Send us a textChrissy Lofgren, the trail running sensation from Colorado Springs, joins us for a thrilling episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast. Chrissy opens up about her spectacular 2024 season, featuring a top 10 finish at the Pikes Peak Marathon and a victory at the Leadville Heavy Half. From her Minnesota roots to college days in Division II athletics, Chrissy shares her journey into the world of trail running, offering insights into how she conquered the challenges of high-altitude racing...

Send us a textOn September 2nd, 2024 friend and professional endurance athlete, Michelino Sunseri etched his name in the arena of the gods by breaking Andy Anderson’s FKT on the Grand Teton in 2 hours 50 minutes and 50 Seconds. In the aftermath of what was undeniably one the of the greatest feats of mountain running the sport had ever seen, Michelino’s record was rejected by Fastest Known Time and Michelino was investigated and charged by the NPS citing violation of 36CFR 2.1(b). Th...

Send us a textWhat happens when you combine a seasoned strength and conditioning coach with the challenges of trail running? You get Jeff Wilson, who shares his incredible journey from recovering from a foot injury on Mount Yale to building a robust strength training routine. Jeff brings invaluable insights for trail and mountain runners eager to enhance their performance with strength exercises like squats and deadlifts. Tune in to hear stories from past running events that underscore the im...

Send us a textCam Smith, a remarkable ski mountaineer and trail runner, joins us to share his inspiring journey from Rockford, Illinois, to competing on the world stage. Listen as Cam opens up about his transition from a high school athlete plagued with injuries to a formidable competitor in prestigious races like the Broken Arrow 23K and The Rut. With aspirations for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cam reflects on his path to becoming a trailblazing athlete in ski mountaineering, emphasizing the p...

Send us a textTrail running enthusiasts, you're in for a treat as we welcome standout athlete Daniel Metzger to share his riveting journey through a season packed with racing triumphs and trials. From remarkable performances at iconic races like the Speedgoat and Telluride Mountain Run, to the heart-wrenching decision to prioritize health over competition at the Pikes Peak Marathon, Dan unveils the rollercoaster ride of being a top-tier runner. Listen as he opens up about the tight-knit runni...

Send us a textImagine running injury-free and with confidence—our latest episode on the Steep Stuff Podcast promises to arm you with the knowledge to make it happen. With the expertise of Sean Rimmer, a seasoned physical therapist from Run Potential PT, we tackle the notorious Achilles tendinopathy. This mini-series opener addresses effective prevention and management strategies to keep you hitting those trails strong. From the transition of running terrain to the importance of workout variat...

Send us a textWhat happens when a surfing enthusiast from New Jersey becomes a pivotal figure in the trail running industry? Join us on the Steep Stuff Podcast as we welcome Michael Ambrose, the U.S. country manager for Normal and former Salomon visionary. Michael recounts his intriguing transformation from beach waves to mountain trails, sharing his journey from casual running beginnings to influencing major players in the sport like Courtney DeWalter. With tales from his New Jersey roots to...

Send us a textDiscover the electrifying world of trail running as we unpack the Golden Trail World Series Final held in the picturesque Ascona-Locarno region of Switzerland. This episode promises a deep dive into the unique race format that invited both elite and non-elite athletes to challenge themselves on the demanding trails near Lake Maggiore. With the men's and women's competitions held separately, this year's event provided an edge-of-your-seat experience for both athletes and spectato...

Send us a textJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Darren Thomas, an extraordinary athlete hailing from the trails of Colorado Springs. Just ahead of his participation in the 2024 Pikes Peak Marathon, Darren shares how the rugged landscapes of his hometown ignited his love for trail and ultrarunning. From his early days in cross-country at Virginia Tech to conquering formidable races like the Grindstone 100 Miler, Darren offers insights into the supportive running communities he’s en...

Send us a textDiscover the secrets behind the thrilling world of mountain running and uncover the fierce rivalries that dominate the circuit. What's driving athletes like Scout Akin, Andre Elia, and Joyce Njeru to push their limits on the rugged trails of Italy and Switzerland? In this episode of Steep Stuff, previously known as This Week in Sub Ultra, we unravel the drama and excitement of the 2024 Mountain Running World Cup Finals and set the stage for the Golden Trail World Series. From th...

Send us a textTrail running enthusiasts, get ready to be inspired by the extraordinary journey of Jeff Cuno, a trailblazer who swapped motocross tracks for mountain trails. Discover how Jeff's motocross background empowered his quick ascent in the sub-ultra trail running scene, leading to impressive feats like his top 10 finish at the Pikes Peak Marathon. Jeff shares his unique perspective on the sport's growing competition, fueled by athletes from track and road racing, while offering insigh...

Send us a textJoin us for an exhilarating conversation with Brad Barrett, an Arc'teryx athlete and my trusted training partner, as we traverse his dynamic journey from competitive soccer to the world of mountain running and skiing. His story is one of transformation, finding solace and focus on the trails during a turbulent time in his early twenties. Get a firsthand look at the life of a sponsored athlete, as Brad shares his remarkable achievements and ambitious future plans, all while navig...

Send us a textHow does a UK fell runner prepare for the storied Pikes Peak Ascent? Join us on this episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast as we welcome George Foster, an elite British trail runner, who opens up about his unique training regimen and the breathtaking experience of racing in Colorado. George's visit to the U.S. and the serenity of Bar Camp set the stage for an unforgettable race, and we explore how his approach to running reflects the rich heritage of fell running in the UK. We also...

Send us a textEver wondered how top athletes balance rigorous training with professional careers? Colorado Springs runner and physical therapist Emily Schwerdt joins us to share her inspiring journey from collegiate running in St. Louis to her recent triumph at the Speedgoat 21K. You'll learn about Emily's unique training regimen, how she balances sub-ultra and marathon running, and her exciting plans for the CIM marathon. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at her experiences crewing for majo...

Send us a textWhat does it take to conquer the Pikes Peak Ascent three times? Join us on the Steep Stuff Podcast as we sit down with Colorado Springs legend Allie McLaughlin, fresh from her latest victory at the 2024 Pikes Peak Ascent. Allie shares her remarkable journey, reflecting on her recent races like the OCC, and offers a glimpse into her future plans. Amidst recounting her thrilling experiences in Washington and her boyfriend's recovery from a wingsuit accident, Allie opens up about t...

Send us a textPrepare to be inspired by Rio Townsend, a remarkable U23 Sky Runner who masterfully juggles her college life at the University of Hawaii while training at elite levels. Rio, who is pursuing journalism and political science with dreams of becoming a travel writer like John Krakauer, shares her journey through the thrilling world of sky running. From the intense, vert-filled trails of Hawaii to her passion for storytelling, Rio’s multifaceted life and aspirations offer a deep dive...

Send us a textGet ready to experience America's Ultimate Challenge like never before! In this episode, we sit down with Brian Whitfield, a seasoned runner and dedicated middle school teacher, as he opens up about the mental and physical battles faced during the Pikes Peak Ascent. Brian's riveting personal anecdotes and insights into his future racing plans set the stage for an exhilarating journey through one of the most grueling races in America. We'll also explore the race's rich history da...

Send us a textWhat if you could conquer the highs and lows of mountain running with ease? Join us as we uncover the journey of Jennifer Yeaman, a top-tier runner from Colorado Springs. From her incredible victories at the Kendall Mountain Run and the Up and Over 10K in New Mexico to her move from California to the Rockies, Jennifer shares the challenges and triumphs of her running career. She talks about her experiences running alongside her husband and the significant shift in her training u...

Send us a textWhat makes the Pikes Peak Marathon the most enduring marathon in the U.S., even outlasting the Boston Marathon during the COVID-19 pandemic? Join us as we unravel the rich tapestry of its history with Mark Tatum, a legend of the race himself. You’ll discover why this race, starting from its early ascent in the 1930s to becoming a full marathon in 1958, has captured the spirit of mountain running like no other. From quirky traditions to the evolution of gear from leather shoes to...

Send us a textEver wondered what it takes to conquer one of the toughest marathons on the planet? Discover the secrets behind two-time Pike's Peak Marathon champion, Jonathan Aziz, as he shares his captivating journey from a multi-sport athlete in upstate New York to an elite trail runner. You'll gain a unique perspective on the mental stamina required for such grueling races and the personal growth that comes with overcoming these epic challenges. Jon also offers a peek into his personal lif...

Send us a textMichelino Sunseri, the North Face athlete who just shattered the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Grand Teton, joins us for a thrilling episode. Discover the journey of this extraordinary runner, from his early days setting records at the RUT to his life-changing victories at races like Broken Arrow 46k and SpeedGoat 50K. Michelino opens up about his Italian roots, growing up, and his post-pandemic move to Driggs, Idaho. His unwavering spirit and infectious passion for the mounta...

Send us a textReady to conquer one of the most challenging trail races in America? Join us for an exhilarating deep dive into the RUT 28K race in Big Sky, Montana! I'm James Lauriello, teaming up with the amazing Jennifer Yeaman, as we bring you an inside look at the race's grueling 17-mile course, soaring elevations, and the nearly 4,000 participants ready to face it. From the rugged terrain to the grizzly bears that call it home, we cover all the thrilling elements that make this race truly...

Send us a textReady to uncover the secrets of the Mammoth Trail Fest 26K, the final showdown in the Golden Trail World Series? Join James Lauriello and Nick Tusa on the Steep Stuff Podcast as we promise an exhilarating preview of the Mammoth Trail Fest. We reflect on the race's unique format, its four diverse distances, and the intense pace that defines it. Relive the drama from last year's event where the high speed and tricky course markings had runners losing their way. Expect in-depth dis...

Send us a textWhat if you could experience the thrill of a race through the eyes of an elite athlete? Join us on this episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast as we sit down with Nick Tusa, who's gearing up for the Headlands 27K race in Marin County. Nick shares his rigorous preparation for Rut Week and the excitement of tackling a course with 4,000 feet of vertical gain and smooth, fast trails. We also explore how the innovative race format, separating men's and women's races on different days, co...