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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 experiences competing internationally. After a devastating DNF in Spain where debilitating foot pain left him unable to continue, Benjamin rebounded spectacularly with his first U23 win at Japan's Weta Sky Race - a grueling 16-mile course with over 10,000 feet of vertical gain. The victory marked a pivotal moment, confirming he belongs among the sport's elite.

What makes this episode particularly valuable are Benjamin's candid reflections on the physical and logistical challenges of international competition. He details his specialized training approach - using a 40% incline treadmill to develop the power hiking skills Americans often lack compared to Europeans from skiing backgrounds. These insights reveal the technical demands of true skyrunning that casual fans might not appreciate.

Perhaps most compelling is Benjamin's vulnerability discussing the fatigue that eventually caught up with him. "I've been pretty much tired since July," he admits, acknowledging the lesson that saying yes to every opportunity has consequences. This hard-earned wisdom shapes his evolving approach to racing strategy and career longevity.

The episode peaks with Benjamin's breakthrough at Broken Arrow, where he slashed nearly 20 minutes from his previous time to finish in the top 20. This performance didn't just catch the attention of major brands - it fundamentally shifted his timeline for reaching the sport's pinnacle. "My why hasn't changed," he reflects, "but the when has... it feels a lot closer than before."

Whether you're an aspiring mountain athlete or simply fascinated by the mental and physical demands of elite endurance sports, Benjamin's journey offers a rare glimpse into the realities of building an international racing career from the ground up.

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Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

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