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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 and eight foreign countries gather annually to push their limits. The conversation takes us across continents as we compare the established European uphill racing scene with its growing American counterpart, examining what makes these pure tests of human endurance so addictive for those who attempt them.

From the grueling Bar Horn race in Switzerland with its staggering 10,500 feet of vertical gain to the community-focused Mount Ashland Hill Climb, we explore different race formats and what makes each unique. Elite runners share their strategies for conquering these monsters – from specialized nutrition approaches that favor liquid carbohydrates to equipment choices like modified road shoes that maximize efficiency on the climbs.

Perhaps most fascinating is the psychological component of uphill racing. The successful athlete must master the art of measured effort, knowing when to push and when to conserve, while constantly battling the inner voice that questions if they're going too hard or not hard enough. As one runner puts it, "You know this is a test against yourself... everybody that's out here is doing it and everybody's testing themselves."

Whether you're a seasoned mountain goat or curious about why anyone would willingly subject themselves to thousands of feet of continuous climbing, this conversation reveals the pure, primal satisfaction that comes from starting at the bottom and finishing at the top – testing your limits against gravity itself.

Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

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Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!