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Mountain running has a new force to reckon with. Fresh off his silver medal performance at the 2025 USATF Mountain Running Championships, Mason Copey joins James Lauriello to break down the race that earned him a coveted spot on Team USA for the upcoming World Championships.

What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is the clear evolution of an athlete coming into his own. Mason candidly shares how just two years ago on the same course, he "could not stay on my feet" during descents, losing multiple positions every time the trail pointed downhill. Through dedicated technical training and strategic racing, he's transformed this weakness into a strength that now puts fear into his competitors.

The championship race itself unfolded on a course rendered nearly unrecognizable by torrential rain. "You would take steps and your foot would disappear underneath mud," Mason explains, painting a vivid picture of the chaotic conditions that created a truly unpredictable battle. His minute-by-minute breakdown of the final moments—complete with tactical decisions, cramping calves, and the roar of spectators—puts you right in the middle of the action.

Beyond the race itself, this conversation delves into training methodology that worked, including the surprising impact of cycling and marathon preparation on mountain running performance. Mason also looks ahead to Team USA's prospects at Worlds, offering genuine excitement about the squad's potential to compete for medals against the best mountain runners on the planet.

Whether you're a competitive trail runner looking for training insights or simply enjoy compelling stories of athletic achievement against challenging conditions, this episode delivers a masterclass in what it takes to perform at the highest level of mountain running. Don't miss Mason's journey from falling on every descent to standing on the national championship podium.

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Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

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