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The transition from collegiate track to mountain trails represents one of running's most fascinating journeys – and Kyla Christopher-Moody is navigating it with remarkable authenticity and talent. Fresh off her selection to the 2025 Trail Team Elite, Kyla joins us to share her path from Michigan high school standout to Montana State University track athlete and now emerging trail running competitor.

Her story isn't the typical straight line to success. After battling persistent injuries at the University of Colorado Boulder, Kyla made the courageous decision to step away from competitive running entirely – a choice she now calls "probably the best decision I've ever made in my life." This reset allowed her to rediscover her passion at Montana State, where mountain trails became her sanctuary during injury recovery. The natural progression to trail racing happened almost accidentally, with a spontaneous entry into the GoPro Games 10K resulting in an impressive fifth-place finish despite minimal specific training.

What makes Kyla's approach refreshing is her process-oriented mindset and genuine love of competition. Rather than setting rigid outcome goals as she enters the trail running scene, she's focused on learning and exploration. "I don't have preconceived notions of what I'm able to do," she explains, demonstrating the healthy perspective that will serve her well as she targets races like Sierre-Zinal and the USATF Mountain Running Championships. Meanwhile, her academic pursuits in snow science perfectly complement her athletic journey, connecting her professional interests with her passion for mountain environments.

Whether you're fascinated by the track-to-trail transition, curious about the emerging pathway for NCAA athletes into mountain running, or simply enjoy authentic conversations with rising stars, Kyla's story offers valuable insights into finding your path – even when it means taking unexpected turns along the way. Give this episode a listen and discover why we're so excited to follow Kyla's trail running journey in the months and years ahead.

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