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Prepare to be inspired by Rio Townsend, a remarkable U23 Sky Runner who masterfully juggles her college life at the University of Hawaii while training at elite levels. Rio, who is pursuing journalism and political science with dreams of becoming a travel writer like John Krakauer, shares her journey through the thrilling world of sky running. From the intense, vert-filled trails of Hawaii to her passion for storytelling, Rio’s multifaceted life and aspirations offer a deep dive into balancing academics, athletics, and a love for adventure.

Our conversation also uncovers the unique paths of various athletes, touching on the transition from Muay Thai to MMA and running. We explore the mental resilience required in combat sports and the parallels with long-distance running. Thrilling anecdotes from extreme races like the via ferrata climb in Peru paint a vivid picture of the challenges and camaraderie experienced in the sky running community. Whether discussing cliff jumping in Hawaii or preparing for a race in South Korea, each story reflects the exhilarating blend of outdoor adventure and athletic dedication.

But it's not all about the physical feats. We navigate through thought-provoking topics like the belief in aliens, government secrets, and generational perspectives on career aspirations and social media's impact on athletes. Rio's insights, combined with our engaging discussions on topics from the mysteries of the moon landing to the existence of Bigfoot, promise a podcast episode filled with inspiration, adventure, and excitement. Tune in to explore the blend of high-altitude racing, compelling storytelling, and the joy of living a multifaceted life.

Rio Townsend IG - rio_townsend

Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

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