PODCAST

The Steep Stuff Podcast

James Lauriello

Welcome to the Steep Stuff Podcast, your source for all things Sub-Ultra Mountain Running

sports running

All Episodes

73:32

Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon Preview with Mark Tatum

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/19

Send us a text Standing at the base of Pike's Peak, staring up at the formidable 14,115-foot summit piercing the Colorado sky, runners face more than just a grueling physical challenge—they confront what veterans call "the ultimate mental battle." Every year, over 2,500 athletes from 46 states and eight countries gather in Manitou Springs to test their limits in America's most iconic mountain race. What keeps bringing elite and recreational runners back to this punishing course year after ye...

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30:51

Kieran Nay - Pre Pikes Peak Ascent Interview

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/18

Send us a text Pike's Peak isn't just a mountain—it's America's Ultimate Challenge. Rising dramatically from 6,000 to 14,000 feet, this Colorado landmark draws over 2,500 runners annually from across the globe, all seeking to test their limits against its unforgiving terrain. What makes this race truly special? As elite mountain runner Kiern Nay explains, "It's just you're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die." Unlike strategic ultra events where pacing an...

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38:48

Andie Cornish - Pre Pikes Peak Ascent Interview

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/18

Send us a text The mountain looms ahead, a vertical challenge that tests not just physical endurance but mental fortitude. "It's just you're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die," says one elite runner, capturing perfectly why uphill racing has become such a compelling discipline within trail running. We dive deep into the world of vertical challenges, exploring America's Ultimate Challenge at Pike's Peak, where over 2,500 runners from 46 different states ...

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35:48

Sarah Carter - Pre Pikes Peak Ascent Interview

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/18

Send us a text The mental battle against the mountain defines Pike's Peak Ascent, drawing thousands to test their limits at what's rightfully earned its reputation as "America's Ultimate Challenge." Elite trail runners reveal that beyond physical preparation, it's the psychological fortitude required that brings them back year after year. When asked what keeps competitors returning to this grueling ascent, the answer is simple yet profound: "You're constantly wondering if you're going too ha...

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24:37

Kristina Mascarenas - Pre Pikes Peak Marathon Interview

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/18

Send us a text Every summer, thousands of runners journey to Manitou Springs for America's Ultimate Challenge – the legendary Pikes Peak Marathon. For three-time champion Kristina Mascarenas, this race represents something far deeper than just another mountain to conquer. "It's just you're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die," Kristina candidly shares, capturing the essence of what draws elite athletes back to this grueling event year after year. "You kno...

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30:42

Jeff Cuno - Pre Pikes Peak Ascent Interview

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/18

Send us a text The mental and physical crucible of Pike's Peak brings together over 2,500 runners annually to test themselves against what organizers aptly call "America's Ultimate Challenge." What drives athletes back to this mountain year after year? As one elite runner explains, "You're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die... it's an ultimate mental battle." This conversation dives deep into the psychology of mountain racing, examining how athletes appr...

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23:09

Brian Whitfield - Pre Pikes Peak Ascent Interview

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/18

Send us a text What does it take to conquer one of America's most grueling mountain races? Elite trail runner James Reeves takes us behind the scenes of his preparation for Pike's Peak, a race that draws over 2,500 runners annually from 46 states and eight countries to challenge themselves against the formidable Colorado mountain. "It's just you're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die," Reeves explains about the race experience. "It's an ultimate mental ba...

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97:58

History of the Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon with Mark...

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/16

Send us a text What makes a mountain race become legendary? In this deep dive into the historic Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent, we're joined by Mark Tatum to uncover the remarkable journey of America's third-oldest and longest consecutively running marathon. From its unlikely origins—when a Finnish doctor challenged smokers to race him up the mountain in 1958—to Arlene Piper becoming the first woman to complete a marathon in the United States in 1959 (in "dime store tennis shoes"), the race'...

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56:25

#121 - Anton Krupicka

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/15

Send us a text Ever wonder how a mountain runner's motivations evolve over decades in the sport? Anton Krupicka opens up about his remarkable journey from Nebraska ranch kid to ultrarunning legend in this captivating conversation recorded live at La Sportiva Boulder. Anton shares the origin story of his running career, from his science scholarship at Colorado College to his early days working at Colorado Running Company and running with the legendary Matt Carpenter. He reflects candidly on h...

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73:39

#120 - Benjamin Townsend

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/12

Send us a text Balancing on the knife edge between breakthrough performance and burnout, Benjamin Townsend takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable season traversing continents in pursuit of skyrunning glory. From the humid jungles of Malaysia to the technical Alps, his journey reveals the unseen challenges young athletes face when building a global racing career. The conversation opens with Benjamin's qualification for the U23 Skyrunner World Series Final and his rollercoaster experienc...

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1:38

Join us Thursday Sept 11th for a Live Pod with Anton...

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/10

Send us a text Join us Thursday Sept 11th for a Live Pod with Anton Krupicka at the La Sportiva Flagship store in Boulder, Colorado When - Thursday September 11th What - Group Run & Live Podcast with Anton Krupicka Timing - Group Run Starts at 5:30 pm / Live Pod Starts (around) 6:45/7pm RSVP - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/la-sportiva-summer-run-series-tickets-1344591662859

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46:36

#119 - Abby Stone

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/10

Send us a text Meet Abby Stone, a 19-year-old trail running phenom who's rewriting the traditional path to mountain running success. After placing 19th at the prestigious Broken Arrow Skyrace 23K in her first-ever trail race, Abby made the bold decision to leave collegiate running behind and dive headfirst into the world of mountain racing. What makes Abby's story so compelling is her refreshing perspective on competition. While she struggled with the pressure and "business" side of track an...

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67:47

#118 - Addison Smith

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/08

Send us a text What happens when an elite trail runner must quickly transition from racing a grueling mountain ultramarathon to coaching other athletes through their own epic challenges? Addison Smith lives this reality, and in our captivating conversation, he reveals the fascinating duality of his role at the UTMB festival in Chamonix. Fresh off his performance at the OCC race, Addison shares the mental gymnastics required to shift from competitor to coach within hours. "When you're really ...

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62:38

#117 - Adam Loomis

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/05

Send us a text When a Nordic Combined athlete transitions to mountain running, the results can be remarkable. Adam Loomis brings unique insights from his years as a national team ski jumper and cross-country skier to the challenging world of technical mountain races and ultramarathons. Having recently won the Telluride Mountain Run 40-mile race with a course record, Loomis opens up about how his specialized background has shaped his approach to trail running. "Training for Nordic Combined, y...

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67:26

#116 - Nicholas Turco

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/09/03

Send us a text Dive into the remarkable dual journey of Nicholas Turco, who seamlessly navigates the demanding worlds of elite trail running and international diplomacy. As one of only three American men invited to the prestigious Golden Trail World Series Final in Italy, Nicholas has established himself among the country's top mountain runners while simultaneously serving as a consultant for the United Nations Human Rights Office. From the vertical trails of Durango that shaped his early ru...

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45:19

#115 - Michael Earnhart

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/08/29

Send us a text Bronze medal Nordic skier Michael Earnhart opens up about the fascinating overlap between skiing and trail running, revealing why skiers consistently dominate mountain races despite minimal running-specific training. His journey from a young Alaskan runner to Olympic-level Nordic skier provides a unique window into the physiological and methodological advantages that transfer between sports. The secret lies in the structured, periodized training approach that Nordic skiers fol...

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58:53

#114 - Matt Daniels

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/08/27

Send us a text Matt Daniels opens up about his journey through the highs and lows of professional trail running in this wide-ranging, candid conversation. After battling significant health issues from mold exposure while simultaneously going through a divorce, Daniels shares how he's rebuilding his season around the prestigious Run Rabbit Run ultramarathon. The conversation takes us behind the scenes of the phenomenally successful Boulder Boys podcast, which Daniels co-hosts. What started as...

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69:58

UTMB OCC & Some ETC Race Preview with Teddy Tonelli

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/08/25

Send us a text Get ready for an exhilarating UTMB OCC race preview that blends expert analysis with laugh-out-loud banter! James Lariello teams up with Teddy Tonelli from the Chasing Trail podcast to break down this iconic 55K mountain race that features over 11,000 feet of climbing through some of the most spectacular terrain in the Alps. The duo dives deep into what makes OCC special - from its technical course that prohibits switchback cutting to the mandatory gear requirements that add a...

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75:10

#113 - Liam Meirow

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/08/22

Send us a text Ever wonder what happens when one of America's most talented track athletes fully commits to the trails? Liam Meirow joins us fresh off his win at the Y East Trail Fest 28K to share exactly that journey. Growing up in Summit County, Colorado, Liam's path wasn't initially pointed toward running - he dreamed of becoming a professional skateboarder or snowboarder. After finding success in high school running, he pursued a collegiate career at Oklahoma, where despite dedication, h...

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2:06

Special Announcement - Live Podcast at the La...

The Steep Stuff Podcast ·

2025/08/21

Send us a text Special Announcement - Live Podcast at the La Sportiva Summer Run Series with Special Guest - Anton Krupicka RSVP will be going live soon, so mark your calendars ! When : Thursday, September 11th Where: La Sportiva Store, Boulder Colorado Time: 5:00pm event start 5:30pm run start 6:45pm Live Podcast DM me on Instagram with any questions ! ___________________________...

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