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The countdown to Broken Arrow is on, and Colorado Springs crusher Brian Whitfield has his sights set firmly on earning a coveted spot on Team USA for the World Mountain Running Championships. This conversation reveals not just an athlete ready to race, but one who has methodically transformed his approach to professional trail running.

Whitfield offers a refreshingly candid look at his evolution from self-coached athlete to someone with a comprehensive support system. "I think if I really want to step it up and make that leap, I need to fund my own team," he shares, explaining his decision to invest in a physical therapist, strength coach, dietitian, and athlete agent. This professional development represents a significant shift in his approach and demonstrates the increasingly professionalized nature of elite trail running.

The strategic elements of championship racing come alive as Whitfield breaks down his approach to the two-loop Broken Arrow course. With experience from races like Black Canyon 50K and Desert Rats, he emphasizes patience and racing intelligently when stakes are high. "That first lap is really the warmup and you'll see a lot of guys go and try and make a name or get to the top of the mountain first," he explains. "The second loop is where you want to be closing and that's where you want to be in the money." This measured approach, combined with meticulous nutrition planning and heat management strategies, showcases an athlete who has learned from past experiences and refined his racing philosophy.

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is witnessing an athlete at a pivotal moment in their career. Making Team USA represents a two-year goal for Whitfield, who balances his elite running aspirations with his roles as a teacher, husband, brother, and son. His desire to "show up for my community" reveals the deeper meaning behind his competitive pursuits.

Listen in as host James Lauriello and Whitfield discuss the nuances of championship racing, professional development in trail running, and what it would mean to represent the United States on the global stage. Are you ready to watch this race unfold?

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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!