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Join the thrill as Jackson Cole,  a La Sportiva teammate and mountain running powerhouse, sits across from me, James Lauriello, revealing the highs and challenges of his career. From his exhilarating victory at the Minotaur Sky Race to a record-smashing Ten Mile Traverse FKT in Colorado, Jackson's tales are bound to ignite the trail community's excitement. We delve into his transformative journey, which led him from New Zealand's rugged terrains to the majestic Sangre De Cristo mountains, rekindling his love for running. It's not just about the victories, though; we also peer into Jackson's strategies for the upcoming 2024 season, uncovering the parallels between our philosophies, all while reflecting on the synergy that has shaped our endurance.

As Jackson reflects on his move to Missoula, we uncover the city's magnetic pull for athletes and the unexpected benefits it brings to training regimes. We're talking high-caliber competition in local races, and the strategic importance of endurance for the season's more grueling runs. The Missoula community, with figures like Adam Peterman and Jeff Mogavero have been an inspiring force for Jackson, honing his approach to training. We even take a step back to appreciate Jackson's under-the-radar yet outstanding 2023 season, as he carved his trail across European sky races, setting the stage for a deep dive into his latest athletic achievements.

Finally, we venture beyond the domestic realm and into the heart of international competition, where Jackson shares insights on the distinct nature of events like Matterhorn Ultraks and the technical training critical for excelling in sky races. The conversation then shifts gears towards the fascinating differences between the Golden Trail Series' fast courses and sky running's rugged mountaineering-style challenges. We wrap up by celebrating the emerging young talents in the sport and paying homage to the legends who continue to inspire athletes across the globe. So, lace up your trail shoes and prepare to be inspired by the raw, exhilarating experiences of an elite athlete who breathes passion into the world of mountain running and endurance sports.

Jackson Cole - IG - @jayrcolee

Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

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