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Crossing the finish line as U.S. Mountain Running Champion wasn't even on Anna Gibson's radar a week before the race. Fresh off a grueling marathon at Zagama on the other side of the world, with jet lag in her system and soreness in her quads, victory seemed improbable. Yet sometimes the greatest achievements come when pressure evaporates.

"If you had told me this was going to be the outcome the week before Sunapee, I would have probably laughed at you," Anna reveals with genuine surprise still in her voice. What unfolds in our conversation is a masterclass in mental fortitude and race strategy. Gibson walks us through her journey from feeling "mentally foggy" during the first lap to making the decisive move that earned her the championship title, passing established stars Allie McLaughlin and Lauren Gregory with a surge that neither could match.

What makes Anna's approach truly refreshing is her commitment to versatility. While many elite runners focus solely on mileage, Gibson embraces cross-training on her gravel bike and approaches racing with an adventurous spirit. "You don't have to specialize a hundred percent in running to be good at running," she emphasizes, offering a philosophy that challenges conventional wisdom. This balanced approach extends beyond physical training—her mental strategy of removing unnecessary pressure by doing Zagama first created the freedom that allowed her championship performance to emerge naturally.

Looking ahead to Broken Arrow and the prospect of making both U.S. teams for the World Championships, Anna shares how her victory has transformed her mindset. With one goal already accomplished, she can approach the next challenge with joy rather than pressure. Whether you're fascinated by elite race strategy, seeking training insights, or simply love stories of unexpected triumph, this conversation delivers inspiration that extends far beyond the trail. Listen and discover how sometimes our greatest performances emerge when we stop fighting pressure and simply let ourselves flow.

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