The Steep Stuff Podcast

Most Replayed Episode: Makena Morley

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast, we sit down with Makena Morley, one of the standout talents in American distance running! We dive into Makena’s journey as a competitive runner, her transition across different racing distances and terrains, and the training, discipline, and mindset that fuel her success. From the roads and track to the trails and mountains, we explore what drives her to compete, how she approaches the demands of high-level racing, and what continues to motivate her as an athlete. We also talk about the evolving world of mountain and trail running, the challenges of stepping outside your comfort zone, and what it takes to keep chasing big goals in a competitive sport. Tune in for an insightful conversation with one of American running’s exciting talents! 🎙️ The Steep Stuff Podcast — your stateside show dedicated to short trail and the mountain running scene. Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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Most Replayed Episode: Max King

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast, we sit down with trail and mountain running legend Max King! A force across multiple disciplines, Max has built an incredible career spanning trail running, mountain running, ultrarunning, and obstacle course racing. We dive into his journey through the sport, the experiences that have shaped him as an athlete, and the mindset required to compete at the highest level across so many different racing formats. From training and racing to longevity in the sport and the evolution of trail and mountain running, Max shares his perspective on what it takes to become a better runner and continue pushing the limits. This is one of the most-watched episodes in Steep Stuff Podcast history, and for good reason. Tune in for an insightful conversation with one of the sport’s most accomplished and versatile athletes! 🎙️ The Steep Stuff Podcast — your stateside show dedicated to short trail and the mountain running scene. Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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#207 - Mason Coppi - Runner up - Dèfi des Couleurs WMRA Final MSA Up/Down

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast, we sit down with Mason Coppi, runner-up at the 2026 WMRA Défi des Couleurs Final! We dive into Mason’s journey in the mountain running scene, his performance on the international stage, and what it takes to compete against some of the best mountain runners in the world. From training and race-day strategy to the mindset required to perform when it matters most, Mason shares insights into his approach to the sport and what’s next on his running journey. Tune in for a conversation about mountain running, competition, and the drive to keep pushing the limits on the trails! 🎙️ The Steep Stuff Podcast — your stateside show dedicated to short trail and the mountain running scene. Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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Discount Code for Listeners

Send us Fan Mail Discount Code for Listeners Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

#206 - Erin Moyer - Rising Star, 3rd Dèfi des Couleurs MSA Vertical & 5th Mtn Classic

Send us Fan Mail The Steep Stuff Podcast | Erin Moyer — WMRA World Cup Final Recap On this episode of The Steep Stuff Podcast, James Lauriello sits down with Erin Moyer following an impressive performance at the Défi des Couleurs, the WMRA World Cup Final! Erin secured 3rd place in the Uphill and 5th place in the Classic, capping off a standout showing against an international field of mountain running talent. We dive into her experience racing at the WMRA Final, the challenges of competing in both uphill and classic mountain running disciplines, and the preparation, strategy, and mindset required to perform at the highest level. Erin also shares insights into her journey in the sport, lessons learned from racing on the international stage, and what's next as she continues to make her mark in mountain running. Tune in for a conversation about racing, competing against the best in the world, and everything that makes mountain running so special. 🎙️ The Steep Stuff Podcast — your stateside source for short trail and the mountain running scene. Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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#205 - Remi Leroux - 2026 Canadian Mountain Running & Vertical Champion, 2026 Quebec Provincial Champion

Send us Fan Mail 🇨🇦 Remi Leroux | 2026 Canadian Mountain Running & Vertical Champion On this episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast, we sit down with Remi Leroux, the 2026 Canadian Mountain Running Champion, Vertical Champion & Quebec Provincial Champion to talk all things mountain running, racing, and the journey to the top of the Canadian scene. We dive into Remi’s path to becoming a national champion, the preparation and mindset required to compete at the highest level, and the challenges that come with racing on steep, technical mountain terrain. We also discuss his approach to training, his experiences in competition, and what’s next as he continues to build his career in the sport. From the grind of training to the thrill of race day, this is a conversation about the work, dedication, and passion behind mountain running at its best. 🎙️ Tune in for another episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast, your stateside show dedicated to short trail and the mountain running scene! #SteepStuffPodcast #MountainRunning #TrailRunning #CanadianMountainRunning #RemiLeroux Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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#204 - Dylan Flewelling - 2026 USATF 50K Champion

Send us Fan Mail Dylan Flewelling | 2026 USATF 50K Champion | Steep Stuff Podcast On this episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast, we sit down with Dylan Flewelling, the 2026 USATF 50K Champion! We dive into Dylan’s journey to the top of the American ultra running scene, breaking down his championship performance, the preparation behind racing 50 kilometers at an elite level, and the mindset required to compete against the best in the country. We also discuss his approach to training, racing strategy, and what it takes to find success as a competitive distance runner. From the challenges of championship racing to what lies ahead, Dylan shares insight into his development as an athlete and his ambitions for the future. Tune in for an inside look at one of America’s top endurance talents on this episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast — your stateside source for the short trail, sub-ultra, and mountain running scene. 🎙️ Subscribe to the Steep Stuff Podcast for more conversations with the athletes, coaches, and personalities shaping the world of trail and mountain running. #SteepStuffPodcast #DylanFlewelling #USATF50K #Ultrarunning #TrailRunning #MountainRunning Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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Dèfi des Couleurs - Reactions, Analysis & Predictions for 2027 Worlds

Send us Fan Mail The Défi des Couleurs is in the books! 🌈⛰️ On this episode of the Steep Stuff Podcast, we’re breaking down all the action with our post-race reactions, analysis, and takeaways from one of the most exciting challenges in mountain running. We dive into the biggest storylines, standout performances, surprises, and defining moments from race day. Who delivered when it mattered most? Which results caught us off guard? And what can we take away from the racing and performances? From the athletes who rose to the occasion to the moments that shaped the race, we’re unpacking it all and looking at what the results mean for the wider mountain running scene. 🎙️ The Steep Stuff Podcast — covering the athletes, races, and stories shaping the short trail and mountain running scene. Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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A Special Discount Code for Listeners

Send us Fan Mail A Special Discount Code for Listeners from Sidas US Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

Most Replayed Episode: Alex King, Founder of terignōta

Send us Fan Mail Alex King, Founder of Terignōta | The Business of Making Trail Running More Accessible Alex King is back on the Steep Stuff Podcast! One year after our first conversation, Alex returns to share how life has changed as the founder of Terignōta, the trail running apparel brand challenging the industry’s traditional approach to pricing, marketing, and product development. We catch up on Terignōta’s rapid growth, the realities of building a business from the ground up, and the rollercoaster of running an independent brand. Alex pulls back the curtain on the business, discussing everything from major sales days and quieter stretches to the risks of scaling production, navigating tariffs, and staying true to his vision in a competitive market. We also dive into Terignōta’s approach to radical transparency, why Alex has chosen to prioritize community and organic growth over paid advertising, and how he’s working to deliver high-quality gear without the premium price tag. From product development and customer service to the lessons learned along the way, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what it takes to build a brand in the modern trail running landscape. And, of course, we talk running. Alex shares updates on his own racing, the lingering effects of his Achilles injury, and how his relationship with the sport has evolved as Terignōta continues to grow. Whether you're a trail runner looking for quality gear, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the business behind the sport, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Follow Alex King: @alexkingruns Follow Terignōta: @terignota Shop the latest gear at terignota.com. Subscribe to the Steep Stuff Podcast for more conversations with the athletes, founders, and personalities shaping the trail and mountain running community! Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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#203 - Rick Webb, 2026 Pikes Peak Double Champion

Send us Fan Mail Rick Webb — 2026 Pikes Peak Doubler Champion What does it take to run up Pikes Peak, turn around the next day, and do it all over again? Rick Webb just found out. Fresh off winning the 2026 Pikes Peak Doubler, Rick joins The Steep Stuff Podcast to break down one of the most unique challenges in mountain running — completing both the Pikes Peak Ascent and Pikes Peak Marathon in the same weekend. Rick finished the two races in a combined 7:54:59, earning the overall Doubler title. We dive into what it actually feels like to race up Barr Trail knowing you have a full marathon waiting for you the following morning, how Rick approached pacing and recovery, and what goes through your head when the legs are already beat up but you still have another 26.2 mountain miles ahead. Rick also takes us through his 2026 Pikes Peak weekend — the strategy behind the Ascent, recovering overnight, managing nutrition and fatigue, and then tackling the Marathon descent when your body is already carrying the damage from the day before. We talk altitude, training, fueling, downhill running, racing Pikes Peak, and the mental side of committing to one of the toughest back-to-back challenges in mountain running. If you've ever wondered why anyone would voluntarily run Pikes Peak twice in one weekend, this episode is for you. CREATE A RENDEZVU ACCOUNT - @RENDEZVU LINK Follow Rick on Instagram: @rickwebb Follow James on Instagram: @jameslauriello Follow The Steep Stuff Podcast: @steepstuff_pod Use code SteepStuff for 20% off your cart at Sidas.us. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who loves mountain running. Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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#202 - Hunter Macy, Founder & CEO of Rendezvu

Send us Fan Mail A single gear text from a mountain guide sparked a bigger question: why do the most trusted people in the outdoors drive so many purchases and earn nothing from it? We sit down with Hunter Macy, founder and CEO of Rendezvous, to unpack how that moment turned into a platform built for trail running gear recommendations, athlete monetization, and brand partnership management all in one place. We get specific about the athlete side: building a profile that reflects what you actually use, earning from authentic recommendations without living in your DMs, and using real analytics to prove your value. Hunter explains why transparent click and sales data can change sponsorship conversations from “take a chance on me” to “here’s what I’ve already driven,” especially for the large middle of the sport trying to go fully pro. Then we flip to the brand perspective: ambassador roster management, campaign tools, product gifting, messaging, and sales tracking that help small teams run high-impact programs without scattered spreadsheets and endless email threads. We also talk growth with intention, staying mission-led, responding fast to community feedback, and expanding internationally without losing what makes trail running feel like a soul sport. If you care about the future of outdoor commerce, trail running sponsorships, and buying gear you can actually trust, press play. Subscribe, share this with a running friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. CREATE A RENDEZVU ACCOUNT - @RENDEZVU LINK Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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Hillary Allen - on Career, Worlds, Injury, Cycling, 2025 & 2026 Seasons & the North Bend Trailfest

Send us Fan Mail A last minute race entry. A season stitched together from recovery. A mindset that refuses to let results decide your worth. James L’Oriello sits down with mountain runner and endurance athlete Hillary Allen for a wide ranging conversation that starts with a literal tide mishap on a bike in California and quickly climbs into the real terrain: returning to hard efforts after injury, trusting your body again, and finding joy in the grind of uphill racing. We talk Vertical Kilometer racing, power hiking, and why stacking events like Run The Rut, Mammoth, and Pikes Peak Ascent can work when you manage impact and keep expectations light. Hillary shares how cycling helped her maintain fitness during rehab, and why VKs feel like the perfect blend of brutal and beautiful. Then we go deeper into applied sport psychology, including her approach to “healthy detachment” from outcomes and how that shift changed the way she competes at the highest level. Hillary also tells two Team USA stories that still sound unreal: the Broken Arrow qualifier surprise and the phone call in Europe that nearly turned her VK week into an 80K long trail world championship in the Pyrenees. From team dynamics to pacing differences, it’s a behind the scenes look at world class mountain running that’s equal parts tactical and human. We wrap with her experience publishing a book about recovery, how she keeps her identity bigger than sport, and why Unbound Gravel can be 200 miles of mud, wind, and pure problem solving. If you enjoy conversations about trail running, mountain running, injury comeback strategies, sport psychology mindset, and endurance training across running and cycling, you’ll want this one. Subscribe to Steep Stuff, share this with a friend who’s rebuilding after injury, and leave a review to help more runners find the show. Follow the HillyGoat on IG - @hillygoat_climbs Order Hillary's Book - Out & Back - @out&back Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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Dustin Mullaney - Pre North Bend Trailfest Interview

Send us Fan Mail Race week exposes everything: what you’ve built, what you’ve ignored, and what actually holds up when the course turns steep. We’re joined by Dustin Mullaney, defending North Bend Trail Fest champion, to talk through the reality of racing often, recovering from monster efforts like The Rut, and why a condensed stretch of competition can feel like a cross-country season with a “never-ending taper.” If you’re trying to balance fitness, fatigue, and injury history, this conversation gets honest fast. We also go deep on why the Cascades and Western Washington are an underrated training ground for mountain running and skyrunning. We compare Seattle-area vert to Colorado, talk about how long runnable climbs change race dynamics, and why sea-level speed, humidity, and sustained climbing can translate well to UTMB-style racing. Dustin shares what keeps pulling him back to Chamonix, what hut-to-hut days taught him, and why goals like OCC and other iconic European-style races demand more than just a big engine. Then we nerd out on the details that decide results: smooth transitions from running to steep power hiking, building fatigue resistance so you do not panic before a technical descent, and why winter ski mountaineering and backcountry skiing can be the smartest endurance cross-training for durable mountain legs. We even take a left turn into genetics, de-extinction headlines, and what it means to be skeptical while still loving the science. If you enjoy trail running training talk, mountain race strategy, UTMB prep, and behind-the-scenes athlete pathways, you’ll get a ton out of this one. Subscribe for more, share it with a training buddy, and leave a rating and review so more runners can find the show. What part of your training needs the biggest upgrade right now? Follow Dustin on IG - @dustin.mullaney Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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Noah Dusseau - Pre North Bend Trailfest Interview

Send us Fan Mail A 47-mile pacing shift on a record attempt would be a season highlight for most runners, and Noah Disot treated it like another valuable day in the mountains. Fresh off crewing and pacing Joe McConaughy on a John Muir Trail (JMT) effort, Noah joins us ahead of North Bend Trailfest to talk about what he learned from nonstop movement, staying on top of nutrition, and keeping the vibe positive when the work gets long and messy. We also dig into the Pacific Northwest trail running scene and why the Seattle area deserves more credit as a training base. Noah explains how Issaquah, Tiger Mountain, Squawk Mountain, Cougar Mountain, and North Bend can deliver serious vertical gain without living at altitude, plus why connected trails and a tight community make it easier to stack consistent weeks. If you’ve wondered how the PNW compares to places like Boulder or Flagstaff, Noah gives an honest, athlete-level view of what actually matters day to day. From there we zoom out to Noah’s bigger ultrarunning goals: building on strong races like Cascade Crest, chasing sponsorship, and taking a real shot at a Western States golden ticket at Havelina 100. We get specific about what changes his 100-mile outcomes, including patience early, finishing strong, dialing fueling (think higher carb intake), and using sauna sessions for heat prep without digging a dehydration hole. Noah also opens up about altitude and breathing challenges and why he’s drawn to rugged, mountainous hundreds even when they bite back. If you like pre-race energy, training talk that stays practical, and the real-life balancing act of an athlete with a demanding engineering career, subscribe, share this with a trail friend, and leave a rating and review so more runners can find the show. Follow Noah on IG - @noah_dusseau Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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Casey Campbell - Pre North Bend Trailfest Interview

Send us Fan Mail Something wild happens when a runner stops chasing “perfect” and starts chasing what they actually love. Casey Campbell is living proof. Casey joins us to unpack his late-season shift toward uphill racing, including a breakout day at the Broken Arrow Ascent that surprised even him, and the training choices that helped it happen. We talk uphill specificity, winter Nordic skiing as strength-building cross training, and why Bend, Oregon is one of the best all-around places in the U.S. to train for mountain running thanks to its mix of Cascades climbs, high desert terrain, and year-round options. We also get into Casey’s path from soccer to starting running in high school, then walking on at the University of Oregon for track while studying architecture. That background shapes how he thinks about progress: building blocks, patience, and problem-solving instead of panic. From there we dig into what it’s like to race in a Team USA jersey overseas, including his recent trip to Poland for a fast, punishing mountain course with huge vert and relentless climbs. Casey shares what team racing adds that most of us miss after college, and how the shared effort changes your mindset mid-race. The real heart of this conversation is balance. Casey works a demanding architecture job, manages travel stress and limited PTO, and still shows up ready to compete. We talk coaching with Joe "Stringbean" McConaughy, why adaptive communication beats cookie-cutter plans, and why AI coaching and spreadsheet “magic numbers” can’t capture sleep, stress, and real life. If you care about trail running, uphill racing, mountain running performance, and sustainable motivation, this one hits deep. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a trail friend, and leave a rating and review so more runners can find these conversations. Follow Casey on IG - @campbell.casey Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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#201 - Matthew Zupan

Send us Fan Mail A hundred-mile podium doesn’t happen by accident, and Matt Zupan doesn’t chalk it up to luck. From a quiet start in Missouri to finding his stride in the Reno and Truckee trail running scene, Matt tells the full story of how community, mountain obsession, and steady habits shape the runner he is now, including a breakthrough day at the Leadville 100. We talk through the Sierra Nevada pull that keeps bringing him back, from the John Muir Trail to big linkups and the kind of off-trail scrambling that tests more than fitness. Matt unpacks Norman’s, the 13 fourteeners route that echoes Nolan’s, and why failing multiple times in the same spot became the point. The win isn’t just finishing; it’s learning navigation, patience, and how to keep going when the goal stops impressing anyone but you. Then we get tactical on Leadville. Matt shares how he deliberately goes out slow, manages altitude, and climbs the ranks without drama, plus what it feels like when a lifelong dream race finally clicks. We also get into guiding with Rogue Expeditions, ski patrolling with an avalanche rescue dog named Kazakh, chasing Western States and UTMB dreams, and the debate around distance hype versus beautifully designed courses that actually make you want to suffer. If you like honest trail running conversations with real lessons and big goals, follow the show, share this one with a friend, and leave a rating and review so more runners can find it. Follow Matt on IG - @zupermantastic Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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Most Replayed Episode: Matt Daniels

Send us Fan Mail Something breaks in an athlete’s season, and the story usually gets edited into a neat comeback. We do the opposite here. Matt Daniels talks with us in real time about the messy middle: a divorce, an unexpected mold exposure that kept making him sick after travel, and the slow process of feeling like a normal human again. From there, we map how he’s rebuilding toward Run Rabbit Run, including what changed once he brought on CTS coach Cliff Pittman and started treating long-distance development as a craft, not a gamble. We also get into the side of trail running most people only whisper about, the business. Matt shares how working with an agent takes the stress out of negotiations, why brand alignment matters more as you get older, and how athlete media is becoming a real second lane. That naturally leads to the Boulder Boys Show: how it started as friends talking on long runs, why honesty resonates, and what joining Jonathan Levitt’s collective could mean for exposure and sponsorship opportunities. Fueling is the performance thread that ties it together. Matt explains why nutrition has been his limiter in ultras and how Hyperlight’s simple, high-carb approach helps him train his gut for 100 miles. We trade stories on Sierre-Zinal and Zegama, then zoom out to the future of professional trail running: UTMB’s gravity, why the Olympics might be the wrong fit, how prize money and media rights could shape athlete pay, and why anti-doping conversations are only getting louder. If you care about ultramarathon training, sponsorship reality, and where trail running is headed next, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a running friend, and leave a rating and review so more people can find the show. Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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#200 - Chrissy Lofgren, 2026 Pikes Peak Marathon Champion

Send us Fan Mail Winning Pikes Peak isn’t just about fitness, it’s about decisions you make when your lungs are burning, your stomach is turning, and the mountain keeps asking for more. I sit down with Chrissy fresh off her Pikes Peak Marathon win to replay the day from the first miles on Barr Trail to the long, lonely stretches above treeline where you don’t get feedback from the pack, you only get truth from your own pacing. We talk about the tactical side of mountain racing: why the W’s can ruin your race if you surge, how she stayed controlled even while moving into the lead, and what it’s like to chase the men and run your own race when you’re suddenly out front. Chrissy also gets real about race-morning nausea and the unsexy skill that separates great days from disasters: continuing to fuel with gels, fluids, and sodium so you still have something for the descent. If you care about trail running nutrition, high altitude strategy, and finishing strong instead of just surviving, you’ll get a lot out of this one. From there we zoom out to the season that built this result, including consistency on trails, learning through frequent racing, and the value of having coach Rachel Spaulding and a tight Colorado Springs training community. Chrissy shares how she balances a demanding nursing career with training, why gravel biking helps her stay durable, and what’s next as she pivots toward CIM and a faster road marathon while still keeping her heart in the mountains. We even nerd out on shoes, including why the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro felt so locked-in on Pikes Peak. If you enjoy these athlete deep dives, subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a rating and review so more runners can find the show. Follow Chrissy on IG - @Chrissy Lofgren Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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#199 - Darren Thomas, 2026 Pikes Peak Marathon Champion

Send us Fan Mail Ten tries at Pikes Peak can either break you or build you. Our guest Darren Thomas shows exactly what it looks like when it builds you, turning a decade of near-misses into a 2026 Pikes Peak Marathon win that’s equal parts patience, craft, and pure downhill grit. We talk through the emotions of finally getting the hometown title, the weird whiplash of flying home and going straight back to work, and why “post-race depression” gets easier to manage when you return to real life quickly. Then we get into the race breakdown trail runners actually want: where Kieran Hammer put pressure on the climb, how Darren refused to chase splits, what altitude felt like above treeline, and how a six-minute deficit at the summit disappeared fast once the descent began. We also dig into how the Bar Trail has changed over the years, why downhill running is a skill you earn, and what “racing by vibes” really means when you’re trying to win at 14,000 feet. From there, the conversation widens into Darren’s full 2026 trail running season, staying healthy after years of injury cycles, strength training, and the simple rule that saves careers: if it starts to hurt, don’t run that day. We also talk long-distance racing, hydration and nutrition, chasing classic European events like Zegama and UTMB, sponsorship without becoming an influencer, and why stepping back from social media can make you a better athlete and a happier person. If you love mountain running, altitude training, and honest race strategy from a champion, this one delivers. If you enjoy the show, subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, share it with a friend who loves trail racing, and leave a rating and review so more people can find Steep Stuff. Follow Darren on IG - @greatbasinranger Create a Rendezvu Account @rendezvu Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.us Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod Follow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

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