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Jade Belzberg has quietly become one of the most formidable forces in North American mountain running, with podium finishes at Broken Arrow Skyrace that have turned heads throughout the elite trail running community. As she prepares to tackle both the Vertical Kilometer and 23K races at this year's event, Jade offers a rare glimpse into the mindset and preparation of an athlete operating at the highest level of mountain sport.

The journey to elite status wasn't predetermined by genetics or family background. "I don't feel like I'm super talented genetically," Jade reveals. "No one runs in my family. I was last at every trail race growing up." Instead, her rise has been built on consistency—80-90 mile weeks with significant vertical gain—and a refreshingly healthy perspective toward competition. Her approach balances ambition with self-compassion: "I know that I can have a strong performance, but I also know that I'm not granted that on any given day."

What makes Jade particularly fascinating is her versatility across distances. Few athletes can excel at both the lung-searing intensity of vertical kilometers and the strategic demands of longer mountain races. This adaptability stems from years of ultrarunning experience dating back to 2014, combined with targeted training for specific events. For the VK, she's learned from past tactical errors: "Last year I charged out way too hard at the start... This year I'm going to hold back a little bit in the hopes that I can overpower some of them in the later stages."

As a dual Canadian-American citizen who has qualified for Team Canada at the upcoming World Championships, Jade represents the global evolution of mountain running while remaining grounded in a philosophy that emphasizes process over outcomes. Her equipment choices (Ultra Mont Blanc Carbons) and nutrition strategy reflect the detailed planning that accompanies high-level competition.

Whether you're a competitive trail runner looking for strategic insights or simply a fan of mountain sport, Jade's perspective offers valuable wisdom on balancing ambition with enjoyment in the beautiful but demanding world of mountain running.

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Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

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