The Steep Stuff Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Trail running enthusiasts and adventure seekers, you're in for a treat! Join us as we chat with the phenomenal David Sinclair, a mountain running and ski mountaineering powerhouse who has been making waves with his record-breaking performances. Discover the secrets behind his awe-inspiring run at the JFK 50 and his ambitions for the ski mountaineering season as the 2026 Olymp...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the fascinating journey of Tom Hooper, the driving force behind 603 Endurance, as he takes us through his unexpected rise to becoming a key figure in the mountain running community. Hear firsthand how Tom transformed a modest run club into a thriving hub of trail enthusiasts and explore his transition from road races to organizing iconic events like the Loon Mountain Race...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we sit down with the ever-inspiring Davide Giardini, whose journey from the picturesque Lago di Garda in Italy to the stunning mountains of Colorado is nothing short of captivating. Discover how Davide seamlessly transitioned from being a professional triathlete to a leading figure in ski mountaineering, all while juggling his role as a marketing guru for La Sportiva. H...

Send us Fan Mail Mountain running's Greatest of all Time (G.O.A.T), Joseph Gray joins us to offer an inside look at his extraordinary journey in the world of competitive mountain running. With titles like World Mountain Running Champion and 23-time US National Champion, Joseph shares his insights on balancing a demanding athletic career with his role as a father. Joseph opens up about finding...

Send us Fan Mail Chrissy 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 wor...

Send us Fan Mail On 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...

Send us Fan Mail What 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 exercise...

Send us Fan Mail Cam 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,...

Send us Fan Mail Trail 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 un...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine 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 hit...

Send us Fan Mail What 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 in...

Send us Fan Mail Discover 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 competiti...

Send us Fan Mail Join 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 l...

Send us Fan Mail Discover 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 o...

Send us Fan Mail Trail 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...

Send us Fan Mail Join 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...

Send us Fan Mail How 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,...

Send us Fan Mail Ever 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 h...

Send us Fan Mail What 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 exp...

Send us Fan Mail Get 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 exhilar...

Send us Fan Mail What 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail What 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 m...

Send us Fan Mail Ever 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...

Send us Fan Mail Michelino 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...

Send us Fan Mail Ready 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...