for American mountain running, breaking down why this recognition has been long overdue and what makes this race so special.The hosts explore the fascinating dynamics of the 23K course with its 4,500 feet of vertical gain over roughly 14.5 miles. They analyze the thoughtful race format that gives elite women their own separate start time—a...2025-06-1932 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastSam Lewis - Pre Broken Arrow 46K InterviewSend us a textSam Lewis brings a wealth of experience to the starting line of the Broken Arrow 46K, having represented Team USA three times internationally and competed in the 23K version of this iconic mountain race twice before. In this compelling conversation, she shares the meticulous preparation that has her feeling "in the best shape of my life" heading into one of the season's most competitive events.Training from her temporary base in Boulder, Colorado has given Lewis the mountain-specific preparation needed for Broken Arrow's demanding terrain. Working with long-time coach Travis Fleck...2025-06-1923 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastDenali Strabel - Pre Broken Arrow 46K InterviewSend us a textDenali Strabel returns to the Steep Stuff Podcast for a deeply personal conversation about her journey back to the Broken Arrow 46K Skyrace after a five-year hiatus. The Alaskan mountain runner opens up about the transformative path that led her here – through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and the heartbreaking loss of her twin sister.From the moment she arrived at the race venue, Denali's connection to this special place is palpable. Since 2008, she's been drawn to these mountains, first for college training camps and later with her sister when they craved elevation. He...2025-06-1817 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastOakley Olson - Pre Broken Arrow VK & 23K InterviewSend us a textMeet Oakley Olson, a rising star in the trail running world who's breaking barriers between collegiate track and mountain racing. Fresh from her NCAA steeplechase season and now a Trail Team Elite selection for 2025, Oakley joins us just days before tackling both the Vertical Kilometer and 23K races at Broken Arrow Skyrace.Oakley's story is remarkable – from showing up at her first trail camp in worn-out road shoes to finishing top-10 at the US Mountain Running Championships within months. Speaking from the Trail Team camp in Grand Lake, Colorado, she shares ho...2025-06-1819 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastJane Maus - Pre Broken Arrow 46K InterviewSend us a textFrom podium finishes to mountain FKT ambitions, Jane Maus has been quietly building an impressive resume in trail running. Just weeks before the highly anticipated Broken Arrow Skyrace 46K, she joins the Steep Stuff Podcast to share her practical approach to one of North America's most competitive mountain races.Having placed 7th at Broken Arrow in 2022, Moss brings valuable course experience to this year's event. She candidly discusses her race strategy—holding back on the first loop to avoid the late-race blowup she experienced previously. "Last time I raced this, I fe...2025-06-1819 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastAshley Brasovan - Pre Broken Arrow 46K InterviewSend us a textAshley Brasovan redefines what success looks like in ultrarunning. With 25 years of competitive running experience, four Team USA appearances, and consistent podium finishes, she's accomplished what many dream of—all while running just five days a week.The secret? Balance. After battling four femoral stress fractures during her collegiate career at Duke, Ashley developed a sustainable approach to training that prioritizes cross-training, recovery, and listening to her body. Rather than chasing high mileage, she focuses on quality workouts, strategic race selection, and proper tapering. This approach not only keeps her healthy bu...2025-06-1830 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastDani Moreno - Pre Broken Arrow 46K InterviewSend us a textA broken bone can shatter more than just your foot – it can fracture your confidence. When professional Adidas Terrex athlete Dani Marino suffered a cuboid fracture (the rare "nutcracker fracture") during OCC last year, the physical damage was just the beginning. The psychological barrier of running downhill again loomed larger than any mountain course.This conversation captures a pivotal moment in Marino's comeback journey. Fresh off a confidence-building performance at the GoPro Games, where navigating through crowds of runners on technical terrain proved she could trust her body again, Dani opens up...2025-06-1853 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastJade Belzberg - Pre Broken Arrow VK & 23K InterviewSend us a textJade Belzberg has quietly become one of the most formidable forces in North American mountain running, with podium finishes at Broken Arrow Skyrace that have turned heads throughout the elite trail running community. As she prepares to tackle both the Vertical Kilometer and 23K races at this year's event, Jade offers a rare glimpse into the mindset and preparation of an athlete operating at the highest level of mountain sport.The journey to elite status wasn't predetermined by genetics or family background. "I don't feel like I'm super talented genetically," Jade...2025-06-1822 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastBrian Whitfield - Pre Broken Arrow 46K InterviewSend us a textThe countdown to Broken Arrow is on, and Colorado Springs crusher Brian Whitfield has his sights set firmly on earning a coveted spot on Team USA for the World Mountain Running Championships. This conversation reveals not just an athlete ready to race, but one who has methodically transformed his approach to professional trail running.Whitfield offers a refreshingly candid look at his evolution from self-coached athlete to someone with a comprehensive support system. "I think if I really want to step it up and make that leap, I need to fund...2025-06-1823 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastMichelino Sunseri - Pre Broken Arrow 46K InterviewSend us a textThe trail running world buzzes with anticipation as Broken Arrow 46K approaches, and there's no better guest to break down this iconic race than its 2023 champion, Michelino Sunseri. Fresh off a move to Salt Lake City—which he boldly claims has "the best trail running community in the United States"—Michelino brings refreshing honesty about his current fitness and race strategy.Coming back from winter injury with just five weeks of running in his legs, Sinceri shares why he's approaching this year's race differently: "I'm not going to join the dick meas...2025-06-1825 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastTalon Hull - Pre Broken Arrow 23K InterviewSend us a textThe world of mountain running has transformed dramatically in recent years, with increasing competition and international participation revolutionizing races across America. In this illuminating conversation, elite Brooks athlete Talon Hull shares his journey from collegiate track star to professional trail runner, offering rare insights into the tactical approach needed for mountain racing success.Fresh off an impressive top-10 finish at the US Mountain Running Championships at Sunapee, Talon breaks down his race strategy for the muddy, technical course. "I wasn't climbing well at first," he admits, before explaining how he found...2025-06-1831 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastJosh Potvin - Pre Broken Arrow 46K InterviewSend us a textTrail running fans rejoice! Canadian elite mountain runner Josh Potvin joins the Steep Stuff podcast to share his preparation for the upcoming Broken Arrow 46K race. Coming off a victory at the Gorge Waterfall 50K, Potvin's confidence is high as he aims for a podium finish against top American competition.In this candid conversation, Potvin reveals his meticulous training approach, including innovative heat adaptation sessions on the bike while wearing a heat suit. "It's the first time I've ever done this," he explains, describing how this method provides altitude preparation benefits...2025-06-1820 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastCade Michael - Pre Broken Arrow 46K InterviewSend us a textImagine grinding uphill at a 30% gradient during the Broken Arrow 46K, your heart hammering against your ribs, legs burning with each step. Now imagine doing it twice—because that's exactly what awaits the elite athletes competing for spots on Team USA this weekend in Olympic Valley.Trail running standout Cade Michael joins us fresh off impressive performances at Canyons 50K and GoPro Games to share his mindset heading into what might be the most significant race of his career. With candid humor and thoughtful insight, Cade reveals the dramatic details of hi...2025-06-1825 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastCam Smith- Post Sunapee Scramble InterviewSend us a textThe mountains call and Cam Smith answers. Having just secured his spot on Team USA in the Mountain Classic discipline with a stellar fourth-place finish at the Sunapee Scramble, Cam joins us to unpack his tactical brilliance and focused mindset that led to this achievement.What stands out immediately in our conversation is Cam's strategic approach to racing. Despite minimal specific downhill training—"I did maybe about 20 minutes of fast downhill running total this year"—he leveraged his climbing prowess while developing a nuanced plan for the technical terrain. Drawing from his...2025-06-1119 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastAllie McLaughlin - Post Sunapee Scramble InterviewSend us a textEver wonder what goes through an elite athlete's mind when injury threatens to derail everything they've trained for? In this captivating conversation with mountain running legend Allie Mack, we discover how the most challenging moments often lead to unexpected triumphs.Fresh off qualifying for her eighth USA Mountain Running Team at the Sunapee Scramble, Allie reveals she almost didn't make it to the starting line. Battling hip pain that left her in tears the night before, she made a last-minute decision to race - then proceeded to lead almost wire-to-wire on...2025-06-1029 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastAnna Gibson - Post Sunapee Scramble InterviewSend us a textCrossing the finish line as U.S. Mountain Running Champion wasn't even on Anna Gibson's radar a week before the race. Fresh off a grueling marathon at Zagama on the other side of the world, with jet lag in her system and soreness in her quads, victory seemed improbable. Yet sometimes the greatest achievements come when pressure evaporates."If you had told me this was going to be the outcome the week before Sunapee, I would have probably laughed at you," Anna reveals with genuine surprise still in her voice. What...2025-06-1036 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastTaylor Stack - Post Sunapee Scramble InterviewSend us a textThe path to international mountain running stardom isn't paved – it's steep, muddy, technical, and tests athletes to their absolute limits. Taylor Stack knows this firsthand after his breakthrough performance at the 2025 US Mountain Running Championship Son of Peace Scramble, where he secured third place and a coveted spot on Team USA.What makes Stack's performance remarkable isn't just the result – it's how tantalizingly close he came to winning it all. Leading the race during critical sections and finishing just 10 seconds behind the winner, Stack executed a nearly perfect tactical race. Unlike prev...2025-06-0920 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastLauren Gregory - Post Sunapee Scramble InterviewSend us a textLauren Gregory takes us deep into her journey at the 2025 US Mountain Running Championship at Sunapee Scramble, where she secured second place and earned a coveted spot on Team USA. Just a week removed from this performance, Lauren shares the intimate details of a race that demanded everything from her physically and mentally.The conversation reveals the fascinating chess match that unfolded over 80 intense minutes of mountain racing. Lauren explains how she strategically played to her strengths on technical descents while navigating the relentless pressure from competitors Allie McLaughlin and Anna...2025-06-0920 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastDavid Norris - Post Sunapee Scramble InterviewSend us a textEver wonder what happens when elite Nordic skiers turn their attention to mountain running? The answer might surprise you.David Norris, fresh off his victory as the 2025 US Mountain Running Champion at the Son of Peace Scramble, joins us to break down his remarkable journey from Alaska's cross-country ski trails to the podium of one of America's most prestigious mountain races. Growing up in Fairbanks and now based in Alaska, Norris reveals the specific training adjustments that transformed him from a powerful climber with limited running economy into a c...2025-06-0931 minThe Steep Stuff PodcastMason Coppi - Post Sunapee Scramble InterviewSend us a textMountain running has a new force to reckon with. Fresh off his silver medal performance at the 2025 USATF Mountain Running Championships, Mason Copey joins James Lauriello to break down the race that earned him a coveted spot on Team USA for the upcoming World Championships.What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is the clear evolution of an athlete coming into his own. Mason candidly shares how just two years ago on the same course, he "could not stay on my feet" during descents, losing multiple positions every time the trail pointed...2025-06-0928 minThe Steep Stuff Podcast#103 - Andie CornishSend us a textAndie Cornish takes us on a breathtaking journey from the iconic peaks of Jackson Hole to the competitive world of mountain running. Growing up just minutes from world-class terrain shaped Andie into the dual-sport athlete she is today—excelling both as a ski mountaineer tackling serious Teton objectives and as an elite trail runner with impressive results at races like Broken Arrow.During our conversation, Andie reveals how Nordic skiing methodology revolutionized her approach to training. Rather than following traditional running dogma, she embraces a more holistic perspective measuring effort in ho...2025-06-051h 12The Steep Stuff Podcast#102 - Jackson ColeSend us a textJackson Cole, one of the most compelling figures in skyrunning, returns to the Steep Stuff Podcast for a raw, insightful conversation about his mountain running journey. Currently based in Missoula, Montana, Jackson opens up about training alongside elite ultrarunners Adam Peterman and Jeff McGavro – a dynamic that pushes his fitness while maintaining the pure essence of mountain running he values so deeply.The conversation takes us through Jackson's recent foray into the ultra world at Canyons 100K, where he led portions of the race before ultimately dropping due to Achilles issues. Wi...2025-06-031h 11