April 07, 2024

Steven Kornhaus: Trail Runner, Youtuber, and Gear Aficionado

1 hour 1 minute

In this episode of the Trail Trash podcast, the boys interview Steven Kornhaus (@ultratrailsteven), a well-known trail runner and gear reviewer. They discuss Steven's move from Tennessee to Colorado, the differences in trail running between the two locations, and his favorite spots in the Smoky Mountains. They also talk about Steven's experience running the Leadville Trail Marathon, Silver Rush 50, and Leadville 100. The conversation touches on topics such as plant-based nutrition during races, the increasing popularity of longer distance races, and the evolution of Steven's YouTube channel. In this conversation, he discusses his journey as a trail runner and YouTuber, as well as the evolution of gear in the trail running industry. He shares his experience with review videos and how they have gained more views and engagement compared to his trail running videos. Steven also talks about his shift in content creation and his love for creating documentary-style films. He discusses the changes in shoe design, including the use of carbon plates and the focus on durability. He also touches on the advancements in hydration vests and the importance of finding the right fit. The conversation concludes with Steven sharing his favorite gear for a trail race.

Takeaways

Steven Kornhaus moved from Tennessee to Colorado for the mountains, weather, and trail running opportunities.

The trails in Colorado are more challenging with continuous climbs and rocky terrain.

Leadville lived up to its reputation as an epic race with stunning views and a supportive atmosphere.

Steven follows a plant-based diet and does research to ensure there are suitable options at aid stations during races.

The popularity of longer distance races, such as 200-milers, continues to grow as runners seek new challenges.

Steven's YouTube channel started as a way to share his passion for trail running and has evolved to include gear reviews and documentary-style race videos. Review videos tend to receive more views and engagement compared to trail running videos.

Steven has shifted his content creation to include more documentary-style films.

Shoe companies are focusing on durability and using different materials for the upper to accommodate a wider range of foot sizes.

The use of carbon plates in trail shoes is more suitable for road running and less ideal for technical trails.

Hydration vests are becoming more minimalistic with fewer pockets, but companies are also focusing on durability.

Steven recommends the Solomon Genesis and the Mafate Speed 4 as durable and nimble shoe options for technical trails.

Steven highlights the importance of finding the right fit in hydration vests and recommends the Salomon Advanced Skin 12.

Coros watches are known for their long battery life, but there may be concerns about battery durability over time.

Steven expresses interest in a Coros watch with more smart features and compatibility with non-iPhone devices.

Steven shares his favorite gear for a trail race, including the Solomon Genesis, Exoskin Exo Toes socks, Hoka shorts, Salomon Advanced Skin 12 pack, Lecky FX1 trekking poles, and Coros Apex 2 Pro watch.

Find Steven on Instagram at @UltraTrailSteven and Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/c/ultratrailsteven

Keywords:

trail running, gear reviews, Tennessee, Colorado, Smoky Mountains, Leadville, plant-based nutrition, longer distance races, YouTube channel, trail running, YouTube, gear, review videos, shoe design, carbon plates, durability, hydration vests, fit, favorite gear

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